Hey Banff! There's a Lot to Talk About This Week...
This week's hot topics? A $25,000 fine if you're caught where you shouldn't be, peak season traffic overload, and the eternal Banff parking puzzle. But don't worry - not everything's heavy. There's Stampede-themed happy hour fun at Brazen, and High Rollers is dishing out free pizza on Mondays with your bowling lane.
As always, there's plenty to do, loads to hear, and good food to eat. Scroll down to see what's happening around town this weekend and beyond!
📅 Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. Check it out and send us your feedback - we’d love to hear what you think!
🚐 Customised Private Tour - Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & More. YOU CHOOSE!
🗺️ Tour Highlights (Customisable):💧 Lake Louise • 🏔️ Moraine Lake • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 📸 Scenic Viewpoints • 🛍️ Banff Town or Local Stops
Your day, your way. Book your private adventure now!
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🚫 Banff warns of $25,000 fines for rule-breakers
Visitors caught in restricted areas, such as Spray Valley or Lake Minnewanka, could face steep fines or even bans as Parks Canada clamps down this summer. Read more
🐻 Parks Canada issues bear warning during berry season
Visitors to Banff National Park are advised to travel in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray due to increased bear activity on trails. Read more
🚗 Too many cars, not too many people, say Banff officials
With traffic topping 31,000 vehicles a day, Banff's summer woes are being tackled through shuttles, transit, and bold plans for sustainable tourism. Full story
🤠 Stampede-style happy hour at Brazen
From July 4-13, head to the Alberta Room at the Mount Royal Hotel daily for Stampede-themed bites, drinks, and good vibes - 4 to 9 p.m., no reservation needed. Full story
🎳 Free pizza Mondays at High Rollers
Book 1 hour of bowling, get a free pizza - book 2 hours, get 2! This all-day Monday deal includes all pizzas on the menu. More
KRANG bring punk chaos to Banff this September
Skate-punk legends KRANG hit Pump & Tap with Trashed Ambulance and Regal Foul for a one-night-only Moose Pit Tour stop - doors at 8:30, show at 9, $10 cover. Read more
See the best of Banff National Park in one unforgettable day! This full-day guided tour departs from Calgary, Canmore & Banff and includes iconic sights like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (seasonal), Johnston Canyon, and more. Enjoy stress-free transport and bilingual commentary (English & Mandarin) to deepen your experience of the Rockies’ natural wonders. 🌄
🗺️ Tour Highlights (Seasonal Adjustments Apply):
💧 Lake Louise • 🏔️ Moraine Lake (Jun 1–Oct 14) • 🌊 Johnston Canyon
🚠 Banff Gondola (optional add-on) • 🌉 Bow Falls • 📸 Vermilion Lakes Viewpoint • 🛍️ Banff Town • 🌲 Surprise Corner & More
👟 Melissa's Road Race 2025 is almost sold out.
With fewer than 200 spots left, this iconic Banff race (5K, 10K, Half Marathon) returns on September 27, featuring music, beer gardens, and epic views. See details
🎨 Tour Indigenous murals at Cave & Basin this summer
The Whyte Museum's newest guided tour features 10 mural boxes created by Indigenous artists - a colourful, culture-rich walk through story and land. See details
🎫 Kananaskis Pass stays put despite waived national park fees
While Canada's federal parks go free, Alberta's $15 daily K-Pass remains - and critics say it's an unfair barrier for locals. More
🎬 Pitch your mountain film idea at BanffPitch 2025
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival is offering a $25,000 production grant to help launch a bold, original story in the mountain or adventure space. See details
🔌 Banff eyes major EV charging upgrades to cut emissions
With only one public charger and no fast-charge options, Banff is exploring partnerships to install Level 3 EV infrastructure and expand Level 2 availability. Read more
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
🛫 Ready, Set, Explore: Plan Your Trip Now!🏞️
🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸
We keep it short here - head to OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.
Fri, 11th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
15:00 🎧 DJ Set with Bunny Hops - Lupo Ristorante
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
15:00 🎬 Family Film Night - Banff Public Library
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:00 🛼 Roller Disco - Fenlands Recreation Centre
18:30 🎤 Live Music: Mari Rosehill - Rimrock Larkspur Lounge
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
19:30 🎭 Interplay Opera Workshop - The Banff Centre
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night Every Friday - St. James Gate
21:30 🎸 Live Music: The Rambling Hey Ho Ha’s - Melissa's Misteak
22:00 🎧 Friday Night Live DJ LT - High Rollers
22:00 🎸 Big Shiny Band - Rose & Crown
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Spencer Britten - The Banff Centre
Sat, 12th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
07:30 🧗 Hike: Via Ferrata - David Thompson Corridor
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
12:00 🎤 Live Music: Steph O'Dette - Trappers @ Banff Sunshine Village
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
16:00 🎶 Live Music with Mike Burns & Meat Draw - Banff Legion
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:00 🎶 Canmore Ducks Concert - Banff Public Library
19:30 🎻 Chamber Music Concert - The Banff Centre
19:30 🎤 Karaoke Night at CLVB '33 - The Banff Centre
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night Every Saturday - St. James Gate
21:00 😂 Comedy Night - Moxy Banff
21:30 🎸 Live Music: The Rambling Hey Ho Ha’s - Melissa's Misteak
22:00 🎧 DJ Raven on the Decks - High Rollers
Sun, 13th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
13:00 🌿 Métis Plant Identification Walk - Banff Park Museum
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
15:00 🎧 DJ Bunny Hops - Magpie & Stump
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
21:00 🎉 Sunday Funday: Banff's Best Party - High Rollers
22:00 🎉 Sunday Funday (Party) - Melissa's Missteak
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown
🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.
📬 Activities You Might Enjoy 🏘️
🚴 The Local Banff Explorer E-Bike Tour - Cruise to lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife with a local guide on a scenic 2-hour ride near Banff. Book Now 🏞️
🚁 Helicopter Flight & Alpine Hike in the Rockies. Soar above glaciers, then touch down for a guided hike through untouched alpine wilderness near Jasper. Take flight.
🚠 Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Summit Experience - Ride to the summit, stroll the boardwalk to the Peak, and enjoy views of six mountain ranges. More 🏞️
🛥️ Lake Minnewanka Cruise - Banff. Sail across Banff’s largest lake, spot wildlife, and uncover the sunken village of Minnewanka Landing with a local guide. Book now
🔥 Banff Horseback Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ Lunch. Ride the trails, then feast fireside with a hearty cowboy-style meal in the mountains. Taste adventure.
🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️
Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.
🥩 Summer Specials at The Elk & Oarsman
Fuel your week with these sizzling deals from The Elk & Oarsman, running all summer long! Grab a $12 steak sandwich every Tuesday, and dig into ribs on Thursdays - just $17 for a half rack or $22 for a full. Tasty, hearty, and perfect after a day in the mountains.
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+, Daily; 15:00-18:00, Fri)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat; 15:00-Close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00, Daily)
🍕 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🎳 High Rollers (16:00-18:00, Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🥩 Melissa's MisSteak (15:00-18:00, Daily; 22:00-02:00, Sun-Thurs)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍺 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-15:00, Mon-Fri)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-Close, Daily excl. holiday weekends)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-16:00, Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
⏰ Tommy's (15:00-18:00 & 22:00- Close, Daily)
👋 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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