- What's On Banff
- Posts
- This Rare Animal Was Caught on Camera
This Rare Animal Was Caught on Camera
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
January 16, 2026
Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
This week’s update brings a little more buzz than usual across the Bow Valley, and for good reason. Alongside a busy events calendar and classic winter outings, a rare wildlife sighting near Canmore has sparked real interest and conversation locally.
A wolverine captured on camera in the valley bottom is something most people will never see, even after years in the mountains. It’s a reminder of how wild this place still is, and why connected habitat and safe crossings matter so much in a narrow, busy corridor like ours. It’s not everyday news, but it’s worth paying attention to.
Beyond that moment, winter life carries on at a good pace. Jasper is settling into January with seasonal events and snowy trail options, while Banff Sunshine has added a bold late-season event to the spring calendar. For those looking to get outside sooner, Johnston Canyon continues to be a strong winter favourite, with frozen waterfalls and a calmer feel than peak summer.
When evening arrives, things pick up quickly. Live music, hockey, films, and DJs are filling venues across Banff and Canmore tonight.
Banff in January: Read this before planning your trip!
Banff in February: What you need to know!
🌤️ Today’s Weather
Banff: Partly cloudy, high -2 °C and low -7 °C.
Canmore: Partly cloudy, high -1 °C and low -9 °C.
Jasper: Mainly sunny, high -2 °C and low -10 °C.
👉 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.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
🐾 A rare wolverine sighting has thrilled the Canmore community. A remote camera recently captured the elusive animal in the valley bottom. Experts say this highlights the vital need for wildlife crossing structures and protected corridors to support local biodiversity.
❄️ Jasper in January kicks off today for winter fun. Enjoy scenic drives, groomed cross-country ski trails, and guided snowshoe hikes in the mountains. Check the full schedule of events to plan your cosy seasonal getaway.
⛷️ Red Bull Jump & Freeze makes its Canadian debut at Sunshine. On 25 April, participants will launch custom-built sleds into an icy pool. Brazen creators in costume can apply by 6 February to join this wild mountain spectacle.
🔥 Firefighters snuffed out a wildfire near Kananaskis YMCA Wednesday. High winds reignited hot embers from debris piles, prompting a rapid multi-agency response. Officials remind residents to extinguish fires fully, as dry grass and warm temperatures increase winter fire risks.
🎧 Parks Canada’s history podcast returns for a second season. Explore Bow Valley heritage, including Indigenous artefacts uncovered at Waterton Lakes and ranching history. Season two premieres on 15 January; listen to episodes here to discover local stories.
🎨 Call for artists: Shape Canmore’s 2026 downtown pedestrian hub. The town is seeking temporary sculptures and murals to animate Main Street from May to October. This high-visibility opportunity is open for applications until 30 January, offering a chance to connect with thousands of local residents and visitors.
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🐎 Skijoring returns to Banff Avenue! Experience the high-octane spectacle of athletes on skis being pulled by horses through the heart of downtown. The combination of speed, skill, and horses on Banff Avenue makes it one of the most talked-about weekends of the season.
🏕️ Quiz
Which animal is shown in this photo, known for its tufted ears and elusive nature in the Canadian Rockies? |
Today’s quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are two of the most popular Banff destinations, but Moraine Lake has no private vehicle access, and parking at Lake Louise is extremely limited. This half-day tour removes those hurdles by including round-trip transport from Banff and handling access for you.
🏔️ Plan Your Trip
Where to Stay in Banff: From Splurge to Surprisingly Different
Where you stay in Banff has a big impact on how your trip feels. Location, atmosphere, and price all shape your days, especially if you’re visiting during busy seasons or hoping to minimise driving. The good news is that Banff has a wide range of accommodation styles, from iconic luxury to genuinely quirky options you won’t find anywhere else.
If you want to splurge, the headline choice is the Fairmont Banff Springs. Staying here is as much about the experience as the room, with historic interiors, mountain views, a huge spa, and walking access to Bow Falls and surrounding trails. It’s ideal if you want your hotel to feel like part of the trip, not just a place to sleep.
For mid-range comfort without the sticker shock, hotels like the Moose Hotel & Suites and Banff Park Lodge strike a good balance. You’re close to Banff Avenue, rooms are comfortable, and extras like rooftop hot tubs or on-site dining make evenings easy without committing to luxury pricing.
If budget is the priority, Banff still has solid options. The Dorothy Motel offers a fun, retro vibe with modern updates and a location that makes it easy to walk into town. Hostels like the HI Banff Alpine Centre work well for solo travellers or anyone who values shared spaces and affordability over frills.
For something a bit quirky or unusual, look at places that lean into character rather than polish. The Buffalo Mountain Lodge offers wood-burning fireplaces and a lodge-in-the-forest feel, while Hidden Ridge Resort sits higher above town with big views and a quieter, more secluded vibe. These suit travellers who want Banff to feel more alpine retreat than busy resort town.
No matter where you stay, booking early makes a big difference, especially from June to September and around the winter holidays. Choosing the right style of accommodation for how you want to travel often matters more than star ratings.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Today’s main events are listed below. For more details or to view future events, visit our website.
Friday, January 16
21:00 🎶 Blue Remedy: Live - Tavern 1883, Canmore
21:30 🤠 Country Night: Robert Gosse - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
21:00 🎉 Fiesta Friday - Anejo, Banff
22:00 🎧 Friday Night Live DJ LT - High Rollers, Banff
19:00 🏒 Hockey: Canmore Eagles - Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore
19:00 🎸 Live Music Fridays - Moxy Banff, Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music Night - St. James Gate, Banff
19:00 🎤 Mike Petroff - Mineshaft Tavern, Canmore
17:00 🎶 Mister Bird: Live - Canmore Brewing Company, Canmore
22:00 🎶 Mo' Marley - Rose & Crown, Banff
17:30 🎬 Movie: Superman - artsPlace Canmore, Canmore
21:00 🎸 Reed Alton: Live - Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub, Canmore
19:30 🎶 Third Coast Percussion - The Banff Centre, 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) Lynx
The lynx is known for its tufted ears and elusive nature, while cougars are another rarely seen big cat in the Rockies. Learn more in our lynx and cougar guides.
Yesterday’s Question: 57% of you correctly answered Fairview Lookout.
📢 The Banff Bulletin
The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.
🏞️ Banff & Yoho Highlights - Visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Johnston Canyon. Discounted until Jan 30, was $99, now $79. Book now
🌲 50% Off AllTrails Plus - Get offline maps, live alerts and more for half price until Jan 20. Use code NEWYEAR26 for annual plans. Claim offer
🍳 A free grab-and-go breakfast package is available with stays at Mount Royal Hotel and Elk & Avenue Hotel in Banff. Early starts covered.
🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Price drop from $89 to $60 until Jan 21 on this 4.9⭐ rated tour. View deal
🍺 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
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬 Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
💬 Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email.
💡 This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How did you like this issue of What's On Banff? |