Banff Avalanche Danger Rising Fast

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

Winter is doing what winter does best in the Rockies: surprising us, dazzling us, and occasionally reminding us who’s in charge. Case in point, the latest avalanche alerts, which are out in full force and letting us know that the snowpack is feeling a little dramatic this week. Probably best to swap those steep slopes for something friendlier and let the mountains cool off.

There’s fresh news on Ice Magic tickets, and yes, they really have changed things again for 2026. And if you needed another excuse to get outside, the Canada Strong Pass winter edition is now active, giving free national park entry until January 15.

There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the 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 light snow, high -4 °C and low -12 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -5 °C and low -14 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -7 °C and low -15 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Unwind at the Best Hotel Spas in Banff

If your trip to Banff includes long hikes, busy days, or simply the desire to relax, this roundup of hotel spas makes it easy to choose the right place to recharge. Winter is especially good for spa time, with quieter trails, crisp air, and fewer crowds, creating the perfect excuse to slow down and soak in some warmth. This guide highlights the top spa experiences in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise, from rooftop hot pools to full hydrotherapy circuits.

You'll find everything from contemporary spaces with mountain views to iconic castle-style retreats, plus new concepts such as Basin Glacial Waters and Everwild in Canmore. Whether you're after deep relaxation, mineral pools, steam rooms, cold plunges, or a simple massage to recover from too many viewpoints, each spa offers something distinct. The guide breaks down what to expect at each one so you can match the experience to your energy level, budget, and time.

If you're planning a restorative day or want to add a little luxury to your visit, this list is a helpful place to start.

Easy Adventure, Big Views: Walk the Bow River Loop Trail in Canmore

If you want an easy Canmore walk with standout scenery, the Bow River Loop is one of the best places to start. This flat 2 km trail follows the Bow River and gives you uninterrupted mountain views without any effort. It’s accessible, close to downtown, and ideal if you only have time for one activity in Canmore.

Along the loop, you’ll see the historic Engine Bridge, viewpoints of Ha Ling Peak, and some of the prettiest river stretches in town. The trail connects to Policeman’s Creek if you want a longer outing, and it’s easy to pair this walk with a stop at local cafes, restaurants, or the Canmore Big Head sculpture.

It’s a simple trail, but the combination of scenery, access, and photo spots makes it a Canmore essential.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

✅ Answer: 3) Elk - 62% Correct

Elk are a common sight around Banff, Jasper and Canmore, but they can be aggressive and unpredictable. Find out how to stay safe and what can happen when you don’t remain alert in our elk safety guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

❄️ Ice Magic tickets update for 2026. Access to the iconic Lake Louise ice sculpture festival is limited to local community members from Mini Thni to Field, participating hotel guests and guided tours. Viewing is set for February 5-8, and a community night on February 4. New this year, Banff's Bear Street will host live carving during the Art of Ice competition from February 6-8. Get your tickets.

🚗 Winter driving alert for Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. A new analysis identifies major Rockies highways, including the Trans-Canada between Banff and Lake Louise and the Yellowhead near Jasper, as among Canada's most hazardous winter routes due to fast-changing weather, wildlife and heavy traffic. Drivers are urged to prepare for icy surfaces, reduced visibility and unpredictable conditions throughout the season.

🏔️ Avalanche warning issued for Banff and surrounding areas. Avalanche danger is rated Considerable at all elevations Friday and Saturday, with unstable snow layers, recent storms and strong winds creating conditions where human-triggered avalanches are likely. Visitors are urged to stick to low-angle, sheltered terrain and avoid avalanche paths.

Avalanche Safety Guide

✨ SnowNights are coming. Expect illuminated art, live music, warm gathering spots, and that crisp-mountain-air kind of magic. It's the perfect way to unwind or ramp up your evening - see what's happening.

🎅🏼 Boundary Ranch launches elf-naming contest with $200 prize. A mischievous new ranch elf has appeared in Kananaskis, and visitors are invited to name him for a chance to win a $200 Boundary Ranch gift voucher, redeemable for sleigh rides or trail rides. Contest runs December 10-17 with a winner on December 19.

🍁 Canada Strong Pass winter edition starts today. Free entry to national parks begins now and runs through January 15, giving Canadians a winter window to enjoy winter activities in Banff without admission fees while supporting local businesses during the quieter season.

⛸️ Fenlands Outdoor Meadow Rink opens December 15. Banff's outdoor rink returns with all the magic of winter skating and all the questionable balance we pretend we don't have. Expect graceful glides, dramatic slips and full holiday-movie energy as the season begins.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚂 6-day Rockies adventure pairs Rocky Mountaineer luxury with iconic park highlights. This Vancouver-to-Banff route, currently on sale, delivers a true bucket-list journey with panoramic train travel, guided sightseeing and stops at Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho and the Icefields Parkway, plus flexible accommodation options and strong recent reviews.

🎸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 |

Friday, December 12

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

15:00 | Castle Food Experience | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

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

17:00 | Irene Poole: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:00 | Hockey: Canmore Eagles | Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore

19:00 | Comedy: Bryan Moxon | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Mike Petroff | Mineshaft Tavern | 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

20:00 | Live Music Night | St. James Gate | Banff

21:00 | Kevin Rowland: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Friday Night Live DJ LT | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Garrett Barbuto & The Hot Pursuit | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Tyler Wood: Live | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

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