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- Is Banff Springs Worth It? You Decide - Plus Free Entry, Cougar Alerts & More
Is Banff Springs Worth It? You Decide - Plus Free Entry, Cougar Alerts & More
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
June 19, 2025
Hey Banff! Here's What’s Happening This Week
The G7 may have moved on, but Banff’s buzzing with headlines. The Canada Strong Pass kicks off this week, giving locals and visitors free access to Banff National Park. Meanwhile, there’s lively debate around the $1,500+ nightly rates at Banff Springs - is it iconic or overpriced? You decide.
Cougar warnings, bear activity, disc golf drama, and changes to happy hour specials round out a week full of local updates.
Want more local updates between issues? Follow our Facebook page for event alerts, behind-the-scenes stories, and timely news from around Banff.
Scroll down for the full lineup!
📅 And exciting news! 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!
🏨 Is Fairmont Banff Springs Really Worth $1,500+ a Night This Summer?
Banff’s most iconic hotel is charging over $1,500 per night this summer - and that’s if you can even find availability.
Some say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime luxury. Others say you’re just paying for the name.
👉 Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think.
🏨 Is Banff Springs Really Worth $1,500+ a Night This Summer? |
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏔️ Moraine Lake (seasonal) • 💧 Lake Louise • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 🛍️ Banff Town |  |
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🗺️ Free Access to Banff National Park Starts This Week
As part of the Canada Strong Pass, Banff National Park waives admission fees from June 20, and significant discounts are also available for children and young adults. Read on
🐾 Explore Banff’s Best Pet‑Friendly Hotels for Your Next Trip
From luxury suites at Fairmont Banff Springs to cozy condos at Tunnel Mountain Resort, discover top-rated stays where your furry companion is welcomed with beds, bowls, treats, and more. Read more
🐾 Cougar Warning Issued for Ole Buck Mountain Trails
Several cougar sightings have prompted a warning in the Sibbald Lake area, advising hikers to exercise extra caution and remain vigilant. Story here
🍻 Summer Brings Changes to Banff’s Happy Hours
As the busy season kicks in, some happy hours are getting shorter and prices are edging up - but there are still plenty of great deals to be found if you know where to look. Read more
🐻 Bear Closures and Warnings Across Peter Lougheed Park
Multiple areas in the park, including campgrounds and trails, are under bear warnings or closures due to recent sightings of black and grizzly bears. See details
🚗 Summer’s Here - Time to Brush Up on Banff Parking
From $7/hour downtown rates to secret free lots and RV tips, this guide covers everything you need to park smarter and explore faster. Read more
🪧 Protesters in Banff Confront G7 Leaders on Climate, Human Rights, and More
Dozens of groups turned out to send a message to world leaders on issues from climate to global conflict. Full story
Download trail maps and use offline GPS tracking - perfect for the Rockies’ no-signal zones. AllTrails makes it easy to stay safe and on track while discovering the area’s most stunning hikes. |  |
🏪 G7 Buzz Hits Banff, But Not Every Shop Sees a Sales Boost
Some Banff businesses saw booming traffic during the summit, while others say it has been quieter than expected. Story here
🌲 Banff to Remove Fire-Prone Trees Near Homes Amid Wildfire Concerns
The Town of Banff will remove coniferous trees on municipal land that pose a fire hazard to nearby homes, with additional funding approved for protective equipment. More
🥏 Banff's Disc Golf Dreams Delayed Over Zoning and Wildlife Rules
A permanent disc golf course won't be coming to Banff anytime soon after the council hit legal and environmental roadblocks, but a small practice area might be in the works. Full story
🏪 Banff Businesses Push Back on 'Prescriptive' Community Plan
Local business groups say Banff’s new community plan goes too far in trying to shape the retail mix, arguing it could interfere with natural market forces. Read on
🚍 Banff Tourism Leaders Push Back on Parking and Transit Plans
Tourism officials say that new rules in the community plan, which focus on intercept parking and transit hubs, could cause more problems than they solve. Full story
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, 20th June
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
10:00 🧘 Yoga & Mimosa - The Fat Ox - Banff
10:00 🏳️🌈 Proudly Open for Business: - Banff Pride - Banff
15:00 🍻 Summer Solstice Patio Party - The Fat Ox - Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
18:00 🛼 Roller Disco - Fenlands Recreation Centre - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
19:00 🎸 Oesa Jam Nights - Oesa Arts - Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music Night Every Friday - St. James Gate - Banff
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Static - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎧 Friday Night Live DJ LT - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Melissa's Missteak - Banff
🗺️ Highlights: Saddle up and see Banff from the best seat in the park. Book your ride today! |  |
Sat, 21st June
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
12:00 🧡 National Indigenous Peoples Day, 2025 - Banff Central Park - Banff
13:00 🎨 Learn to Paint with Chelsea McDonald - Banff Public Library - Banff
14:15 🏓 50+ Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
16:00 🌿 Métis Plant Identification Walk - Raven's Nest Theatre - Banff
18:00 🎤 Saturday Song Series & Open Mic - Oesa Arts - Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music Night Every Saturday - St. James Gate - Banff
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Static - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎧 Music with DJ Raven on the Decks - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Melissa's Missteak - Banff
Sun, 22nd June
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
08:00 🧘 International Yoga Day: Yoga for All - Rocky Mountain Resort - Banff
09:00 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
13:00 🌿 Métis Plant Identification Walk - Location - Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
18:00 💪 Fitness: Sweat45 (Pride Event) - Bear Street Mall - Banff
18:30 🎵 Live Music: Andrew Staygold - Rimrock Hotel - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
21:00 🎉 Sunday Funday: Banff's Best Party - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎶 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎉 Sunday Funday Party - Melissa's Missteak - Banff
🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.
📬 Community Classifieds 🏘️
🥾 Enjoy Banff’s Best Hikes with AllTrails - Download maps, use offline GPS, and explore top-rated trails even without cell service. Sign up for free! 🌲
🚴 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 🏞️
🛥️ 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.
🌲 Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald & Johnston Canyon Day Tour. See four iconic Rockies spots in one trip through Banff’s breathtaking landscapes. Experience more.
🍺 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; 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 |  |
We would love to hear from you! Do you have a local event or community story to share? Would you like to give a shout-out to a local hero? Or perhaps you would like to provide us with feedback. Contact us via the link below. 📩
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