Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
A sinkhole opened on the beach at Lake Minnewanka in early May and revealed something nobody had on record - a hidden underground room, built from log walls and hand-cut planking, dated to roughly 1944. There are no plans, no photographs, and no explanation for what it was used for. Parks Canada has it now, and the mystery is apparently staying that way.
The same stretch of Minnewanka is currently restricted. Black bears showing food-seeking behaviour have triggered a closure in the Lake Minnewanka area under the Canada National Parks Act covering two trails and six campgrounds. Fines reach $25,000. The harder problem - bears that have started associating the area with human food - takes longer to fix than a closure notice.
At Lake Louise, Parks Canada has banned most RVs from all lakeshore parking lots. The only remaining oversized option is Fairview Day Use Area, about 1.5 km away, and it's paid. If you're arriving in an RV or larger vehicle, plan accordingly before you get there.
For those staying in Canmore, The Malcolm Hotel offers a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs overlooking the Three Sisters, and a price point that makes it easier to justify a longer stay. A practical option for a Bow Valley base.
Plan a visit to Johnston Canyon | Why you need to hike Johnston Canyon | Johnston Canyon Hike - Banff National Park in July | Take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | eBike to the canyon
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🏔️ Banff Trip Planning Consultation
Not sure where to stay? Wondering how many days you need? Trying to fit too much into your itinerary?
Book a 50-minute consultation with Jill for personalised advice on planning your Banff and Canadian Rockies trip. You'll also receive a written summary and follow-up email support.
If you want to experience the alpine scenery around Jasper without committing to a long mountain hike, the Jasper SkyTram is one of the simplest ways to do it. In about seven minutes, the tram carries you high onto Whistler’s Mountain, where wide views open up across Jasper National Park, glacier-fed rivers, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Once at the upper station, you can take an easy boardwalk stroll or hike the short Whistlers Summit Trail for even broader views. Interpretive panels explain the landscape and wildlife, and you may spot marmots, pikas, or bighorn sheep nearby. It’s a straightforward way to reach an alpine viewpoint that would otherwise take hours to hike.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
Morant’s Curve - June 16th - Bow Valley Parkway
🚌 Lake Louise RVs. Parks Canada has banned vehicles over 6 metres from all lakeshore lots at Lake Louise. The only oversized parking remaining is at Fairview Day Use Area, about 1.5 km away, and it's paid.
🕳️ A Hole Opened Up at Lake Minnewanka. In early May, a sinkhole on the beach revealed a hidden underground room built from log walls and hand-cut planking, with no plans, photos, or records. Best guess: 1944, and nobody's sure what it was for.
🐻 Lake Minnewanka Closed for Bear Reset. Black bears showing food-seeking behaviour have triggered a closure in the Lake Minnewanka area under the Canada National Parks Act - two trails, six campgrounds, no entry. Fines reach $25,000. The bears have started associating the area with human food, which is the harder problem to fix.
🌞 Solstice Patio Party in Canmore Thursday. The Malcolm Hotel's annual Summer Solstice event runs June 18, 4:30-6:30 pm on the Creekside Patio, with live music from Charlie Butler and all proceeds going to Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Tickets are $35 plus tax.
🚲 Free Bike Tour of Banff This Thursday. The Town of Banff is running a casual historical ride around town on June 18, free for residents who bring their own bike and helmet. Part of Bike Month.
🌤️ A soggy Wednesday gives way to a sunny stretch. Wednesday sees a chance of afternoon showers at 17°C, but Thursday and Friday bring clear sunny skies - 18°C and 22°C, respectively. Friday's looking like the pick of the week. Full Forecast Here
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
If Johnston Canyon is on your list, staying at the lodge right beside the trailhead is the simplest way to walk it before the buses arrive and the parking fills. Early and quiet, or late and quiet, with none of the morning drive from town.
🚣Activities You Might Enjoy
🚠 Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola - Fancy a gentle way up into the alpine? This scenic gondola climbs to 2,100 metres, with grizzlies often grazing the slopes below. Pack layers and go early for the best wildlife odds.
