Hey Banff lovers! Here's what's happening this week!

We're heading into August with big views, bold adventures, and some serious bear activity. If you're planning a trip, don't miss our local guide to visiting Banff in August - from shoulder-to-shoulder trails to where the sunsets really shine.

Feeling brave? You might want to try a Via Ferrata climb high above the valley - complete with suspension bridges and sheer cliff traverses. On the flip side, if relaxation is more your style, check out the Lake Louise/Moraine Lake day tour, 20% off until August 1

Also, a heads-up: several visitors were fined this week for leaving food unattended and attracting bears. Don't let that be you.

Scroll down for event listings, happy hours, concerts, and local updates that make summer in Banff truly unforgettable. 👇

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🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🚴 E-Bike Along Bow Valley Parkway • 🥾 Guided Hike up Johnston Canyon • 🏞️ Explore Vermillion Lakes • 👨‍🏫 Expert Local Guide •

Book now to bike, hike, and explore Johnston Canyon in style!

🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Sat 6 pm)

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🚯 Visitors fined for attracting wildlife with garbage
Nine picnickers and one camper were issued fines of up to $250 after leaving food unattended in Banff, which risked bear closures and compromised public safety. More

🌞 Banff in August: What You Need to Know Before You Go
From shoulder-to-shoulder trails to epic sunsets and wild bear feasts, this local guide dishes out smart tips to help you dodge the chaos and soak up every last drop of mountain magic. Read on

🧗 Not for the Faint-Hearted: Take on a Via Ferrata Adventure High Above Banff
This features a suspension bridge, chairlift ride, and dramatic views from the cliffs. If you are feeling a little bit brave, this is for you. More Feeling especially brave? Add on a heart-pounding traverse across a sheer rock face. More

🥂 Sidewalk patio space in Banff could be capped
Parks Canada plans to limit patio seating downtown, with a possible lottery to decide which restaurants get space. Read on

🚌 Looking for Lake Louise/Moraine Lake Options? 20% Off Until August 1
Rated 5.0 by travellers, this full-day small group tour covers Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Falls, and more. Details

🚂 Rocky Mountaineer announces rare 2026 summer-only route
A new Banff-to-Jasper train journey promises breathtaking scenery and alpine luxury - available for just one season. See details

⛰️ Planning a Couple of Days in Lake Louise? This 50% off deal might help
Mountaineer Lodge has complimentary breakfast, indoor hot tubs, and a central location. Comfy rooms, family suites, and great views make it an easy choice. Details

🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏞️ Stops at Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Gondola • 👋 Friendly On-Board Host • 🚏 Flexible Hop-On, Hop-Off Schedule • Seats Guaranteed

Book now to explore Banff National Park at your own pace!

🐻 Bear warnings ramp up around Banff and K-Country.
With berry season in full swing, officials are urging hikers to expect close encounters and to carry bear spray at all times. More

🏐 Spikeball brings brain health message to Canmore
A high-energy tournament raised awareness for traumatic brain injury research. Winners were Bryan Kim and Banff's Jeremy Ahn, with runners-up Sam Jones of Be A Pro Hockey Canmore and organiser Nathan Ellis. More

🌱 Banff businesses push back against patio-blocking planters
Restaurant owners on Caribou Street say new landscaping cuts crucial seating space during peak summer months. More

🐺 Rare K-Country wolf sightings concern wildlife officials
A lone wolf seen repeatedly along roads and campgrounds may have grown too comfortable around humans. Story here

🎶 Canmore Folk Fest returns on Aug 2nd with a stacked 2025 lineup
The 48th annual festival features Corb Lund, Aysanabee, Frazey Ford, and over 40 more acts across three days of mountain magic. Event info

🛫 Ready, Set, Explore: Plan Your Trip Now!🏞️

🕯️ Candlelight concert brings Vivaldi to Banff Springs
Experience Four Seasons and more in a glowing candlelit setting inside the iconic Banff Springs Hotel. Tickets

🥾 Missing hiker found alive after two days in Banff backcountry
Chad Singer, who went missing near Marvel Lake, was rescued in stable condition after a massive search effort across rugged terrain. Full story

🌲 Banff conservationists demand environmental review
Critics argue that the council is rushing through the town's 10-year plan without thoroughly assessing the major wildlife and ecological impacts. Read on

🔥 Jasper reflects one year after the devastating wildfire
Residents mark the emotional anniversary of a fire that destroyed a third of the town, as rebuilding efforts and healing continue. Full story

🥾 Second Banff hiker found safe after two-day search
A 42-year-old paramedic from B.C. was located near Marvel Pass after going missing near Aurora Creek Trail. Full story

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
💧 Lake Louise • 🏔️ Moraine Lake (seasonal) • 📸 Scenic Viewpoints • 🧠 Local Guide Insight • 🚐 Small Group

Stunning, and stress-free. Reserve your spot today!

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

📅 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 HERE

Mon, 28th July

09:00 👥 Local Youth Event: The Outsiders - Rundle Cabin - Banff
16:00 🎨 Visual Arts Lecture: Riva Symko - Banff Centre
18:00 🌄 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola Book
19:00 🎨 Pottery Painting - Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre - Banff
19:30 ❓ Trivia with Joe - Moxy Banff - Banff
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver - Banff
21:00 🎵 Live Music Night - Three Bears - Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Konstance in the House - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎵 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown - Banff

Tue, 29th July

09:00 👥 Local Youth Event: The Outsiders - Rundle Cabin - Banff
18:00 🌄 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola Book
22:00 🎵 Live Music: Henry Mansfield - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night at Mels - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers - Banff

🗺️ Highlights:
🏞️ Bow River Trail • 🏔️ Mountain Views • 🐴 Historic Cave & Basin • 👨‍🏫 Guided Ride with Instruction • 📷 Great Photo Opportunities

Saddle up and see Banff from the best seat in the park. Book your ride today!

🍺 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.

🍹 Anejo Restaurant (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+, Daily)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🥂 Banff Social (15:00-18:00 & 20:00-close, Daily)
🫕 Bluebird (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🍸 Brazen (16:00-18:00, Daily)
🍕 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🔥 Farm & Fire (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (15:00-16:00, Daily)
🎳 High Rollers (Until 18:00, Daily & 22:00+, Mon-Thurs)
🍝 Lupo (15:00-16:00, 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 (13:00-17:00, 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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