Hi Everyone! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
This week brings a mix of outdoor know-how, atmospheric concerts and news that points to even busier seasons ahead in Banff and Canmore.
Looking further ahead, new long-haul international flights planned for Calgary could make it easier than ever for overseas travellers to reach the Rockies. More global visitors means more energy in town, but also busier trails, restaurants and parking lots during peak periods.
Closer to home, todayβs avalanche rescue dog demonstration offers a rare look at real mountain safety in action. Watching these dogs and their handlers work together gives a whole new perspective on winter rescue in the Rockies.
Then in March, candlelight concerts return with live string music, soft lighting and a unique atmosphere. It is an easy way to slow down after a day outdoors and enjoy a relaxed evening in town.
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: Partly cloudy, high 2 Β°C and low -2 Β°C.
Canmore: Partly cloudy, high 4 Β°C and low -1 Β°C.
Jasper: Partly cloudy, high 4 Β°C and low -2 Β°C.
π For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.
When travellers on TripAdvisor rank a hotel as the number one rated place to stay in Banff, itβs usually worth a closer look. In this case, a big part of the appeal is location. Peaks Hotel & Suites is less than a minute from Banff Avenue, so youβre right in the centre of town, with restaurants, cafΓ©s, and shops all within easy walking distance.
Despite being so central, the hotel itself feels calm. You can step straight out into town, then come back to somewhere that feels quiet and relaxed at the end of the day. Everything is set up to keep your stay simple, from contact-free check-in and phone access to your room to underground parking if youβre driving. You also have access to the pool, hot tub, and steam room at Banff Park Lodge just across the street.
ποΈ Fresh from the Rockies
π Watch Java the avalanche rescue dog in action today. The Canmore Museum is hosting a live outdoor demonstration and safety talk at the NWMP Barracks. Meet handler Don at 1:00 pm to learn about winter rescue operations and mountain safety.
π» Adeleβs power ballads and Coldplayβs anthems are getting a classical remix. Local audiences can catch these string quartet performances surrounded by thousands of candles at the historic Banff Springs Hotel on March 6th. It is a 60-minute, multi-sensory take on contemporary hits.
ποΈ Etihadβs new direct link is set to funnel more global travellers into Banff. Starting 3 November 2026, nonstop Abu Dhabi-Calgary flights will bypass European stopovers, offering high-spending Middle Eastern visitors a "hassle-free" gateway to the Alberta Rockies and national parks.
ποΈ Parks Canada seeks public feedback on designs for a reimagined visitor centre. Six innovative proposals for the 200-block of Banff Avenue are currently open for review. Share your thoughts on this central community gathering place online before the 27 February deadline.
π ΏοΈ Canmoreβs paid parking system is getting a digital overhaul this March. Starting 1 March, the Town will transition to PayByPhone for mobile payments. Residents must now activate their three free daily hours via the app or online, as pay machines will no longer support this local benefit.
β Most Popular Last Issue
βοΈ 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 4β8 February, but entry is strictly for hotel guests and locals with a golden ticket.
ποΈ Quiz
Which famous icefield is shown in this photo, located along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper?
Todayβs quiz answer appears at the end of the events section below.
If you donβt want to take on winter driving, this tour is a great way to experience Banff National Park in winter. Youβll spend time at Lake Louise for activities like ice skating or snowshoeing, followed by a stop at Johnston Canyon to see its frozen waterfalls. The focus is on enjoying your experience rather than planning the logistics.
ποΈ Plan Your Trip: Banff & Canmore for Food Lovers
If youβre planning a trip to the mountains, itβs worth looking beyond the scenery and building part of your visit around food. Banff and Canmore offer food-focused experiences that go beyond simply booking a restaurant table, with events like this weekendβs Tribute Banff adding extra energy at certain times of year.
Start by planning one signature food experience. Inside the grand Fairmont Banff Springs, guided tasting tours take you behind the scenes to sample dishes and wines while learning about the hotelβs history.
If you would rather be outdoors, book a wagon ride and open-fire cookout with Banff Trail Riders. You travel through the Bow Valley before sitting down to a classic Alberta-style BBQ by the river. It is relaxed, social and feels very different from a typical dinner out.
For drinks with a local twist, add a stop at Park Distillery. Distillery tours and tastings highlight spirits made with glacier water, and their gin-blending sessions let you create a custom bottle to take home.
Finally, consider a guided walking food tour with Nibble Tours. These small-group tours move between several venues, mixing tastings with stories about the town - ideal during a busy festival weekend when you want structure without stress.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Saturday, January 31
10:55 |
La Bohème |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
13:00 |
TRIBUTE Banff |
Bear Street, Banff | Banff
13:00 |
Avalanche Rescue Dog Demo |
NWMP Barracks | Canmore
13:00 |
9th Birthday Bash |
Canmore Brewing Co | Canmore
19:00 |
Doug Robb: Live |
Moxy Banff | Banff
19:00 |
Hockey: Canmore Eagles |
Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore
20:00 |
Live Music Night |
St. James Gate | Banff
20:00 |
Brian Doucette: Live |
Canmore Hotel | Canmore
21:00 |
Arn Smit: Live |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
Static |
Rose & Crown | Banff
22:00 |
DJ TENAX |
Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore
22:00 |
Club Night: DJ Raven |
High Rollers | Banff
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: 4) Athabasca Glacier
Yesterdayβs Question: Which animal is shown in this photo, commonly spotted foraging in the mountain forests of Western Canada?
β Answer: 82% of you correctly chose Black Bear.
π’ The Banff Bulletin
The best food, tours, and finds across the Park.
ποΈ Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon Half-Day Tour - Price drop from $89 to $60 until Feb 15 on this 4.9β rated tour. View deal
ποΈ Banff, Yoho & Lakes Day Trip - See Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Johnston Canyon & Natural Bridge. 4.9 β Was $99, now $79 until Feb 19. Book now
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
πΏ 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
πΈ Employee Pricing, Bridgette Bar Canmore - Get 25% off signature dishes and drinks, including Eat, Apres, Love cocktails. Check it out
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

π¬ Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email.
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