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

Winter is really showing off right now, and there is no better example than the incredible Ice Magic festival at Lake Louise. Massive blocks of ice are being transformed into dragons, castles, and creatures that look like they belong in a fantasy film. It is one of those events that makes you stop, stare, and take far too many photos.

While artists are carving magic out of ice, scientists are watching a different side of winter unfold. New research suggests our mountain snowpack is becoming thinner and less reliable in some areas. It is a quiet shift, but an important one, especially for the rivers, wildlife, and communities that depend on that snow later in the year.

On a sweeter note, The Fudgery is marking 50 years of treats in Banff and Canmore. Generations of visitors have walked in "just to look" and walked out with a box of fudge. It is a fun local milestone worth celebrating.

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 2 Β°C and low -4 Β°C.

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

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

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

Visiting the most famous lakes in the Rockies involves significant logistical planning, particularly with the restricted access to Moraine Lake and limited parking at Lake Louise. This tour simplifies the process by handling all transportation and shuttle coordination for you.

You can visit both iconic lakes as well as Johnston Canyon, Emerald Lake, and the Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. The route is planned to make the most of the day, with time to walk lakeshore trails, take photos, and enjoy a relaxed lunch stop in Lake Louise Village.

If you’re short on time and prefer not to deal with the hassle of coordinating multiple locations, this could be a great option.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

❄️ Get ready to witness frozen sorcery at the Lake Louise shoreline. Watch world-class artists wield chainsaws and chisels to resurrect dragons and mythical beasts from massive ice blocks. This crystalline kingdom is open 4–8 February, but entry is strictly for hotel guests and locals with a golden ticket, and don't forget, the mandatory shuttle is your only way into this sub-zero fairytale.

🍭 The Fudgery celebrates 50 years of sweet success. Since opening in 1976, this local favourite has served handmade fudge and truffles in Banff and Canmore. Indulge in a signature treat as they mark this golden anniversary.

🍻 Score an epic Banff holiday with Phillips Brewing. Win a two-night stay at the Royal Canadian Lodge plus Mt Norquay lift and tubing passes. Enter at participating Alberta liquor stores or bars before this giveaway closes on 22 February.

🐺 Coyotes are looking for love in the Banff townsite. Mating season means extra-territorial predators might be scoping out your backyard for den sites. Keep your pets leashed and stay coyote aware by reporting any bold, approaching animals to Banff Dispatch immediately.

❄️ A quiet "snow drought" is threatening the Rockies' primary water supply. New research from Concordia University warns that mountain snowpack in Banff and Kananaskis is becoming thinner and less reliable. Significant declines in 14% of high-altitude areas are putting downstream farmers and local ecosystems at risk.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚲 Johnston Canyon E-Bike & Walking Tour. Combine a scenic ride, canyon hike, and shuttle drive into one effortless half-day adventure. Cruise past Vermilion Lakes on an e-bike before exploring the Lower Falls on foot. Book now to explore Banff National Park with ease.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which animal is shown in this photo, commonly spotted foraging in the mountain forests of Western Canada?

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

This guided winter e-bike tour is a simple way to spend time outdoors while seeing Banff from a new angle. The wide tyres add stability on snow, and the electric assist provides extra help when needed. No experience needed!

πŸ”οΈ Plan Your Trip

Lesser-Known Things To Do Near Banff

Abraham Lake

If you’ve already seen the big names like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and taken the Banff Gondola, here are some great alternatives that offer amazing scenery and memorable experiences with fewer crowds.

  1. Emerald Lake (Yoho National Park)
    A brilliant turquoise lake with an easy shoreline loop trail. You can also rent a canoe in summer and enjoy peaceful mountain views away from the busiest hotspots.

  2. Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay
    A guided climbing experience using fixed cables, ladders and bridges. It’s adventurous but accessible, and gives you huge views over Banff without needing technical climbing skills.

  3. Ink Pots Hike (via Johnston Canyon)
    Most visitors stop at the waterfalls, but continuing on leads to open meadows and colourful mineral springs bubbling up from the ground.

  4. Float the Bow River (summer)
    A favourite local activity on warm days. Drift along the river from Canmore for a relaxing way to enjoy the mountain scenery. Always check conditions and use proper safety gear.

  5. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
    A great indoor stop that explores the art, culture and history of the mountain region - often overlooked by visitors focused only on outdoor activities.

  6. Abraham Lake
    Located along the David Thompson Highway, this bright blue lake is famous in winter for frozen methane bubbles trapped in the ice and offers dramatic scenery year-round.

  7. Bankhead Ghost Town
    An easy interpretive walk through the remains of a once-busy coal mining town beneath Cascade Mountain. Information signs bring the area’s history to life.

  8. Canmore Cave Tours
    Head underground into Rat’s Nest Cave on a guided adventure that includes scrambling, squeezing through narrow passages and even rappelling on some tours.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Friday, January 30

16:00 | TRIBUTE Banff | Bear Street, Banff | Banff

17:00 | Andy Perrin: Live | Canmore Brewing | Canmore

18:00 | Rose & The Dreamboats: Live | Sheepdog Brewing | Canmore

19:00 | Live Music Fridays | Moxy Banff | Banff

19:00 | Friday Bingo | Canmore Legion | Canmore

19:00 | Open Mic Night | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Hockey: Canmore Eagles | Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore

19:00 | EXIT 91 | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:30 | Music: Sundog | The Banff Centre | Banff

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

21:00 | Arn Smit: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Static | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | DJ Bunny Hops | The Taproom | Banff

22:00 | Friday Night Vibes DJ LT | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Mike Burns: Live | Rose & Crown | Canmore

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: 2) Black Bear

Before hitting the trails, it’s worth refreshing your bear safety basics.

Yesterday’s Question: Which mountain town centre is shown in this photo?

βœ…Answer: 66% of you correctly chose Canmore.

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

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

❄️ Winter in the Rockies, Malcolm Hotel, Canmoe - Save 10% on 2 nights or 15% on 3+ nights. Valid Dec 1, 2025 - Apr 30, 2026. Book now or check the reviews first.

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

🍷 Murrieta's Happy Hour, Canmore - Sun-Thurs, 14:00-17:00. $6 beers, $7 wines, and $15 pizzas in a refined lodge-style space. Full 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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