Hey Banff! Scenic Rides, Snowy Surprises, and Something Worth Celebrating
Banff had a moment this week - or maybe a few! A snowy July morning at Sunshine, new highs in park traffic, and a better way to get around all made headlines.
If you're looking to beat the parking grind, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is your new best friend, covering the top spots like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
A new guide is also out with helpful tips on accessible trails and transit - a nice step forward for making the park easier to explore for everyone.
📅 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
❄️ Yes, it really snowed in Banff this July
Sunshine Village's webcams captured fresh flakes falling on Goat's Eye Mountain in the middle of summer - welcome to Alberta! Full story
🚌 Banff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus a Summer Success
The Banff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is earning rave reviews this summer, with 4.9⭐ from hundreds of travellers. The yellow school-style shuttle takes visitors to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and more - offering a stress-free way to explore without parking hassles. Tickets are selling fast.
🚫 Drone pilot and off-roader fined for breaking park laws in Banff
A Jeep in Cascade Ponds and an illegal drone flight near Crowfoot Glacier both landed their operators with fines in Canmore court. Read more
♿ Accessible Banff Guide Highlights Trails, Transit, and Travel Tips
A new guide is helping visitors with mobility challenges make the most of Banff, with detailed tips on accessible trails, wheelchair-friendly transit, and parking perks at top sites like Lake Louise and Minnewanka. Read more
🚗 Banff traffic nearly breaks all-time record over Canada Day weekend
Vehicle counters recorded over 33,000 cars entering Banff on Sunday, just shy of the 2017 all-time high, as visitor numbers continue to climb. More here
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
🐻 Bumper berry season brings bears to Bow Valley trails
With buffalo berries ripening fast, grizzlies are gorging along popular trails, leading to surprise encounters and fresh bear warnings. Read more
🐻 Grizzly bear with cubs prompts Rawson Lake trail closure
A bluff charge by a mother grizzly has led to a temporary closure of the Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge route for public safety. Full story
🐻 Lake Minnewanka trail restrictions are now in effect
From July 10 to September 15, hikers must travel in groups of 4 or more, carry bear spray, and leave dogs and bikes behind on restricted sections. Full details
🏠 Banff gives first-time buyers priority on home ownership waitlists
The Banff Housing Corporation has expanded its policy to prioritize first-time buyers across its portfolio, following a successful pilot at The Aster. Full story
🛒 Banff IGA and the union clash over workplace visits and rival representation
The store's owner accuses UFCW of workplace intimidation, while the union fires back with claims of employer-backed interference. More here
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.
Mon, 14th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
07:30 🧗 Rock Climbing - Banff
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Konstance in the House - High Rollers
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown
Tue, 15th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
22:00 🎧 July First Party: DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 July Day Karaoke Night - Melissa's MisSteak
22:00 🎶 Silver Fox Acoustic Duo - Rose & Crown
Wed, 16th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
10:00 🌽 Banff Farmers Market - Central Park
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:30 🎤 Live Music: Mari Rosehill - Rimrock Larkspur Lounge
19:00 🗣️ Conversation: Honouring Métis Culture: Crea - The Banff Centre
20:00 🍻 Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewery
21:00 🎉 Latin Fiesta @ Melissa's MisSteak - Melissa's MisSteak
22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub
22:00 🎧 Music with DJ Hops - High Rollers
22:00 🎶 DJ Nazo Live Set - Rose & Crown
Thu, 17th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
07:00 🧘 Yoga in the Park - Central Park
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
11:00 📖 Garden Story Time - Luxton Home Museum
16:00 🎶 Live Music: Steph O'Dette - The Bison
17:00 🏓 Pickleball - The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:30 🎤 Live Music: Mari Rosehill - Rimrock Larkspur Lounge
19:00 🎉 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa's MisSteak
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
19:30 🎻 Chamber Music Concert - The Banff Centre
20:00 🇮🇪 Irish Night: Live Music - St. James Gate
20:30 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Red Mile High - 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 🏘️
🛥️ 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
🚴 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 🏞️
🚠 Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Summit Experience - Ride to the summit, stroll the boardwalk to the Peak, and enjoy views of six mountain ranges. More 🏞️
🔥 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.
🚁 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.
🍺 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.
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+, Daily)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🍔 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🎳 High Rollers (Until 18:00, Daily & 22:00+, Mon-Thurs)
🌮 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 (13:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
🍽️ Sudden Sally (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍔 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)
👋 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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