The Bar That's Made of Ice

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

This issue leans hard into winter in the Rockies, from food and drink to wildlife and outdoor events. If cold weather calls for comfort food and unusual après plans, you’re in the right place.

Let’s start with the ice bar at Lake Louise. The Polar Ice Palace is open, built from thousands of pounds of ice and sitting right at the base of the ski hill. It’s equal parts novelty and proper après, especially once the music kicks in.

Then there’s poutine. Jasper’s Poutine Showdown is back this month, with local restaurants putting their own spin on the classic. With nearly twenty entries, it’s less about picking a winner and more about enjoying the excuse to try something new. Can’t make the event? This video might change your mind.

Away from food and drink, there’s an update on Banff’s elk herd, with numbers climbing above long-standing population targets. It’s an interesting snapshot of how wildlife management plays out in real time, even during the quieter months.

Add in skijoring, live music across Banff and Canmore, tours, and winter experiences, and today’s list fills up quickly.

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!

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🌤️ Today’s Weather

• Banff: Mostly sunny, high 1 °C and low -5 °C.

• Canmore: Mostly sunny, high 4 °C and low -5 °C.

• Jasper: Mostly sunny, high 2 °C and low -6 °C.

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

🚠 Take the Ride of a Lifetime with the Banff Gondola

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!

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🦌 Banff elk count hits 166, exceeding population targets. While numbers are down since 2018, the herd remains above the 150-animal minimum. Parks Canada continues monitoring for chronic wasting disease, though no cases have been detected locally.

🍟 The Poutine Showdown returns to Jasper this month. Sample 19 unique varieties at local restaurants for the Jasper in January festival. View the video to rate your favourites and help crown a winner.

🧊 Lake Louise's Polar Ice Palace offers ultimate après-ski vibes. Located at the base near the WhiskyJack deck, the bar is carved from 100,000 pounds of ice. Enjoy cool ambience and live DJs at this bucket-list mountain destination.

🔥 Fire advisories and restrictions are increasing across Southern Alberta. Dry, warm conditions have prompted new alerts in Rocky View County and beyond. Both the Town of Banff and the National Park remain under long-term fire restrictions as officials urge extreme caution.

🐎 Banff Trail Riders are now hiring for the Summer 2026 season. Available roles include trail guides, mule packers, backcountry hosts, and cooks. Visit their job post to apply and secure your place in Canada's first national park.

🚧 Wildfire risk reduction work continues at Spray Middle Springs. Expect smoke, heavy machinery, and logging trucks in the area. Please respect all signage and temporary trail restrictions to ensure crew and public safety.

⚠️ Snaring River Bridge will close for construction this Monday. From 19 January to 6 February, the bridge will be closed to all traffic, making Celestine Lake Road and the Moberly Homestead inaccessible. Please check road conditions and obey all signage; emergency access will be maintained throughout the works.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🐾 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.

🏕️ Quiz

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

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the must-see destinations in Banff National Park, but access isn’t easy. Staying at the Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most straightforward ways to experience Lake Louise without the usual challenges. The hotel is also the starting point for many of the area’s best-known hikes, and a practical base for visiting Moraine Lake.

Find out more about this iconic hotel

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Plan Your Trip: Golden Larch Season

Autumn in Banff is brief but breathtaking. To see the needles turn gold, you must plan for the last two weeks of September. This period is still busy; here is how to navigate it smoothly.

Where to Stay

• The Rimrock Resort: Perfect for escaping the town centre crowds while staying close to the Hot Springs.

• Hidden Ridge Resort: Ideal for families, featuring full kitchens and outdoor hot tubs with incredible views of Mount Rundle.

• Mount Royal Hotel: Stay right on Banff Avenue to be steps away from the best dining and the Roam Transit hubs.

7-Day Golden Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive, explore Banff Avenue, and walk the Bow Falls trail.

• Day 2: Early start at Johnston Canyon to see the waterfalls before the crowds arrive.

• Day 3: The main event. Visit Lake Louise for the Saddleback Pass larch hike.

• Day 4: Reserve a shuttle to Moraine Lake. Hike to Larch Valley - it is the most iconic golden vista in the Rockies.

• Day 5: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake; look for the dusting of "summer snow" on the peaks.

• Day 6: Visit Canmore. Walk the Grassi Lakes Trail for brilliant turquoise waters and family-friendly terrain.

• Day 7: Ride the Banff Gondola for a final 360-degree view of the golden valley before departing.

Best for Families The Fenland Trail is a flat, easy loop through the forest, perfect for little legs. After your walk, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs to soak. For a bit of history, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site offers interactive exhibits that keep children engaged while teaching them about the park's origins.

Read the full guide.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 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 |

Saturday, January 17

12:00 🍹 Skijoring Patio Party - Fat Ox, Banff
12:00 🏔️ Skijoring Roof Top Party - Rose & Crown, Banff
13:15 🥃 Wild Life Distillery Tour - Wild Life Distillery, Canmore
14:00 🐎 Skijoring in Banff - Banff High School Field
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
15:30 🥃 Park Distillery Tour - Park Distillery, Banff
18:30 💃 Eagles Blue & White Night - Canmore Legion
20:00 🎸 Live Music Night - St. James Gate, Banff
21:30 🤠 Country Night: Robert Gosse - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Raven on the Decks - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎶 DJ TENAX - Rose & Crown, Canmore
22:00 🎤 Mo' Marley - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🥥 Coconut Cowboy Apres Party - Tommy's Pub, 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: 1) Big Head

The “Big Head” sculpture is a well-known piece of public art in downtown Canmore. Learn more about it in our Canmore Big Head Sculpture Guide.

Yesterday’s Question: 71% of you correctly chose Lynx

📢 The Banff Bulletin

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

🏰 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Spring savings now running at Fairmont Banff Springs, with limited-time hotel offers & special rates for select stays. View spring deals

🏔️ Full-day Columbia Icefield tour covering Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake and Icefields Parkway stops. Glacier Skywalk is optional. Discounted til 30th Jan.

🏞️ 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

🌲 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

🍕 Crazyweed Kitchen Happy Hour - Enjoy 50% off drinks and 25% off appetisers daily from 14:00 to 17:00. Full Details

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