Hi Everyone! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
If you were planning to trade your hiking boots for glow sticks at the Banff Train Station, I have some dampening news. The Aroabora electronic music festival has been pulled a mere three weeks before the first drop. Organisers are blaming "circumstances outside our control," which is festival-speak for "it's not happening". On the bright side, if you prefer your mountain air without a side of heavy bass, the historic site will remain a quiet relic of the railway rather than an outdoor nightclub.
Meanwhile, four snowmobilers at Holt Creek are currently experiencing the most expensive "snow pies" in history. After venturing into closed terrain and requiring a helicopter to get them out, they've been slapped with $575 fines plus the eye-watering bill for the aerial extraction. It turns out that ignoring boundaries is a very efficient way to empty a bank account.
If you're looking for a soak to process this chaos, don't head to Radium. A rockslide through Sinclair Canyon has closed Highway 93 and the pools themselves.
For those who still want the "wild" experience without the actual hardship, Skyridge Glamping is offering a middle ground. Their "SkyBox" micro-cabins come with heated bathroom floors and Nespresso machines, effectively turning the woods into a boutique hotel room where the only thing you have to "rough" is the choice of coffee pod.
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 February: What you need to know!
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If you like the idea of being surrounded by mountain scenery but donβt want the effort that comes with camping, Skyridge Glamping sits nicely in between. The private cabins are set in a quiet natural setting, giving you a real sense of being away from it all.
At the same time, they offer the comforts that make a stay easy, like a comfortable bed, a warm bathroom, and space to relax indoors. This works well if you want evenings spent looking out at the landscape, mornings that feel unhurried, and a stay thatβs about slowing down rather than filling every hour with activities.
ποΈ Fresh from the Rockies
View from the Takakkaw Falls Trail
βοΈ Sun returns Thursday, though "warm" is relative. Thursday clears to sunshine and -9Β°C. Friday and Saturday bring mixed sun and cloud, with highs of -6Β°C and -8Β°C. Saturday night drops to -27Β°C. Full forecast here.
π Four riders racked up $575 fines plus a helicopter bill at Holt Creek. Golden RCMP caught the group on 4 February after they ventured into closed terrain and required aerial extraction. Most expensive snow pies ever carved.
π΅ Banff Train Station music festival pulled three weeks out. Aroabora's two-day electronic lineup won't be turning the historic site into an outdoor nightclub after all. Organisers cited "circumstances outside our control." Refunds are automatic.
π° Alberta set a tourism spending record while the rest of Canada declined. Visitors spent $15.2 billion in 2025, up five per cent, whilst Canadian tourism fell overall. U.S. arrivals grew despite a national six per cent drop. Other provinces are now calling to ask how.
πͺ¨ Radium Hot Springs route closed after rockslide through Sinclair Canyon. Highway 93 between Kootenay's west boundary and McKay Creek won't reopen until Thursday afternoon at the earliest. The pools are also shut. Detour via Highway 95 and Yoho adds time and scenery.
πΊ Coyotes are mating, which explains the attitude. Winter and early spring bring territorial behaviour and more sightings near town. Parks Canada advises keeping pets leashed, securing food, and staying 100 metres back. Approaching a hormonal coyote is inadvisable.
π¦ Jasper's caribou recovery effort now has an exhibit. The Caribou Comeback runs through April 2026 at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum, with hands-on displays and conservation photography. Admission by donation, Thursday to Sunday.
β Most Popular Last Issue
π« 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.
πRockies Glamping: High-Altitude Comfort (Minus the Peg-Bashing)
Letβs be honest: while we all love the "Wild West" spirit of the Rockies, nobody actually enjoys a midnight battle with a leaky tent fly. If you want the mountain air without the morning backache, Kananaskis is your premier glamping base.
Sundance by Basecamp is the go-to for a classic family vibe. Their authentic trapper tents and tipis along the Kananaskis River offer real beds and (crucially) heating. Itβs "camping plus", all the crackling firepit charm with none of the gravel-in-your-sleeping-bag reality.
For a more sophisticated escape, Skyridge Glamping delivers adults-only "SkyBox" micro-cabins. Think floor-to-ceiling forest views, Nespresso machines, and heated bathroom floors. Itβs a boutique hotel room that just happens to be in the woods.
If youβre chasing a backcountry feel with zero effort, Mount Engadine Lodge is the gold standard. Their all-inclusive glamping tents and yurts include gourmet meals and their legendary afternoon charcuterie. Perfect for moose-spotting in the Spray Valley while someone else handles the cooking.
βYour Questions Answered
π£Can I drive to Lake Louise and park? Yes, but parking is extremely limited and fills before 6:30 AM during peak season, costing $42:00/day. Get all transportation options for Lake Louise.
πΆββοΈWhat makes Grassi Lakes special? Crystal-clear turquoise lakes, towering limestone cliffs, and accessible trails for all skill levels. See the full guide
πDo I need a car to explore Banff? No - Roam Transit connects all the major attractions from Canmore to Lake Louise without the parking hassle. See the full guide
π²On Sale Now!
ποΈ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Visit iconic spots from Banff or Canmore. Reduced from $89 to $59 until March 16. Book now
ποΈ Sunshine Mountain Lodge - Ikon & Mountain Collective holders save 15% at Banff's only ski-in hotel. Valid Mar 1 - May 17. Check it out.
βοΈ Abraham Ice Bubbles, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Bow Lake with snowshoeing. 5 β rated. Was $149, now $80 until May 31. Book now
ποΈ Quiz
Which trail in Canmore offers this clear view of Ha Ling Peak at sunrise?
Yesterdayβs Question
What is the name of the canyon near Jasper famous for its limestone walls and several waterfalls?
β Answer: 1) Maligne Canyon - 54% Correct
Maligne Canyon is known for its deep limestone walls and powerful waterfalls, while Johnston Canyon offers a similar experience closer to Banff.
Access and parking can be a real challenge in summer at places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, with parking lots often filling before sunrise and Moraine Lake access restricted. This hop-on, hop-off bus is a practical way to get around those issues and still see the highlights.
You buy your ticket in advance and use the bus to travel between Banff town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Lake Louise Gondola. You decide where to stop and how long to stay, whether thatβs hopping off at one place or visiting several along the route.
With guaranteed seating and no need to worry about driving or parking, itβs a flexible, low-stress way to explore Banff National Park during the busiest months.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Thursday, February 19
11:30 |
Olympic Games Screening |
Canmore Public Library | Canmore
16:00 |
Fireside Sunset |
The Juniper | Banff
17:00 |
Chess Night |
Canmore Public Library | Canmore
18:00 |
Live Music: Steph O'Dette |
The Bison | Banff
19:00 |
Cabaret LittΓ©raire |
The Banff Centre | Banff
19:00 |
Trivia Night |
The Blake Brewhouse & Distillery | Canmore
20:00 |
Irish Night: Live Music |
St. James Gate | Banff
20:30 |
Comedy Night |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
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 |
Darryl Anderson: Live |
Rose & Crown | Banff
π Got An Event To Share?
π
Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.
π Thatβs All For Now π¬
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 | Whatβs On Banff

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