Grizzly Turns Up - Ski Race Cancelled

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

If you ever needed a reminder that this place runs on mountain rules, not human schedules, this week delivered it loud and clear. A familiar grizzly presence caused a race cancellation at Lake Louise, and it’s one of those stories that still feels very Banff, even when it catches people off guard. Catch the video here.

On the flip side of that wild moment, Banff is lighting things up after dark. Nightrise on Sulphur Mountain continues, turning an evening gondola ride into something immersive and surprisingly calm once you reach the top. It’s a strong reminder that winter nights here still have plenty going on beyond early dinners and quiet streets.

Movement around the Bow Valley is also evolving. Roam Transit has hit a major milestone, and it shows in how many people are now choosing buses over bumpers. It’s changing access to popular spots and making car-free days much easier to pull off.

We are also revisiting the Banff vs Canmore debate. It’s not about which is better, but which suits how you like to spend your time. Walkability, pace, and evenings all play a role, and small differences add up quickly over a few days.

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!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mainly sunny, high -4 °C and low -11 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high -1 °C and low -15 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -13 °C and low -24 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Banff vs Canmore: Where Should You Base Yourself?

On paper, Banff and Canmore are only a short drive apart. In reality, they offer two very different styles of stay. Banff is busy, central, and easy to explore on foot, with the national park right outside your door. Canmore feels more relaxed, with wider streets, quieter evenings, and a bit more breathing room between you and the crowds.

The right choice often comes down to small things that matter over a few days - how much you want to drive, whether you enjoy busy evenings or quiet ones, and how important walkability is to you. It’s also worth thinking about trip length, travel companions, and whether this is a first visit or a return trip.

Choosing the right base makes everything else flow more easily once you arrive.

Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles: A Wild Winter Day Trip

If you’re up for a winter outing that feels a bit raw and unpredictable, Abraham Lake delivers something you won’t see anywhere else. On a good day, the lake turns into a giant sheet of clear blue ice filled with stacked methane bubbles, cracking sounds, and nonstop wind. It’s strange, noisy, beautiful, and very much not a gentle stroll.

Mid-winter usually offers the best chance of clear ice, when strong winds sweep snow off the surface and reveal the bubbles beneath. That same wind is part of the challenge. Expect gusts strong enough to knock you sideways, polished ice that demands microspikes, and conditions that change quickly. Abraham Lake is a reservoir, so ice thickness varies and safety matters. Staying near shore or joining a guided tour is the smart call if you’re unsure.

It’s not a cosy winter stop, but if you want something memorable, dramatic, and a little chaotic, this trip stands out.

🏕️ Quiz

Sunday’s Question

✅Answer: 3) Tunnel Mountain - 38% Correct

Tunnel Mountain is a popular, short hike that gives you one of the best viewpoints over the Banff townsite. Find out what to expect in our Tunnel Mountain hike guide

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏔️ A quick reminder: Banff and Canmore affordability programs are here to help. If rising rents, transit costs, or recreation fees are squeezing your budget, both towns run programs designed to quietly make everyday life more affordable. In Banff, the Banff Access Program offers subsidized recreation, transit, and partner discounts for residents who meet income and residency requirements. In Canmore, the Affordable Services Program works with dozens of local partners to reduce costs on everything from Elevation Place memberships and ROAM transit to arts, learning, kids programs, and even dog licensing. Demand for these programs has jumped sharply over the past year, which is a good reminder that they exist for working locals too - not just in emergencies. If you have been thinking, "I probably do not qualify," it might be worth a second look.

🐻 Split Lip crashes ski race at Lake Louise. The legendary grizzly made an unexpected appearance on the slopes, forcing officials to shut down a youth ski race mid-event. A very Alberta reminder that wildlife does not check the race schedule.

🌌 Nightrise transforms Sulphur Mountain after dark. Ride the Banff Gondola into an immersive world of light, sound, projections, and starlit moments created with Moment Factory and the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Sunset dinners included if you plan it right - 👉 experience Banff after hours like never before.

⏳ Last call for schnitzel in Canmore. Das Schnitzelhaus has announced it will shut its doors in 13 days before reopening as Luigi’s Italian Kitchen. One era ends, another begins - but schnitzel fans may want one more plate first.

💚 From Grassi Lakes to Lake Louise, Roam is booming. Roam Transit officially welcomed its 3 millionth rider in 2025, capping off a record year and setting the tone for even bigger transit ambitions heading into 2026.

🐎 Banff horse stables redevelopment hits a fence. Plans to overhaul the Banff Trail Riders site were rejected after planners ruled the proposal leaned too far toward restaurant and event use, not horse-focused recreation. Neigh means neigh.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚧 Banff Upper Hot Springs will stay closed into early 2026. Hoping for a steamy soak sooner? Parks Canada says essential upgrades uncovered extra structural issues, meaning the entire facility remains shut while crews finish the job properly.

🎸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 26

15:00 | A Christmas Carol | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

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

17:00 | Andrew Staygold | Canmore Brewing | Canmore

19:00 | The Bow Valley Boys: Live | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:30 | ABBA-SOLUTELY Fabulous Show | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

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

21:00 | Tyler Wood: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Broken Aviator: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | With Intention: Live DJ Sets | Banff Ave Brewing Co. | Banff

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

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

📅 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.

💬 Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. 

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates

💡 This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.