Hey Banff! Bears Are Gone, Elk Are Mad, and G7 Is Still Everywhere
It’s a strange mix of quiet trails and loud headlines this week in Banff. The G7 Summit continues to dominate the town with military flyovers, road closures, and that ever-present global buzz. If you’re feeling a little over it - you’re not alone.
Meanwhile, bears have seemingly packed their bags (maybe to avoid the traffic), but mother elk are out in force. Parks Canada is pleading with everyone: give them space and don’t test your luck.
But don’t worry - there’s still plenty to smile about! From live music and drag fundraisers to BBQ wagon rides and cultural markets, the town’s not slowing down. Dive into the full list below and make the most of your week!

🌍 G7 Summit turns Bow Valley into global spotlight
With trail closures, military flyovers, and a $240 million economic boost, the Banff and Canmore area braces for the largest domestic security op in Canadian history. Full story

🦌 It’s elk calving season- keep your distance.
Mother elk are fiercely protective right now, and Parks Canada warns: no selfies, no close-ups, no exceptions. More

🐾 Where Have All the Bears Gone?
It’s been unusually quiet on the bear front in Banff and Canmore this week - maybe they’ve headed for higher ground to avoid the incoming political traffic. While they're off the radar, we're revisiting some of the most legendary bear encounters from years past. Spoiler: pastries were involved. Read the full list of wild tales

🎸 Jam for Jasper brings music and wildfire awareness to Banff
Digital Hobo and local experts will blend live sets with fire safety insights during this May 31 fundraiser at the Banff Springs. Get tickets

🔥 Illegal Tunnel Mountain campfire spreads to nearby brush
Banff crews put out a smouldering fire left in dry conditions, and remind visitors that only designated fire pits are legal. More

🧾 Curious about staying in Canada longer? This free Zoom has answers!
Foreign workers in the Bow Valley can join a free online drop-in on June 5 to ask questions about residency, permits, and local services. More

🪂 New rules for paragliding in Banff National Park
Pilots take note: Parks Canada has issued new restrictions on takeoff and landing zones to protect wildlife and public safety. Full story

🐟 Drilling company charged over habitat destruction in Lake Louise
Aaron Drilling faces six federal charges after sediment from a test well flowed into a trout habitat during spawning season. Full story

🚫 Don’t be THAT camper: Fire warning issued in Banff
Parks Canada urges visitors to use legal fire rings only after another wildfire scare linked to an illegal fire. Read more

🍜 Ramen Arashi Express opening June 1 in Banff
A local favourite expands with a new express spot downtown, bringing authentic Japanese ramen to locals and travellers alike. More

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

15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
19:00 🎸 Oesa Jam Night - 100 Beaver St, Banff
19:30 💃 Balkan Greek Night: Live Dinner Show - The Balkan, Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music Friday - St. James Gate, Banff
21:00 🕺 Friday Night Dance Party - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
22:00 🎤 Live Music: Garrett Barbuto - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎧 Live DJ & Happy Hour - High Rollers, Banff

10:30 🦵 Workshop: Hip & Knee Longevity - CrossFit Banff, Banff
11:00 🪶 Banff Iniskim Cross-Cultural Powwow - Fenlands Recreation Centre, Banff
14:15 🏓 50+ Pickleball - Banff Elementary School, Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
19:00 🎤 Jam for Jasper: Music & Fire Resilience Fundraiser - Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
19:30 💃 Balkan Greek Night: Live Dinner Show - The Balkan, Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music Saturday - St. James Gate, Banff
21:00 🕺 Saturdays at Sasquatch - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music: Garrett Barbuto - Rose & Crown, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Night: Saturdays with DJ Palf - High Rollers, Banff

10:30 🌿 Recreation and Parks Day - Sundance Park (Recreation Grounds), Banff
11:00 🛍️ Indigenous Marketplace & Cultural Events - Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
11:00 🎭 Splash! Banff Pride Fundraiser - Moxy Banff, Banff
19:30 🎹 Art of Piano: James Anagnoson & Micah Yui - Banff Centre, Banff
21:00 🎧 Sunday Funday at Dancing Sasquatch - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
21:00 🎉 Banff’s Best Party: Sunday Funday - High Rollers, Banff

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? Our events page features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.

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+ Daily, 15:00-18:00 Fri)
🎖️ Banff Legion (92 Banff Ave.) (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00 Daily)
🎤 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30 Sun, Fri & 16:00-17:00 Sat)
🎳 High Rollers (16:00-18:00 Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 / 22:00+)
🥩 Melissa’s MisSteak (15:00-18:00 Daily; 22:00-02:00 Sun-Thurs)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00 Daily)
🍻 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-15:00, Mon-Fri)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-Close, Daily excluding holiday weekends)
🍷 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)

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