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

Buckle up, because the $236 million trail revamp is officially moving from the "vague promise" phase to actual shovels in the dirt. Alberta is finally modernising our ageing infrastructure before we accidentally love our favourite wild spaces to death. Expect some trail rerouting and a focus on reducing our collective footprint in Kananaskis and beyond.

Meanwhile, Parks Canada has decided that the "Costco parking lot vibe" at Lake Louise has officially peaked. They are currently consulting on new restrictions, which might include a full seasonal ban on personal vehicles or a reservation system that will make scoring a spot feel like winning the lottery. Essentially, if you don’t fancy a shuttle or a bike ride, you might find yourself turned around at a very polite checkpoint.

Finally, for those who enjoy "scenic" torture, the 2026 mountain slog calendar is filling up. From the Banff Half Marathon to unhinged ultras, there are plenty of ways to realise that mountain code for "steeper than the pub stairs" is no joke. Get your entries in early, or you’ll be stuck watching from the sidelines with a pint, which, let’s be honest, is a solid alternative.

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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If you’ve seen photos of frozen ice bubbles and wondered how people actually get there, this guided winter tour removes the guesswork. The route includes time at Abraham Lake to see the natural ice bubbles up close, plus stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

Snowshoes are provided where needed, warm drinks are included, and the guide handles road conditions, timing, and safe access on icy terrain. It’s a good choice if you want to experience these winter landscapes without navigating winter highways or figuring out equipment on your own.

As a bonus, the journey includes part of the Icefields Parkway, which is especially striking in winter.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

❄️ A Chilly Outlook for the Weekend. Expect periods of snow and a high of 1Β°C this Saturday. Sunday offers a sunny reprieve at 1Β°C, but by Monday, the white stuff returns with temperatures dropping to -1Β°C. Get the full 7-day forecast

πŸ”οΈ The 2026 Mountain Slog Calendar. From casual 5ks to unhinged 200-mile ultras, this year’s race programme is packed. Book your accommodation early and realise that "scenic" is often mountain code for "steeper than the pub stairs".

πŸ₯Ύ The $236 Million Facelift. Alberta’s 2025 budget has earmarked a tidy sum for upgrading provincial park trails and facilities over the next three years. The goal is to modernise our ageing infrastructure before we accidentally love our favourite wild spaces to death.

πŸš— Avoiding the Costco Vibe. Parks Canada is consulting on new restrictions for Lake Louise to curb overcrowding. Proposals include parking reservations and vehicle bans to ensure our mountain centre doesn't realise its car park potential.

πŸ›Ά Canoes That Spurn Gravity. The Banff Flying Canoe Festival debuts this February. Central Park will host lantern walks and Indigenous storytelling based on a legend about flying voyageurs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy ancient myths and standing in the cold.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🏨 Stay lakeside at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This iconic hotel offers direct shore access and a front-row seat to the sunrise. Enjoy doorstep access to famous trails like Lake Agnes and easy logistics for visiting Moraine Lake. Find out more about this iconic hotel.

πŸ’²On Sale Now!

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

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

🏨 Best Western Plus Banff International Lodge - Stay 3 nights and get a $50 gift card. Offer valid until Aug 2, 2026. Redeem now

πŸ›ŒSleep Somewhere Memorable: The Shortlist

If you are looking for something beyond a standard hotel room, Banff’s surrounding wilderness offers some truly unconventional options. From backcountry lodges that require a hike, to sleeping beside a glacier, these stays are for those who want their accommodation to be the highlight of the trip.

  • Skoki Lodge: For the ultimate off-grid adventure, this historic lodge requires an 11km hike or ski to reach, offering candlelit dinners and a complete break from the modern world.

  • Glacier View Lodge: Perched on the edge of the Columbia Icefield, this sleek stay offers a front-row seat to ancient ice and an exclusive evening glacier tour once the crowds depart.

  • Storm Mountain Lodge: A collection of 1920s log cabins where wood-burning stoves replace televisions, providing a perfectly rustic "cabin-core" experience in the heart of the park.

❓Your Questions Answered

🌲Is September a good time to visit Banff? It is one of the best - trails are quieter, the larches start to turn gold, and afternoons are still warm - but there is more to know before you go. See the full guide.

β›„Is Banff worth visiting in winter? The season brings dramatic scenery, thinner crowds, and a huge variety of activities for all types of traveller - far more than many guides suggest. See the full guide.

πŸ₯ΆWhen is the best time to see the Abraham Lake ice bubbles? Mid-winter usually delivers the clearest ice and the most vivid bubble stacks, though conditions shift every year - but there is more to the story. See the full guide

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which popular swimming and recreation spot is shown in this photo, located just a short distance from the Canmore town centre?

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

For many visitors, seeing Moraine Lake means juggling shuttle bookings and tight time windows. Staying at Moraine Lake Lodge removes that altogether. Guests are able to drive directly to the lake, which makes arrival simpler and gives you far more flexibility during your stay.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Saturday, February 14

13:00 | Snow Science Day | Canmore Museum | Canmore

18:00 | Speed Dating | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

18:30 | Death by Chocolate | Rose & Crown | Banff

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

19:00 | Neil Diamond Celebration | Canmore Legion | Canmore

19:30 | Canmore Brewing: Paint & Sip | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

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

20:00 | Salsa Socials | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

21:00 | Andy Curtis: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Michael Bernard Fitzgerald | Communitea Cafe | Canmore

22:00 | Club Night: DJ Raven | High Rollers | Banff

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

22:00 | DJ TENAX | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

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: 2) Quarry Lake

Quarry Lake is a relatively short walk from Canmore town centre, with a relaxed loop trail and open mountain views.

Yesterday’s Question: What is the only way for tourists to reach the famous Spirit Island viewpoint at Maligne Lake?

βœ…Answer: 71% of you correctly chose boat or non-motorised watercraft.

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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