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

Mother Nature's having a bit of an identity crisis - Thursday's 11.3°C shattered a 70-year-old February record, and honestly, it felt more like spring than winter out there. Calgary hit 18.2°C while we're usually bundled up! But don't put away those winter jackets just yet.

While the days are getting weird, the nights are pure magic. February's bone-dry air and long darkness make this the absolute best time for stargazing at Jasper and Wood Buffalo's dark sky preserves. The Milky Way has never looked sharper.

And speaking of fresh perspectives, Parks Canada is unveiling six designs for Banff's reimagined visitor centre on February 12th. Drop by Harkin Hall between 5 and 8 pm to see the models and share your thoughts on the future community gathering space right in the heart of town.

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.

Access and parking can be a real challenge in summer at places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, with parking lots often filling before sunrise and Moraine Lake access restricted. This hop-on, hop-off bus is a practical way to get around those issues and still see the highlights.

You buy your ticket in advance and use the bus to travel between Banff town, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Lake Louise Gondola. You decide where to stop and how long to stay, whether that’s hopping off at one place or visiting several along the route.

With guaranteed seating and no need to worry about driving or parking, it’s a flexible, low-stress way to explore Banff National Park during the busiest months.

Reserve your seat and leave the logistics to someone else

🌡️ Banff smashes February heat record as bizarre warm spell rewrites the history books. Thursday's 11.3°C demolished the 1954 record of 8.9°C, whilst Bow Valley Provincial Park, Calgary and Waterton also set new highs in a region-wide heatwave. Calgary hit 18.2°C - warmer than some March days - as winter temporarily forgot it was February.

🔨 Jasper's wildfire rebuild turned into Canada's disaster recovery masterclass. Building permits now fly through in 20 days, 66 homes are rising from ash, and contractors are hammering through winter to finish most of the fire-razed town by late 2027.

✨ February's frigid nights turn Alberta's dark sky preserves into stargazing gold mines. Winter's bone-dry air and marathon darkness deliver razor-sharp views of the cosmos. Jasper and Wood Buffalo offer front-row seats to the Milky Way. Bundle up and catch constellations clearer than you'll see all year.

🏛️ Parks Canada unveils six designs for Banff's reimagined visitor centre - public weighs in Feb 12. Drop into Harkin Hall anytime between 5-8 pm to view models, grill the design team, and shape the future community gathering space in the heart of town. Can't make it? Feedback forms go live online the same day for armchair urban planners.

⛷️ Jasper's Whistlers Campground pulls the plug on ski season early as a warm spell melts the snow. Ongoing warm temperatures have turned winter into spring at the popular cross-country ski spot, forcing Parks Canada to shut it down before schedule. Another casualty of February's bizarre heat wave was the Rockies.

🚂 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.

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

Being in a narrow canyon at night in the middle of winter isn’t something most people would attempt on their own, and that’s exactly where an evening guided tour makes sense. With a guide leading the way, equipment provided, and transport from Banff included, you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Book now and experience Johnson Canyon after dark

Splash into adventure: Banff's best waterslide hotels

Want mountain views AND thrilling waterslides? These family favourites deliver both!

Douglas Fir Resort in Banff is waterslide heaven with TWO giant indoor slides that'll have your kids squealing with delight. After conquering the slopes, cosy up by your wood-burning fireplace in spacious condo-style suites. Read the Reviews | Book Here

Just 20 minutes away, Grande Rockies Resort in Canmore ups the ante with a jaw-dropping three-story waterslide! Little ones splash in the dedicated kids' pool while you soak tired muscles in the hot tub. Read the Reviews | Book Here

Pocaterra Inn rounds out Canmore's waterslide trio, offering complimentary breakfast to fuel your Rocky Mountain adventures. Pet-friendly too - because Fido deserves a mountain getaway! Read the Reviews | Book Here

Banff's Gondolas: A Different Perspective on the Rockies

Banff's gondolas offer an accessible way to experience the Canadian Rockies from above. The Banff Gondola climbs Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes, reaching a summit with views across six mountain ranges. There's a boardwalk to Sanson Peak and several dining options at the top.

The Lake Louise Gondola takes a different approach, travelling over wildlife corridors where you might spot grizzlies, moose, or elk during the 14-minute ride. You can choose between open chairs or enclosed gondolas.

For higher elevation, Sunshine Village Gondola reaches 2,385 metres and accesses three alpine lakes. The Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift is a quieter option with open-air views directly over Banff town and the Cliffhouse Bistro at the top.

Each lift operates seasonally with varying hours. Crowds tend to peak between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and booking ahead is recommended, especially in summer.

📅 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: 1) The Spiral Tunnels

Yesterday’s Question: Which mountain resort is shown in this photo, serving as a transport hub for Parks Canada shuttles during the summer?

✅Answer: 49% of you correctly chose Lake Louise Ski Resort.

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

❄️ Lake Louise, Abraham Ice Bubbles & Peyto Lake with snowshoeing. 5 ⭐ rated. Was $143, now $78 until Feb 21. Book now

🎥 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

❄️ Winter in the Rockies, Malcolm Hotel, Canmoe - Save 10% on 2 nights or 15% on 3+ nights. Valid Dec 1, 2025 - Apr 30, 2026. Book now or check the reviews first.

🍷 Sage Bistro Happy Hour, Canmore - Enjoy 25% off all food and beverages from 15:00 to 17:00, Friday through Sunday.

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