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

It is one of those weeks where the mountains feel full of energy. Ice Magic is back at Lake Louise, and the carvers are already hard at work transforming huge slabs of ice into intricate sculptures. Watching the process up close is half the fun, especially when the weather is kind enough that you can actually feel your fingers.

Away from the lake, Fortress Mountain is back in the headlines with ambitious ideas for a year-round resort. Hotels, gondolas and thousands of visitors a day are all part of the vision. It is a bold plan for a place that many people still think of as quiet, rugged and a bit forgotten.

On a more playful note, Death by Chocolate is bringing mystery and mischief to Banff. This dessert-fuelled whodunnit promises cocktails, clues and a suspect list that probably includes the person sharing your table. It is not your average night out, and that is exactly the point.

Add in live music, local gatherings and plenty of ways to make the most of the season, and you have a packed few days ahead. Dive into the full lineup below and start planning.

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👉 For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.

Johnston Canyon remains open in winter and, honestly, we think it’s the best time to visit. The frozen waterfalls are spectacular; you’ll often see ice climbers on the walls, and the biggest bonus is the quieter trails.

This guided tour is a great option if you are nervous about winter driving or want to avoid the stress of parking. You will travel from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic route known for wildlife sightings.

Once there, your guide provides ice cleats and helpful tips for navigating the frozen paths. You will hike the steel catwalks to the 30-metre Upper Falls, stopping for hot chocolate and maple cookies.

Book now and step into Banff's winter wonderland.

❄️ Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise today. Professional carvers are currently turning frozen slabs into jewellery-level art at the Fairmont. It is bizarrely mild out there, so enjoy the lack of frostbite whilst it lasts. Remember, parking is a non-starter - stick to the shuttles.

🏗️ Fortress Dreams Big. Plans propose turning Fortress Mountain into a year-round resort with hotels, gondolas and condos, enabled by Alberta’s All-Season Resorts Act. Peak visitation could reach nearly 10,000 daily, which is impressive for a place wildlife recently thought it had reclaimed.

🌌 Northern lights could put on a show over Banff this week. The next 48 hours are looking spicy for aurora hunters, with decent activity expected tonight and an even stronger display forecast by Friday. Yes, this is your sign to sacrifice sleep and chase green skies.

☀️ From freezing to flip-flops, Southern Alberta hit 21C. The first 20-degree day of the year is officially in the books, and Barnwell took top honours as the warmest place in Canada. Most of the province thawed out, and more spring-like weather is queued up next.

🌲 Camping in B.C. just got pricier for non-residents. The province is rolling out a $20 surcharge for out-of-province visitors booking campsites, backcountry trips, and cabins starting in May 2026. Officials say booming park demand is behind the move, with millions more visitors than a few years ago.

🖤 Valentine’s Day just got deliciously deadly in Banff. Death by Chocolate serves up a murder mystery packed with rich desserts, cocktails, and juicy secrets. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and by dessert, someone is already guilty. Sweet, dark, and not your average date night.

🔥 Fire Advisory Issued. Warm, windy and dry conditions mean a Fire Advisory is now in effect for the Calgary Forest Area, with all burning strongly discouraged. February sunshine in the mountains has arrived early. Check official fire guidance.

🏔️ Parks Canada is rethinking how we access Lake Louise. New proposals to tackle 34% visitation growth include parking reservations, lotteries for Paradise Valley, and potential personal vehicle bans. Share your feedback on these draft strategies via online surveys before 9 March.

Today’s quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.

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.

Reserve your spot and enjoy Banff’s winter scenery without the stress

📅 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 |

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

✅ Answer: 3) 288 km

Yesterday’s Question: Which road is known for wildlife sightings and a scenic drive between Banff and Lake Louise?

✅Answer: 71% of you correctly chose Bow Valley Parkway .

The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.

🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Winter Tour with Bow Falls and Surprise Corner. Was $99, now $79 until Feb 19. View details.

🎥 Cheap Tuesday at Lux Cinema Banff - Enjoy any movie or showtime for just $7.99 (+$3 for 3D). Available for all ages every Tuesday. Get tickets

🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Price drop from $89 to $60 until Feb 15 on this 4.9⭐ rated tour. View deal

🥞 Banff Aspen Lodge Special - Enjoy a lodge-cooked, locally sourced breakfast included with every stay from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026. Check it out.

🍺 The Drake Screaming Retriever Happy Hour, Canmore - Daily from 15:00 to 18:00 include $7.50 draughts, $9 wine, $10 cocktails, and 15% off appys. Check it out.

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