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Will Banff’s Glaciers Vanish Soon?
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
January 14, 2026
Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
It’s shaping up to be a bright week across the Rockies, with sunshine in the forecast and just enough winter left to keep things interesting. That makes it a good time to enjoy what’s happening now, and to start thinking a little further ahead.
There’s plenty of good news in this issue. Canmore’s Winter Warm Up has been announced with music, art, and family-friendly events spread across town, while Nibble food tours continue to offer an easy, low-pressure way to explore the Banff food scene. Add in a long list of happy hours and dining deals, and there’s no shortage of reasons to head out.
You’ll also find some important updates worth reading closely. New glacier data highlights another year of significant ice loss across Western Canada, raising questions about the future of the Rockies we know today. On a more practical level, there are trail and rink closures to be aware of, plus a reminder that 2026 Banff National Park camping reservations are just around the corner.
There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.
Banff in January: Read this before planning your trip!
Banff in February: What you need to know!
🌤️ Today’s Weather
Banff: Mainly sunny, high 7 °C and low 1 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high 7 °C and low 0 °C.
Jasper: Mainly sunny, high 7 °C and low 0 °C.
👉 For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.
If you’re not sure where to start with eating out in Banff, a food tour is a genuinely helpful way to get your bearings. This guided walking tour combines a stroll through town with several food stops, letting you sample classic Canadian favourites like poutine, caesars, and local sweets along the way.
In the time it would take to sit down for one meal, you’ll try a variety of dishes while your guide shares practical tips on where to eat, what’s worth seeking out, and which places to return to later in your trip. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to taste Banff and pick up local recommendations at the same time.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
🎸 Winter music festival returns to light up Canmore’s streets. The Warm Up hits the Rockies on Friday, 13 February, with over 20 artists across seven venues. Grab your wristbands for the full experience, including a family-friendly hub and live interactive art.
🏔️ Western Canada glaciers face a bleak future after record loss. Recent data shows 2025 was the second-worst year for ice melt, with 30 gigatonnes lost. Experts warn these landmarks will disappear much faster than previously projected due to rising emissions.
🏕️ Banff National Park camping reservations for 2026 are nearly here. Front country bookings start Friday, 23 January at 8:00 am MST, followed by backcountry slots on 26 January. Set up your account now to secure your pitch in Banff or Lake Louise.
⛸️ Outdoor rinks in Banff are currently closed due to mild weather. Recent warm temperatures have made the ice unsafe, and sustained below-freezing weather is required for staff to rebuild the surfaces. Check live conditions for updates on the Fenlands Meadow, Rotary Park, and Sundance Park rinks.
🚧 Ken Madsen Trail remains closed due to dangerous ice. Pedestrians are warned of unsafe conditions between Wolverine Street and the Banff Centre. Pedestrian use is also strictly discouraged near the Old Banff Cemetery.
🚧 Partial trail closure at Lake Annette for maintenance. Starting Tuesday, 13 January, a section between Lake Annette and Ochre Lake is closed for rock wall work. The upper parking area is also affected, though the lower parking remains open for visitors.
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🌄 One Day - Moraine, Louise, Emerald, Johnston & More. This full-day trip is a practical way to see the Rockies' best-known sights without worrying about driving, parking, or access restrictions. Reserve your seat and leave the planning to someone else.
🏕️ Quiz
Which TV show featured the Canmore Engine Bridge? |
Today’s quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.
If you’d rather leave winter driving to someone else, this full-day tour is an easy way to experience Banff National Park in winter. You’ll spend time at Lake Louise for ice skating or snowshoeing, then explore Johnston Canyon to see its frozen waterfalls. The focus is on enjoying the winter scenery rather than managing logistics.
🏔️ Plan Your Trip
Mistaya Canyon
Planning a week in Banff and Jasper can feel overwhelming at first, but seven days is a great amount of time if you pace it well. Distances are manageable, the Icefields Parkway becomes part of the experience, and there’s enough breathing room to enjoy the scenery without rushing from place to place.
Sample 7-Day Banff and Jasper Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Banff
Settle in with a relaxed introduction. Walk Banff Avenue, visit Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, and loop through Vermilion Lakes. Add the Banff Gondola or Upper Hot Springs if energy allows.
Day 2 – Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive
Explore close to town with stops at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka. This is an easy, flexible day with short walks and good wildlife-viewing potential.
Day 3 – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Plan an early start and use shuttles, transit, or a tour. Walk the lakeshores, enjoy the views, and expect crowds. Patience pays off here.
Day 4 – Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Drive north, treating the journey as a sightseeing day. Stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and the Columbia Icefield before continuing to Jasper.
Day 5 – Jasper National Park
Slow the pace. Visit Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, and Maligne Lake. A boat cruise or short hikes work well, with evening wildlife spotting around Pyramid Lake.
Day 6 – Jasper to Banff or Lake Louise
Head south at a relaxed pace, stopping where you missed earlier or revisiting favourites. Staying another night in Jasper is a good option if you want a break from driving.
Day 7 – Final Stops and Departure
Fit in any last walks, viewpoints, or a relaxed breakfast before leaving.
This itinerary is best treated as a framework rather than a fixed schedule. Start early on busy days, plan key logistics ahead, and stay flexible for weather and wildlife. Do that, and a Banff and Jasper trip feels full, memorable, and surprisingly relaxed.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Wednesday, January 14
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
15:30 🥃 Park Distillery Tour - Park Distillery, Banff
17:30 🥕 Power of Food Workshop #3 - The Co+Kitchen, Canmore
18:00 🎨 Sip and Sketch - Wild Life Distillery, Canmore
18:00 🚴 Mountain Bike Ride - Canmore Brewing Company
19:00 🧠 Vision Board Workshop - Banff Public Library
19:00 🎤 Open Mic Night - The Local, Canmore
20:30 ❓ Trivia with Awale - Tavern 1883, Canmore
21:00 🎶 Open Mic/Jam Night - Rose & Crown, Canmore
22:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Tenax! - Rose & Crown, Banff
📅 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.
🏕️ Today’s Quiz Answer
✅Answer: 3) The Last of Us
The Canmore Engine Bridge appeared in The Last of Us, and the area is easy to visit on foot. Learn more about the bridge’s history and how to see it in our Canmore Engine Bridge Guide.
Yesterday’s Quiz: 47% of you correctly chose Bow Lake.
📢 The Banff Bulletin
The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.
🍕 Rose & Crown Wednesdays, Banff - $17 feature pizza, $7 Big Rock pints, $5 White Peaks tea and half-price bottles of wine. Check it out.
🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Price drop from $89 to $60 until Jan 21 on this 4.9⭐ rated tour. View deal.
🏨 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Various deals, including seasonal offers, residents ’ rates and ski packages. See deal details & check the reviews.
🏞️ Banff Highlights Tour Deal - See Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Bow & Peyto Lakes, plus Crowfoot Glacier on a 5⭐ rated day tour. Discounted until Jan 23. Book now.
🦌 Elk & Oarsman Happy Hour, Banff - Daily happy hour from 14:00 to 17:00 with half-price drinks and flatbreads. Plus weekday food specials. View details.
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬 Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
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