Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
A great horned owl landed in a Muskrat Street garden last week, grabbed a 30-pound spaniel called Wilson, reconsidered, and left. It was, excluding bear stories, the most-read story in What's On Banff history.
This week, the news is slightly less avian. Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi is warning that Premier Smith's immigration referendum could pull the workforce out from under one of Alberta's most economically significant tourism regions - a region worth over a billion dollars a year that depends heavily on the very workers the policy targets.
Also this week: the Bow Valley Parkway is back on its nightly closure schedule - 8 pm to 8 am until June 25. Parks Canada has set the fine for non-compliance at $25,000, which should thin out the shortcut traffic.
Moraine Lake is still a few months off, but if it is on your summer list, now is a reasonable time to sort out access. There is a tour in this issue that handles transport and timing, leaving you to focus on the turquoise water and looking slightly smug about having planned ahead.
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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Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are two of the most popular Banff destinations, but planning a visit can be surprisingly tricky. Moraine Lake has no private vehicle access, and parking at Lake Louise is extremely limited, especially in peak season.
This half-day tour removes those hurdles by including round-trip transport from Banff and handling access for you.
You get to spend around 90 minutes at each lake. This gives you time to walk the shoreline trails, take your photos of the turquoise water, and spend some time taking in the mountain views. With transport and timing taken care of, you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
🌨️ Flurries and showers give way to clearer skies mid-week. Wednesday brings flurries turning to rain, high 7°C with a cold morning wind chill. Thursday and Friday are calmer - mixed sun and cloud, highs of 5°C and 4°C. Full forecast here.
🏨 Who runs the hotels if the workforce leaves? Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi is raising concerns about Premier Smith's proposed immigration referendum, warning that Bow Valley tourism - worth over $1 billion annually to the province - depends on the workers it targets. Full story.
📖 A Banff local has written the alphabet book it deserved. Meghan Brown, living in Banff since 2020, has published Banff National Park ABC - an illustrated children's book for ages 3-8 covering local wildlife, lakes, and landscapes. B is presumably for Bears.
🦌 The Bow Valley Parkway closes at night again from March 1. The 17km stretch of Highway 1A shuts from 8 pm-8 am daily until June 25 to protect wildlife during breeding season. The fine for driving it anyway is $25,000, which is a lot for a shortcut. Full closure details.
❄️ Maligne Road will have delays of up to two hours this week. Parks Canada is conducting avalanche control on March 3 and 4, with work wrapping up late afternoon on the 4th. Check 511.alberta.ca before you go.
🏔️ Mountain Madness teams must register today. The Town of Banff's team event on March 6 runs from Norquay to Sundance Park. Teams of five, register at banff.ca.
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🦉 Banff owl attacks 30-pound dog during morning bathroom break. A great horned owl struck Wilson, a Brittany Spaniel, in a fenced Muskrat Street yard at 7:15 a.m. The owl let go when it realised Wilson was too big to carry.
🧒 Hotels That Actually Work for Families in Banff
Travelling to Banff with children is a wonderful idea right up until someone asks, "But where do we go when it rains?" and the answer turns out to be "the gift shop." These three properties have thought ahead, so you don't have to.
🌊 Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets - Perched above town with its own indoor waterpark - two slides, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub - plus a giant indoor playground for when the weather does what Canadian mountain weather does. You're a short drive or shuttle from Banff Ave rather than a stroll, but on the days you simply don't leave the property, that won't bother anyone. Read The Reviews | Book Here
🛁 Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa - Right on Banff Avenue, which means no shuttle arithmetic and no convincing anyone to get back in the car. The indoor hot pool is more "restorative soak for tired adults" than "kids' entertainment venue," but after a day on the trail, that's precisely the point. Read The Reviews | Book Here
🏙️ Elk + Avenue Hotel - The Loft rooms sleep up to four and put you squarely in the middle of town, meaning restaurants, ice cream, and the distraction of passing wildlife are all within walking distance." Read The Reviews | Book Here
❓Your Questions Answered
Is the Fairmont Banff Springs worth the price? It blends Canadian history, mountain scenery, and genuine luxury - a stay that goes well beyond a standard hotel.
Is wildlife a concern on easy hikes around Canmore? Elk and other animals are a regular presence on some trails, so knowing what to expect matters.
How do you stay safe around elk? Keep your distance, control your dog, and watch for warning signs of aggression. See the full guide
🚣Activities You Might Enjoy
🤠 Banff: Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ - Clip-clop along the Bow River by horse-drawn wagon, then settle in for a BBQ with steak, baked beans and a game of horseshoes. A good-fun day out in the Rockies. We reckon you'll love it.
⛵ Lake Minnewanka Cruise - A relaxed one-hour boat tour across one of Banff's most stunning lakes, with Rocky Mountain views, wildlife spotting and stories of the area's history thrown in. Brilliant for families or anyone after a gentle adventure.
🚁 Canmore: 25-Minute Three Sisters Helicopter Tour - Soar above the Bow River, through Three Sisters Pass and into the stunning Spray Valley - all in 25 minutes. Just a short drive from Banff, and the views are absolutely worth it.
🏕️ Quiz
Statistically, which animal is considered the most dangerous to humans in Banff National Park?
Yesterday’s Question: Which ski resort is shown here, accessible via Gondola in summer?
✅Answer: 4) Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is easy to reach once the summer gondola is running, with several hiking trails crossing the meadows.
Johnston Canyon remains open in winter and, honestly, we think it’s the best time to visit. The frozen waterfalls are spectacular; you’ll often see ice climbers on the walls, and the biggest bonus is the quieter trails. Guided tours are available if you’re nervous about winter driving, want to avoid the stress of parking, or simply prefer to leave the planning to someone else.
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Wednesday, March 4
15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff
15:00 | Dolly: Here She Comes Again | Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore
15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff
18:00 | Open Mic Night | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore
18:00 | Fat Bike Ride | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore
19:00 | Trivia with TENAX | Banff Legion | Banff
19:00 | Movie Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore
19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore
19:30 | Dolly: Here She Comes Again | Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore
20:30 | Trivia Night | Tavern 1883 | Canmore
21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown | Canmore
22:00 | Late Night DJ Set | High Rollers | Banff
22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Pub | Banff
22:00 | Banff Dance Collective | Rose & Crown | Banff
📅 Got An Event To Share?
📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.
👋 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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