Fewer Cars in Banff? That’s the Plan

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

This issue brings together a mix of practical updates and winter atmosphere - the kind of combination that shapes trips long before people realize it. A few of these stories may seem small on their own, but together they say a lot about where Banff is heading.

Roam Transit continues to expand in ways that favour fewer cars and smoother movement around town. More frequent service and improved access points are making it easier to get around without constantly thinking about parking or traffic, especially during busy periods.

There’s also progress happening behind the scenes with satellite-to-cell technology. It’s not fully here yet, but the direction is clear. Being able to send messages from dead zones could be a real step forward for safety and peace of mind in the park.

After sunset, SnowNights will shortly be keeping Banff lively with glowing art, music, and that cosy winter-after-dark feel that makes cold evenings worth heading out for.

And if summer is already on your mind, a quick reality check: Moraine Lake tours should be booked early, even though access doesn’t begin until June. Trips with fixed dates should be locking this in now rather than hoping for later.

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: Read this before planning your trip!

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mainly sunny, high -10 °C and low -23 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high -6 °C and low -19 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy, high -8 °C and low -22 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Banff in September: What You Need to Know Before You Go

September is one of the best months to visit Banff, but it’s also a month where expectations matter. You still get turquoise lakes, snow-free hiking at most elevations, and long enough days to explore comfortably. At the same time, summer services begin to scale back, the weather becomes less predictable, and planning ahead starts to pay off more than spontaneity.

Early September feels a lot like August with fewer people, especially after Labour Day. Later in the month, mornings are colder, daylight shortens quickly, and higher trails can see early snow. Larch season usually begins mid-to-late September at higher elevations, which brings incredible colour but also a spike in crowds at popular spots like Sunshine Meadows and Larch Valley. Wildlife activity increases too, with the elk rut starting and bears focused on fall feeding, so awareness on trails matters more than in summer.

September rewards visitors who start early, plan flexible days, and build in backup options for the weather. Do that, and it’s one of the most satisfying times to be in Banff.

👉 Read the full guide | Book your Larch tour

Fat Biking in Winter: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Fat biking has quietly become one of the best ways to get around the Bow Valley in winter, but conditions matter more than people expect. When trails are packed and firm, riding feels smooth and surprisingly easy. When they are soft, icy, or freshly snowed on, it can quickly turn into a frustrating push. Timing your ride after trails have settled makes a huge difference.

Banff offers gentle routes like Fenland Trail, Vermilion Lakes Road, and the Spray River East Trail when conditions are right. Canmore is often the most reliable spot thanks to steady foot traffic packing down paths around the Bow River, Quarry Lake, and Rundle Forebay, along with groomed trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Kananaskis adds variety, with shared winter routes around Ribbon Creek, Bill Milne, Watridge Lake, and West Bragg Creek, where dedicated fat bike grooming makes riding more predictable.

Dress in layers, expect changing conditions, respect winter trail etiquette, and turn around if you’re leaving ruts. Get it right, and fat biking becomes one of the most enjoyable ways to experience winter here.

👉 Read the full guide | Book a tour

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which viewpoint was this photo of the Banff Springs Hotel taken from?

✅Answer: 4) Surprise Corner - 34% Correct

Surprise Corner offers one of the classic views of the Fairmont Banff Springs. Find out about current spring deals at the Banff Springs.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🌿 More buses, fewer cars, better timing. As Roam ridership surges, Banff is expanding local transit with new routes, longer service seasons, and improved access to key community hubs, all aimed at keeping traffic moving and streets calmer.

⏰ Blink and Moraine Lake summer dates are gone. Access does not begin until June, but guided tours book up well ahead of time. If your trip window is fixed, now is the smart moment to quietly get ahead of the crowd.

🍽️ A hands-on food workshop with a built-in dinner lands Jan 14. Join Nico Achondo in Canmore for a Chilean and Peruvian cooking experience, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the workshop kicking off at 6:00 PM.

🔥 This is not a small discount. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has slashed Signature Cabin stays by 50% for Alberta and BC residents, unlocking private cabins, concierge perks, and peak Jasper vibes at a fraction of the usual cost. Read the reviews before you book.

✨ SnowNights lights up Banff after dark. When SnowDays sunsets, glowing art, live music, cozy hangouts, and late-night vibes take over downtown. No velvet ropes, just mittens, mountain air, and winter magic that hits different at night - 👉 see what happens after the sun goes down.

🏔️ This could be a game-changer for Banff’s backcountry. Satellite-to-cell service means hikers, skiers, and drivers in Banff National Park could soon send messages from dead zones, making mountain travel safer when cell towers disappear.

❄️ Silvertip just became Canmore’s winter playground. The resort has rolled out a full lineup of cold-season experiences, from private wood-fired saunas and cold plunges to downhill tubing and indoor golf, all wrapped in peak mountain views.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🧊 Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise in sparkling style. World-class ice carvers transform the lakeshore into a frozen art gallery during SnowDays, with jaw-dropping sculptures set against an iconic alpine backdrop. Access is limited, so this one feels extra special - 👉 see how to catch the magic.

🎸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 |

Sunday, December 28

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

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

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

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

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

21:00 | Sunday Funday (Party) | Melissa's Missteak | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee/Social Systems | 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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