Outrage Grows Over Possible Grizzly Hunt

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

One of the most attention-grabbing stories this week is Alberta revisiting the idea of grizzly hunting. After a 20-year pause, even discussing a potential return has reignited strong feelings on all sides. It is the kind of topic that cuts straight to wildlife, safety, and values in mountain communities.

On a lighter note, the snow has been doing exactly what we hoped it would. SkiBig3 resorts are already enjoying an exceptional start to the season, with snowfall totals racing ahead of averages and terrain opening early. December is feeling less like a preview and more like full winter mode.

All that snow is not going unnoticed south of the border. American travellers are booking winter trips in big numbers, drawn by reliable conditions, ski packages, and the simple pull of mountain towns done right. Expect busy weekends and buzzing après spots as the season builds.

If Lake Louise is part of your plans, we have included a clear breakdown on how to get there without the usual confusion. Parking, shuttles, and winter access rules can be tricky, but a little prep makes the day far smoother.

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 January: Is it the best month to visit?

• 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 -6 °C and low -12 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high -4 °C and low -11 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -7 °C and low -19 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Getting to Lake Louise Without the Stress

Lake Louise is one of those places everyone wants to see, but getting there can be the most stressful part of the day if you don’t plan ahead. Between limited parking, rising fees, shuttle reservations, and confusion over what "Lake Louise" actually refers to, it’s easy for first-time visitors to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks it all down in plain English so you can choose the option that works best for your trip.

You’ll find a clear explanation of every realistic way to reach the lake in 2025, including driving, Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit connections, hop-on hop-off buses, and guided tours. It also explains how Moraine Lake fits into the picture now that private vehicles are banned, plus tips for sunrise visits, avoiding peak crowds, and deciding whether flexibility or convenience matters more to you.

If Lake Louise is high on your wish list, a bit of planning makes the experience far more enjoyable.

Tempted by a Stay at the Castle? These Fairmont Banff Springs Offers Make It Easier

If you’ve ever looked at the Fairmont Banff Springs and thought, "maybe one day," the current lineup of offers makes that day feel much closer. From winter escapes and ski weeks to spa retreats, family perks, and even golf getaways, the Castle has packages that cover just about every type of Banff trip. This roundup pulls together the most useful options and explains what you actually get, without the usual corporate fine print.

You’ll find stay-longer discounts, Canadian resident and Alberta rates, ski-and-stay bundles with shuttles and breakfast, spa-focused retreats, festive Christmas packages, and Fairmont Gold upgrades for anyone wanting the full luxury experience. Many of the offers run well into 2026, which makes it easier to compare dates, budgets, and trip styles without rushing a decision.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

✅Answer: 2) Emerald Lake - 54% Correct

Emerald Lake is known for its vivid green colour and easy loop trail, and it’s often compared with other Rockies favourites such as Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake & Bow Lake.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🌲 Alberta eyes possible return of grizzly hunting after 20-year pause. Officials say growing bear populations and human encounters demand fresh thinking, but opponents argue hunting solves nothing and could reopen the door to trophy hunting debates.

❄️ This winter in Banff is shaping up to be something special. SkiBig3 resorts are blowing past snowfall averages weeks ahead of schedule, opening huge terrain early and turning December into a full-blown powder flex across the Canadian Rockies.

🚨 Icefields Parkway closure drags on as avalanche work continues. Heavy snowfall and unstable conditions mean crews are still tackling avalanche control. The road will reopen when it’s safe - not a second sooner - even if your road trip plans are tapping their watch.

✨ Banff’s Rimrock prepares for a bold return as ultra-luxury retreat. After a full reimagining, the legendary hotel will reopen in summer 2026 with redesigned rooms, spa-level wellness, new dining concepts, and front-row seats to the Rockies. Quiet luxury, but make it dramatic.

⛷️ Banff and Lake Louise see surprise surge in American winter bookings. Ski packages are climbing fast as U.S. travellers swap southbound trips for Rockies powder days, mountain views, and winter deals that make crossing the border worthwhile.

🏒 Canmore rinks open, but the Pond sits out this winter. Low water levels mean the beloved Pond rink is on pause, yet most other outdoor rinks are open and waiting. Shinny, family skating, and holiday vibes are officially underway.

🎄 A Stoney Christmas returns to artsPlace this December. The Smalleyes Family brings Indigenous dance, song, and storytelling to the stage for a powerful holiday performance. It is heartfelt, festive, and one of Canmore’s most meaningful seasonal traditions.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🅿️ $12 an hour to park in Banff? Yep, it’s happening. Council has signed off on a steep peak-season parking increase aimed squarely at summer crowds, congestion, and vehicle overload. Driving into town just got a lot more expensive.

🎸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 20

9:00 | Photos with Santa | Malcolm Hotel | Canmore

13:00 | Santa on the Mountain | Sunshine Village Ski Resort | Banff

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

17:00 | Mike Petroff | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | Moxy Banff | Banff

19:00 | A Stoney Christmas | artsPlace Canmore | 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 & Theatre | Canmore

20:00 | Candle Light Concert | Rundle United Church | Banff

21:00 | Digital Hobo: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Rock Bottom: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Jamie Allanach: Live | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

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