Explosions Rock Canmore

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

If you were jolted awake by loud booms echoing through Canmore recently, you were not alone. Early morning explosions had plenty of people checking windows and group chats, and we break down exactly what was behind the noise and why it is part of winter life in the Rockies.

Beyond the bangs, there is plenty of cool stuff happening around the Bow Valley right now. One winter favourite has officially returned, with the Polar Ice Palace opening for the season at Lake Louise. Built entirely from ice and snow, it is one of those stops that feels extra special on crisp winter days, especially if you have visitors in town or kids eager to explore.

There is also a timely travel deal worth flagging. A popular Banff and Canmore sightseeing tour has dropped its price for a limited time, making it easier to get out to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon without worrying about winter driving or parking.

And finally, planning ahead just got easier. Our January guide is now live, packed with events, activities, and ideas to help you make the most of the quieter winter weeks ahead.

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!

• Banff in January: Is it the best month to visit?

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mainly sunny, high -4 °C and low -11 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high -2 °C and low -8 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with snow, high -2 °C and low -9 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Banff in January: Quiet, Cold, and Properly Winter

January is when Banff settles into real winter. The holiday crowds have gone, the pace slows down, and the mountains feel sharper and more dramatic. It’s cold, yes, but it’s also one of the calmest and most atmospheric times to visit. This guide walks you through what January actually feels like, what works well this time of year, and how to plan days around short daylight and deep winter conditions.

You’ll find realistic advice on weather, daylight hours, and what to pack, along with ideas that suit January specifically - frozen canyon walks, winter sightseeing, skiing, skating, gondola rides, and warm indoor breaks when the cold wins. It also covers accommodation trends after the holiday rush, why Canmore can be a smart base, and when it makes sense to use shuttles or Roam Transit instead of driving. The focus is on doing fewer things well, rather than rushing around in the cold.

If you’re considering a January trip and want an honest picture of what to expect, start here.

Cosy Nights in the Mountains: Banff Hotels With Fireplaces

If your idea of a perfect Banff trip includes snowy views and a warm place to land at the end of the day, a hotel with a fireplace makes all the difference. After skiing, sightseeing, or wandering Banff Avenue in the cold, there’s nothing better than settling in with a drink while the fire does the work. This guide rounds up the cosiest fireplace stays in Banff, from iconic castles to relaxed lodge-style retreats.

You’ll find a mix of real wood-burning fireplaces and easy gas options, depending on the hotel and room type. Some are best for couples looking for a romantic escape, others work well for families or groups who want space to spread out. The list also highlights where you’ll find extras like hot tubs, mountain views, and walkable locations, making it easier to match the stay to your trip style and budget.

If staying warm and comfortable is high on your priority list, this is a smart place to start planning.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

✅ Answer: 4) Cascade Mountain - 49% Correct

Cascade Mountain dominates the view at the end of Banff Avenue, but it’s a demanding climb. For a much easier option with great views, see our Tunnel Mountain hike guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

💥 Canmore’s early morning explosions were part of planned avalanche control. The sounds that echoed through town were caused by scheduled safety work designed to reduce avalanche risk following recent snowfall. While the blasts can sound dramatic, they are carefully timed and monitored. Video footage provides a clear look at how avalanche control works and why it’s used throughout Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise each winter.

🚌 Popular Banff and Canmore sightseeing tour sees limited-time price drop. A 4.9-rated half-day tour to Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon is currently reduced from $89 to $53, with the offer running until January 9. The tour provides car-free access to key winter sights during peak season.

🐻 Bear activity prompts shifting closures in Yoho and Banff area. An unsuccessful effort to trap a grizzly has led to one Yoho National Park area reopening, while Parks Canada continues to enforce a closure near Sunshine Village to protect a denning black bear.

🧊 Polar Ice Palace opens for the season at Lake Louise. The family-friendly installation officially opened on December 13 and is built from more than 100,000 pounds of ice, featuring large-scale carvings and a newly added ice bar near the Whiskeyjack deck.

🍸Tribute to Craft returns to Bear Street. Banff’s SnowDays gets a flavour upgrade with two days of cocktail creativity and local bites as top distilleries and restaurants take over downtown. Winter sipping never looked this good - 👉 plan your tastiest SnowDays stop here.

🚗 Alberta to test higher speed limits on some rural highways. The province plans to pilot 120 km/h limits on select divided highways outside city limits, a move that could affect long-distance travel times for drivers heading to Banff, Canmore, and other mountain destinations.

🚶 Walking, cycling, and transit use continues to rise in Canmore. New town data shows more residents and visitors choosing to get around without a car, with significant increases in foot traffic, cycling, and Roam transit use over the past year.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🦌 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.

🎸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 |

Thursday, December 18

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

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

18:00 | Live Music: Steph O'Dette | The Bison | Banff

18:30 | Holiday Cocktail Class | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

19:00 | Thursday Night Poker | Canmore Legion | 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 | Irish Night: Live Music | St. James Gate | Banff

21:00 | Late Night Legends | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | Jam Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Thirsty Thursday Party | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

22:00 | Dave Simpson: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

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