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Three Grizzly Cubs Left to Survive Alone After Hunter Kills Mother

🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊

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

This week brings a mix of heartfelt wildlife news and winter excitement. After a hunter killed a mother grizzly near Cochrane, her three cubs are now on their own. Parks staff say they appear healthy and ready to den on their own, but the story has sparked a lot of reflection about how we share the landscape.

Travel news is shifting, too. Chinese tour groups are returning to Canada for the first time in years. That means more visitors on Banff Avenue, more bookings for hotels and restaurants, and likely a busier winter ahead.

If you need something comforting, the Banff Hot Chocolate Trail is just around the corner. It’s a fun way to explore cafés and warm up after a cold walk, skate, or ski day. Some cafés are already teasing new flavours.

There’s also a limited-time tour deal worth noting: if you’ve only got one day to see the Rockies, there’s a guided highlights tour that covers places like Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon. The discount runs until November 15, so it’s one to check soon.

Below, you’ll find today’s event listings, happy hours, live music, and a few ways to plan your next outing. Grab something warm and settle in.

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🏕️ Quiz

Which of the following ghosts is NOT said to haunt the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel?

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Yesterday’s Question

The nickname “The Boss” in Banff refers to which of the following?

✅✅ Answer: D) Both A and B - a Restaurant & a Grizzly Bear - 14% Correct

“The Boss” is both a Banff restaurant and the name of a powerful male grizzly known for his size and strength. Meet the real boss of Banff.

🌤️ Weather - Wed 4 AM

Banff

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

Tour Highlights:
🥄 Taste Iconic Canadian Dishes • 🍟 Sample Poutine, Caesars & Fudge • 🚶 Guided Walking Tour of Banff • 🏔️ Local Favourites • 🕐 Morning & Afternoon Options

Book today to savour the flavours of Banff!

🏞️ Your Questions

  1. Is Moraine Lake still open? No, the road to Moraine Lake is now closed for the winter. Find out when it reopens and how to visit.

  2. Can I use Roam Transit to reach the main attractions? Yes, many buses stop near Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, and Tunnel Mountain. Plan your stops: roam transit guide.

  3. Is The Boss still alive and roaming around Banff National Park? Yes, this legendary grizzly is still making his presence known. Find out more about his story.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

🐻 Three orphaned grizzly cubs were left to hibernate naturally. After their mother was killed in a bear attack near Cochrane, Alberta, wildlife officials say the cubs are healthy, well-fed, and likely ready to den for winter on their own. See why the province chose not to intervene.

🏔️ China’s tour groups return – but can Banff cope? After five years, Chinese group tours to Canada are back, thrilling travel pros but adding pressure to Banff’s already stretched tourism scene. The crowds are coming! See how the boom could play out.

🍫 Banff Hot Chocolate Trail returns for 2025. From November 13 to February 8, sip your way through more than 30 cozy cafés and restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise. Expect wild toppings, boozy twists, and major winter vibes. Plan your cocoa crawl here.

🐻 GoFundMe set up for Carstairs hunter mauled by grizzly. After Jesse Sayer was attacked while hunting near Cochrane, the community rushed to donate - raising thousands in days, though some question the wisdom of his trip. See how the town is standing behind him.

🚂 CPKC Holiday Train returns for its 27th year. The festive train rolls out from November 19 to December 21, lighting up communities with live music and holiday cheer while raising funds for local food banks. Catch the Barenaked Ladies at Calgary, Radium and Banff. Calgary’s stop is December 12, Radium and Golden on the 16th! See the full schedule here.

🚰 Canmore lifts water restrictions. Repairs to the Spray Canal are finished, and the Rundle Forebay reservoir is back at full capacity - no fines, no drama, just flowing taps again. Residents' cooperation earned praise from the town. See how Canmore got the water flowing again.

🎥 Castle gets its Christmas makeover. Decorations are going up and festive vibes are in full swing as the Castle transforms for the season! Watch the sparkle come to life before the magic officially begins. See the transformation in action.

🍕Food & Drink

🔥 Bridgette Bar in Canmore NOT closed. Local social media got it wrong - the fire happened at Bridgette Bar in Calgary, not Canmore. Thankfully, everyone's safe, and the Calgary team is already working on repairs. Read the full statement here.

🍸 TRIBUTE Banff tickets now on sale. Sip, savour, and celebrate with tasting stations, bonfire pits, ice sculptures, and live entertainment that includes flame throwers and flair bartenders. Snag your spot before it sells out or check out our preview here.

🍫 Chocolate Maple Porter returns. Canmore Brewing’s award-winning seasonal is back - rich, dark, and kissed with 100% Canadian maple syrup. A double medal-winner and local favourite, it’s pure winter indulgence in a glass. Grab yours before it’s gone.

🗓️ Plan Your Trip

🍷 Dinner, Firelight, and Silence at Storm Mountain Lodge: A cabin stay here isn’t just about the mountains - it’s also about the food. The kitchen serves local ingredients by the fire, and once dinner’s done, enjoy the quiet and stars. Check out this unique lodge.

💦 Takakkaw Falls is an easy standout in Yoho. It's a short, flat walk to the base, and you feel the mist as soon as you get close. A simple stop that delivers a big experience without much effort. Plan your visit

🏔️ Only one day to see the Rockies?. Maximize your time seeing five iconic highlights, including Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Johnston Canyon, on this single, stress-free adventure. Book by Nov 15th to receive a 22% discount.

🔔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

🎉 Banff Gondola celebrates Locals Days this November. Bow Valley residents can enjoy epic views for just a $5 donation! Tickets drop Nov 7. See event details here.

📸 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. Find out how.

 In Search of Christmas Spirit runs Nov 13-Dec 31. If you need a quiet moment this season, head to Cascade of Time Garden. Plan your visit.

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
🫧 Famous Ice Bubbles Up Close • 🏔️ Travel the Icefields Parkway • 📸 Peyto Lake Photo Stop • 🥾 Optional Snowshoe or Skating • 🚌 Small Group Tour
 
Reserve now for unreal views and frozen fun!

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

Wednesday, November 5

18:00 | Games Night | Canmore Brewing Co | Canmore

18:00 | Open Mic Night | Wild Life Distillery | Canmore

18:30 | Create an Art Journal | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Banff Ghost Walks | Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff

19:00 | Open Mic Night | The Local | Canmore

19:00 | Movie Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

19:30 | Kate Wyatt | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

20:00 | Beers for Queers | Banff Ave Brewery | Banff

20:30 | Trivia With Awale | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Open Mic/Jam Night | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

22:00 | Tommy's Open Mic | Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff

22:00 | Music with DJ Hops | High Rollers | Banff

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.

Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff

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