Hey Banff! Here’s What’s Happening This Week!
Summer is just warming up, but Banff’s traffic is already at a boiling point. Vehicle numbers are smashing records, and with G7 disruptions and Moraine Lake off-limits to private cars, it’s a good time to review your transport options before heading out.
Lake Louise Gondola reopens on June 6, and locals can score some serious discounts – a rare treat during peak season. Just don’t expect to drive up without a plan.
On a more serious note, a tragic elk attack in Canmore has put pet owners on alert. Fish and Wildlife are warning everyone to be especially cautious during calving season and to learn how to stay safe.
Read on for live music picks, happy hour spots, mural tours, and one very scenic way to visit Johnston Canyon by e-bike.
🗺️ 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!
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
📈 Banff’s Traffic Surge Could Spell a Chaotic Summer
Vehicle counts are already smashing records – and it’s not even peak season yet. Review your parking options.
🌍 What the G7 Summit Means for Locals This Week
From bear traps to protest livestreams and grounded tourist flights, the ripple effects of the G7 are already being felt across the Bow Valley. Read more
🚠 Lake Louise Gondola Opens June 6 with Big Discounts
Soar to stunning views at 2,101m and get up to 50 percent off summer gondola tickets - locals, this one's for you. Full story
🐶 Dog Killed in Elk Attack Prompts Wildlife Warning
Fish and Wildlife urges caution after a dog was fatally charged by an elk during calving season in Canmore. Read on
🚌 Moraine Lake Road Now Open - But Not for Cars
Moraine Lake Road reopened on June 1 for tour buses, Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and commercial operators - but private vehicles are still not allowed. Find out how to get there without losing your mind.
🥾 Planning a Trip to Johnston Canyon? Read This First
Banff's iconic canyon hike is open and bursting with waterfalls, catwalks, and canyon views - but don't show up after 9am unless you enjoy fighting for parking. Full story
🏒 Canmore Hockey Camp Brings in the Pros
Elite local athletes are back to coach the next generation – and spots for this summer’s Be a Pro camp are going fast. See details
🐾 Howling Dog Tours Celebrates 30 Years in Canmore
What started with a dream and a few huskies has become a three-decade legacy of dogsledding in the Bow Valley. Read on
Pedal through paradise on this immersive half-day tour that blends e-biking with a guided hike to the stunning Johnston Canyon. Start your journey at Banff’s Vermillion Lakes and cruise along the Bow Valley Parkway, soaking up panoramic views before lacing up your boots for a scenic walk to the Lower Falls. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Banff’s natural beauty! 🚴♀️🌲
🗺️ 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!
🛶 Banff Canoe Dock Gets Temporary Fix After Wall Failure
With part of the river access now fenced off, a long-term solution is being planned for one of Banff's busiest summer spots. Full story
⛑️ Get First Aid Certified Right Here in Banff
Brush up on essential CPR and wilderness safety skills with local courses for all levels. See details
🍁 Canadian Environment Week Calls for Action
From reusable bottles to respecting trails, Parks Canada encourages everyone to make small changes that protect Canada's wild places. Read more
🎨 Whyte Museum Resumes Indigenous Mural Tours
Guests can now explore Banff's mural boxes in guided tours - some led by the artists themselves. See details
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸
We keep it short here - head to OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.
Fri, 6th June
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
15:00 🎹 Live Performance: Art of Piano - The Banff Centre - Banff
16:00 🖼️ Visual Arts Open Lecture Series - The Banff Centre - Banff
17:00 🏳️🌈 Beer Voyage - Banff Pride - Lake Minnewanka - Banff
18:00 🛼 Roller Disco - Fenlands Recreation Centre - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
19:00 🎹 Live Performance: Art of Piano - The Banff Centre - Banff
19:00 🎤 Live Music: Doug Robb - Moxy Banff - Banff
19:00 🎸 Oesa Jam Nights - Oesa Arts - Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night Every Friday - St. James Gate - Banff
22:00 🎧 Friday Night Live DJ - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Rock Bottom - Rose & Crown - Banff
Sat, 7th June
07:00 🏃 Banff Jasper Relay 2025 - Castle Mountain - Banff
10:00 🧹 Spa Days Clean Up @ Old Banff Cemetery - Old Banff Cemetery - Banff
14:15 🏓 50+ Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night Every Saturday - St. James Gate - Banff
22:00 🎧 Music with DJ Palf on the Decks - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Rock Bottom - Rose & Crown - Banff
Sun, 8th June
10:00 🧹 Spa Days Clean Up @ Old Banff Cemetery - Old Banff Cemetery - Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
18:00 🏋️ Fitness: Sweat 45 from Banff Pride - Bear Street Mall - Banff
18:30 🎤 Live Music: Andrew Staygold - Rimrock Hotel - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
19:00 🎉 Summer Kickoff Party - Rose & Crown - Banff
21:00 🎊 Sunday Funday: Banff's Best Party - High Rollers - 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.
📬 Community Classifieds 🏘️
🚴 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 Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Summit Experience - Ride to the summit, stroll the boardwalk to the Peak, and enjoy views of six mountain ranges. More 🏞️
🚗 Vintage Open-Top Touring - Banff. Step back to the 1930s in a custom open-top car, guided by a costumed storyteller. Don’t miss out
🍷 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 🏰
🛥️ 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
🍺 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 (92 Banff Ave.) (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00 Daily)
🎤 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30 Sun, Fri & 16:00-17:00 Sat)
🎳 High Rollers (16:00-18:00 Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 / 22:00+)
🥩 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 excluding holiday weekends)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-18:00 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
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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