Why Are People Not Moving to Banff? The Answer Might Surprise You

Hey Banff! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

Welcome to another packed week of mountain magic! The Banff Craft Beer Festival is already stirring excitement for fall, with over 40 breweries lined up at the historic Cave & Basin. 🍺

But before we raise a glass, let's talk about something different - what's stopping people from making the move to Banff full-time? The answer has nothing to do with jobs or housing... and it might just surprise you.

Meanwhile, Calgary is booming with American tourists this summer, many of them heading straight for Banff.

Read on for this week's events, happy hours, travel tips, and the latest community buzz.

📅 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!

The Votes Are In

We Asked

Banff Springs vs. Chateau Lake Louise - which one feels more magical to you?

You said

• Banff Springs Hotel 61%

• Chateau Lake Louise 39%

If you missed the vote, you can still take a look at these four-figure-a-night hotels. Check them out. Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🍺 Banff Craft Beer Festival Returns to the Cave & Basin
Over 40 breweries, DJs, and food vendors will transform Banff's historic site into a massive fall celebration this October. More

🎥 Flashback to the Fun!
Get in the Canada Day spirit with a look back at last year's Banff parade! Check out the festive floats, marching bands, and community cheer in this highlight reel: Watch on YouTube.

🏞️ What’s stopping people from moving to Banff full-time?
It’s not the rent, the weather, or the job market - it’s something unique to this mountain town. Read more

🚴 Free Beer for Biking Banff to Louise? Yes, Really!
Cycle from Banff to Lake Louise, show your ride log at Base Camp, and score a free Banded Peak beer and souvenir bottle. Full story

🌲 Tip of the Week
Before heading out on any hike, be sure to download the AllTrails app and save your trail maps offline. Cell service is patchy (or non-existent!) in many areas of the park, and having an offline map can keep you on track and safe while you explore. Happy hiking! 🥾📍

🎒 School's Out - Plan Ahead!
With schools now out for summer, expect bigger crowds at popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Parking fills up early, and shuttle spots can go fast, so plan ahead and consider visiting during off-peak hours. Your future self will thank you!

⛳ Connor McDavid Celebrates in Banff With Golf & Friends
The NHL star and his wife marked his birthday with a scenic day of golf in the Rockies - and fans are loving the pics. Story here

🚗 Bow Valley Parkway Reopens to Vehicles
After its seasonal closure, the Bow Valley Parkway is now open to cars again! Catch a glimpse of the scenic drive and what to expect this season in this short video: Watch here

✈️ Why Calgary Is Booming With American Tourists
While most of Canada sees fewer U.S. visitors, Calgary is breaking the trend thanks to targeted campaigns and a strong dollar. Read more

🛎️ Rimrock Banff to Become First Emblem’s Hotel in North America
The luxury retreat will close this fall for a complete transformation, featuring infinity pools, saunas, and a new era of mountain hospitality. Story here

🥾 EF Adventures Launches New Rockies Hiking Tour
A new six-day hiking tour from EF Adventures takes travellers deep into Banff and Lake Louise, with epic alpine views and a Canmore brewery stop to top it off. More

🐻 Bear Activity Warning Across the Bow Valley
With bear sightings spiking at the Canmore Nordic Centre and across Kananaskis, officials warn visitors to expect bears everywhere this long weekend. Read more

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• 🎶 Sunset Festival Returns to Banff Gondola

• 📅 Our events calendar is now fully live

• 🌄 One Day, Six Iconic Stops – Your Ultimate Rockies Adventure

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

• Banff Parking: The Real Summit to Conquer

• Unforgettable Views from Moraine Lake Rockpile in Banff National Park

• Riding High: The Ultimate Guide to Banff’s Best Gondolas

• Peyto Lake Adventure - Stunning Views In Banff National Park

• How to Get to Lake Louise in 2025 (Without a Helicopter or a Panic Attack)

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

We keep it short here - head to OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.

Mon, 30th June
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
18:45 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School
19:00 🎨 Pottery Painting - Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Konstance in the House - High Rollers

Tue, 1st July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
09:00 🏞️ Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Tour - Banff
10:00 🍁 Canada Day Celebrations - Banff
16:30 🎉 Canada Day Parade - Banff Avenue
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

Wed, 2nd 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 🔍 Community Scavenger Hunt - Banff Town Hall
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears
16:00 🖼️ Art Exhibition: Kapishkum - The Banff Centre
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
20:00 🍻 Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewery
22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub
22:00 🎧 Music with DJ Hops - High Rollers

Thu, 3rd July
04:00 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour - Banff & Canmore
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
19:00 🍻 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa's MisSteak
19:00 🎭 Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan
19:30 🎼 Mainstage Chamber Music Concert - The Banff Centre
20:00 🍀 Irish Night: Live Music - St. James Gate
20:30 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.

🍺 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 🎬

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