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

Setting an alarm for 4:00 am is usually reserved for catching flights or avoiding the Lake Louise car park queue, but the total lunar eclipse on 3 March is a worthy exception. As the moon turns red, just remember that the best views are often from the quietest car parks away from the town lights. It is an early start, but one that offers a rare perspective of the peaks under a crimson glow.

If you are planning to explore Peter Lougheed, check the trail reports twice. We have several active closures near Kent Ridge and around the Valleyview area. It is a stark reminder that mountain conditions and access can change in a heartbeat during late winter, so it is best to remain flexible with your itinerary.

Finally, a bit of good news for the adventurous: Crescent Falls has been significantly de-risked. New viewing platforms and a tidy 800m trail have been installed to keep visitors upright and dry. It is a brilliant spot for a stroll, but the lack of mobile signal remains absolute. It is a "download AllTrails, bring a map and tell a friend" kind of situation - don't rely on a digital safety net that isn't there.

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

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🌀️ Today’s Weather

  • Banff: Partly cloudy, high 4 Β°C and low -4 Β°C.

  • Canmore: Partly cloudy, high 4 Β°C and low -4 Β°C.

  • Jasper: Partly cloudy, high 5 Β°C and low -3 Β°C.

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

Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are two of the most popular Banff destinations, but planning a visit can be surprisingly tricky. Moraine Lake has no private vehicle access, and parking at Lake Louise is extremely limited, especially in peak season.

This half-day tour removes those hurdles by including round-trip transport from Banff and handling access for you.

You get to spend around 90 minutes at each lake. This gives you time to walk the shoreline trails, take your photos of the turquoise water, and spend some time taking in the mountain views. With transport and timing taken care of, you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

πŸ”­ Red moon over the Rockies. The Banff total lunar eclipse arrives early on 3 March. The show starts at 4:04 AM, and you can witness every Earthly sunrise and sunset projected onto the moon at 4:33 am. Stay near your car; the local wolves don't appreciate early morning stargazers.

🐻 Peter Lougheed is bear central. A Grizzly is currently denning near Kent Ridge, while frequent activity persists around Valleyview. Keep your dogs on a lead and your wits about you, unless you want to find out how grumpy a hibernating neighbour can truly be.

🎸 Corb Lund’s coal-free crooning. The local country star has been given the nod to collect signatures for his anti-mining petition. He has until June to convince 178,000 Albertans that the eastern slopes are better for wandering than for digging pits.

🐟 Stinky buffet at Vermilion Lakes. A spot closure is active as dying fish attract hungry scavengers. It’s a natural winterkill, so mind the odour and leave the snack bar to the local carnivores.

🌊 Crescent Falls gets a facelift. Safety upgrades and new viewing platforms mean you’re less likely to tumble into the drink. There’s a fresh 800m trail, but do realise there is absolutely no mobile signal. Download Alltrails.

🎨 Mug-nificent Valentine’s at Good Earth. Skip the overpriced roses and paint pottery with Crock A Doodle this Saturday. For $36, you’ll get a ceramic mug or stein, plus a cheeky beer or wine to steady your creative hand.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

⭐ Banff’s #1 Rated Hotel - Peaks Hotel & Suites. When TripAdvisor reviewers rank a hotel as the top place to stay in Banff, it’s worth a closer look. Located less than a minute from Banff Avenue, you're steps away from the town's best shops and dining. Check it out for yourself here.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which animal is considered a frequent hazard to traffic and pedestrians in the mountain town?

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Today’s quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.

This tour brings together a bike ride, a canyon walk, and a scenic drive into one easy half-day. The e-bikes make it possible to enjoy the views without it feeling like a workout. You’ll ride at a relaxed pace through places such as Vermilion Lakes and along the Bow Valley Parkway.

πŸ”οΈ Plan Your Trip - Your Questions Answered

🏰Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel worth the high price tag? For history, scenery, spa, and dining all under one roof, most visitors say yes - but the full guide breaks down exactly what you get for your money. See the full guide

🐻Are there grizzly bears in Banff National Park? Yes, and sightings are common in certain areas. Learn how to stay safe.

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈAre there any easy hikes around Canmore? Yes, and they're some of the most scenic in the Rockies. See our top five picks.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Is Bankhead Ghost Town good for kids? Definitely - the ruins, signs, and open space make it feel like a mini outdoor adventure with history built in. Find out more

πŸ’¦Will I see wildlife on the Johnston Canyon trail? Maybe! Expect squirrels and birds, and even bears on quieter days. Read more about what to expect in our trail overview.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

πŸ“… Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

Thursday, February 12

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

18:30 | Love At First Sip Cocktail Class | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

19:00 | Bingo Night! | Sheepdog Brewing | Banff

19:00 | Trivia Night | The Blake Brewhouse & Distillery | Canmore

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

19:00 | Books & Brews | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:30 | Poetry Slam Night | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

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

20:00 | Comedy Night | Rose & Crown | Banff

21:00 | DJ Palf | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | Magpie & Stump | Banff

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

22:00 | Dangerous Cheese: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

πŸ•οΈ Today’s Quiz Answer

βœ…Answer: 4) Elk

Elk are commonly seen around the mountain townsites, and it helps to know how to stay safe around them.

Yesterday’s Question: Which body of water is shown in this photo, famous for its vibrant turquoise colour and historic wooden lodge?

βœ…Answer: 72% of you correctly chose Emerald Lake.

πŸ“’ The Banff Bulletin

The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.

♨️ Hot Springs Tour - Visit Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, and Kootenay Valley. Was $110, now $88 until Feb 27. Book now

πŸ”οΈ AMA Member Savings at Banff Sunshine Village - Including savings of up to $55 on direct-to-lift tickets. Find out more

🧊 Discounted Abraham Ice Bubbles Tour - Visit Abraham, Peyto and Bow Lakes, with ice walk. Was $143, now $82 until March 21. Reserve here

🧘 Wellness Retreat at The Otter, Banff - Two-night stay with $150 spa credit and $75 dining credit. Until April 30. Book your retreat & check the reviews first.

πŸ– The Elk & Oarsman Thursday Special - Daily deal featuring baby back ribs at $19 half rack or $25 full rack, plus Banded Peak pints for $5.75. Dine-in only. Check it out

πŸ‘‹ That’s All For Now 🎬

Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.

Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff

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