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

US flights to Banff are quietly disappearing. Raleigh, Chicago, and Seattle routes cancelled as Canadians lose enthusiasm for heading south. If you're flying from the States, expect connections through Vancouver or Toronto now. The direct route era appears to be over.

In other arrivals news, Chinese group tours are back after five years. China reinstated group travel status in November. Worth noting that Banff managed 4.28 million visitors last year without them, and nobody's added car parking in the interim.

Alberta's committed $400 million to replace its water bomber fleet, though the new aircraft won't arrive until 2031. The current planes date to the 1980s and have been patrolling summers for longer than some visitors have been alive. Wildfire season has become part of the summer planning equation now, which is a shift nobody asked for but everyone has to account for.

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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Being in a narrow canyon at night in the middle of winter isn’t something most people would attempt on their own, and that’s exactly where an evening guided tour makes sense. With a guide leading the way, equipment provided, and transport from Banff included, you can relax and enjoy the experience.

You will hike along the suspended catwalks under the stars and explore the frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon in quiet darkness. At the Lower Falls, there’s time to warm up with hot chocolate and a snack.

Book now and experience Johnson Canyon after dark

🌨️ Three days of winter, then slightly less winter. Wednesday stays brutal at -17°C with a wind chill near -30 and frostbite risk. Thursday clears to sunshine and -9°C. Friday reaches -6°C. Full forecast here.

🛫 US flights to Banff are quietly disappearing. Raleigh, Chicago, and Seattle routes cancelled as Canadians lose enthusiasm for heading south. Expect hub connections through Vancouver or Toronto. Planes don't fly for love.

🚌 Chinese group tours are returning to Banff. China reinstated group travel status in November after a five-year break. Banff recorded 4.28 million visitors last year without them. The car park isn't expanding.

✈️ Alberta orders five new water bombers for $400M. Wildfire smoke is now a scheduling consideration. The DHC-515s arrive in 2031, replacing the 1980s Super Scoopers. The current fleet was new when Top Gun was in cinemas.

🚂 Rocky Mountaineer is avoiding Vancouver this summer. World Cup hotel prices prompted thirteen Banff-Jasper trips to travel via Kamloops in June and July instead of the coastal route. Even luxury trains have budgets.

🏒 Jasper Park Lodge is offering free skate rentals on Mildred Lake. Pick up gear at the Winter Activity Centre while the ice holds. Heated rivalries optional but encouraged.

🕯️ Banff Springs goes full acoustic. Swap the après-ski ruckus for something classier. These Candlelight Concerts at the castle centre on Adele and Coldplay tributes. It’s significantly more sophisticated than your usual pub crawl, and warmer.

🌲When is Larch season in Banff? Peak colour falls between 20 September and 5 October, lasting just 7 to 10 days. Timing your visit is everything.

🏠Can anyone move to Banff? No - only eligible residents, such as local workers or business owners, qualify. There is more to this rule than you might expect.

👻Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel really haunted? Yes - a ghost bride, a helpful bellman, and a sealed room are among its legends. There is a lot more where that came from.

🐴 Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ - Saddle up along the Bow River to 3 Mile Cabin for a proper Western feast - steak cooked to order, horseshoes, and mountain views for days. Family-friendly and genuinely good fun. Not one to miss.

💙 Columbia Icefield Adventure with Top Five Lakes Tour - A full-day drive along the Icefields Parkway, hitting Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. Turquoise waters, glaciers, and those iconic Rocky Mountain views. Go on, add it to the list.

❄️ Abraham Lake Ice Bubbles & Winter Lakes Tour - Frozen methane bubbles trapped under Abraham Lake's ice - it's absolutely surreal. Add in Peyto and Bow Lakes covered in snow, free snowshoes, and hot drinks. Winter magic. We reckon you'll love it.

Find out why October is one of the most rewarding times to visit Banff National Park

Learn what makes the Canmore Engine Bridge one of the Canadian Rockies' most rewarding stops

Discover Boo the Grizzly Bear: A Conservation Success Story in Golden, BC

Which historic tea house is located at the top of a popular trail from Lake Louise and sits next to a waterfall?

✅Answer: 2) Lake Agnes Tea House - 82% Correct

The Lake Agnes Tea House is a classic Lake Louise hike, but getting there takes a bit of planning. Our guide explains how to get to Lake Louise and manage access.

The Banff Gondola is one of Banff’s most popular attractions. It offers an easy way to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain without hiking. The short 8-minute ride leads to observation decks, a boardwalk, and an interpretive centre. For a special winter experience, head up at sunset and catch the Nightrise light show.

Book your ride for summit views without the hike!

📅 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 |

📅 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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