Lake Louise Just Got Buried

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

Winter arrived with zero subtlety this week. Lake Louise saw an extraordinary dump of snow, with over a metre falling in just days. It’s the kind of moment that resets the season overnight, turning early plans into powder days and reminding us how fast things change in the mountains.

Beyond the snowfall, there’s some thoughtful winter news to look forward to. The Flying Canoe Festival is coming to Banff in 2026, bringing lantern-lit evenings, storytelling, and cultural programming into the heart of winter. It’s designed to be calm, social, and rooted in place.

Downtown, the Banff Tea Trail is offering a different kind of warmth. Bars and restaurants are serving tea-infused cocktails and zero-proof drinks, giving après a slower pace and a cozy twist that feels just right for colder nights.

We’re also reflecting on the life of Nakoda, the white grizzly whose story continues to resonate across the Bow Valley. Her legacy offers important lessons about how we share this place.

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 1 °C and low -7 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 4 °C and low -9 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 2 °C and low -12 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Getting to Moraine Lake: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Moraine Lake might be one of the most famous places in Banff National Park, but getting there now takes a bit of planning. Since private vehicles are no longer allowed on Moraine Lake Road, visitors need to rely on shuttles, tours, or guided options to reach the lake. The good news is that there are more choices than ever, whether you want the cheapest option, the easiest ride, or a chance to see sunrise over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

This guide breaks down every realistic way to get to Moraine Lake, from Parks Canada shuttles and Roam Transit connections to hop-on hop-off buses, private sunrise shuttles, and full-day guided tours. It also covers when the road is open, why spring biking is so popular, and what to expect once you arrive. If Moraine Lake is high on your wish list, a little planning makes the experience far less stressful.

An Easy Favourite: Walk the Quarry Lake Loop in Canmore

If you're looking for a short walk with big views, the Quarry Lake Loop is one of Canmore's easiest and most rewarding outings. This flat 1.1 km loop circles a small mountain lake with wide-open views of Ha Ling Peak, the Three Sisters, and the East End of Rundle. It's close to town, suitable for all ages, and easy to fit into almost any Canmore itinerary.

Quarry Lake is often at its best early in the morning when the water is calm, and the mountains reflect like a mirror. In summer, it’s a favourite spot for picnics and quick swims, while fall brings golden colours and fewer crowds. The trail is accessible year-round, though winter visitors should stick to the loop and avoid walking or skating on the frozen lake due to unsafe ice conditions. Facilities include washrooms, picnic tables, and benches, making it a comfortable stop for a relaxed outing.

It’s simple, scenic, and one of the best ways to enjoy Canmore without committing to a whole hike.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

✅ Answer: 1) Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - 92% Correct

Often called "The Castle in the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs is one of Banff's most recognisable landmarks. Find out whether the Banff Springs is worth the cost, and check current Banff Springs deals.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

❄️ Lake Louise buries itself under 101 cm of fresh snow. More than a metre has fallen in just seven days at Lake Louise Ski Resort, firing up winter conditions and setting the stage for deep turns, alpine views and a very powder-heavy start to the season.

🐻 Nakoda, the white grizzly, left a lasting mark on Banff. Born with a rare white coat, Nakoda became one of the Rockies’ most watched bears. Her life and tragic death expose hard truths about roads, wildlife behaviour and the fragile balance between people and nature.

🚗 Is Banff dealing with too many cars or just too many people? Town council is diving into the great congestion debate, approving funding for a new human use management plan as locals vent about traffic, lineups and packed streets, while leaders try to untangle whether the real culprit is vehicles, visitors or both.

⚖️ Canmore vacancy tax heads to appeal court. The town’s much-debated vacancy tax has officially landed in Alberta’s Court of Appeal, setting up a legal showdown over municipal powers, housing pressures and whether this controversial tool gets the green light.

🍵 Banff Tea Trail blends tea, cocktails and après vibes downtown. A walkable trail brings together Banff bars and restaurants serving tea-infused cocktails and zero-proof drinks made with Jolene’s Tea House blends, turning classic après into a slower, warmer and more social evening experience.

🏮 Banff Flying Canoe Festival lights up winter nights in 2026. A new lantern-lit festival debuts in Central Park from February 26 to March 1. It blends the Flying Canoe legend with storytelling, music and Indigenous programming to create a calm, cultural winter experience after dark.

🏠 Canmore approves 2026 budget with 6.7 percent tax increase. Council has locked in a $105 million spending plan, meaning the average homeowner will chip in about $142 more next year, as the town balances big infrastructure projects, housing funding and some lively debate over the vacancy tax.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ 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.

🎸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 |

Saturday, December 13

10:55 | Andrea Chénier | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

11:00 | Santa on the Mountain | Sunshine Village Ski Resort | Banff

13:00 | Meet an Avalanche Rescue Dog | Canmore Museum | Canmore

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

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

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

20:00 | Bow Valley Chorus -Messiah | Silvertip Resort | Canmore

20:00 | Salsa Socials | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

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

22:00 | DJ Raven on the Decks | High Rollers | Banff

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

22:00 | Mike Burns: Live | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

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