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

Before we get into the week’s events, we want to acknowledge the tragic paragliding crash near Ha Ling Peak. News like this hits close to home in a mountain community, and many of us are reflecting on both the beauty and the risks that come with life and recreation in the Rockies. Our thoughts are with everyone touched by this loss.

There is also plenty happening across Banff and Canmore that reminds us how connected this community is. From conservation success stories like the rise in bald eagle numbers to major investments at the Canmore Nordic Centre, there are signs of resilience and progress all around us.

And as always, there are simple ways to come together. Live music, trivia nights, creative classes, and winter tours are filling the days and evenings, giving us chances to share a laugh, try something new, or just get out of the house for a bit

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🌀️ Today’s Weather

  • Banff: Partly cloudy, high -2 Β°C and low -6 Β°C.

  • Canmore: Partly cloudy, high 1 Β°C and low -4 Β°C.

  • Jasper: Partly cloudy, high 0 Β°C and low -6 Β°C.

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

If you like the idea of being surrounded by mountain scenery but don’t want the effort that comes with camping, Skyridge Glamping sits nicely in between. The private cabins are set in a quiet natural setting, giving you a real sense of being away from it all.

At the same time, they offer the comforts that make a stay easy, like a comfortable bed, a warm bathroom, and space to relax indoors. This works well if you want evenings spent looking out at the landscape, mornings that feel unhurried, and a stay that’s about slowing down rather than filling every hour with activities.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

πŸ”οΈ A paraglider has died following a crash at Ha Ling Peak. Emergency crews were called to the popular Canmore site Sunday morning after witnesses reported the incident. Kananaskis Mountain Rescue assisted in airlifting the individual, but he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

⛷️ Canmore Nordic Centre’s $27.1m upgrade is officially complete. The massive expansion secured the 2029 Biathlon World Cup finals and added a new 200-capacity event building for public and private functions.

πŸ¦… Bald eagle sightings are soaring across Southern Alberta. Thanks to long-term conservation efforts, these iconic raptors have experienced a 600 per cent population increase since 1970 and are no longer considered endangered. In Calgary alone, over 400 eagles were recorded in the latest Christmas Bird Count. While immature birds lack the white head and are often mistaken for golden eagles, they can be identified by their significantly larger beaks.

🎸 Calgary skatepunk band headlines Banff’s local punk scene. Upside Down Man brings their fast, heavy sound to The Pump & Tap Tavern. Catch the high-energy performance during the Banff Punk Night concert series.

πŸ•΅οΈ Lake Louise Inn hosts immersive Murder Mystery Weekend. From 15–17 May, guests can enjoy a full-scale interactive experience featuring role play and suspense. Spaces are limited for this mountain intrigue event, so early booking is highly recommended.

πŸ”₯ Larger wildfires drive record destruction despite fewer ignitions. A national analysis reveals that while fire frequency is down, extreme heat and dry fuels are creating uncontrollable mega-fires. Insurance losses have jumped 1,000 per cent in a decade, impacting premiums in high-risk areas like the Bow Valley.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ Guided Ice Bubbles & Parkway Tour. Skip the stress of winter driving and let a guide take you to the famous frozen bubbles of Abraham Lake. This tour includes snowshoes, warm drinks, and scenic stops at Peyto and Bow Lake. Reserve your spot and enjoy Banff’s winter scenery without the stress.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which Jasper National Park landmark is shown in this photo, famous for its dramatic water level changes?

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

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 take in views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. Along the way, the guide shares stories and points out local wildlife. The ride ends with a cosy fireside stop and a hot drink.

πŸ”οΈ Plan Your Trip

Your Questions Answered!

  1. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself, and our guide will help.

  2. Can I park in Banff? Yes, click to find out how

  3. How do I get to Moraine Lake? Not in a car! Find out how here.

  4. What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.

  5. Are winter encounters with elk common? Yes, especially near roads and open areas where food is easier to find. Stay alert and keep your distance. More advice in our elk safety guide.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Wednesday, January 28

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

18:00 | Fat Bike Ride | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

18:30 | Paint Night: Paint with your Bes-tea | Crock A Doodle | Canmore

19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore

20:30 | Trivia Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown | Canmore

21:30 | Viva La Noche: Latin Party | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

22:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Late Night DJ Set | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Pub | Banff

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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πŸ•οΈ Today’s Quiz Answer

βœ…Answer: 1) Medicine Lake

Yesterday’s Question: 53% of you correctly chose Athabasca Falls.

πŸ“’ The Banff Bulletin

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

♨️ Radium & Marble Canyon Tour - Visit Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, and Kootenay Valley. Was $110, now $88 until Feb 17. Book now

🏞️ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Price drop from $89 to $60 until Feb 15 on this 4.9⭐ rated tour. View deal

πŸ”οΈ 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

🎿 Banff Sunshine Village - Ikon Pass Friends & Family Discount: get up to 50% off lift tickets when purchased by Feb 13, 2026. Find out more

🍸 Employee Pricing, Bridgette Bar Canmore - Get 25% off signature dishes and drinks, including Eat, Apres, Love cocktails. Check it out

πŸ‘‹ 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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