Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
One skier's story is making the rounds after they were caught in a sudden avalanche on the Vortex run near Lake Louise. They were buried waist-deep and lost both skis - but somehow walked away uninjured. A powerful reminder of how quickly things can change in the mountains. See the full video.
Skijoring brought out a massive crowd - over 10,000 people packed Banff's core to catch the high-speed action. The turnout overwhelmed traffic and parking, and local officials are already planning updates for how to handle the next one.
Need some quiet after all that buzz? The Lake Louise rink is officially open. You can rent skates on-site and cruise across the ice with a glacier view that's hard to beat.
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 -8 °C and low -13 °C.
Canmore: Partly cloudy, high -4 °C and low -12 °C.
Jasper: Partly cloudy, high -7 °C and low -15 °C.
👉 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.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
❄️ Skier survives Class 2 avalanche near Lake Louise. A skier was buried to their waist on the Vortex run at 2450 metres. They managed to walk away uninjured despite losing both skis in the deep slab slide.
⛷️ Skijoring event pushed Banff townsite beyond capacity last weekend. Over 10,000 visitors caused gridlock and parking chaos in the town centre. Officials are launching a comprehensive review to improve future safety and traffic management.
🐺 Coyote mating season has begun in Banff National Park. Expect increased activity near forested areas as animals select den sites. Residents should leash pets and secure backyards to reduce potential conflict during this territorial period.
🚁 Drone pilot fined for illegal Lake Louise flight. A man was fined $2,000 for flying a drone in the park. Experts warn of illegal aviation risks to helicopters conducting vital rescue and avalanche control missions.
⛸️ The iconic Lake Louise Ice Rink is officially open. Skate beneath Victoria Glacier for a quintessential winter experience. The on-site rental shop is available daily from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM for those needing to hire equipment.
🔥 Banff considers a high-pressure sprinkler system to tackle wildfires. Officials are investigating a high-volume water line for the south side to bolster community protection. Conversations are ongoing for the strategy, though implementation is unlikely before the end of 2026.
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🐕 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.
🏕️ Quiz
Which town is shown in this photo featuring the Policeman’s Creek boardwalk?
Today’s quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.
Visiting the Rockies’ most famous lakes often involves careful planning, especially with restricted access to Moraine Lake and limited parking at Lake Louise. This tour allows you to visit both iconic lakes, along with Johnston Canyon, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Bridge.
🏔️ Plan Your Trip
Banff for Toddlers
Banff is often described as a playground for adults, but it is remarkably well-suited for toddlers. The secret is focusing on low-elevation, sensory-rich activities and choosing accommodation that prioritises "kid-approved" features over formal luxury.
Where to Stay
Moose Hotel and Suites: Located on Banff Avenue, this hotel features "kid-approved" suites with kitchenettes for essential snacks and a rooftop pool that is a huge hit with families.
Hidden Ridge Resort: These apartments on Tunnel Mountain offer full kitchens and extra space, allowing toddlers to roam freely without the constraints of a traditional hotel room.
Douglas Fir Resort: A local family favourite due to its indoor water park, which includes a dedicated kiddie pool and shallow areas perfect for young children.
Best Toddler Activities
The Adventure and Nature Playground: Located at the Banff Recreation Grounds, this natural play area features log tunnels, tree towers, and a Golden Eagle nest designed for safe, nature-based exploration.
Banff Gondola: Children under five ride for free. If you visit before 12 PM, you can take advantage of the Family Experience, which includes interactive exhibits at the summit.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise: This one-hour tour is the perfect length for short attention spans. Look for the "Family Experience" cruise where kids sail free and receive colouring sheets.
Fenland Trail: A flat, 2km loop through a maze-like forest. It is wide and level, making it ideal for strollers or pulling a sled during the winter months.
Tips for Families
Pack a child carrier: While many town trails are stroller-friendly, a hiking backpack makes it much easier to navigate the elevated boardwalks at Johnston Canyon.
Go early: Visit popular spots like the Central Park playground or Bow Falls first thing in the morning to let your toddler explore at their own pace before the crowds arrive.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Today’s Events are listed below. For more details and to view future events, visit our website.
Wednesday, January 21
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
15:30 🥃 Park Distillery Tour - Park Distillery, Banff
18:00 🎤 Open Mic Night - Wild Life Distillery, Canmore
18:00 🚵 Mountain Bike Ride - Canmore Brewing Company
19:00 🗣️ Conversation Series: Margo Kane - The Banff Centre
19:00 🎤 Open Mic Night - The Local, Canmore
19:00 🎲 Bingo Night! - Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore
19:00 🎭 Film: Come See Me in the Good Light - artsPlace Canmore
20:30 ❓ Trivia with Awale - Tavern 1883, Canmore
21:00 🎧 What So Not: Live - Melissa's MisSteak, Banff
21:00 🎸 Open Mic/Jam Night - Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub, Canmore
22:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Strength - 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: 2) Canmore
Canmore’s Policeman’s Creek boardwalk is a scenic town walk with riverside views. Plan your visit with our Policeman’s Creek Trail guide.
Yesterday’s Question:
Which lake is shown in this photo, popular for swimming and paddleboarding in summer and wild skating in winter?
Answer: Johnson Lake - 32% Correct
📢 The Banff Bulletin
The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.
🏞️ Banff National Park Full-Day Trip - Includes Lake Louise and the Johnston Canyon icewalk. Was $120, now $96 until Jan 28. View deal
🏔️ Mount Engadine Lodge - Save 33% on 3 nights or 15% on 2 nights (Sun-Thu). Kananaskis wilderness stay with all meals included. Book your stay
🧊 Discounted Abraham Ice Bubbles Tour - Visit Abraham, Peyto and Bow Lakes, with snowshoeing. Was $144, now $87 until March 20. Reserve here
🎥 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
🍹 Park Distillery Happy Hour - Daily from 15:00 to 17:00. Enjoy 50% off cocktails, $9 wines, $6.99 pints, and select food deals. View menu
👋 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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