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Is Banff Being Loved to Death?
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
August 05, 2025
Hey Banff! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
This week's all about balance - between epic beauty and increasing pressure. With record tourism pushing Banff to its limits, Parks Canada and the Town are debating a new human use framework to protect nature and quality of life. Expect big changes ahead.
Meanwhile, Lake Louise just announced a show-stopping addition: a glacial thermal spa at the Fairmont Chateau, set to open in 2025. Hot pools, glacier-fed waters, and views for days - it's wellness on a grand scale.
And if you want to make the most of the season now, a full-day Rockies lakes tour (Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake) is 25% off until August 30.
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏞️ Stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Gondola • 👋 Friendly On-Board Host • 🚏 Flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off Schedule • ✅ Seats Guaranteed Book now to explore Banff National Park at your own pace! |  |
🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Mon 6 pm)
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🚗 Banff considers bold new approach to visitor congestion
With overtourism affecting locals and nature alike, Banff is weighing a human use framework to rebalance quality of life, sustainability, and the visitor experience. Read on
💧 Luxury thermal spa coming to Lake Louise
Opening in September 2025, BASIN Glacial Waters promises a one-of-a-kind wellness experience at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where hot and cold pools meet glacier-fed serenity. Read more.
🐺 Wolf sightings spark concern in Kananaskis.
A grey wolf that appears unusually comfortable around people has been roaming Kananaskis, prompting Alberta Parks to step up monitoring and deterrents. More
🏞️ Full-day Rockies lakes tour drops 25% until August 30
This day tour covers the Rockies' most iconic lakes - Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake - plus scenic spots like the Natural Bridge. Learn more
🔥 Yoho wildfire brought under control
After days of aerial efforts, Parks Canada says the lightning-sparked fire near Mount Field is now under control, though helicopters may still be visible. Full story
🛫 Ready, Set, Explore: Plan Your Trip Now!🏞️
🚴♀️ Small Group E-Bike Tour Offers Easy Access to Sundance Canyon
If you’re curious about e-biking but don’t want anything too strenuous, check out this Sundance Canyon tour. With a gentle ride, a short hike & a 5-star rating! Learn more
🐻 Bear warning issued for Galatea Trail after close encounter
A hiker used bear spray during a surprise encounter on August 2, prompting an official warning for the entire Galatea area in Spray Valley. More
🐾 Elk + Avenue has 20% off for stays of 3 nights or more
If you're planning to stay three or more nights in Banff, check out the Elk + Avenue. It's right downtown, close to shops and restaurants. More here
🐻 Grizzlies shifting space use as human pressure grows
New research shows grizzly bears in the southern Canadian Rockies are avoiding roads, towns, and rugged terrain more than ever - with potential consequences for their survival and movement. Read more
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏔️ Moraine Lake (seasonal) • 💧 Lake Louise • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 🛍️ Banff Town This trip is a total highlight reel. Book now and see more in one unforgettable day! |  |
🍽️ Iconic Lake Louise restaurant announces its closure
Mountain Restaurant is closing its doors for good, marking the end of an era for locals and visitors who've made memories there for decades. Full story
🏘️ Banff reveals plans for 90 new homes downtown
The Town of Banff is hosting an information session for the 50 Wolf Street housing project, featuring rental and ownership opportunities, a new community space, and sustainable design. Read on
🏒 Could Lake Louise host a future NHL Winter Classic?
NHL fans and writers are dreaming big - and Lake Louise is at the top of the list for a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor game. Read on
🌧️ Mudslides shut down key roads in Kananaskis and Banff
Heavy rain triggered two mudslides, closing Highway 40 and delaying traffic on the Trans-Canada near Redearth Creek - with more storms in the forecast. See details
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
Try something new and experience Banff from the water! |  |
🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸
📅 Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. CHECK IT OUT HERE
Use the link below to submit it.
Enter your email address and use the code we send you to log in.
Only the sections marked with a star MUST be filled in; the rest are optional.
For a free event listing, check the box at the bottom of the promotions page.
Please submit at least 4 days before the event date.
Wed, 6th August
10:00 🧺 - Banff Farmers Market - Central Park
15:00 🔍 - Community Scavenger Hunt - Banff Town Hall
15:00 🎶 - Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
18:00 🌇 - Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
20:00 🌈 - Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewery
22:00 🎤 - Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub
22:00 🎧 - Music with DJ Hops - High Rollers
22:00 🎧 - Live Music Night - Rose & Crown
Thu, 7th August
07:00 🧘 - Yoga in the Park - Central Park
09:00 🧒 - Local Youth Event: The Outsiders - Rundle Cabin
09:00 🥾 - Roots & Resilience Mental Health Hikes - Banff
11:00 📚 - Garden Story Time - Luxton Home Museum
13:00 💰 - Teen Financial Literacy: Protect - Banff Public Library
16:00 🎶 - Live Music: Steph O'Dette - The Bison
17:00 🏓 - Pickleball - The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
18:00 🌇 - Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola
19:00 🍽️ - Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
20:00 🎻 - Irish Night: Live Music - St. James Gate
20:30 🎸 - Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers
🗺️ Highlights: Book now for a serene start to your day! |  |
🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️
Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.
🍹 Anejo Restaurant (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+, Daily)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🥂 Banff Social (15:00-18:00 & 20:00-close, Daily)
🫕 Bluebird (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🍸 Brazen (16:00-18:00, Daily)
🍕 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🔥 Farm & Fire (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🎳 High Rollers (Until 18:00, Daily & 22:00+, Mon-Thurs)
🍝 Lupo (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🥩 Melissa's MisSteak (15:00-18:00, Daily & 22:00-02:00, Sun-Thurs)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍻 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
🍽️ Sudden Sally (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-close, Daily excl. holiday weekends)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-16:00, Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
⏰ Tommy's (15:00-18:00 & 22:00-close)
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬
Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
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