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

Premier Smith has announced a provincial referendum on immigration, set for this autumn.

In most of Alberta, that's a political story. In Banff, where hotels, restaurants, and ski hills run largely on temporary overseas workers, it's more of a staffing question. The vote hasn't happened yet, and the details are still thin. But the industry here is paying attention in a way that the rest of the province probably isn't.

Elsewhere: Lake Louise's Spring Pass goes on sale this week - 64 days of skiing from $569, with 20% off lift tickets if you buy before 1 March. And a Dolly Parton tribute show opens at Canmore's 51-seat Carter-Ryan Theatre on 3 March, running through to the 29th. Rhinestones at close range. All of it, and more, below.

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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When travellers on TripAdvisor rank a hotel as the number one rated place to stay in Banff, it’s usually worth a closer look. In this case, a big part of the appeal is location. Peaks Hotel & Suites is less than a minute from Banff Avenue, so you’re right in the centre of town, with restaurants, cafΓ©s, and shops all within easy walking distance.

Despite being so central, the hotel itself feels calm. You can step straight out into town, then come back to somewhere that feels quiet and relaxed at the end of the day. Everything is set up to keep your stay simple, from contact-free check-in and phone access to your room to underground parking if you’re driving. You also have access to the pool, hot tub, and steam room at Banff Park Lodge just across the street.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

🌨️ Cold start, flurries Monday, sunshine by Tuesday. Sunday is sunny with a biting wind chill of -25°C and a high of -2°C. Monday turns cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries, reaching 0°C. Tuesday brings sunshine and a milder +3°C.

πŸ—³οΈ Province to hold immigration referendum this autumn. Premier Smith has announced a provincial vote on immigration and constitutional reform. Banff, whose hospitality industry is largely staffed by temporary overseas workers, will be watching.

🎀 Dolly Parton tribute coming to Canmore this March. Carter-Ryan Theatre's 51-seat microtheatre hosts Dolly: Here She Comes Again, running 3-29 March. Jolene, 9 to 5, rhinestones - all in a room barely larger than most living rooms.

πŸ”οΈ Local winter relay race closes registration this week. Mountain Madness is a two-hour, five-leg relay on 6 March - ski, run, skate, snowshoe, cross-country - open to Bow Valley residents only. Registration closes 26 February. Awards at the Legion after.

🎿 Olympic watch party tomorrow at the Nordic Centre. The Canmore Nordic Ski Club is replaying the women's 50km race at 9:30 am in the Daylodge - no spoilers. The Nordic Nibblers raffle also reaches its finale. Tears and drama guaranteed.

⛷️ Lake Louise Spring Pass on sale now, 64 days of skiing. Valid 1 March to 3 May, adult passes start at $569 mid-week or $689 regular. Buy before 1 March and save 20% on full-day lift tickets.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

πŸŒ„ One Day - Moraine, Louise, Emerald, Johnston & More. Skip the logistics of restricted access and parking with a guided tour of the Rockies' most iconic lakes. Visit Moraine, Louise, Emerald, and Johnston Canyon in one seamless day. Reserve your seat and leave the planning to someone else.

πŸ“’Plan Your Trip

🚣Activities You Might Enjoy

🌌 Banff Night Sky: Stargazing and Northern Lights Chasing Tour - Wrap up warm and head out under the Rockies' incredible night sky on this intimate 3-hour tour. Your guide will hunt down the best viewing spots for stars or the aurora borealis. Not one to miss.

🚌 Lake Louise: Moraine Lake Big Bus Shuttle - No car? No bother. This open-top double-decker is the most flexible way to reach iconic Moraine Lake and Lake Louise - parking included at Deer Lodge, with return shuttles every hour so you set the pace. Could be exactly what you're after.

πŸš™ Calgary: Banff, Lake Louise & Canmore SUV Tour - A full day in the Rockies without the faff of driving yourself. Just six passengers, a luxury SUV, and stops in Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore with a guide who knows all the best spots. Treat yourself.

πŸ’²On Sale Now!

🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Visit iconic spots from Banff or Canmore. Reduced from $89 to $59 until March 16. Book now

🏰 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Spring savings now running at Fairmont Banff Springs, with limited-time hotel offers & special rates for select stays. View spring deals.

❄️ Abraham Ice Bubbles, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Bow Lake with snowshoeing. 5 ⭐ rated. Was $149, now $80 until May 31. Book now

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which canyon is shown in this photo, located along the Icefields Parkway?

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Yesterday’s Question: How far should you stay away from large animals like elk or deer, according to Parks Canada?

βœ…Answer: 2) 30 metres - 29% Correct

Parks Canada recommends staying at least 30 metres away from large animals like elk and deer - learn more about safe elk encounters in our Elk Safety Guide.

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.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Sunday, February 22

12:00 | Olympic Games Screening | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

13:00 | February Stoney Drum Making! | Studio 209 | Canmore

14:00 | Vintage Flea Market | Rose & Crown | Banff

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

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

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday (Party) | Melissa's Missteak | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

Monday, February 23

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

18:30 | Pond & Pines Painting | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Earth Talks: Growing Food | Biosphere Institute | Canmore

19:30 | Monday Trivia with Joe | Moxy Banff | Banff

20:00 | Live Music Night | Three Bears | Banff

20:00 | Monday Trivia | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Karaoke Night | The Drake Screaming Retreiver | Canmore

22:00 | Brent Lee: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | DJ Set: With Tenax | High Rollers | Banff

Tuesday, February 24

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

19:00 | Trivia Tuesday | Rose & Crown | Canmore

19:00 | Movie: One Battle After Another | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

22:00 | DJ Styler Nazo | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Silver Fox Acoustic Duo: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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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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