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

Alberta's master rail study has cleared a hydrogen-powered line between Calgary and Banff, with the possibility of $30 tickets by decade's end. The catch is that it all depends on whether the province builds a downtown-to-airport connection first. If they do, locals might finally have an alternative to sitting on the Trans-Canada watching brake lights multiply.

Elsewhere, Park Distillery learned what happens when sprinkler pipes meet prolonged cold. Thursday morning brought a second-floor burst, enough water to evacuate the building, and a temporary closure of Banff Avenue while fire crews confirmed there were no actual flames involved.

Up in Kananaskis, avalanche conditions are climbing toward considerable in the alpine. Nothing's sliding yet, but the forecast suggests keeping plans flexible and eyes on the high cols where things tend to move first.

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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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.

At Johnston Canyon, the focus shifts from riding to walking. The bikes are left behind, and you follow the trail on foot to the Lower Falls with time to enjoy the canyon scenery. You then return to Banff via shuttle.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

β˜€οΈ Cold but sunny stretch ahead for the weekend. Friday brings sunshine and -7Β°C, though a wind chill of -31 in the morning warrants caution. Saturday matches at -7Β°C. Sunday reaches -5 Β°C with full sun. Full forecast here.

πŸš‚ Alberta’s master rail study could finally greenlight a Banff train. The hydrogen-powered project hinges on a provincial commitment to link downtown Calgary with the airport. If it happens, locals might enjoy $30 mountain commutes by 2030.

πŸ₯Ά Park Distillery sprinkler pipe burst in the minus 20s. Banff Fire evacuated the building Thursday morning after water from the second level triggered alarms and closed Banff Avenue. No fire, just very cold pipes.

🫧 Abraham Lake is 80% snow-covered, but the bubbles are still there. Recent frigid temperatures are refreezing drain holes, creating a smooth but potentially thin trap for the unwary. If the ice looks discoloured or slushy, it is probably best to remain a landlubber.

πŸ”οΈ Kananaskis avalanche hazard is approaching considerable in the alpine. Slabs haven't formed yet, but a shift in wind will change the risk rapidly. Watch the alpine cols; they are the canary in this particular cold, white coal mine.

🚠 A cracked hanger arm caused last year's Kicking Horse gondola failure. Technical Safety BC blames brittle steel and repeated impacts for the cabin's 1.5-metre drop. Some guests spent seven hours suspended, which is a long time to reconsider your choice of winter hobby.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

For a sophisticated escape, Skyridge Glamping delivers adults-only "SkyBox" micro-cabins. Think floor-to-ceiling forest views, Nespresso machines, and heated bathroom floors. It’s a boutique hotel room that just happens to be in the woods.

πŸ”οΈ The Lake Louise Hotels Survival Guide

Finding a bed in Lake Louise often feels like a competitive sport where the prize is a very expensive car park space. These three properties allow you to skip the morning commute and actually enjoy the scenery before the tour buses descend.

🌲 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - The only way to bypass the lakeside parking lottery without waking up at 4:00 am to sit in the damp. It is a sprawling, civilised beast of a hotel where the premium price buys you the right to wander the shoreline in your pyjamas while everyone else is fighting for a shuttle bus. Read The Reviews | Book Here

πŸ›Ά Paradise Lodge & Bungalows - A collection of cabins for those who find the idea of a 500-room resort slightly claustrophobic. It offers a sensible, detached existence with enough peace to actually hear the trees, provided you remember to book your slot well before the season vanishes. Read The Reviews | Book Here

🏊 Lake Louise Inn - The pragmatic choice for families who need a swimming pool to exhaust the children and a kitchenette to avoid the eye-watering cost of three restaurant meals a day. Located in the village centre, it is far enough from the water to be affordable, but close enough to the pub to be strategic. Read The Reviews | Book Here

❓Your Questions Answered

🧸I’m excited to see a bear. Are there any I should look out for? Banff’s most famous bears are probably The Boss and Split Lip. We have posts on both of them.

🎫What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.

🚐Can I still drive to Moraine Lake? Not anymore - private cars are off-limits for most visitors. See the best ways to get there now.

🚣Activities You Might Enjoy

🚑 Banff Gondola Admission Ticket - Eight minutes up Sulphur Mountain to 360-degree views over six mountain ranges. Walk the summit boardwalk, grab a coffee, soak it all in. Classic Banff experience for a reason. Why not treat yourself?

πŸ§— Ice Climbing Adventure for Beginners - Ever fancied scaling a frozen waterfall? Certified guides teach you everything - crampons, ice axes, the lot. All gear included, no experience needed. Proper bucket-list stuff. Go on, why not?

πŸ›Ά Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - Paddle a 12-seater canoe up the Bow River with a guide who knows all the best wildlife spots. Beavers, elk, eagles - it's peaceful and family-friendly. No experience needed. Your next adventure.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which short, steep trail at Moraine Lake leads to the famous viewpoint often seen in photos?

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Yesterday’s Question

Which trail in Canmore offers this clear view of Ha Ling Peak at sunrise?

βœ…Answer: 2) Bow River Loop Trail - 49% Correct

Find out more about the Bow River Loop Trail and where to catch the best river views.

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 60 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.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Friday, February 20

10:00 | Olympic Games Screening | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

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

17:00 | Marten Borch: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:00 | Live Music Fridays | Moxy Banff | Banff

19:00 | Blue Remedy: Live | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:00 | Friday Bingo | Canmore Legion | Canmore

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

21:00 | Arn Smit: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Friday Night Vibes DJ LT | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Darryl Anderson: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | DJ TENAX | Rose & Crown | 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‘‹ 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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