Angry Elk, G7 Chaos, and a Parking Nightmare in Banff

Hey Banff! This Week’s a Rollercoaster – Read On!

It’s been a wild week in the Bow Valley - and not just because of the weather. Between an elk charging dog walkers in Canmore, grizzlies being spotted near trails, and the looming G7 summit bringing road checks and parking woes, there's a lot to stay aware of.

Add in a spike in traffic, and mini pitchers at Sheepdog Brewing, and you've got a newsletter full of contrast. Scroll down to get the latest updates, plus the best local events, happy hours, and a few reasons to stay bear aware.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🌍 G7 Updates: Banff Hosts Finance Leaders as Summit Prep Heats Up
With world finance ministers meeting in Banff and President Trump confirmed for next month’s G7 in Kananaskis, the Bow Valley is firmly in the global spotlight. New protest zones have been designated at Fenlands, drone restrictions are in place across the region, and access for cyclists at Highwood Pass is now limited. Residents are also being reminded to avoid private roads and expect heightened security as preparations continue. Read more

🦌 Elk Charges Dog Walkers Near Lions Park in Calving Season Scare
A Canmore resident had to hide behind a tree as a protective elk got within metres - reminder: keep your distance this spring. Full story

🐎 Banff Trail Riders Plan Modern Overhaul of Historic Horse Barns
The company behind mountain trail rides is proposing a multi-use facility upgrade - but floor space rules could complicate plans. See details

🐻 Bear Report Warns of Grizzly Sightings and Elk Calving Hazards
Wildlife officials urge Bow Valley residents to stay alert and stay safe as bear activity spikes and cow elk aggressively defend hidden calves. Read more

🚗 Banff Parking Survival Guide: What to Know Before You Cruise Downtown
Where to park, what to avoid, and why your RV definitely doesn’t belong on Bear Street this summer. Read more

🚗 Banff Hits Record 6.7 Million Vehicles Despite Fewer Visitors
Parking and traffic woes continue as town urges transit use and eyes future rail solutions amid G7 summit pressures. Read on

🍻 Mini Pitchers & Hoppy Hour Deals at Sheepdog Brewing
Stop by Sheepdog's Banff taproom Monday to Friday, 1-3 pm, for hoppy hour deals perfect for summer sipping. See details

🏛️ Tourism Leaders Pitch Downtown Conference Centre for Canmore
A downtown venue could boost shoulder-season tourism - if council agrees to keep the door open. Full story

And if you are willing to take a short drive for a beer

🍻 Jasper Brewing Co. Reopens Its Doors and Taps
After a brief fire-induced break, Jasper’s hometown brewery is back with cold pours and a warm welcome for locals and visitors alike. See details

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• Recent Bear Incidents Prompt Safety Reminder for Park Visitors

• Black Bears Tear Tent Near Lake Minnewanka - Campgrounds Closed

• Banff Farmers Market Returns Weekly to Central Park

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

We keep it short here - head to the events page for full descriptions and links.

Mon, 26th May

08:30 💼 Agile Open Canada 2025 (Banff) - Banff
08:30 🏊 Aquafit - Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation, Banff
18:00 ⛳ Try-It: Golf (Ages 18+) - Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, Banff
18:45 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School, Banff
19:00 🎨 Pottery Painting - Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre, Banff
19:00 ❓ Trivia Night - Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff
19:30 🧠 Game Night: Clocktower Club - Banff Public Library, Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears, Banff
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: 2 DJs Live - High Rollers, Banff

Tue, 27th May

08:30 💼 Agile Open Canada 2025 (Banff) - Banff
16:00 🧘 Flow with Pride - Flow State Yoga Studio, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Andy Loops - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set with Styler VNAz - High Rollers, Banff

Wed, 28th May

14:30 💻 Tech Tutoring & Troubleshooting - Banff Public Library, Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
17:30 🏋️ Mountain Fit - The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, Banff
21:00 🎧 Party Night: Elevate 360 – May Edition - Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff
22:00 🎵 DJ Set With DJ Nazo - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎤 Tommy’s Open Mic - Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: DJ Hops – Wednesday Party Night - High Rollers, Banff

Thu, 29th May

08:30 💧 Aquafit - Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation, Banff
12:00 💃 Dance Aerobics - The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, Banff
18:45 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School, Banff
19:00 🚣 Beginner River Canoeing - Banff
19:00 🍻 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff
19:30 🇬🇷 Balkan Greek Night - The Balkan, Banff
20:00 🎶 Live Music: Irish Night - St. James’s Gate, Banff
21:00 🎧 Thursdays Locals Night $3 Everything - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
21:00 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Garrett Barbuto - Rose & Crown, Banff

Future Events

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? Our events page has a growing list of future happenings, complete with descriptions and links!

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️

Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.

🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00 Sat-Thu, 15:00-17:00 Fri)
🎤 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30 Sun, Fri & 16:00-17:00 Sat)
🎳 High Rollers (15:00-17:00 & 22:00- Close)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+)
🥩 Melissa’s MisSteak (15:00-18:00 Daily; Sun-Thurs, 15:00-18:00 & 22:00-02:00)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00 Daily)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-Close, Fri-Wed: All Day Thurs)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-18:00 Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00 Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00 Daily)
⏰ Tommy’s (15:00-18:00 & 22:00- Close)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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