🌍 G7 Disruptions, 🚧 Trail Closures and 🗺 the Easiest Way to Lake Louise?

Hey Banff! It's a Busy Week in the Bow Valley!
As the G7 Summit heads to Alberta, Banff is gearing up for more traffic, detours, and out-of-towners. Expect delays, especially June 10-18, and give yourself extra time for trips in and out of the park.

Looking to beat the stress? A new local guide on how to get to Lake Louise in 2025 breaks down the best options for tours, shuttles, parking, and private transfers. Save it before your next visit.

Meanwhile, Alberta Parks has issued a cougar warning for Gunnery Mountain in Kananaskis after two close encounters were reported. Be safe out there - and read up before you hike.

We’ve also got happy hour deals, live music, art workshops, and new summer specials all over town. Scroll down to see what’s on and what’s new this week in Banff!

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🔥 Banff National Park fire danger raised to extreme
Officials warn of fast-spreading wildfires and urge strict campfire safety, proper cigarette disposal, and immediate reporting of any suspicious smoke. See details

🗺️ How to get to Lake Louise in 2025 without the stress
From shuttle options to day tours, private transfers and parking tips, this local guide breaks down every way to reach Banff’s iconic lake with zero panic attacks. Read more

🌐 G7 Summit security tightens in Kananaskis as Banff prepares for overflow
With military drills, road closures, and airspace restrictions from June 10 to 18, locals and visitors are urged to reroute, use public transit, and expect delays as world leaders descend on Alberta. Read more

🐻 Black bear forces trail closure in Kananaskis after damaging a tent
A bear broke into an unoccupied tent near Quaite Creek, triggering a trail and campground closure until further notice. Read more

🐾 Cougar warning issued for Gunnery Mountain in Kananaskis
Following the reports of two hikers being followed, Alberta Parks advises caution and offers safety tips for anyone heading out near Highwood Pass. More

🌍 Banff braces for G7 Summit traffic shift from Kananaskis
With Kananaskis Country closed to the public from June 10 to 18, Banff prepares for a surge in visitors with transit, traffic flaggers, and a plea to park and ride.

💍 Bride fakes death mid-toast to launch murder mystery wedding
A Banff bride's dramatic collapse set the scene for a full-on whodunnit - complete with detectives, decor, and Instagram applause. Read on

🚗 Divers uncover vintage car mystery deep in Banff's Lake Minnewanka
A 1928 Hudson Essex lost beneath the ice 85 years ago has finally been found, solving a legendary local tale that baffled generations. Read more

🚫 No-stopping zone issued to protect roadside bears in Kootenay
Parks Canada has banned stopping along a 15 km stretch near Olive Lake to reduce traffic risks and keep grizzlies and black bears safe while feeding. Full story

🚴 Banff Bike Month rolls out workshops, rides and family fun
From a Tiny Tykes Rodeo to maintenance clinics and Banff’s first-ever Bike Bus, June is packed with free and low-cost cycling events for all ages. Read more

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

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

• 🌍 What the G7 Summit Means for Locals This Week

• 🅿️ Banff Parking Guide: Free Lots, Paid Zones, and RV Tips 2025

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

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

Mon, 9th June

08:00 ☕ Banff Coffee Connector: Pride Event - The Moxy Hotel - Banff
08:30 📚 MountainLIFE: Mountain Weather - The Fenlands - Banff
18:45 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
20:00 🎸 Live Music Night - Three Bears - Banff
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver - Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set - Konstance in the House - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎶 Live Music - Brent Lee - Rose & Crown - Banff

Tue, 10th June

21:00 🎶 Live Music: Alien to the Ignorant & More - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers - Banff

Wed, 11th June

10:00 🥕 Banff Farmers Market - Central Park - Banff
13:30 🎨 Fox Fur Earring Workshop - The Banff Centre - Banff
15:00 🎸 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
20:00 🍻 Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewery - Banff
21:30 💃 Latin Fiesta @ Melissa's MisSteak - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set with DJ Nazo - Rose & Crown - Banff
22:00 🎧 Music with DJ Hops - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub - Banff

Thu, 12th June

10:00 🌿 A Forest Therapy Walk: Banff Pride - Spray River Trail - Banff
13:30 🎨 Seal Skin Bracelet & Earring Workshop - Whyte Museum - Banff
18:00 🎶 Live Music: Steph O'Dette - The Bison - Banff
18:45 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
19:00 🍽️ Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
19:00 🎉 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
20:00 🎻 Irish Night: Live Music - St. James Gate - Banff
20:30 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Adequate Band - 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.

🍺 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 (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+, 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 (14:00-18:00, 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, Daily)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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