Grizzly Mauls Hunter!

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

The biggest story this week is the grizzly encounter near Cochrane, where a hunter was transported to Calgary after a serious mauling. Wildlife officials are still sorting out what happened, but it’s a sharp reminder of how quickly conditions can shift outdoors, even late in the season.

Meanwhile, Canmore has some big development news. The Everwild Nordic Spa project has now confirmed its opening timeline for November 2025, promising saunas, mineral pools, outdoor relaxation areas, and mountain-view thermal circuits. It’s expected to be a major draw for visitors and locals looking for a slower-paced experience.

We’re also heading into the final run of Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. This unique nighttime experience will close for good after this winter, so this is the last chance to see it.

Finally, a snowfall warning is in place across parts of the park. Expect wet, heavy snow and slower travel.

Keep reading to dive into events, music, food specials, and things to do around town.

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

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🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which ski resort is not located within Banff National Park?

✅ Answer: D) Marmot Basin (It’s located in Jasper National Park.) - 68% Correct

Marmot Basin sits in Jasper National Park. Discover the ski resorts in both parks.

🌤️ Weather - Fri 6 PM

👉 For the detailed outlook and a year’s weather guide, visit our Weather Page.

🏞️ Your Questions

1. Is Johnston Canyon open in the winter? Yes, and it may be the best time to visit. Find out how to get there and what to do.

2. Where can I buy a park pass? There are plenty of options. We explain here.

3. Can anyone visit the Fairmont Banff Springs? You don't need to be a guest - visitors can explore the hotel, dine, or enjoy a drink with mountain views.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

🐻 Hunter airlifted after grizzly attack near Cochrane. Two men were hunting when one was mauled on Thursday afternoon and flown to Foothills Medical Centre. Officials believe the bear was shot by his partner, with DNA testing underway to confirm details. See the latest update.

🌙 Last call for Nightrise at Sulphur Mountain. The immersive nighttime summit experience wraps for good after this winter season. Expect glowing colours, quiet viewpoints, and a deep mid-winter atmosphere. Runs Nov 22-Mar 29. Plan your night.

🧖 Everwild Nordic Spa is opening in Canmore in 2025. Set to open Nov 20, 2025, Everwild will feature hot-cold thermal circuits, saunas, mineral pools, outdoor lounges and mountain views, plus a new boutique hotel with direct spa access. Day passes will be available. See the early details.

❄️ Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise in 2026. The iconic ice castle and world-class sculptors are back Feb 5-8, 2026. Entry is free but ticketed, with shuttle access required. Hotel guests and local residents get first access. See how to get tickets.

❄️ Snowfall warning issued for Banff National Park. Environment Canada expects 10-15 cm of wet, heavy snow around Banff, Lake Louise and Highway 93 North, with travel likely to be slow and visibility reduced. Temperatures near zero. Check the forecast.

🚗 Winter tires are now mandatory on the Icefields Parkway. From Nov 1 to Apr 1, Highway 93N requires winter tires. There are no services or cell signal along the 230km stretch, so fuel up, pack warm layers, and check 511 before you go. See the safety tips.

🐻 MLA challenges province over grizzly bear response program. Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi says killing grizzlies isn’t reducing conflicts and argues funding should go to BearSmart education instead. The minister insists the responder program is effective and cost-neutral. See the key exchange.

⛰️ Fortress Mountain pitches an all-season resort plan. A major redevelopment proposal includes new lifts, expanded terrain, a hotel, spa, brewery, retail village and year-round operations. Supporters call it overdue; critics warn of wildlife and water impacts. See what’s being discussed.

🍕Food & Drink

🍕 Taste for Adventure at Pizzeria Sophia. Sophia is offering a $49 three-course dinner as part of Banff's Taste for Adventure festival - cosy lighting, seasonal plates, and very limited nightly seating. Book your TFA table.

🍽️ Locals November returns at Crazyweed. A $49 three-course menu plus 30% off drinks, 20% off the à la carte menu, and 25% off all wine. Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after 5 PM. Book a table

🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co. - Late Night Happy Hour on the Ave. From 21:00 daily, enjoy $4 Shafts, $5 highballs, and $10 Ninjas in a lively, multi-level brewpub serving house-made beers. See what's pouring tonight.

🗓️ Plan Your Trip

🏔️ Wake Up to Lake Louise Views for Less: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a few ways to make a stay here more tempting this season. Alberta, BC, and SK residents save almost one-third, while winter guests can book three nights or more for a discounted stay with breakfast included. There's even a Stay, Play & Ski offer with a resort credit. Check out guest reviews to see what past visitors thought.

💧 Maximize your day in the mountains. If you're short on time, this guided tour is ideal. Experience Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and Johnston Canyon all on one trip. Book by Nov 15th to save almost $30 per person.

✈️ Stress-free airport transfers to Banff. If you're flying in, this shuttle offers a smooth, reliable, and comfortable transfer service directly from the airport to Banff. Reserve by Nov 19th for a discounted rate.

🔔Reminders

🚫 Bow Glacier Falls Trail Remains Partially Closed - in effect until further notice.

🚧 Highway 40 (Highwood Pass) Seasonal Closure - from Dec 1 to June 20.

📢 Parks Canada Discovery Passes - extended by 3 months.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🎭 A Christmas Carol returns to Banff Springs. Back for its eighth season, this festive crowd-pleaser runs Dec 5-28 inside the Fairmont Banff Springs. Plan your night.

❄️ Abraham Ice Bubble & Rockies Tour. Explore Abraham Lake's frozen bubbles, Peyto Lake, and Sunwapta Falls. Now $69 (was $119). Book now to save.

🌎 O Canada! Summer tourism hits all-time highs. Canada’s tourism industry just had its biggest summer ever. See what fueled the record rush.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 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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📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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