Sunshine Opens Early, Gondola Goes Free, and Christmas Spirit Arrives

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

Winter has arrived early in the Rockies - and it's shaping up to be one for the books. Sunshine Village has fired up the lifts ahead of schedule, giving skiers and snowboarders the earliest start to the season on record. Fresh snow, open runs, and mountain views are waiting this weekend!

Down in town, the holiday season is beginning to sparkle. In Search of Christmas Spirit returns to the Cascade of Time Garden from November 13, lighting up the forest with glowing wildlife sculptures, soft narration, and that special Banff calm.

And speaking of mountain magic - Banff Gondola's Local's Days are back! Bow Valley residents can enjoy the views, Christmas experiences, and Nightrise access for just a small donation. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

If you're after something truly unique, make time for a guided trip to Abraham Lake to see the famous ice bubbles forming beneath the frozen surface - a natural wonder like no other.

Scroll down for this week's events, music, and adventures - winter has officially begun!

• 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 lake is the closest to the town of Banff?

✅ Answer: C) Lake Minnewanka - 59% Correct

Just 15 minutes from Banff, Lake Minnewanka is perfect for a cruise, picnic, or a relaxed lakeside walk. Plan your visit.

🌤️ Weather - Sat 6 PM

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

🏞️ Your Questions

1. Does Banff have any craft breweries? Yes, and they're serving up great local beer. See where to try them.

2. Are there any free parking options in Banff? Yes, click to find out where.

3. Ever dreamed of living in Banff? It's not as simple as it sounds. Find out why.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

🎿 Banff Sunshine Village opens record early for ski season. The resort fires up lifts today, marking its earliest opening ever! With fresh snow and the terrain park ready, winter lovers can’t wait to carve first tracks. See when other resorts will open,

🐻 Fate of grizzly after Calgary-area mauling remains unknown. Alberta officials are still tracking a bear that fled after a mauling near Springbank, sparking debate over wildlife safety as grizzlies move closer to populated areas. Get the full update.

✨ In Search of Christmas Spirit runs Nov 13-Dec 31. If you need a quiet moment this season, head to Cascade of Time Garden. You’ll wander past glowing animal sculptures and gentle storytelling that feels like it’s just for you. Plan your visit.

🎉 Banff Gondola celebrates Local’s Days this November. Bow Valley residents can enjoy epic views, Mountaintop Christmas, and Nightrise for just a $5 donation - plus bring food for the Banff Food Bank! Tickets drop Nov 7. See event details here.

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50, Nov 1-9. From Nov 1-9, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival celebrates five decades of adventure storytelling with world-class speakers, films, and events. Festival details

⚠️ Winter warning issued for Banff Legacy Trail. Parks Canada urges everyone to stay off the trail from the first snowfall through spring due to deep snow, ice, and plough debris. No maintenance until thaw season! Check official details here.

🌲 Activists block Kananaskis logging road in bold protest. A determined group has set up camp to halt clear-cutting in South Kananaskis, demanding a moratorium and long-term forest protection. RCMP have visited, but the standoff holds. Read how the blockade is unfolding.

🍕Food & Drink

😋 Taste for Adventure wraps up on Nov 6. Last call for special fall menus, chef highlights, and those "we should try something new" meals. Bring your appetite while it's still on. Get the tasty details

🍺 Sheepdog unveils Dead Man's Flats Pale Ale. Sheepdog Brewing unleashes a crisp West Coast pale with pine, dark berries, and caramel notes - brewed for your "dark passenger." Halloween vibes, big flavour, and taproom pours now in Banff and Canmore. Grab a spooky pint.

🥃 Whiskey lovers, alert: Michter's Master Distiller comes to Banff. The Fat Ox hosts Dan McKee for an unforgettable guided tasting and family-style dinner packed with bold flavours and six premium pours. Book your seat before it’s gone.

🗓️ Plan Your Trip

📸 See the famous ice bubbles of Abraham Lake. Travel the Icefields Parkway on a guided winter trip, which includes the lake’s frozen bubbles up close. It’s one of the Rockies’ most unique winter sights. Find out how.

🐾 A Banff Trip That Includes the Dog. Leaving your furry friend at home shouldn't be part of your mountain vacation. Tunnel Mountain Resort is proudly pet-friendly & sits right at the start of great walking trails. See how easy your next adventure can be.

🌄 An easy Canmore hike with big views: Grassi Lakes. Just a few minutes from town, this trail delivers turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and that quiet moment where the mountains feel close. Great for relaxed afternoons. Plan your walk

🏰 Always Wanted To Stay At The Banff Springs? Now might be the time. The Fairmont Banff Springs has a host of offers running this season that make it a little easier to check off the bucket list. From winter ski packages to family deals and savings for guests over 55, there's more than one way to make it happen. Find out what past guests had to say.

🔔Reminders

⚠️ Sundance Canyon Loop Closed - estimated re-opening mid-Nov 2025.

🔧 Banff Gondola Annual Maintenance Closure - from Nov 10 to Nov 21.

♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs Closed - until Dec 2025 for upgrades.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🐻 Hunter airlifted after grizzly attack near Cochrane. Two men were hunting when one was mauled on Thursday afternoon. See the latest update.

🧖 Everwild Nordic Spa is opening in Canmore in 2025. Set to open Nov 20, 2025, includes a new boutique hotel with direct spa access. See the early details.

🌙 Last call for Nightrise at Sulphur Mountain. The immersive nighttime summit experience wraps for good after this winter season. Plan your night.

🎸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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