“Insane” Snowfall Triggers Wild Ski Season

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

The mountains are off to a dramatic start this week, with ski resorts riding a wave of "insane" early-season snow. Storms across Alberta and B.C. have pushed excitement into full gear as skiers hope this momentum keeps rolling right through winter. It’s the kind of start that has everyone talking.

Next week brings another standout moment: the Canada Strong Pass kicks in on Dec 12. With free entry to Banff and Jasper until Jan 15, plus deals on museums, galleries, and VIA Rail, it’s shaping up to be a great season to explore.

There’s also still time to grab winter tour savings through GetYourGuide. Ice bubbles, multi-lake tours, and full-day scenic trips are still running discounts, so it’s worth a look before they roll back.

And if you're feeling festive, the Banff Christmas Market continues through Dec 14 with local makers, seasonal flavours, and plenty of holiday atmosphere at the Train Station.

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 December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

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🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which waterfall is located just minutes from the Banff townsite?

✅ Answer: 2) Bow Falls - 89% Correct

Bow Falls is only a few minutes’ drive from downtown Banff, and you can also reach it on a scenic riverside trail. Learn more in our Bow Falls Trail Guide.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -2 °C and low -6 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 0 °C and low -8 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high 0 °C and low -5 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Is Tunnel Mountain a good year-round hike?
Yes. Spring melt arrives early, summer is busiest, fall offers crisp conditions, and winter brings snow-dusted peaks. Microspikes are helpful in winter, but the trail is usually packed down. It’s one of Banff’s most reliable all-season hikes.

👉 See why it’s a local favourite.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

 "Insane" snow has ski resorts buzzing for a blockbuster season. Alberta and B.C. hills are riding a wave of record storms, wild powder days, and early-season hype as they cross their fingers the mayhem lasts all winter with the full story here.

❄️ Winter tour deals still live on GetYourGuide. Significant discounts are still up for grabs on some of the Rockies' most popular adventures, including Abraham Lake ice bubbles, a 4-lake winter tour, and a full-day scenic trip. Scoop up the savings while these deals are still holding.

🎄 Banff Christmas Market is on now through Dec 14. Explore artisan booths, festive entertainment, and cosy holiday vibes at the Banff Train Station each Fri-Sun. Plan your perfect market day with this Christmas Market guide.

🎟️ Canada Strong Pass unlocks free entry to Banff and Jasper this winter. From Dec 12 to Jan 15, enjoy free national park access plus discounted museums, galleries, and VIA Rail travel - a perfect excuse to explore the Rockies at a bargain with the full details here

🎄 A first look at the 2025 Christmas decor at the Castle. Fairmont Banff Springs is already glowing with festive magic, from designer displays to the iconic gingerbread Castle crafted by the pastry team. Holiday spirit is officially alive. Take a peek inside the castle decor.

🏒 Banff approves $1.5M toward Fenlands redevelopment. Council has greenlit a major step toward a $4.8M first-phase overhaul, including a brand-new fitness centre, upgraded lobby, and universal washrooms. With a potential donor poised to cover two-thirds of the cost, momentum is building in the full breakdown here.

🎅 Ski with Santa at Lake Louise this Christmas. From Dec 23-25, Santa will be carving turns, handing out candy, and posing for photos at Lake Louise Ski Resort from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. A truly jolly slope-side surprise awaits with the full festive details here.

❄️ Jasper in January returns with two weeks of winter magic. From comfort-food competitions to pond hockey and after-dark energy, this Jan 16-Feb 1 festival is a cold-weather classic for a reason. Explore what's happening with the full rundown here.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🐻 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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Explore Johnston Canyon: A Winter Favourite in Banff

If you're visiting Banff in winter, Johnston Canyon is one of the most impressive and accessible trails you can walk. The catwalks make it easy to explore even in snowy conditions, and the canyon transforms into a frozen world of blue ice, quiet forests, and towering ice formations. With fewer hikers on the trail, winter brings a peaceful atmosphere that's hard to find here in summer.

The Lower Falls offer an icy tunnel and frozen spray, while the Upper Falls become massive curtains of ice where climbers often test their skills. The scenery feels completely different from the summer version of the canyon. If you're prepared for a longer day, continuing to the Ink Pots rewards you with open meadow views and colourful mineral springs framed by snow-covered peaks. Trails are well used, but microspikes make the walk more comfortable.

For an easy winter outing with unforgettable scenery, Johnston Canyon is one of the top choices in Banff.

👉 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 |

Saturday, December 6

10:00 | Children's Holiday Market | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

10:00 | Bow Valley Artisan Market | Bow Valley Garden Centre | Canmore

13:15 | Wild Life Distillery Tour | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

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

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

18:00 | Theatre Dinner | Banff Social | Banff

19:00 | Adventure Film Collective | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

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

19:30 | The Three Sisters: Live | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

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

22:00 | DJ Raven on the Decks | 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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