Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

Sunshine Village is open. That sentence wasn't guaranteed on Thursday night, when Parks Canada crews were still running controlled avalanche work on the access road in the dark.

By Friday morning, the closure was lifted, the road was clear, and the weekend was back on. Highways 93S and 93N stay closed until Saturday afternoon, so factor that in before you leave.

Elsewhere this week, Roam Transit is still working through what happened when the January skijoring weekend sent 4,672 passengers through Route 2 in a single day - a record, and apparently enough to put people on top of the bus shelters.

And Carter-Ryan Theatre in Canmore is hosting its first-ever fundraising gala on 11 April - performances, live auction, charcuterie, and the Morgan McKee Trio. A hundred dollars plus tax, which is either a night out or a charitable donation, depending on your accountant.

And if the idea of a private cabin in the mountains - views, deck, no tent pegs - sounds more appealing than a hotel room, Skyridge Glamping is worth a look.

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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The Banff Gondola is one of Banff’s most popular attractions. It offers an easy way to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain without hiking. The short 8-minute ride leads to observation decks, a boardwalk, and an interpretive centre.

For a special winter experience, head up at sunset and catch the Nightrise light show, where the summit is transformed by immersive sound and light installations.

It is a great way to gain a high-altitude perspective of the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks. However, we do recommend booking in advance, especially during busy periods, as tickets can sell out.

Book your ride for summit views without the hike!

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

Numa Falls

❄️ A chilly stretch with a brighter start to next week. Saturday reaches 2Β°C with a few flurries through the day. Sunday brings 1Β°C with a chance of flurries lingering. Monday warms to 5Β°C with sunny skies and a clearer feel. Full forecast here.

⛷️ Sunshine is open after all - avalanche crews worked through the night. Parks Canada lifted the access road closure on Friday morning following successful controlled avalanche work. Highways 93S and 93N remain closed until Saturday afternoon. Full story here.

🎭 Carter-Ryan's first-ever fundraising gala hits Canmore on 11 April. Tickets are $100 + GST for an evening of performances, live auction, charcuterie, and the Morgan McKee Trio. Can't attend? Remote bidding and donations are welcome. Full details here.

🚌 Lake O'Hara shuttle draw closes 23 March. The random draw for Yoho's coveted day-use shuttle fills up fast - enter through the Parks Canada Reservation Service before 11:59 pm MT. Losing the draw is also an option.

🚌 Record ridership, long queues, people on the bus shelters. Banff's January skijoring weekend pushed Route 2 to its highest single day ever at 4,672 passengers. Roam is talking to organisers about what changes next time.

🚐 Canmore's Safe Park lets workers sleep in their vehicles legally. Running from May to October, the programme charges participants and requires proof of local employment. Since 2021, it has housed over 190 people. Last year, 73 applied. Not all got in. Read more.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🏰 The Fairmont Banff Springs. Experience a stay at the iconic stone castle that has welcomed travellers for over a century. Nestled above the Bow River with 360-degree mountain views, it offers the perfect mix of historic charm and scenic walking trails. Book your stay here.

🚣Activities You Might Enjoy

🚢 Banff Guided Town Walking Tour - Ditch the tourist trail and explore Banff's lesser-known corners on this friendly two-hour walk. Local history, hidden spots, and a snack thrown in - not a bad way to spend a morning.

πŸ₯Ύ Sunshine Meadows Guided Hike - Gondola up, chairlift higher, then a gorgeous 12km wander past alpine lakes and wildflowers on the Continental Divide. A guide, a packed lunch, and the Rockies at their best - what more do you need?

πŸ›Ά Banff Big Canoe River Explorer - Paddle the Bow River in a classic voyageur canoe with a knowledgeable guide, a bit of local history, and elk on the banks if you're lucky. Lemonade on the shore at the end.

πŸ…ΏοΈ Sleep Here, Park Free, Walk Everywhere

Banff's downtown core was not designed with your rental car in mind, and the Bear Street Parkade will cheerfully remind you of this at up to $12 an hour in summer. These three hotels solve the problem before it starts, offering free on-site parking within easy walking distance of Banff Avenue.

🫎 Moose Hotel & Suites - Rooftop hot tubs, a decent bar, and free parking that saves you roughly the cost of one overpriced après-ski cocktail per day. Sitting in the heart of the village means you can leave the car exactly where you put it and walk to essentially everything. Read The Reviews And Book

πŸ”οΈ Ptarmigan Inn - A no-nonsense option that understands its guests are here for the mountains, not the minibar. Free parking, a location that puts Banff Avenue shops and restaurants well within walking distance, and rates that won't require a second mortgage. Read The Reviews And Book

🦊 Fox Hotel & Suites - Suites with kitchenettes mean you can actually cook a meal, which is a genuine act of rebellion in a town where a bowl of soup can run to $22. Add free parking and a central location, and you have a practical base that quietly outperforms its price point. Read The Reviews And Book

❓Your Questions Answered

🌲How does September compare to summer in the Canadian Rockies? You get similar scenery and activities but with fewer people, lower temperatures, autumn colour, and a shift in wildlife behaviour that makes for a very different experience. See the full guide

🦌 Are elk dangerous in Banff? Yes, especially in spring and autumn when they are highly protective of calves or seeking mates.

🐺Is wildlife a concern on hikes around Canmore? Elk and other animals are a regular presence on some trails, so knowing what to expect matters.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

Which Banff-area ski resort is located closest to the town of Banff?

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Yesterday’s Question: What is the main reason Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles?

βœ…Answer: 3) Limited parking and congestion issues - 82% Correct

Access to Moraine Lake is limited to reduce congestion and protect the area. Our How to Get to Moraine Lake Guide explains the current transport options.

If you like the idea of being surrounded by mountain scenery but don’t want the effort that comes with camping, Skyridge Glamping sits nicely in between. The private cabins are set in a quiet natural setting, giving you a real sense of being away from it all.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

πŸ“… Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

Saturday, March 21

8:00 | Spring Equinox Triathlon | Canmore Nordic Centre | Canmore

9:55 | Tristan und Isolde | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

13:00 | World Day of the Glacier | Elevation Place | Canmore

13:15 | Wild Life Distillery Tour | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

15:00 | Dolly: Here She Comes Again | Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore

19:00 | Next Stop Comedy | The Boss Kitchen | Banff

19:30 | Dolly: Here She Comes Again | Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore

20:00 | Live Music Night | St. James Gate | Banff

20:00 | Salsa Socials | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

21:00 | Colin MacDonald: Live | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | Club Night: DJ Raven | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Halle Ponton: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | JT Band | The Drake | Canmore

22:00 | Jamie Allanach: Live | Rose & Crown | Canmore

πŸ“… Got An Event To Share?

πŸ“… Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

πŸ‘‹ 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

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