Is Canmore’s Vacancy Tax Unfair?

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

The start of January always feels like a reset in the Rockies, but this issue has a couple of curveballs worth keeping an eye on. The remote-work era that gave Banff and Canmore a lively mid-week pulse may be cooling down, and if that’s true, you might notice the valley settling into a quieter Monday to Thursday routine again.

At the same time, Canmore’s vacancy tax is on the table for debate again, and the direction council takes could change the tone of the whole second-home conversation. It’s one of those topics where the details matter, and the ripple effects show up fast.

On the lighter side, there’s a simple win: Canalta Lodge is offering 20 per cent off Monday to Thursday stays, which is a handy option if you’re trying to dodge the weekend crunch and actually enjoy a slower Banff visit. It also says something about how demand is shifting right now.

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!

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mainly sunny, high -1 °C and low -6 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high 2 °C and low -3 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy, high -2 °C and low -12 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Planning a Family Adventure in Banff and Lake Louise

A family trip to Banff and Lake Louise works best when the pace is realistic and the days are well balanced. The scenery is big, but trying to squeeze too much into each day can quickly lead to tired legs and short tempers. Short drives, flexible plans, and a mix of active and relaxed stops make a noticeable difference.

Many of the most family-friendly experiences are easy to slot into a day without much effort. Riding the Banff Gondola, walking Johnston Canyon, or wandering around Bow Falls all deliver big views without long hikes. Time at Lake Louise can be kept simple with a lakeshore stroll, winter skating, or a short canoe paddle in summer, with plenty of space to pause and enjoy the scenery. Wildlife spotting along the Bow Valley Parkway, stopping at Cascade Ponds, or exploring Banff Avenue adds variety without overloading the schedule.

Guided activities are often a good call for families. Sleigh rides, boat cruises, rafting trips, and wildlife tours set the pace for you and remove the need to plan the next move constantly. On colder days or when energy dips, warm-up stops like Banff Upper Hot Springs or indoor attractions such as the Banff Park Museum help reset the day.

By spreading activities out and leaving room for downtime, families tend to enjoy the experience more and remember the trip as relaxed and fun rather than rushed.

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which lake is shown in this photo, known for its striking turquoise colour and dramatic mountain backdrop?

✅Answer: 4) Moraine Lake - 61% Correct

Moraine Lake is famous for its vivid turquoise colour and dramatic mountain setting. Find out how to get to Moraine Lake and what to expect in our Moraine Lake Guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏔️ Remote work gave Banff and Canmore a mid-week buzz - now it’s fading. With banks, tech giants, and Alberta’s public service ending work-from-anywhere life, expect less Monday-Thursday action and a reset to the old calm-before-the-weekend chaos.

🏔️ Canmore’s vacancy tax could get a major rewrite. Council will debate narrowing the tax to non-Albertan second homeowners only, cutting millions from projected housing funds and reopening big questions about fairness, affordability, and who really pays to live here.

🏔️ The secret to a calmer Banff stay might be mid-week. Canalta Lodge is offering 20 per cent off Monday to Thursday stays, making it easier to dodge weekend traffic and actually enjoy the mountains at a slower, quieter pace. Read the reviews.

🌶️ Fiesta Friday is back at Anejo Banff. Happy hour turns into a full-blown dance party on January 16 with six DJs taking over the decks. Cheap entry, spicy vibes, and a night that definitely escalates faster than planned.

❄️ Sip your way through winter in Banff and Lake Louise. From Nov 13 to Feb 8, the Hot Chocolate Trail invites you to sample 30-plus festive hot chocolates, best enjoyed slowly, sustainably, and preferably with cold hands.

🏔️ Fresh music, mountain energy, zero ticket cost. This free Banff Centre concert showcases artists-in-residence sharing brand-new compositions shaped by collaboration, experimentation, and alpine inspiration. One night only, and very much a you-had-to-be-there kind of vibe.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🍽️ This food workshop sold out - then added more spots. Demand was wild for this hands-on cooking night, so a few extra seats just opened for a Chilean and Peruvian cuisine workshop where you cook together, eat together, and leave with leftovers.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS | BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS |

Sunday, January 4

14:00 | Historical Presentation | Ralph Connor Memorial United Church | Canmore

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

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

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

21:00 | Sunday Funday (Party) | Melissa's Missteak | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff

Monday, January 5

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

19:00 | Trivia Night | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

20:00 | Monday Trivia | High Rollers | Banff

20:00 | Live Music Night | Three Bears | Banff

21:00 | Open Mike Night | The Beaver | Banff

22:00 | DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax | High Rollers | Banff

Tuesday, January 6

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

19:00 | Trivia Tuesday | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

19:30 | JP Cormier | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

21:30 | Banff Punk Night | The Pump & Tap Tavern | Banff

22:00 | DJ Styler Nazo | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Karaoke Night at Mels | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

📅 Got An Event To Share?

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

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