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- Banff’s Historic Carnival Meets Jasper’s Coolest Festival - Ready for It?
Banff’s Historic Carnival Meets Jasper’s Coolest Festival - Ready for It?
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Hi Everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!
Hey Banff! Winter magic is back in full swing as two of the Rockies' biggest celebrations take centre stage. The Banff Winter Carnival returns to Cave and Basin later this month, reviving the century-old tradition with mini curling, box hockey, vintage films, and plenty of free family fun.
Meanwhile, Jasper in January is gearing up for another season of cozy charm and frosty adventures, from espresso workshops to brewpub bingo. And if you've been dreaming of a luxury mountain escape, the Fairmont Banff Springs is offering winter deals that make a stay at the "Castle in the Rockies" more tempting than ever.
There's plenty to look forward to as snow blankets the peaks - keep reading for everything happening this week and beyond across Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.
Banff in November: What You Need To Know!
Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!
🏕️ Quiz
Which town is not located within a national park? |
Yesterday’s Question
✅ Answer: D) The Ghostly Diner - 15% Correct
While the Banff Springs has its share of ghost stories, the Ghostly Diner isn’t one of them. Read about Banff’s spooky legends.
🌤️ Weather - Thurs 1 AM

Banff
👉 For the detailed outlook and a year’s weather guide, visit our Weather Page.
🗺️ Tour Highlights: | ![]() |
🏞️ Your Questions
How many ski resorts does Banff have? Probably more than you imagine. Check out the options.
I have time for a short walk in Canmore, where should I go? You have some great options. Get the details here.
Which Banff spa has the best mountain views? Find out which rooftop hot pools offer front-row seats to the Rockies. Explore our guide.
🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies
📰News
🎿 Banff's Sunshine Village opens record early. Powder lovers rejoiced as Sunshine became the first Canadian resort to open this season - five days ahead of schedule - thanks to a 20cm snowfall. Other ski hills are racing to follow. See all the 2025-26 opening dates.
Banff Winter Carnival returns to Cave and Basin. From November 29 to March 30, the century-old celebration brings mini curling, box hockey, vintage films, and free family fun to this historic site. Plan your carnival day here.
🎁 Mountain Made Market - Holiday Edition returns Nov 29. Shop 50+ local makers, snack on festive bites, and catch live music at the Canmore Recreation Centre, 10 am - 4 pm. Free entry and family friendly - perfect for gift hunting! See vendors and details.
☕ Eat, sip, skate, repeat at Jasper in January. This much-loved winter festival (Jan 16 - Feb 1, 2026) blends cozy comfort and outdoor adventure with brewpub bingo, espresso workshops, and frosty fun across the Rockies. See everything happening this year.
🎬 Two local films set to shine at the Banff Film Festival. Sherpas Cinema debuts Robson - a jaw-dropping ski odyssey on the Rockies' tallest peak - and The Mighty Quay, celebrating 100 years of Mount Norquay's ski legacy. Pure mountain magic awaits! Catch the cinematic adventure.
🎿🎭 "Bob's Your Elf" brings holiday laughs to Canmore. Pine Tree Players present this festive comedy about a clumsy elf sent to help an inept theatre troupe stage a Christmas show. Runs Nov 19-29 at Canmore Miners' Union Hall. Get your tickets here.
🍕Food & Drink
🎁 Banff dining gift cards now cover more fun. One card, sixteen restaurants - and now it’s valid for karaoke, bowling, Greek Night, and even gin blending at Park Distillery. The ultimate Banff foodie gift just levelled up! Discover all the ways to use it.
🍽️ Annual closure for Änkôr in Canmore. The award-winning restaurant is on holiday from November 5 to 28, recharging after its busiest summer yet and gearing up for year six of exceptional experiences. Read their message to diners.
🍺 Late-Night Happy Hour at Banff Ave Brewing Co. Daily specials from 9 p.m. with $4 Shafts, $5 Highballs, & $10 Ninjas. The two-story brewpub is a lively local hub with house-made beers and a menu that puts a twist on classic pub fare.
🗓️ Plan Your Trip
🏰 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.
🥾 Tunnel Mountain is a quick summit right in Banff. You don't need to drive far or set aside a whole day. It's a steady climb with clear views over town, Vermilion Lakes, and Mount Rundle. See how to get there.
🚁 Get a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. Lift off on a 25-minute helicopter tour and fly past the Three Sisters and surrounding mountain peaks. It's an easy way to take in the dramatic scale of the Rocky Mountains. Plan a visit and see for yourself.
🔔Reminders
🚴 Legacy Trail Winter Conditions - until Spring - no snow clearance or maintenance
🚧 Minnewanka Loop seasonal driving closure - western section closed Nov-May
🚧 Highway 40 (Highwood Pass) Seasonal Closure - from Dec 1 to June 20.
⭐ Most Popular Last Issue
🐻 Three orphaned grizzly cubs were left to hibernate naturally. Officials believe they can safely den without intervention this winter. Find out why.
🍫 Banff Hot Chocolate Trail returns for 2025. From Nov 13 to Feb 8, sip your way through more than 30 cozy cafés and restaurants. Plan your cocoa crawl here.
🏔️ China’s tour groups return - but can Banff cope? After five years, Chinese group tours to Canada are back. See how the boom could play out.
Tour Highlights: Book now and embrace the wild side of winter! | ![]() |
🎸Events, Activities & Live Music
📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Thursday, November 6
15:00 | Castle Food Experience | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff
17:00 | Chess Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore
19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff
19:00 | Banff Ghost Walks | Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff
19:00 | Karaoke Thursdays | 1890 Smokehouse | Canmore
19:00 | Thursday Night Poker | Canmore Legion | Canmore
20:00 | Irish Night: Live Music | St. James Gate | Banff
21:00 | Late Night Legends | High Rollers | Banff
22:00 | Thirsty Thursday Party | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff
📅 Got An Event To Share?
📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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👋 That’s All For Now 🎬 Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff | ![]() |
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