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

We have a packed issue today, starting with a little friendly rivalry. The Banff vs Canmore debate is heating up again, as people compare nightlife, scenery, and day-to-day mountain living. It is always fun to see how different visitors and locals describe their perfect base in the Rockies. Do people prefer Banff’s iconic resort-town buzz or Canmore’s laid-back community charm?

Banff Upper Hot Springs is still closed, and the lack of fresh updates is starting to stand out. Reopening has been pushed into 2026, but beyond that, details have been scarce. For many travellers, it is a must-do stop, so the quiet has people watching closely for any sign of progress.

Even with that pause, there is lots to be excited about. Winter adventures, local gatherings, and seasonal events are keeping the social calendar busy across Banff and Canmore. It is a great time to try something new or revisit a favourite spot.

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

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🌀️ Today’s Weather

  • Banff: Partly cloudy, high -1 Β°C and low -6 Β°C.

  • Canmore: Partly cloudy, high 2 Β°C and low -4 Β°C.

  • Jasper: Partly cloudy, high 2 Β°C and low -5 Β°C.

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

This tour brings together a bike ride, a canyon walk, and a scenic drive into one easy half-day. The e-bikes make it possible to enjoy the views without it feeling like a workout. You’ll ride at a relaxed pace through places such as Vermilion Lakes and along the Bow Valley Parkway.

At Johnston Canyon, the focus shifts from riding to walking. The bikes are left behind, and you follow the trail on foot to the Lower Falls with time to enjoy the canyon scenery. You then return to Banff via shuttle.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

πŸ”οΈ The ultimate Rockies showdown: Banff vs Canmore. Whether you prefer Banff’s iconic resort-town buzz or Canmore’s laid-back community charm, each town offers a unique mountain vibe. From nightlife and convenience to affordability and peace, see which base camp wins your heart.

♨️ Banff’s iconic soak remains on ice for now. Parks Canada confirmed that the Banff Upper Hot Springs remains closed for essential upgrades. While maintenance was originally slated to finish in December 2025, additional structural issues have pushed the expected reopening to early 2026. No firmer date has been released as of 27 January 2026.

🚲 Banff pedal-pushers get a boost for winter riding. Council is funnelling $10,000 into the Bike All Winter programme. The initiative helps locals swap four wheels for two with free studded tyres and gear to keep the town car-light.

πŸ”₯ Fire's back on the menu in Rocky View. Thanks to a fresh blanket of snow, officials have extinguished the fire advisory. Residents can now ditch the restrictions and return to permit burning across both east and west regions.

⛷️ Kananaskis trails are hosting a sighted-guide symphony. Over 80 athletes have gathered for the Ski for Light Canada festival. Visually impaired skiers are shredding groomed tracks with volunteer guides, proving that winter freedom is a team sport.

πŸ”οΈ Bow Valley shredders crush powder and fundraising goals. Locals raised $33,600 for Jasper wildfire relief during SkiBig3’s Community Ski Days. 100% of proceeds from the cut-price lift tickets are heading north to support the Caring Community Fund.

πŸŽ₯ Adventure films and pints are pairing up in Canmore. On 7 February, Canmore Brewing Company hosts the Adventure Film Collective Series. Enjoy four epic tales of Rockies climbing, winter biking, and Alaskan skiing for just Β£10 in advance.

🎨 Canmore is brushing up on its public art strategy. A new plan aims to make local installations more Indigenous-informed and coordinated. Proposed changes include a "one per cent for art" funding model for major capital projects to keep the town’s creative spirit thriving.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

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.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which mountain town centre is shown in this photo?

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

Access and parking are a real challenge in summer at places such as Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, where access is restricted, and car parks can fill up before sunrise. This hop-on, hop-off bus lets you move between key stops at your own pace, with guaranteed seating and no driving stress.

πŸ”οΈ Plan Your Trip

10 Ways to Reach Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, but its popularity means access requires a solid strategy. To ensure a smooth visit, here are 10 reliable ways to reach the shoreline, reordered for your planning:

  1. Parks Canada Shuttle: This remains the most reliable method for a stress-free visit, though you must secure reservations well in advance.

  2. Hop On Hop Off: A shuttle service that allows you to explore multiple iconic park locations, including Lake Louise, at your own pace.

  3. Staying at the Lake: Booking accommodation directly at the lakeshore provides the ultimate convenience, allowing you to walk to the water whenever you like.

  4. WowBanff: A unique sightseeing option featuring an open-top bus that provides an immersive mountain view during the journey to the lake.

  5. Roam Public Transit: The 8X Express route provides year-round service from Banff, while the 8S Scenic route offers a slower pace on summer weekends.

  6. Private Shuttle: Specialised companies offer direct, comfortable, and personalised transport services.

  7. Personal Vehicle (Early or Late Arrival): If driving, you must arrive before 7:00 am to find a $42 parking spot or wait until the evening to avoid the heaviest crowds.

  8. Private Tour: These guided experiences handle all the logistics for you while providing professional local insights into the area.

  9. Hiking: For an active alternative, you can trek up from Lake Louise Village using the Louise Creek Trail or the Tramline Trail to avoid vehicle traffic.

  10. Cycling: You can reach the lakeshore on two wheels by riding the scenic Bow Valley Parkway and using local paved paths like the Tramline.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Thursday, January 29

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

17:00 | Chess Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

18:00 | Live Music: Steph O'Dette | The Bison | Banff

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

19:00 | Musicians in Residence | The Banff Centre | Banff

19:00 | Trivia Night | The Blake Brewhouse & Distillery | Canmore

19:30 | Ladom Ensemble | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

20:00 | Irish Night: Live Music | St. James Gate | Banff

21:00 | DJ Palf | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | Magpie & Stump | Banff

22:00 | Thirsty Thursday Party | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

22:00 | Static | Rose & Crown | Banff

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

πŸ•οΈ Today’s Quiz Answer

βœ…Answer: 4) Canmore

If you’re planning a visit, you might enjoy these easy Canmore hikes.

Yesterday’s Question: Which Jasper National Park landmark is shown in this photo, famous for its dramatic water level changes?

βœ…Answer: 38% of you correctly chose Medicine Lake.

πŸ“’ The Banff Bulletin

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

🧊 Discounted Abraham Ice Bubbles Tour - Visit Abraham, Peyto and Bow Lakes, with snowshoeing. Was $143, now $82 until March 21. Reserve here

πŸ”οΈ Banff, Yoho & Lakes Day Trip - See Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon & Natural Bridge. 4.9 ⭐ Was $99, now $79 until Feb 19. Book now

🏰 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

🎿 Kids Ski Free at Marmot Basin, Jasper - All kids 12 and under ski and ride free Monday-Friday all season long, with free rentals too. Learn more

🍻 Happy Hour at The Corner Pub, Canmore - Tuesday to Friday, 2-5 pm. $7.50 draft beers and food specials from $11. View details

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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