Is Canmore’s New Vacancy Tax in Trouble?

Hi everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

With winter in full swing, this week brings a blend of local news, great food, and inspiration for your next mountain outing. One of the biggest stories is unfolding in Canmore, where the vacancy tax has reached Alberta's top court. After a two-hour session, judges are now weighing the future of the levy, and the outcome will shape the next few years of housing policy in the valley.

If you're thinking about a getaway, the Fairmont Banff Springs has made planning a little easier. A variety of seasonal offers are available right now, from extended-stay deals to resident specials, ski-focused bundles, and spa-centred escapes. It is a good moment to look at what's available and see what fits your plans.

Winter also offers some of the best experiences in Banff National Park, and we put together a helpful guide to top things to do in the colder months. Whether you're drawn to scenic drives, frozen canyon walks, mountain viewpoints, or warm indoor breaks, there is something for every kind of day.

And don't miss the 12 Days of OX-MAS at Fat Ox, where festive dishes, drinks, and giveaways make December feel even more welcoming.

There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out our detailed events page on our website.

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

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🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mostly cloudy with snow, high 2 °C and low -5 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with light snow or mixed precipitation, high 3 °C and low -3 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light rain or snow, high 2 °C and low -4 °C.

👉 For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Discover the Best of Banff in Winter

If you're visiting Banff in the colder months, you're in for something special. Winter transforms the park into a dramatic, sparkling landscape with quieter trails, frozen waterfalls, and crisp mountain air that makes even a short walk feel memorable. This guide pulls together the must-dos of the season, whether you want an easy outing, a scenic drive, or an iconic Banff experience.

You'll find ideas for gondola rides, frozen canyon walks, skating on mountain lakes, winter sightseeing, hot springs, snowy adventures, and warm indoor escapes for the days when the cold wins. It’s a helpful overview if you're planning a weekend away or a more extended trip built around snowy scenery and outdoor time.

If you're ready to make the most of Banff in winter, this guide will help you plan a trip filled with views, fresh air, and classic mountain moments.

Current Fairmont Banff Springs Offers: The Castle Is Making It Awfully Hard Not to Stay

If you're thinking about a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the current selection of offers makes it easier than usual to justify the splurge. From winter escapes and ski weeks to spa retreats, golf getaways, and family-focused perks, the Castle has deals that fit a wide range of trips. This roundup pulls out the useful details and skips the corporate tone so you can see what each offer actually includes.

There are stay-longer discounts, Canadian resident packages, festive holiday options, and ski bundles with breakfast, parking, and shuttle service. Passholders get extra perks, families have dedicated offers with resort credits, and spa guests can stretch their stay with added treatments and lounge access. Even golfers get their own seasonal deal. With availability stretching well into 2026, there's plenty of flexibility for planning.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

What is the name of the hot springs located in Banff?

✅ Answer: 3) Banff Upper Hot Springs - 54% correct.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are the only springs available for bathing in Banff, although they are currently closed until early 2026.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏘️ Canmore's vacancy tax heads to Alberta's top court. After a two-hour hearing, judges will decide the fate of the controversial levy set to roll out in 2026. Supporters call it vital for housing; critics say it's overreach - track the legal showdown

🎄 A culinary countdown arrives with the 12 Days of OX-MAS. With dishes, drinks, giveaways, and locally inspired menus running Dec 13-24, Fat Ox serves a festive series worth planning around - see what's happening each day

🌲 Crowds flocked to Alberta Parks in 2025. With 280,000 summer reservations, packed August weekends, and visitors from 59 countries, the province saw one of its strongest years yet. Kananaskis led the surge - take a closer look

🍫 Banff's Hot Chocolate Trail is in full swing. Over 30 cafes and restaurants are serving limited-edition creations, from rich classics to playful holiday twists. A perfect excuse to explore town with a warm treat in hand - start your tasting adventure.

🔥 Major fire-protection work is underway in Banff. Multiple sites will see smoke as crews carry out FireSmart treatments and wildfire-risk reduction projects. Visitors are urged to respect closures and stay aware - learn what to expect.

🎥🎟️ Banff's 2026 Mountain Film & Book Festival passes are now on sale. The Chomolungma Pass unlocks nine days of world-class films, VIP perks, on-site booking priority, and year-round Banff On Demand access - serious adventure-lover bragging rights incoming. Get a sneak peek at the festival buzz.

🎄🎶 Lessons & Carols Sing-Along returns to St. George-in-the-Pines. On December 19 at 8 pm, the church invites the whole community for a cozy evening of carols, Christmas stories, and post-concert treats - the ultimate Banff holiday warm-up. Save your seat for this festive night.

☕🎉 Analog Coffee sets its Banff grand opening for December 13. The Alberta cafe chain is celebrating with a charity day where 100% of drink proceeds go to Rocky Mountain Adaptive, plus a first look inside their new spot at 419 Banff Ave. Get the full invite straight from Analog.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🎄👻 A Christmas Carol returns for its 6th spectacular year. Expect puppetry, soaring vocals and beautifully crafted moments as Scrooge's journey unfolds Dec 5-28 at Banff Springs. The perfect family holiday night out. Take a peek at the festive magic.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS | BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS |

Wednesday, December 10

14:00 | A Christmas Carol | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore

19:00 | Film: The Matt Hadley Story | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:30 | ABBA-SOLUTELY Fabulous Show | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

19:30 | Cabaret: Joy to the World | Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore

20:30 | Trivia with Awale | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | SHREDMAS 2025: Shred Kelly | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

22:00 | Music with DJ Hops | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Ten02: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Tommy's Unplugged Semi-Finals | Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff

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