Hi Everyone! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
This Sunday, January 25, The Malcolm Hotel is hosting Rabbie Burns Day at The Stirling Grill & Lounge (5:00 pm) with live music and Scottish food.
Next up, Luigiβs Italian Kitchen opens downtown on January 29 in the old Das Schnitzelhaus spot - homemade pasta, pizza, and lots of gluten-free options.
And if you like craft beer and a big crowd, The Drake Screaming Retriever is doing its taproom grand opening plus a Super Bowl party on Sunday, February 8, from 3:00 pm.
One to plan ahead for: AROABORA takes over Banffβs old train station March 27-28 with electronic music and art installations (4:00 pm-10:00 pm both nights).
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!
π€οΈ Todayβs Weather
Banff: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -7 Β°C and low -13 Β°C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -6 Β°C and low -13 Β°C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -5 Β°C and low -13 Β°C.
π For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.
Lake Louise is one of the must-see destinations in Banff National Park, but access isnβt easy. Staying at the Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most straightforward ways to experience Lake Louise without the usual challenges.
The hotel sits directly on the lakeshore, which means you can enjoy early mornings and quieter evenings once day visitors have left. Many of the areaβs best-known hikes, including routes to Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers, start right outside the hotel.
Itβs also a practical base for visiting Moraine Lake, making it easier to fit in shuttle or guided options without juggling long travel days or early starts from Banff.
ποΈ Fresh from the Rockies
π Electronic beats are coming to Banffβs old train station this March. The AROABORA festival will feature two nights of electronic music and art installations on 27 and 28 March. Running from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, weekend tickets start at $70 and include performances by local and international artists.
π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ The Malcolm Hotel hosts its annual Rabbie Burns Day this Sunday. Celebrate Scottish heritage at The Stirling Grill & Lounge on 25 January with live music and traditional food. A limited number of tickets remain for the 5:00 pm event, so book quickly to secure your seat.
ποΈ National Park reservation dates for 2026 have changed. Key booking windows for camping, shuttles, and guided hikes across Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay have been revised. View the full schedule here to secure your spot.
π A dual grand opening and Super Bowl bash is coming to Canmore. The Drake Screaming Retriever Restaurant & Brewery will host the event on Sunday, 8 February. Starting at 3:00 pm, the taproom celebration features local craft brews, prizes, and game-day vibes.
ποΈ Rescue calls in Kananaskis Country surged to 445 in 2025. With five million visitors last year, officials noted a significant rise in incidents involving hikers and scramblers. Experts recommend sticking to designated trails and carrying satellite communication for better safety.
π Luigiβs Italian Kitchen is set to open in downtown Canmore on 29 January. Moving into the space formerly occupied by Das Schnitzelhaus, the new eatery will feature homemade pastas and pizzas. Chefs are currently finalising a menu that includes diverse gluten-free options for nearly every dish.
βοΈ A Canmore local is promoting the mental benefits of ice plunging. Angela Knox immerses herself daily in frigid waters, claiming it boosts her mood and resilience. Health experts recommend caution for those with underlying heart conditions or cold sensitivities before starting a programme.
π₯ A fire advisory is now in effect for Rocky View County. Dry, windy conditions have triggered a ban on all permit burning and fireworks. Small recreational campfires and barbecues are still permitted within approved facilities while the advisory remains in place.
β Most Popular Last Issue
π How to book the Moraine Lake shuttle for 2026. Launch day is Wednesday, 15 April, at exactly 8:00 am MT. Log in by 7:30 am to enter the virtual waiting room, then navigate to the Parks Canada Day Use tab on a desktop computer to secure your one-hour departure window. Read our step-by-step guide.
ποΈ Quiz
Which of these well-known hot springs is shown in the photo?
Todayβs quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.
Johnston Canyon remains open in winter and, honestly, we think itβs the best time to visit. The frozen waterfalls are spectacular; youβll often see ice climbers on the walls, and the biggest bonus is the quieter trails. Guided tours are available if youβre nervous about winter driving, want to avoid the stress of parking, or simply prefer to leave the planning to someone else.
