The Ski-Hill Decision Causing Outrage

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

There is plenty unfolding across the valley this week, starting with a story that has stirred a strong reaction. Wildlife specialists urged Parks Canada not to remove a young black bear from its winter den near the Sunshine ski-out, calling the forced eviction troubling and a horrible precedent. Their internal warnings have raised fresh questions about how these decisions are made and the balance between wildlife welfare and visitor operations.

On a much lighter note, the Banff Springs is preparing to host candlelight tribute concerts featuring the music of Adele and Coldplay. The setting, the glow, and the acoustics inside the hotel make a highly anticipated winter evening for live music fans.

If food is your favourite way to celebrate the season, the Castle Food Experience is filling fast. This intimate tasting tour blends chef demonstrations, curated pairings, and special access to the historic hotel, and remaining spots are limited.

There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out our detailed events page on our website.

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

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🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

What is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies?

✅ Answer: 2) Mount Robson - 67% Correct

Mount Robson stands at 3,954 metres in Mount Robson Provincial Park (west of Jasper).

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Cloudy with light snow, high -4 °C and low -7 °C.
Canmore: Cloudy with light snow, high -2 °C and low -6 °C.
Jasper: Cloudy with light snow, high -2 °C and low -7 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Can you still drive yourself to Lake Louise?
Yes, but parking fills extremely fast in summer, often before sunrise. If you choose to drive, arrive early or plan for the Park and Ride shuttle from the ski resort. The drive from Calgary or Banff is beautiful and easy, but the challenge comes at the lake itself, where demand far exceeds space.
👉 Read the full guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🐻 Experts warned against evicting bear from Banff ski-hill den. Parks Canada's wildlife team urged keeping the young black bear in its winter den, calling forced removal "troubling" and a "horrible precedent" - but senior managers ordered it moved anyway. The decision is sparking renewed conversation about wildlife management in Banff.

🚆 Calgary-to-Banff rail plan shoots for federal fast track. Backers of the long-awaited passenger line have asked Ottawa for major project status, a move that could reshape how we reach the Rockies. Catch the rail drama before the next stop in Ottawa is decided.

🕯️ Adele and Coldplay by candlelight hit Banff. On January 3, the Banff Springs transforms into a glowing concert hall, with hundreds of candles setting the mood for back-to-back tribute performances. It’s pure winter enchantment for those quick enough to book.

👑 Banff's Castle Food Experience is almost sold out. Spots for this ultra-exclusive Banff Springs tasting tour are vanishing as food lovers race for gourmet pairings, chef demos, and rare castle access. Grab your chance before the final seats disappear.

🎄 Canmore's Rotary Festival of Trees hosts a free kids’ holiday extravaganza. Crafts, cookies, juggling elves, games, stories, and festive fun take over the Malcolm Hotel on Sunday, Dec 7, 2025, with activities running 10 am - 3 pm. A full day of magic awaits in the event details here.

🏨 New 48-room hotel approved in Canmore's Spring Creek neighbourhood. The Franklin Hotel will add a restaurant, valet-supported parking, and a walkway link to The Malcom, creating a connected hotel hub with staff housing and Built Green Gold ambitions - see how the project is taking shape.

🌄 AllTrails Plus sale wraps up today. With Banff's famously unreliable signal, offline maps and custom routes are essential - and they're 50% off until midnight. Grab the upgrade while the trail is still open.

⚠️ Winter conditions warning for the Banff Legacy Trail. Snow, ice, plough debris, and closed gates are making the trail hazardous, and a closure remains in place on the Canmore side. If you're planning any bike or foot travel, this is a good moment to rethink your route.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

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. 👉 Check what non-guests can do.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Find the Best Events All Year in Banff, Canmore, and Jasper

If you're planning a trip to the Rockies, diving into the region's festival lineup is one of the easiest ways to add something special to your visit. From winter festivals filled with lights, snow sculptures, and mountain magic to lively summer markets and fall food events, there's something happening in every season. This month-by-month roundup makes it simple to see what's on when you're here.

Winter highlights include SnowDays in Banff, Jasper in January, and Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. As the weather warms, look for food and drink festivals, outdoor markets, and spring celebrations. Summer brings big events like the Canmore Folk Music Festival, the Banff Marathon, and Canada Day festivities across the valley. In fall, favourites such as Banff Craft Beer Festival, Jasper Dark Sky Festival, and Taste for Adventure return.

Whatever time of year you visit, there's always something to enjoy.

👉 Explore the full calendar

🎸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 5

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

17:00 | Carlyn Patricia Reilly: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

18:00 | Theatre Dinner | Banff Social | Banff

18:30 | Try It Out: Wheel Throwing! | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Hockey: Canmore Eagles | Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore

19:00 | The Treblemakers | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:00 | Christmas Spirits Event | The Malcolm Hotel | Canmore

19:30 | A Christmas Carol | Fairmont Banff Springs Theatre | Banff

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

21:00 | Lifzgood Acoustic | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

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

22:00 | Troublemaker: Live | 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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