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

Parks Canada had hoped to get a young wolf back to its pack. Instead, two days after relocating it, staff had to euthanise the pup following an encounter with a bull elk. The incident happened on 12 October, with details reported this week. Its injuries were too severe to survive.

There are now more specifics behind the Parks Canada budget cuts. CBC reports that Banff and Jasper will each lose one warden, while at least 13 detachments close nationwide. The union wants answers about response times and backup for staff working in remote areas.

Lake Louise starts its ski season today, five days early. The opening-day offering is limited to Juniper Express, Easy Street and two small terrain parks, with lift tickets discounted by over 60%. Enough to get the legs working again.

If you missed Bear 142 wrestling with her cub, we've included the video again. Filmed on the Bow Valley Parkway in May, it comes with a little background from Jill.

Plan Your Visit To Banff For November | December | January | February

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🐺 Banff wolf pup euthanised. A wolf pup injured by an elk on 12 October couldn't survive its injuries and was euthanised. Parks Canada had relocated it two days earlier, hoping it would find its pack.

🎿 Lake Louise ski season starts early. If you're heading up, expect early-season terrain: Juniper Express, Easy Street and two small terrain parks with jumps and rails. Lake Louise's 1 November ski opening comes with lift tickets discounted by over 60%.

🎬 Banff's mountain film festival begins. The Mountain Film and Book Festival runs from 31 October to 8 November. If you're going, check its planning guide: Roam Route 7 returns, and there's a new food truck.

🏞️ Banff faces warden cuts. CBC reports Banff will lose one warden as Parks Canada closes detachments and cuts staffing. At least 13 detachments will close nationwide, with the union questioning response times and backup for staff working in remote areas.

🌲 New information signs at Emerald Lake. If you're walking the Emerald Lake Trail, look for new signs about the landscape, covering everything from the natural forces that shaped it to the plants and animals living there.

🏨 Jasper hotel plans staged reopening. Lobstick Lodge is getting a retro alpine makeover, with redesigned rooms, a café and lounge. Most rooms are expected for peak summer 2027, but the remaining rooms and pool are anticipated by summer 2028.

🏃 Jasper charity run returns in November. You don't need to race regularly to join the Rebuild Jasper Run on 28 November. Donations and fundraising support Jasper's community team and volunteer fire brigade following the 2024 wildfires.

☀️ Banff starts November with sunshine before the clouds take a turn. Sunday will be mainly sunny with a high of 6°C. Monday brings sunshine and a high of 5°C. Tuesday turns cloudy with a high of 3°C. Full Forecast Here

🐻 Bear 142 and her cub are having a wrestle, and we've got the video. Filmed on the Bow Valley Parkway on 25 May, with Jill sharing a little of Bear 142's history.

🐕 Banff loses rescue dog programme. Parks Canada has ended its search and rescue dog programme, which last operated in Banff.

🐾 Cougar warning on Bill Milne Trail. A cougar killed a deer between Mashee Way and Evan-Thomas Day Use Area. A cougar warning remains in effect until further notice.

Five food and drink pairings, behind-the-scenes access and stories from inside the Fairmont Banff Springs.

Taste your way through the castle

🚡 Ride above Sunshine Meadows. For mountain views without a long climb, the Sunshine gondola and chairlift ticket covers both rides, with alpine trails to explore afterwards. It isn't suitable for people with mobility impairments.

🍴 Explore Banff through its food. If you enjoy trying Canadian flavours, this three-hour Banff food walk pairs tastings with local history. Contact Nibble Tours before booking about dietary requirements or mobility needs.

🌌 Stay for Moraine Lake's evening. For night owls, the Moraine Lake sunset and stargazing tour combines lakeside time with telescope viewing, weather permitting. Hot drinks and blankets are included; children must be at least six.

I'd secure your lake transport and any activity you're building the trip around first. Leave some gaps for walks, weather changes and days when you'd rather do less.

Before paying, check cancellation and date-change terms. A mountain-view attraction is better with a view, but waiting for the forecast means accepting that your preferred time might sell out. I'd keep ordinary walks and town sightseeing flexible around those main bookings.

Hundreds of flickering candles will fill St Paul’s Church as a live string quartet performs some of the best-loved songs of ABBA and Queen.

Catch it on 6 November 2026; tickets here.

🚧 Rockies trail, road and attraction closures. Johnston Canyon and Banff Upper Hot Springs are both closed. Before you set off, check our Rockies closures and travel alerts for trail access changes, road restrictions and wildlife warnings across the region.

Our updated cabins and mountain stays guide compares places to stay around Banff and the wider Rockies, with practical details on locations, facilities and getting there.

We've also refreshed our Banff happy hour guide and Canmore happy hour guide, with revised hours and offers to help you choose where to stop for food and drinks.

Bow River Loop, Canmore

For mountain views without much climbing, try this 2 km loop beside the Bow River. You'll cross the historic Engine Bridge, with views towards Ha Ling Peak, and follow riverside paths close to downtown. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, depending on photo stops.

I walked it on Saturday, and there was very little ice. It's a good option for a short outing followed by coffee or lunch in town, though footing can change with the weather.

Read our Bow River Loop walking guide

From our last issue: Which landmark is shown in this photo, created by the force of the Kicking Horse River?

🟩 Answer: 1) Natural Bridge - 72% Correct

Natural Bridge is one of several dramatic water-carved landmarks in the Rockies. For a great experience even closer to Banff, check out the Johnston Canyon Trail.

Here's what's happening today. Planning ahead? See our FULL EVENT CALENDAR for the rest of the week's events and beyond.

All Day | Mountain Film & Book Festival | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
All Day | Taste for Adventure | Banff Town | Banff
14:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff
16:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff
16:00 | Ain’t We Got Fun (Matinee) | Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore
20:30 | Balkan Greek Dinner Show | Balkan Restaurant | Banff
21:00 | Karaoke Night | Beaver Bar | Banff
21:30 | Line Dancing | The Dusty Boot | Banff
22:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff
22:30 | Locals Night with DJ Set | Melissa’s Missteak | Banff
23:00 | Sunday Night Karaoke | Banff Sizzlers | Banff

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