Huge Visitor Spike Hits Parks Canada Sites

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

Winter is settling in beautifully across the Bow Valley, and the latest Parks Canada numbers show just how lively the season is shaping up to be. Thanks to the Canada Strong Pass, visits surged by 13 percent over the summer, setting the stage for a festive stretch filled with celebrations, lights, and cosy gatherings.

Winter Carnival has officially returned to Cave and Basin with its mix of games and old-time mountain charm, while SnowNights prepares to light up Banff next month with glowing walks and evening performances. One of the most anticipated traditions, In Search of Christmas Spirit, is also in full swing, bringing gentle storytelling and a peaceful wander through lit gardens.

Special seasonal bonuses round out the week: Everwild Canmore is running its locals spa happy hour, Crazyweed has rolled out its holiday dining offer, sleigh rides begin at Boundary Ranch, and the Banff Springs is gearing up for its New Year's Eve Haus Party.

It's a perfect moment to plan your winter outings, gather friends, and enjoy everything the mountains have lined up. Keep reading for the full event list and ideas for your next adventure.

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

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🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which animal is most commonly seen in the Banff townsite?

✅ Answer: 2) Elk

Elk are a regular sight around town. Get practical tips for safe viewing in our Banff Elk Encounter Safety Guide - and see the consequences when you don’t follow them!

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -2 °C and low -5 °C.
Canmore: Mostly sunny, high 2 °C and low -4 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 2 °C and low -2 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Is it worth visiting the Banff Springs even if you’re not a hotel guest?
Absolutely. You can dine, visit the spa, explore the public areas, walk to Bow Falls, enjoy the patios, and take in the history and architecture. It’s one of Banff’s most iconic attractions, whether you stay overnight or not.

👉 Check what non-guests can do.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏔️ Winter Carnival season is back in Banff. From Nov 29-Mar 30, Cave and Basin hosts mini curling, box hockey, vintage Carnival memories and snowy fun inspired by the 1917 original - see what’s happening this season.

🌲 Canada Strong Pass boosts Parks Canada visits by 13 per cent. Summer numbers jumped to 14.5 million, with big gains at historic sites and parks, and the deal is coming back this winter - see when the pass returns.

🍺 Locals’ spa happy hour at Everwild Canmore. Wind down Monday-Thursday with $55 evening spa access from 7-9 pm, plus 15% off food and drinks at Rhythm & Howl or Elements Lounge - treat yourself to a midweek soak.

🎆 Banff’s SnowNights Festival returns with after-dark magic. Running Jan 16-Feb 8, it brings illuminated displays, live shows and crisp mountain evenings full of colour and atmosphere - explore the festival highlights.

❄️ Sleigh ride season at Boundary Ranch starts this Saturday. Classic horse-drawn sleighs, snowy Kananaskis views and full festive vibes are just days away, with opening rides on Dec 6 for families, friends and cosy date nights - grab your winter sleigh moment.

✨ Fairmont Banff Springs unveils its New Year's Eve Haus Party. Denim, bratwursts, bold beats, and full-on cozy chaos take over the Waldhaus as Banff rings in 2026 with a cheeky Canadian tuxedo theme and live music all night. Step into the NYE party everyone will be talking about.

🚧 Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed for major upgrades until January 2026. A complete facility shutdown is underway as Parks Canada tackles essential maintenance and long-awaited improvements. No soaks, no access, just construction until the new year - see the closure notice.

🎄 Tickets open for Banff's In Search of Christmas Spirit nights. Your golden tickets for Banff's In Search of Christmas Spirit are live for Dec 11-31, unlocking a twinkling, storybook walk through Cascade of Time Garden with lights, wildlife narration, and peak festive feels that sell out fast. Secure your stroll through the Christmas magic.

🍽️ Crazyweed launches 20% holiday dining offer in Canmore. From Dec 10-21, guests can enjoy 20% off food on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays after 5 pm, with Christmas groups welcome and festive menus on deck - plan your night out.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🐻 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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Stay Warm and Cosy: Banff Hotels With Fireplaces

If you're dreaming of a winter trip to Banff, choosing a hotel with a fireplace adds a level of comfort that feels perfectly suited to snowy mountain days. Whether you prefer the instant glow of a gas fireplace or the crackle of real wood, Banff has plenty of places where you can warm up after a day on the slopes or a chilly evening stroll.

Some hotels offer classic wood-burning fireplaces for a true alpine feel, while others feature modern gas options that light with a switch. Suites at places like Fairmont Banff Springs, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Hidden Ridge Resort, and the Moose Hotel bring together ambience, comfort, and mountain charm. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a weekend of pure relaxation, there's a fireplace stay that fits.

If a cosy night by the fire is your idea of the perfect Banff evening, this list will help you find the right place to stay.

👉 Read the full post

🎸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 4

14:00 | Exhibition Conversation | The Banff Centre | Banff

15:00 | Castle Food Experience | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

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

17:00 | Chess Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

18:00 | Theatre Dinner | Banff Social | Banff

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

19:00 | Thursday Night Poker | Canmore Legion | Canmore

19:30 | The Travelling Mabels: Live | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

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

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

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

22:00 | Troublemaker: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

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