This Lynx Encounter Was Caught On Video

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

The mountains are feeling extra wintery this week, and there is no shortage of things to talk about. Snow is piling up across the region, especially along the Icefields Parkway, where winter driving conditions are now fully in play. The upside? The scenery is next level, with snow-covered peaks and frosted forests stealing the show.

Adding to the excitement is a rare wildlife moment that does not happen often. A lynx, along with a kitten, was recently spotted near Lake Louise, (watch the video) giving locals and visitors an incredible glimpse of one of the Rockies’ most elusive residents. It is the kind of sighting that reminds us just how wild this place still is, even close to well-travelled areas.

On the fun side of things, winter activities are ramping up. Norquay’s Tube Park is gearing up for the season, offering an easy, high-energy way to enjoy the snow. The Banff Winter Carnival is also back in the spotlight, celebrating winter with classic games, snowy nostalgia, and a connection to Banff’s early days as a winter playground.

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 snow, high -2 °C and low -8 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with snow, high -1 °C and low -7 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with snow, high -4 °C and low -10 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Winter in Banff: What Not to Miss

Winter is when Banff really shows off. The crowds ease up, the mountains feel sharper, and everyday places suddenly look like postcards. If you’re wondering whether winter is a good time to visit, this guide makes a strong case for yes. It pulls together the experiences that actually work well in cold weather, from easy walks and scenic stops to classic winter adventures.

You’ll find ideas for riding the Banff Gondola, soaking in the Upper Hot Springs, skating on frozen lakes, walking through icy canyons, and exploring Banff Avenue when it’s dusted in snow. It also covers skiing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, wildlife tours, and simple winter sightseeing like scenic drives and sunrise viewpoints. Whether you want full days outdoors or a relaxed mix of activity and warmth, this gives you plenty of options to build around.

If you’re planning a winter visit and want to know what’s genuinely worth your time, this is a great place to start.

One of Canmore's Best Short Walks: The Three Sisters Viewpoint

If you're looking for an easy walk with one of the most iconic views in Canmore, the Three Sisters Viewpoint Trail is hard to beat. It’s short, simple, and ends with a classic Bow Valley scene that feels a bit special every time you see it. At just over 1 km round trip, this is the kind of outing you can fit in almost anywhere during your stay.

The trail follows a rocky creek bed to a small clearing with a calm pond that often reflects the Three Sisters peaks perfectly. On still days, you’ll see Faith, Hope, and Charity mirrored in the water, along with an unexpected reflection of Ha Ling Peak from the right side. It’s especially popular at sunrise and sunset, when the light softens, and the reflections are at their best.

It’s close to town, easy to access, and delivers one of those classic Canmore moments without much effort.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

✅ Answer: 4) Canmore - 62% Correct

Canmore is around a 15-minute drive from Banff, with equally spectacular scenery and some great easy walks close to town.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

❓ How the Canada Strong Pass works now that it’s live. Free national park access is already in effect for the holiday period, with additional free-entry dates confirmed for summer 2026 and automatic extensions for eligible passes.

🦌 Rare lynx sighting caught on video at Lake Louise. A Canada lynx, accompanied by a kitten, was recently spotted moving through the Lake Louise area, offering a rare glimpse of an elusive species that typically avoids human activity.

❄️ Up to 30 cm of snow expected as warning issued. Environment Canada is forecasting significant snowfall across Banff and the Icefields Parkway, with travel likely to be difficult and road closures possible through midweek.

🛷 Norquay Tube Park eyes December 19 opening. Winter tubing is expected to return with multiple daily sessions, including select night runs later in the season. Open to guests aged four and up who meet height requirements, the park operates on timed sessions with limited availability.

❄️ The Banff Winter Carnival celebrates snowy nostalgia. Explore vintage photos, playful competitions, and classic winter activities at the Cave and Basin as this historic festival comes alive again. It's a fun nod to Banff's early winter-sports legacy - relive the carnival spirit.

🎿 New Richardson’s Ridge terrain launches at Lake Louise this week. Opening December 17, the expansion introduces hundreds of acres of additional green and blue runs, along with gladed sections, as part of the resort’s long-term terrain development plan.

🎪 PLAY DEAD comes to the Jenny Belzberg Theatre. The contemporary circus show blends acrobatics, dance, and physical theatre in a surreal take on everyday life, earning awards and strong critical praise along the way.

🏠 Banff extends basement suite incentives to boost housing. The town is adding fresh funding to a popular program helping homeowners build or legalize secondary suites, unlocking more rental homes quickly while easing the housing crunch without raising taxes

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ Skate the world’s longest skating trail this winter. Just a couple of hours from Banff, the Lake Windermere Whiteway near Invermere offers nearly 30 km of cleared ice on a frozen lake, plus fire pits and winter trails. Find out how to get the most out of a visit.

🎸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 17

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

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

17:30 | Mad Mile for Charity | Canmore Brewing | Canmore

18:00 | Open Mic Night | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

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

19:00 | Hockey: Canmore Eagles | Canmore Recreation Centre | 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 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

22:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff

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📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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