Hidden Grizzly Den Sparks Major Shutdown

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

There is a lot unfolding across the Bow Valley this week, starting with a major safety update. A grizzly has settled into its winter den in Kananaskis, and the surrounding area has been closed to protect both the bear and trail users. It is rare to see a closure this extensive, and it is a reminder that the winter wildlife season is officially here.

Meanwhile, planners and dreamers are already looking ahead to summer after Parks Canada announced its 2026 camping reservation dates. If you have your eye on a favourite lakeside spot or a long weekend escape, this is your signal to start preparing.

Back in town, the holidays are creeping closer, and venues are encouraging people to secure their Christmas party dates. From cosy dinners to big celebrations, early booking is becoming essential as weekends fill up.

We've rounded up everything you need to know, plus a great list of events happening this week. Scroll on to see what's new.

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

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🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

What is the name of Banff’s iconic castle-style hotel?

✅ Answer: 3) Fairmont Banff Springs - 71% Correct

The Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the Rockies’ most storied hotels and a landmark worth knowing. Learn more in our Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Guide.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Sunny, high -4 °C and low -8 °C.
Canmore: Sunny, high -1 °C and low -7 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 0 °C and low -4 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Do you need to book Christmas sleigh rides in advance?
Yes. Sleigh rides often sell out, especially during Christmas, New Year’s, and weekends. Booking early is recommended for both Banff and Lake Louise to secure your preferred date and type of ride.

👉 Read the full guide.

Who is The Boss, Banff's most famous grizzly?
The Boss, officially known as Bear 122, is one of Banff's largest and most dominant grizzlies. Weighing over 600 lbs in fall and ranging across 2,500 square kilometres, he's survived two train strikes, countless battles, and fathered as many as 70% of the valley's grizzlies. At nearly 30 years old, he's a living Banff legend.

👉 Learn more in The Banff Guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🐻 Grizzly bear den triggers major K-Country closures. A denning grizzly has shut down multiple Kananaskis hotspots, from Peter Lougheed Park to Mount James Walker, and hikers are being urged to stay alert and bear smart as winter settles in. Stay wild, stay safe right here.

📣 Parks Canada releases long-awaited 2026 camping reservation dates. The countdown is officially on as Parks Canada confirms when bookings open for next year's most coveted campsites. Summer dreamers and winter keeners alike are gearing up for the annual reservation scramble. Lock in your adventure.

🌹Rose & Crown launches Banff's biggest NYE bash for 2026. With free drinks for early birds, live music on two stages, and tickets starting at just $10 for locals, this party is shaping up to be the countdown of the year. Claim your place on the dance floor early.

🎄 Canmore Eagles open festive tree lot with a game-day perk. The Bow Valley Garden Centre is buzzing with holiday cheer as every Christmas tree purchase comes with free tickets to any Eagles regular-season game. Gifts, laughs, and hot chocolate seal the deal. Swoop in for your holiday tree-and-ticket combo.

🧠 Blake Canmore fires up Thursday Trivia Night with tasty specials. Get your crew together for a high-energy showdown, fuelled by $12 duck wings and $12 beer steins. Bragging rights are on the line, and so is your honour. Rally your team for quiz-night glory.

🔥 Wildfire work forces major area closure west of Cave and Basin. Heavy machinery, smoke, and early-morning log hauling are now active as Banff launches wildfire risk reduction in the Lower Springs area. Trails are fully closed, with fines up to $25,000 for entering - see the official safety notice.

🥂 Malcolm Hotel readies a luxe Christmas Spirits Evening this Friday. Canmore's favourite holiday party returns with global tasting stations, full drink pairings, a live DJ, and a curated silent auction in the Edinburgh Ballroom. Stay packages take the night next-level. Step into the season's most indulgent celebration.

🧊 Banff National Park warns visitors about dangerous ice conditions. A fresh reminder that both moving and still water can hide dangerously thin ice, even in deep-freeze temps. Falls can turn serious fast, especially with currents below the surface. Stay sharp before stepping anywhere frozen.

🎅 Santa settles in at the Castle for daily holiday meet-and-greets. Santa has officially arrived and is roaming the hotel on weekends, before going full-time from December 12 to sprinkle wishes, selfies, and serious sparkle across the lobby. Catch him before his sleigh takes off again.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. Snowy peaks, cosy summit spaces, and the immersive Nightrise experience come together to create a winter visit that feels completely different from summer. See what it's like this season.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Try Fat Biking for a Fun Winter Adventure in the Rockies

If you're looking for a new way to enjoy winter in Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis, fat biking is a great option. Those oversized tires make it surprisingly easy to ride packed snow, and the quiet winter scenery is a big part of the appeal. Once you try it, it's easy to see why so many locals use fat bikes to get through the colder months.

Banff has beginner-friendly routes like Fenland Trail and Vermilion Lakes Road, while the Spray River East Trail becomes excellent when the snow is packed. Canmore offers some of the most reliable winter riding in the valley, with naturally packed pathways around the Bow River, Rundle Forebay, and Quarry Lake. For groomed, rider-ready trails, the Canmore Nordic Centre is the top pick. Kananaskis adds even more variety, from Ribbon Creek and Bill Milne to the Watridge Lake winter trail.

With good snow, the right layers, and a simple sense of adventure, fat biking is an easy way to make winter feel a lot more fun.

👉 Read the full guide

🎸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 3

16:00 | SHARON LOCKHART Exhibition | The Banff Centre | Banff

18:00 | Theatre Dinner | Banff Social | Banff

18:00 | Games Night | Canmore Brewing Co | Canmore

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

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

19:00 | Drumming Class | Scout Hall | Canmore

19:00 | Movie Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

20:30 | Trivia with Awale | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

22:00 | Music with DJ Hops | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | DJ Nazo | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Tommy's Unplugged: Preliminary Round | Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff

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