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

The pedestrian zone on Banff Avenue's 100 and 200 blocks won't be returning this summer. Residents voted it down by 134 votes, and under Alberta's Municipal Government Act, council cannot bring it back through its own bylaw process until after 26 August 2027 at the earliest, unless another public vote is held.

A global roundup of destinations where visiting is harder than it looks puts Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on the list. Moraine Lake Road is closed, and last summer, 75% of drivers attempting to access Lake Louise were turned away.

At Johnston Canyon, the family of Pavlo Shemchuk - the 25-year-old man presumed drowned at the Lower Falls on 1 May - is urging Parks Canada and RCMP to continue the search. Underwater cameras have been deployed, but the spring melt has limited visibility.

If Jasper is on your list this season, the Maligne Valley wildlife tour and Spirit Island cruise covers the valley route, a stop at Medicine Lake, and a 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island - transport and timing handled for you.

There is plenty happening this week. Dive into the event listings below, or check out the detailed events page on our website.

Wildlife Safety | Bear | Elk | Wolf | Cougar

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If you’re hoping to see wildlife and visit one of Jasper National Park’s most iconic views, this tour combines both in a single trip. The route follows the Maligne Valley, an area known for frequent wildlife sightings, and passes through some of the park’s most scenic landscapes.

The day includes a stop at Medicine Lake for a short walk along the shoreline before continuing to Maligne Lake. From there, you’ll take a 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most recognisable views in the Canadian Rockies. With transport and timing handled for you, it’s an easy way to experience some of Jasper’s best-known highlights.

Book now and explore Jasper’s Maligne Valley with ease

☀️ A sunny stretch rolls into Banff to kick off the week. Sunday brings a mix of sun and cloud at 18°C. Monday and Tuesday are gloriously sunny, hitting 18°C and 21°C respectively - well above the seasonal norm. By Wednesday, showers creep back in, so make the most of those bluebird days while they last. Full Forecast Here

🚗 Banff Avenue Stays Open to Traffic. The pedestrian zone that closed the 100 and 200 blocks each summer won't be returning in 2026 - or for at least three years under Alberta's Municipal Government Act. Residents voted it down by 134 votes.

🦬 From 16 to 130 in Seven Years. Plains Bison vanished from the Rockies over a century ago. Parks Canada moved a founding herd from Elk Island to Banff in 2017, and the reintroduction project has since produced a self-sustaining wild herd of over 130 animals.

🚗 Moraine Lake Makes the "Harder Than It Looks" List. A global roundup of destinations that catch visitors off guard includes Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Moraine Lake Road remains closed to personal vehicles, and last summer, 75% of drivers attempting to access Lake Louise were turned away.

How to get to Lake Louise | How to get to Moraine Lake | Book the Moraine Lake Shuttle

🔍 Family Appeals for Johnston Canyon Search. Pavlo Shemchuk, 25, was presumed drowned at Johnston Canyon's Lower Falls on 1 May after jumping into the rapids. His family is urging Parks Canada and RCMP to continue the search. Underwater cameras have been used, but the spring melt has limited visibility.

🌭 Ten Minutes. As Many Hot Dogs as Possible. The Rose & Crown is hosting a rooftop hot dog eating contest on 4 June, 5-7 pm. Ten minutes on the clock, water and ketchup provided. Winner takes $100 in gift cards, a t-shirt, and one free hot dog every Monday for the summer.

If you'd rather be out on the trails than reading about what threatens them, the Johnston Canyon e-bike and walking tour is a half-day option that covers Vermilion Lakes and the Bow Valley Parkway before heading into the canyon on foot.

🌊 Yoho National Park & Golden Skybridge Day Trip - A 12-hour run west from Banff, taking in Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and the highest suspension bridges in Canada above Golden's canyon. Early 07:00 start - bring snacks and layers for the Yoho Valley.

🌌 Banff Night Sky & Northern Lights Tour - A three-hour dark-sky excursion from the Cave and Basin, with the guide selecting real-time locations based on cloud cover and solar activity. Aurora not guaranteed, but the stargazing alone earns its place - refund offered if cloud cover exceeds 50%.

🌿 Sunshine Meadows Guided Hike - A gondola and chairlift to 2,400 metres, then a 12km hike across the Continental Divide visiting three high-alpine lakes in Banff's Sunshine Meadows. Bagged lunch included - check in 24 hours ahead to confirm your spot.

Banff has no shortage of places to stay, but travelling with a dog narrows the field quickly. These three properties have worked out that some guests arrive on four legs, and have made their peace with it.

🏨 Moose Hotel & Suites - Location does a lot of the heavy lifting here. You're in the middle of town, which means early morning dog walks go straight onto Banff Avenue rather than into a car park. Everything you need is within easy reach, which matters more when you're managing a dog alongside the usual mountain-holiday logistics. Read The Reviews And Book

⛺ Tunnel Mountain Resort - A little removed from the town centre bustle, which is either a minor inconvenience or an active benefit depending on what you're after. Dogs tend to vote for the latter - there's room to breathe out here, and the surrounding area is far more conducive to a proper walk than anywhere near a busy high street. Read The Reviews And Book

🏰 Fairmont Banff Springs - Staying in a 19th-century castle with your dog is not something most people put on their list, but it turns out the option exists. The grounds are substantial, the setting is hard to argue with, and the hotel has clearly decided that dogs are not incompatible with a certain level of grandeur. The rates reflect all of this, naturally. Read The Reviews And Book

🥾 What can you do in Banff in August? From hiking and paddling to scenic drives and wildlife watching, August keeps visitors busy across the whole national park.

🏔️ What is the difference between staying in Banff vs Canmore? Banff is a resort town built around tourism, sitting inside the national park, while Canmore is a real working mountain town just outside the park boundary - same scenery, very different atmosphere.

🏔️ What will I actually see on Policeman's Creek Trail? Mountain views, wetlands, birdlife, and a couple of historic landmarks - it covers more ground than its easy reputation suggests.

Yesterday’s Question: How much will paid parking in downtown Banff cost this summer?

✅Answer: 3) $12 per hour

Downtown parking in Banff rises to around $12 per hour during peak summer months to help manage congestion. Check out the free options.

If you’re travelling with kids, it’s good to know there’s one place in Banff where they can simply be kids for a while. The waterpark at Douglas Fir Resort has the town’s only waterslides, along with indoor play areas where younger visitors can burn off some energy. Adults can relax in the hot tubs nearby.

Book now and enjoy Banff’s only waterslides

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

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS | BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS |

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