ποΈ Plan Your Trip
12 Distinctive Hotels, Lodges, and Cabins Near Banff
Banff has no shortage of places to stay, but some are far more memorable than others. Here, we focus on hotels, lodges, and cabins that offer something a bit different, whether that is the setting, the history, or the overall experience.
Fairmont Banff Springs
A grand, historic hotel that feels more like staying in a landmark than a place to sleep. Big public spaces, long corridors, and views that never get old.
Skyridge Glamping
Self-contained glamping cabins with proper bathrooms, kitchens, and floor-to-ceiling mountain views. Feels remote, but without giving up comfort.
Moraine Lake Lodge
One of the few ways to stay right at Moraine Lake once the crowds leave. Rustic cabins and rooms where the setting is the real luxury.
Baker Creek by Basecamp
Creekside cabins tucked into the trees between Banff and Lake Louise. Quiet, cosy, and great for evenings by the fire pit.
Moose Hotel & Suites
Modern and central, with rooftop hot pools that make it feel more distinctive than most Banff hotels. Easy base if you want to be walking distance to everything.
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows
A rare chance to stay beside Johnston Canyon after the day visitors are gone. Simple cabins and lodge rooms in a quiet forest setting.
Mount Engadine Lodge
An all-inclusive alpine lodge south of Canmore with a very remote feel. Known for its food, hiking access, and complete lack of distractions.
Storm Mountain Lodge & Cabins
Historic log cabins with wood stoves and no TVs. Old-school mountain hospitality that feels unchanged in the best way.
Skoki Lodge
A classic backcountry lodge reached only by hiking or skiing in. Communal meals, simple rooms, and a true off-grid experience.
Glacier View Lodge
A modern lodge beside the Columbia Icefield with exclusive after-hours access. Feels very different once the tour buses leave.
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
The only ski-in ski-out hotel in Banff National Park. In winter, itβs all about first tracks; in summer, it feels surprisingly quiet and isolated.
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
Small bungalows and lodge rooms, hidden among the trees near Lake Louise. Peaceful and low-key compared to the bigger hotels nearby.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Saturday, January 24
13:00 |
HeARTwork Workshop: Wearable Edition |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
13:15 |
Wild Life Distillery Tour |
Wild Life Distillery | Canmore
15:00 |
Live Music Afternoon |
Three Bears | Banff
15:30 |
Park Distillery Tour |
Park Distillery | Banff
19:00 |
Movie: Hamlet |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
19:30 |
PLAY DEAD by People Watching |
The Banff Centre | Banff
20:00 |
Live Music Night |
St. James Gate | Banff
21:00 |
Tyler Wood: Live |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
DJ Raven on the Decks |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
The Party Darts |
Rose & Crown | Banff
22:00 |
Fiv5 Elements: Live |
The Drake Screaming Retreiver | Canmore
π Got An Event To Share?
π
Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.
ποΈ Todayβs Quiz Answer
β Answer: 2) Radium Hot Springs
Yesterdayβs Question: Which famous mountain pass is shown in this photo, known for its views of the Ten Peaks and Larch Valley?
β Answer: 72% of you correctly answered Sentinel Pass
π’ The Banff Bulletin
The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.
π³ A free grab-and-go breakfast package is available with stays at Mount Royal Hotel and Elk & Avenue Hotel in Banff. Early starts covered.
π· Stirling Dining Room and Lounge - Daily happy hour from 14:00 to 17:00. Enjoy 25% off all drinks plus daily lunch features from 11:30 to 17:00. Weekly features
π§ Discounted Abraham Ice Bubbles Tour - Visit Abraham, Peyto and Bow Lakes, with snowshoeing. Was $144, now $87 until March 20. Reserve here
ποΈ 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
π Banff Gondola & Lakes Tour - See Lake Louise, Emerald & Minnewanka. 4.9 β rated. Was $109, now $76 until Jan 30. Book now
π Thatβs All For Now π¬
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 | Whatβs On Banff

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