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Traffic Chaos & Trail Warnings. What’s Happening in Banff?
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
July 03, 2025
Hey Banff! Summer's Heating Up - But So Are the Roads...
This week, we're looking at big shifts in the town centre, where traffic is now flowing again after the pedestrian zone was removed. Is it an improvement? Locals are divided. Meanwhile, arts lovers can head to CLVB '33 at the Banff Centre for a refreshing dose of live music and cabaret as part of the Summer Arts Festival.
Plus, traffic congestion is making headlines again - Highway 1 delays are back, and bear and cougar warnings remain in effect on popular trails. Plenty to keep in mind as you make your weekend plans!
📅 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!
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🛞 Riverside Wagon Ride • 🥩 BBQ Cookout • 🍪 Campfire Treats • ⛰️ Mountain Scenery • 🐎 Cowboy Guides Book now and make it a meal to remember!! |  |
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🎷 CLVB '33 heats up the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival
From jazz jams to literary cabarets, Banff Centre's CLVB '33 offers a relaxed and intimate space for creative expression all summer long. More
🚗 Expect delays on Highway 1 during peak weekends.
A Canada Day backup near the Hwy 22 turn-off reminds travellers to plan ahead for heavy traffic between the mountains and Calgary. More
🐾 Cougar warnings are still active for Ole Buck and Gunnery Mountain
Alberta Parks advises caution in Kananaskis, as cougar warnings remain in effect for the Ole Buck Mountain and Gunnery Mountain trails. More
🚶♂️ No more Banff pedestrian zone - has it made any difference?
As traffic flows through downtown again, questions remain about whether the change is helping or hurting the town's vibe. Full story
🏒 From coaching to the NHL: Noah Philp returns to the Oilers
Philp, currently mentoring youth at Be A Pro Canmore, is skating back into action after signing a two-way deal with Edmonton. More
🐻 Bear warning issued for Grassi Lakes Trail System
Visitors are advised to be bear aware and carry bear spray after a recent sighting in the heavily used Grassi Lakes area. Read more
Want to see it all in just one day? This full-day tour from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore takes you straight to the Rockies’ most jaw-dropping locations. Travel in comfort by luxury bus, enjoy photo and wildlife stops, and learn insider stories from your expert guide. With all transport and park fees included, this is the easiest and most scenic way to experience Banff and Yoho’s best. 🚌
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏔️ Moraine Lake (June 1–October 14 only) • 💧 Lake Louise • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 🛍️ Banff Town
This trip is a total highlight reel. Book now and see more in one unforgettable day!
🎨 Explore 65+ artworks on Banff's Art in Nature Trail.
Take a scenic stroll along the Bow River Trail and discover outdoor art from local Bow Valley creators in this self-guided exhibit. Full story
🚐 Mountain Park Transportation seeks local drivers in Banff & Canmore
Looking for a flexible, outdoor-oriented job? MPT is hiring drivers for scenic routes between the Rockies and Calgary Airport. More
🌲 Read outside for Banff Library's "Read Wild" summer challenge
This week's task: grab your book, find a cozy outdoor spot, and let nature set the scene. Trackers are available at the library! See details
🐟 Fishing ban in place at Cascade Creek to protect rare trout
Parks Canada has closed Cascade Creek to anglers to safeguard a newly reintroduced population of threatened westslope cutthroat trout. See details
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, 4th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
07:00 🧘 - Sunrise Shake & Stretch - Central Park, Banff
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
15:00 🍽️ Castle Food Experience - Banff Springs Hotel - Banff
15:00 🎶 - Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:00 🎤 - Live Music: Opera Pub - Banff Legion, Banff
18:00 🛼 - Roller Disco - Fenlands Recreation Centre, Banff
18:30 🎵 - Live Music: Mari Rosehill - Rimrock Larkspur Lounge, Banff
19:00 🍽️ - Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan, Banff
19:00 🎼 - Live Music: Interplay Opera Pub 1 - The Banff Centre
19:30 🎹 - Pianist Timothonius - Live at CLVB '33 - The Banff Centre
20:00 🎸 - Live Music Night Every Friday - St. James Gate, Banff
22:00 🎧 - Friday Night Live DJ LT - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎵 - Live Music: Black Tie Flannel - Melissa's Missteak, Banff
22:00 🎤 - Live Music: Envy - Rose & Crown, Banff
Sat, 5th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
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, Banff
16:00 🎸 - Meat Draw & Larry Olsen Live - Banff Legion, Banff
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
19:30 🎻 - Chamber Music Concert - The Banff Centre
19:30 🎵 - Live Music: Kenna Burima - The Banff Centre
20:00 🎸 - Live Music Night Every Saturday - St. James Gate, Banff
22:00 🎵 - Live Music: Black Tie Flannel - Melissa's Missteak, Banff
22:00 🎧 - DJ Raven on the Decks - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎤 - Live Music: Envy - Rose & Crown, Banff
Sun, 6th July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
15:00 🎶 - Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
15:00 🎧 - DJ Bunny Hops - Magpie & Stump, Banff
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:00 🏋️ - Fitness: Sweat 45 - Pride Event - Summit Lifestyle & Performance, Banff
19:00 🍽️ - Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan, Banff
20:00 💃 - Music & Line Dancing: Hay, Girl Hay! - The Canadian Brewhouse, Banff
21:00 🎉 - Sunday Funday: Banff's Best Party - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎉 - Sunday Funday (Party) - Melissa's Missteak, Banff
22:00 🎤 - Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff
🎉 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
🍷 Fairmont Banff Springs Culinary Tour - A 2.5-hour tasting tour of Alberta cuisine with behind-the-scenes access and a meet-the-chef at the iconic hotel. View Details 🏰
🚴 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 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.
🥩 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! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
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