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Insane Traffic Chaos in Banff - Skijoring Weekend Breaks Town

🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊

Author

Kevin J
January 18, 2026

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

Hope your weekend wasn’t spent stuck in a lineup of brake lights. If you were anywhere near Banff on Saturday, you know exactly what we mean - skijoring crowds turned the highway into a full-on parking lot before lunchtime. 🚗💥

And if you're thinking of driving downtown this summer, brace yourself: Banff parking rates are set to soar to $12 an hour in peak season. Town Council says it's about funding transit, but it’s definitely sparking some spicy conversations. 🔥

On top of that, a deep freeze is on the way. After weeks of mild temps, we're heading into the minus twenties next weekend. Time to dig out the real winter layers.

There’s plenty more going on, from winter sleigh rides to live music and happy hour deals - so if you're not frozen solid, scroll down and explore the full lineup of Banff happenings.

There is plenty more happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

  • Banff: Mostly sunny, high -2 °C and low -8 °C.

  • Canmore: Mostly sunny, high -1 °C and low -9 °C.

  • Jasper: Mostly sunny, high -1 °C and low -9 °C.

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

Photo Credit: Robert Massey/Banff Lake Louise Tourism

This family-friendly horse-drawn sleigh ride is a lovely way to enjoy a classic Banff winter experience. You'll bundle up under warm blankets and let the horses do the work as you travel through snow-covered mountain meadows.

Along the way, there are open views towards Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain, with a good chance of spotting elk or deer in the quieter winter landscape. The pace is gentle and suits all ages, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with family or just want something low-effort.

The ride finishes back at the stables with time to warm up by the campfire and enjoy a hot drink

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏔️ Insane traffic chaos hit Banff on Saturday. Massive queues for Skijoring turned the highway into a car park before lunch. If you missed the chaos, check yesterday’s reports before heading out for the final festival showcases today.

🅿️ Banff parking rates will soar to $12 this summer. The Town Council approved a 71% increase for the peak tourist season starting in May. The move aims to fund Roam transit and reduce downtown congestion, while off-season prices remain unchanged.

🥶 A significant cold front will reach Alberta next weekend. Bow Valley temperatures are set to drop into the early minus twenties. This significant weather change follows a record-breaking warm spell.

🐕 A fatal trapping incident near Radium prompts safety calls. Local hikers should exercise extreme caution on forest service roads. A couple is campaigning for change after their dog was killed by this deadly trap.

🏇 Banff SnowDays kicked off with a vibrant skijoring exhibition. Thousands gathered near the town centre to watch riders and sliders showcase this historic sport. Celebrations continue until 8 February at this popular event.

❄️ Kananaskis hosts Winter Safety Day today. Alberta Parks and search groups will offer survival skills training at Canoe Meadows. This educational programme includes mock avalanche rescues and fire pits from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🧊 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.

🏕️ Quiz

Which lake is shown in this photo, popular for swimming and paddleboarding in summer and wild skating in winter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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

If you’ve seen photos of frozen ice bubbles and wondered how people actually get there, this guided winter tour removes the guesswork. The route includes time at Abraham Lake to see the natural ice bubbles up close, plus stops at Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Banff vs Canmore 2026

Choosing between Banff and Canmore shapes your daily rhythm. Banff is a resort town designed for visitors, while Canmore is a functioning mountain community where people live year-round. Your choice determines how early you set your alarm and how often you get back into the car.

Where to Stay

2026 Logistics Comparison

  • Parking: Banff is designed for visitors, but parking is limited; staying central allows for a car-optional trip.

  • Space: Canmore accommodation leans heavily toward condo-style lodging with more space and practical comforts.

  • Commute: Staying in Canmore adds 30 to 40 minutes of driving every day to travel back and forth to the National Park.

  • Atmosphere: Banff is lively and tourist-focused. Canmore is more residential and generally quieter in the evenings.

  • Access: Banff is closer to icons like Lake Louise. Canmore offers direct access to Kananaskis Country.

Families often prefer Canmore for the condo-style units or hotels like Pocaterra, which make mornings easier and offer kid-friendly amenities.

However, if you want to avoid driving, Banff's walkability puts you steps away from restaurants and shops.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

Sunday, January 18

11:00 ❄️ Winter Safety Day - Canmore Meadows Day Use Area (off Hwy 40)
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
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan, Banff
19:30 🎶 Bellbird: Live Music - artsPlace Canmore
20:00 🎵 Music Bingo with Sam - Tavern 1883, Canmore
21:00 🎉 Sunday Funday: Party - High Rollers, Banff
21:30 🎧 Sunday Funday: Adam Doubleyou - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
22:00 🎶 C. Series & Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff

Monday, January 19

15:30 🥃 Park Distillery Tour - Park Distillery, Banff
19:00 ❓ Trivia Night - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
19:00 ❄️ Avalanche Awareness Night 2026 - The Banff Centre, Banff
19:00 🏒 Hockey: Canmore Eagles - Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore
20:00 ❓ Monday Trivia - High Rollers, Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears, Banff
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎶 C. Series & Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - The Drake Screaming Retreiver, Canmore

Tuesday, January 20

15:30 🥃 Park Distillery Tour - Park Distillery, Banff
19:00 ❓ Trivia Tuesday - Rose & Crown, Canmore
19:00 🎭 Movie: Roofman - artsPlace Canmore, Canmore
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night at Mels - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
22:00 🎶 Jesse Peters - 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: 1) Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is a local favourite for swimming, paddleboarding and winter skating. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth checking out nearby Lake Minnewanka.

Yesterday’s Question: 69% of you correctly chose “Big Head”.

📢 The Banff Bulletin

🚠 Banff Gondola & Lakes Tour - See Lake Louise, Emerald & Minnewanka. 4.9 ⭐ rated. Was $109, now $76 until Jan 30. Book now

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

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

🏞️ Banff National Park Full-Day Trip - Includes Lake Louise and the Johnston Canyon icewalk. Was $120, now $96 until Jan 28. View deal

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.

Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff

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