🧗 Banff Rock Climbing for Beginners - Always fancied giving it a go? This full-day beginner course hands you certified guides, all the gear, and ancient limestone to scale. No experience needed, just sturdy shoes and a head for heights.
🔥 Banff Remote Campfire & Stargazing - Why not swap the town lights for a proper dark sky? This evening campfire escape means three hours of crackling flames, northern constellations, and the odd Aurora. Bring thermals; it gets cold once the sun dips.
❓Your Questions Answered
🌅 Do I need to book transport to Moraine Lake in advance? Yes - shuttle seats and tour spots fill quickly, especially in peak summer - planning ahead is essential if you want to secure your preferred time.
🗺️ How do you get to the Canmore Engine Bridge? The bridge is easily reached on foot from several points near downtown Canmore - parking and access options are straightforward for visitors.
🏘️ Can bears enter towns like Banff or Canmore? Yes - bears regularly wander into both towns, so avoid leaving food or rubbish outside and report any sightings to the authorities.
🚗 Park Once, Explore Everything: Banff Hotels With Free Parking
Banff's town centre parking situation in summer ranges from "competitive" to "genuinely dispiriting" - and paid lots add up quickly over a multi-night stay. These three hotels solve the problem at check-in: park underground on arrival and leave the car there until you're heading home.
🦊 Fox Hotel & Suites - A short walk west of the main strip, with a Cave and Basin-inspired indoor hot pool, sauna, steam room, and kitchenette suites. Free underground parking is bundled in alongside Wi-Fi and a ROAM bus pass - though the stalls are on the tight side, worth bearing in mind if you're in something larger. Compare prices before you book
🏔️ Ptarmigan Inn - One block from downtown on Banff Avenue, with a heated underground parkade, two hot tubs, a sauna, steam room, and The Meatball Pizza & Pasta on site. Parking is first come, first served, and they'll point you to free street parking nearby if the garage is full. Compare prices before you book
🫎 Moose Hotel & Suites - A minute's walk from the heart of town, with two rooftop hot pools, an indoor pool, the Meadow Spa, and Pacini Italian Restaurant on site. Complimentary underground parking and a ROAM bus pass are both included - park on arrival, then forget the car exists for the rest of the trip. Compare prices before you book
🏕️ Quiz
What is the Legacy Trail?
Yesterday’s Question: Which TV show featured the Canmore Engine Bridge?
✅Answer: 3) The Last of Us - 52% Correct
The Canmore Engine Bridge appeared in The Last of Us, and the area is easy to visit on foot. Learn more about the bridge’s history and how to see it in our Canmore Engine Bridge Guide.
If you like the idea of a luxury mountain hotel but don’t love Banff prices, The Malcolm Hotel in Canmore is well worth considering. One of the highlights is the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs overlooking the Three Sisters. After a day hiking, sightseeing, or skiing in the Bow Valley, it’s a great place to relax and take in the views.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Featured events for today are listed below. Visit our website for a complete list.
FULL EVENT CALENDAR | BANFF & LAKE LOUISE | CANMORE | JASPER NP
BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS
Wednesday, June 17
10:00 | Banff Farmers Market | Central Park | Banff
13:30 | Workshop: Making Mini Moccasins | The Banff Centre | Banff
17:00 | Chess Night | Jasper Municipal Library | Jasper
17:00 | Pints N' Politics: MLA Sarah Elmeligi | Rose & Crown Canmore | Canmore
18:00 | Wednesday Mountain Bike Ride | Canmore Brewing Co | Canmore
18:00 | Orienteering at Quarry Lake | Quarry Lake | Canmore
19:00 | Music Bingo | Melissa's Missteak | Banff
19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore
19:00 | Yoga in the Park with CYAN | Riverside Park | Canmore
19:00 | Trivia Night | The Stand Easy | Jasper
20:30 | Trivia Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore
21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown Canmore | Canmore
22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Pub | Banff
📅 Got An Event To Share?
📅 👉 Submit Here (3 days before the event date) for a FREE LISTING
👋 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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