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

Karl Bushby left his front door in 1998 and has been walking ever since. This weekend, the last 1,500km of his 50,000km loop around the world will bring him through Banff, where he will stop long enough to tell you about his journey. His mother is at home. She has been waiting since 1998. The man is nearly done.

Elsewhere this week, Pride Ski Night hits Mt. Norquay on Friday - sequins on the flood-lit slopes, hosted by the Banff Pride Society, with performer Karla Marx along for the evening.

If you've been meaning to go night skiing, this is probably the most compelling reason that will present itself. Night skiing and tubing at Norquay wrap up on 14 March, so there are two weekends left to use as an excuse.

Also in this issue: Banff Sunshine spring passes go on sale from 8 March, a rockfall is keeping drivers moving on Highway 93S, the hotel levy is going up in April, and if you fancy waking up at the Johnston Canyon trailhead rather than fighting for parking, we've got a stay worth looking at.

Right then - on with it.

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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Staying here puts you right at the start of the Johnston Canyon trail, so you can head into the canyon before the crowds arrive, or enjoy it later once the tour buses have gone. It also avoids the challenge of finding parking, which often fills early during busy periods.

Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows sits along the Bow Valley Parkway about 20 minutes from Banff, making it a convenient base between Banff and Lake Louise. After a day exploring the canyon and nearby sights, you can return to a peaceful forest setting with a cafΓ©, market, and bistro on site.

πŸ”οΈ Fresh from the Rockies

Sentinel Pass from Larch Valley

πŸ₯Ύ An Englishman who has been walking since 1998 passes through Banff. Karl Bushby is raising funds for the final 1,500km of a 50,000km walk around the world. His mother is waiting in the same house he left. She has been waiting since 1998. Full story.

🏨 Alberta's hotel levy is rising from 4% to 6% on 1 April. The extra revenue goes to general provincial coffers, not tourism marketing. Banff hoteliers say they may have to absorb the cost of bookings already made.

🌦️ Mixed bag ahead, with a warm spell mid-weekend. Fri 6 Mar brings sun, cloud, and a chance of flurries or showers, high 6°C. Saturday clears to a mild 10°C before showers return overnight. Sunday brings rain or flurries, high 6°C, with snow and colder air moving in by Sunday night. Full forecast here.

🎿 Night skiing and tubing at Norquay ends 14 March. The only night skiing in the Canadian Rockies runs Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9 pm. Adults $54, kids under 5 free. Two weekends left.

πŸͺ¨ Rockfall closes two Sinclair Canyon pullouts on Hwy 93S. Warming temperatures are triggering periodic rockfall near Sinclair Canyon in Kootenay National Park. The highway remains open. Parks Canada asks drivers not to stop to photograph the debris.

⛷️ Banff Sunshine spring passes on sale from 8 March. Skiing runs until the Slush Cup. Adult passes start at $727, family passes start at $1,497, and children's passes start at $197. Seven pass types are available in total. Full pricing here.

πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ Pride Ski Night at Mt. Norquay this Friday, 7 March. Performer Karla Marx joins the flood-lit slopes for an evening hosted by the Banff Pride Society. Skis and sequins, apparently, are not mutually exclusive. Details here.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚒 The Iconic Spirit Island. Spot wildlife along the Maligne Valley and visit Medicine Lake before boarding a 90-minute cruise to one of the most recognisable views in the Canadian Rockies. Book now and explore Jasper’s Maligne Valley with ease.

πŸš— Getting Around: Negotiating Transport During The Peak Season

Traffic and parking are your biggest challenges during the summer months. Here's how to stay ahead:

  • Lake Louise & Moraine Lake: These world-famous lakes are stunning but busy. Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles, and parking at Lake Louise fills by sunrise. Avoid the hassle by booking a private shuttle, the Parks Canada shuttle or the hop-on, hop-off bus.

  • Roam Transit: This local bus service connects you to Banff's biggest attractions and neighbouring Canmore. It's inexpensive, reliable, and avoids parking woes. The Super Pass gives you access to the Lake Connector service between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

  • Use the free parking lot at the Banff Train Station for easy access to Roam services without the hassle of finding parking downtown.

  • The golden rule: start your day before 7:00 AM or plan activities for late afternoon and evening. This avoids the biggest crowds and lets you enjoy cooler temperatures.

❓Your Questions Answered

🫧When is the best time to see the Abraham Lake ice bubbles? Mid-winter usually delivers the clearest ice and the most vivid bubble stacks, though conditions shift every year. See the full guide

🏠Where can you live in the Rockies without restrictions? Banff's off-limits for non-workers, but Canmore welcomes permanent residents seeking mountain life.

πŸ”οΈWhich Banff spa has the best mountain views? Find out which rooftop hot pools offer front-row seats to the Rockies. Explore our guide.

🚣Activities You Might Enjoy

πŸ₯Ύ Sunshine Meadows Daily Guided Hike with Gondola - Hop on the gondola and let a local guide lead you through one of the Rockies' most stunning alpine settings - wildflowers, wildlife and mountain views included. Lunch is sorted too.

πŸ›Ά Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - A relaxed 90-minute paddle along the Bow River with a knowledgeable guide, Rockies views and a complimentary lemonade at the end. No experience needed - perfect for all ages.

πŸ”οΈ Banff: Columbia Icefield Adventure with Top Five Lakes Tour - An epic 11-hour day trip taking in Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk in one go. Brilliant value at C$60 per person. Your next adventure.

πŸ•οΈ Quiz

At an elevation of 2,206 metres, what is the name of the highest paved public road in Canada?

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Yesterday’s Question: Which lake is shown in this photo, a popular picnic spot near Banff with views of Mount Rundle?

βœ…Answer: 1) Two Jack Lake - 59% Correct

Two Jack Lake is a favourite picnic spot near Banff with classic Mount Rundle views. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth checking out Lake Minnewanka.

If you’d like to experience a little of Banff’s ranching history while enjoying a BBQ steak lunch in the mountains, this wagon ride is a fun way to do it. You’ll travel by horse-drawn wagon along the Bow River before stopping at a backcountry cookout spot, with time to relax by the fire before the ride back.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Friday, March 6

13:00 | Mountain Madness Relay Race | All over Banff | Banff

17:00 | Sof Herrmann: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

17:00 | Full Moon Swap | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

19:00 | DJ Set: Bunny Hops | Moxy Banff | Banff

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

19:00 | Open Mic Night | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Treblemakers: Live | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:00 | Friday Bingo | Canmore Legion | Canmore

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

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

22:00 | Friday Night Vibes DJ LT | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Mike Mackenzie Band | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Lifzgood Acoustic: 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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