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

Alberta quietly raised its tourism levy by 50 per cent this week. Not two per cent - fifty. The rate climbed from four to six per cent on 1 April, generating an expected $66 million in additional revenue for a province that has burned through its cushion and started looking at who else is in the room. The answer, apparently, was you.

A skier in his 20s was caught in an avalanche on Hero's Knob Peak in Kananaskis last Friday, remotely triggering a size 2.5 slide that ran 400 metres down the slope. He was not buried but was hit hard from behind, lost his skis and poles, deployed his airbag, and was airlifted to Calgary with multiple injuries. Avalanche danger is rated considerable across Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Kananaskis as of Thursday, with a storm forecast to push it to high by Friday. Check Avalanche Canada before heading out.

On a considerably warmer note, the Banff Flying Canoe Festival opened yesterday in Central Park and runs through Sunday. It is a nighttime lantern and storytelling festival built around the legend of La Chasse-galerie. Enjoy Indigenous programming from Stoney Nakoda artists and fiddle music that may or may not lead to dancing in bulky boots. No canoes actually fly. Worth knowing before you go.

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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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, where the summit is transformed by immersive sound and light installations.

It is a great way to gain a high-altitude perspective of the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks. However, we do recommend booking in advance, especially during busy periods, as tickets can sell out.

Book your ride for summit views without the hike!

💸 Alberta's tourism levy rises from 4% to 6% on 1 April. A new 6% rental vehicle tax follows in January 2027. For a $400 Banff hotel room, that's an extra $6 per night - modest on its own, though it compounds quickly over a week.

❄️ Snow Friday, sunshine returns for the weekend. Friday brings 5-10 cm of snow with a wind chill of -9°C. Saturday clears to sunshine with a high of 3°C. Sunday stays sunny, reaching 6°C. Full forecast here.

🐾 Cougars and dog walkers are sharing Bighorn trails. A two-year motion-camera study wraps up in August and will tell the MD exactly how much overlap there is. Until then, the advice is the same as always: leash the dog, carry bear spray.

Cougar Safety in Banff and Canmore

🏮 Banff's new winter lantern festival debuts this week. The Flying Canoe Festival takes over Central Park from 26 February to 1 March - lantern walks, Metis fiddle music, and Stoney Nakoda storytelling after dark. Park at the train station and walk down.

🎿 Avalanche danger is rising across Banff and Kananaskis. A skier in his 20s was airlifted to Calgary with multiple injuries after triggering a size 2.5 slide on Hero's Knob Peak on Feb. 20. Danger steps up to high on Friday. Check the forecast before you go.

Avalanche Safety in Banff

🧠 Canmore Museum is running the trivia at The Drake. A one-night history and culture trivia night lands on 12 March, 7-9 PM. Drop-in by donation - no registration needed, though knowing your local history probably helps.

🍽️ Two Canmore restaurants make Avenue Calgary's 2026 best list. Ankor and Sauvage both earned spots among Calgary's 13 best restaurants this year. Judges noted both are worth the trip for a special occasion. Read the full list.

🪨Is Johnston Canyon worth visiting? Yes, but timing makes all the difference. Find out how to get the most from your visit.

🌊Is the Bow Falls Trail suitable for families with young children? Yes, the path is wide, mostly flat, and stroller-friendly for much of the route. See the full guide

🧸What is the best time of year to visit Boo at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge? The refuge runs seasonally from late May through September, with mornings being the most active window for Boo.

🧊 Banff: WILD ICE Winter Adventure - Strap on a pair of professional ice cleats and explore Banff's frozen lakes with a local guide. No skating ability needed - just a sense of adventure. Small groups, big scenery.

🚌 Banff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Day Pass - Explore Banff's greatest hits - Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon - without the parking nightmare. Knowledgeable guides help you plan your day on the go.

🥾 Larch Valley Guided Hike with Lunch and Transfers - A full-day guided hike through golden larches with alpine views, a guide-prepared lunch, and stops at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise - all with hotel transfers included.

💦 Waterslide Hotel with 25% Off in Canmore. The Pocaterra Inn and Waterslide is a favourite with families thanks to its indoor pool and waterslide - an easy win after a day exploring. View the offer here and browse recent traveller reviews.

🏔️ Spring Deals at Fairmont Banff Springs. There’s no shortage of seasonal offers at the Fairmont Banff Springs right now, and some are genuinely worth a look. From ski packages and spa stays to family perks and early golf getaways, there are plenty of options to choose from.

🛁 Midweek Spa Break at Moose Hotel & Suites. The Moose Hotel and Suites is offering a midweek package with a $50 dining credit at Pacini and a $150 spa credit per guest at Meadow Spa + Pools. See full details on their website and check out recent reviews.

Yesterday’s Question: Which lake is shown in this photo, famous for its turquoise water in summer and frozen bubbles in winter?

✅Answer: 3) Abraham Lake - 47% Correct

Abraham Lake is located outside the national park and is best known for its frozen ice bubbles in winter.

If you like the idea of being surrounded by mountain scenery but don’t 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.

Book now to enjoy a peaceful mountain escape

📅 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)
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