Hi Everyone! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
Kananaskis is sitting at avalanche danger level five this week - the top of the scale - after fifty centimetres fell overnight. Avalanche Canada's advice isn't to pack extra gear or go with a guide. It's to not go. Highway 742 is closed, with control work planned for Friday morning if the weather cooperates.
Elsewhere, a camper at Two Jack Lakeside found out in court what Parks Canada has been saying for years: leave your rubbish out and something will get into it. In this case, a wolf. The fine was $350. Parks Canada is fairly clear that animals conditioned to human food don't tend to get second chances.
On the pass front, the Kananaskis conservation fee raised $15 million last year. Where it went remains, officially, unclear - even to the minister. Something to think about while you're not skiing.
On a more useful note for those arriving when the snow is gone: the Hop-On Hop-Off bus remains one of the more sensible ways to cover Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon in a single day without surrendering your morning to a car park.
There is plenty happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.
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Reaching Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in summer often means navigating parking restrictions and fitting your plans around fixed tour schedules. This open-top bus tour takes a more flexible approach, with hourly departures that let you manage your time.
Travelling by double-decker bus, open on warm days and enclosed when itβs cooler, youβll visit Moraine Lake for time on the Rockpile Trail before continuing to Lake Louise to explore the shoreline at your own pace. A lunch break in Lake Louise Village is included, and the full day runs 8 to 10 hours, so it doesnβt feel rushed.
ποΈ Fresh from the Rockies
Policemanβs Creek Boardwalk (March 12th, 2026)
β°οΈ Kananaskis avalanche danger is rated five out of five. That's the top. Fifty centimetres fell overnight. Avalanche Canada's guidance is not "use caution" - it's "avoid the backcountry" entirely. Highway 742 is closed, with avalanche control work planned for Friday morning, weather permitting.
πΊ Leaving out rubbish at Two Jack cost one camper $350. A wolf accessed unattended garbage at Two Jack Lakeside Campground in September. The matter went to court in December. Parks Canada notes that wolves conditioned to human food are typically destroyed. The wolf was presumably just hungry.
ποΈ Nobody knows where the Kananaskis pass money goes. Not even the minister. The $15 conservation pass raised $15 million in 2025. At a press conference this week, Alberta's Forestry and Parks Minister confirmed the figure but couldn't provide a breakdown of how it was spent in K-Country.
π¨ Canmore hotel spa proposal heads toward a council submission. A boutique hotel, thermal pools, and wellness facilities are planned for Crown land near Quarry Lake. Over 250 residents turned up to a community meeting to push back, citing wildlife corridors. No formal application has been submitted yet - that's three to six months away.
π¬ Banff National Park's film career continues quietly. Reminders of Him, adapted from Colleen Hoover's novel, opens on 13 March with Maika Monroe and Lauren Graham. It was filmed across southern Alberta and the park last spring.
π» BISQFest 2026 tickets are on sale now. The Banff International String Quartet Festival runs September 3-6 in the Rockies, with Jan Lisiecki, Steven Isserlis, and several quartet laureates performing. Full Weekend packages are limited.
π¨ Local artists are hiding free original artwork around Banff today. Painters June Hills and Megan Parker are stashing pieces in parks and public spaces as part of International Art and Found Day. Check their Instagram accounts for hints.
β Most Popular Last Issue
π£ The Sasquatch Files. Alberta has quietly tracked Sasquatch sightings for over two centuries, starting with David Thompson in 1811. From RCMP investigations of 18-inch tracks to biological theories, the provinceβs secret records are now coming to light. Read the full history here.
π£Activities You Might Enjoy
π Banff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Day Pass - A handy way to tick off Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake in one day - no parking stress, no hire car needed. Get off, explore, and jump back on whenever you're ready.
π Moraine Lake Sunrise/Sunset & Stargazing Tour - Catch Moraine Lake at its most magical - either at first light before the crowds arrive, or at dusk with stargazing to follow. Small groups, transport included, and a real chance of northern lights.
π‘ Jasper SkyTram - Ride Canada's longest aerial tramway high above Jasper National Park for sweeping views of glaciers, turquoise lakes and six mountain ranges. Option to hike higher at the top if you're feeling keen.
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦How to Get Your Kids Excited for a Trip to Banff
Getting kids excited about a trip to Banff starts long before you pack the car. A few good books can turn the holiday into an adventure they already feel part of.
For ages 3 to 6, Banff National Park ABCs is a fun way to introduce the animals, scenery, and simple ideas theyβll spot on the trip. A Tale of Beauty and Adventure can also help younger children picture Banff as a place full of mountains, wildlife, and outdoor fun rather than just βsomewhere Mum and Dad are taking us.β
For ages 5 to 8, The Little Grizzly Who Walked Like a Boss adds a bit of personality and humour. Stories like this help children connect with Banffβs wildlife in a way that feels playful and memorable. They may arrive hoping to spot a bear, even if only from a very safe distance. Donβt know who βThe Bossβ is? Find out here.
For ages 6 to 10, the Banff National Park Activity Book for Kids is great for building excitement and keeping the destination top of mind. Activities, puzzles, and colouring pages give kids something hands-on to do while helping them recognise places, animals, and park themes before they arrive.
By the time the trip begins, Banff already feels familiar, which makes the whole adventure more exciting for everyone.
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βYour Questions Answered
What is the cheapest way to get to Moraine Lake? The Parks Canada shuttle costs from $8 per adult, but seats are limited and sell out fast. Read through all the options
Could Canmore be the right place for you to live? It depends on your priorities - the lifestyle is exceptional, but the practicalities deserve careful thought.
Do I need a park pass to visit Banff in 2026? Yes, unless your trip falls in the free admission window from June 19 to September 7. This is what you need to know.
ποΈ Quiz
Which iconic peak in the Canadian Rockies is shown in this photo?
Wednesdayβs Question: How did railway workers first enter the Cave and Basin Hot Springs in 1883?
β Answer: 3) By descending a felled tree through a skylight - 42% Correct
Frank McCabe and the McCardell brothers used a tree to climb down into the steaming cavern, sparking the birth of Canada's national parks.
If visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is high on your list, Paradise Lodge & Bungalows is a convenient place to stay. The cabins sit about 1 km from Lake Louise, so you can walk to the lakeshore, and with a Parks Canada shuttle ticket, you can take the Lake Connector between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Friday, March 13
14:30 |
Castle Food Experience |
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff
17:00 |
Mike Petroff: Live |
Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore
19:00 |
Caitlin Connelly: Live |
Moxy Banff | Banff
19:00 |
Hockey: Canmore Eagles |
Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore
19:00 |
May Contain Alcohol: Live |
Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore
19:30 |
Dolly: Here She Comes Again |
Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore
19:30 |
IMAR: Live Band |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
20:00 |
Live Music Night |
St. James Gate | Banff
21:00 |
Dr. Z Duo: Live |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
Friday Night Vibes DJ LT |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
Hot Pursuit & Garrett Barbuto |
Rose & Crown | Banff
22:00 |
DJ Bunny Hops |
1890's Smokehouse | Canmore
22:00 |
Reed Alton: Live |
Rose & Crown | Canmore
π Got An Event To Share?
π
Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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π Thatβs All For Now π¬
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 | Whatβs On Banff

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