Hello from a very un-wintery corner of the Rockies!

This week has brought one of those classic mountain curveballs. A burst of February warmth has forced Ice Magic at Lake Louise to shut down earlier than planned, as the sculptures simply could not stand up to the heat. It is a tough break for ice art fans, and a clear reminder that even our most solid-looking winter traditions depend on the weather playing along.

While the ice is struggling, big ideas for the future are gathering steam. Momentum is building behind the proposed Calgary-Banff rail line, with major job numbers being talked about and key decisions expected soon. The big question now is not just if it will happen, but who it will actually serve along the way, with Canmore appearing to be sidelined.

At the same time, Banff’s tourism leaders are looking further ahead, with a strategy that leans harder into winter. The goal is to attract more overnight visitors in the colder months, easing summer pressure while keeping the town lively when the snow flies - assuming, of course, the snow sticks around

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

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!

❄️ Ice Magic at Lake Louise melts away as February heat wave crashes the party. Unseasonably warm temps have forced organisers to cancel this weekend's viewing sessions, but don't despair. Banff is hosting the Art of Ice Carving competition on Bear Street with ice battles, speed carving and championship rounds from Friday through Sunday. Though you'll want to arrive early before these sculptures suffer the same fate.

🫎 Moose collisions are spiking as winter snow drives them onto Alberta highways. Deep snowfall and frozen aquatic vegetation are pushing moose to road salt and ploughed highways for easier travel. Over 50% of fatal wildlife collisions involve these towering ungulates, despite making up just 10% of crashes. Westlock County alone saw 34 moose collisions this year - slow down, especially between 7 pm and midnight when visibility tanks.

🎿 Banff tourism flips strategy - winter growth trumps summer volume. The 2026 plan launches two new festivals to pack hotels from November through April, whilst keeping summer visitor numbers flat to avoid congestion. January's skijoring weekend proved that even winter has limits when traffic chaos forced a town review. Goal: higher-value travellers who stay longer, not just more bodies passing through.

🚂 Calgary-Banff rail dream gets union muscle, but Alberta might ghost half the towns. Building trades just signed on for 22,000 jobs on the 150km line that could be shovel-ready within two years. Plot twist: the province is eyeing a high-speed express that blows past Cochrane, Canmore and Kananaskis without stopping. That option could push the whole thing decades down the track. Budget reveal in late February.

⛸️ Canmore's outdoor rinks shut down as warm spell turns ice to slush. Stay off the surfaces to prevent damage. Indoor skating continues year-round at the Recreation Centre.

🔥 Bow Valley fire advisory as February heat wave turns winter into a tinderbox. Warm temps and gusty winds exposed dry vegetation, triggering moderate fire danger and a grass fire behind Canmore hospital.

🏗️ 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.

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

Reaching Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in summer often means navigating parking restrictions and fitting your plans around fixed tour schedules. This open-top bus tour takes a more flexible approach, with hourly departures that let you manage your time.

Book here and explore on your own schedule

📅 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)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

✅Answer: 2) Lake Louise Ski Resort

Summer shuttles for both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake run from this hub.

Yesterday’s Question: What is the driving distance between Banff and Jasper along the Icefields Parkway?

✅Answer: 34% of you correctly chose 288 km.

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.

🏔️ Win the Ultimate Banff Getaway Package - Win a 2-night stay at Royal Canadian Lodge, lift passes, and more. Runs until Feb 22. Find out more.

🏔️ Banff, Yoho & Lakes Day Trip - See Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon & Natural Bridge. 4.9 ⭐ Was $99, now $79 until Feb 19. Book now

🏨 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Various deals, including seasonal offers, residents ’ rates and ski packages. See deal details & check the reviews.

🍺 Melissa’s MisSteak Happy Hour - Variety of deals including $6 beers & $4.75 highballs. Daily 15:00-18:00, plus Sun-Thurs 22:00-02:00. View deals

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