Bear Evicted from Dream Home

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

There's been a bit of wildlife drama at Sunshine Village - a black bear settled into what seemed like the perfect winter den, right next to ski-out terrain. Officials stepped in and safely relocated him to avoid surprise encounters on the slopes.

In other news, Alberta has just taken the top spot as the world's Most Desirable Region in the Wanderlust Travel Awards. With more than 4.8 million votes cast, this is a global nod to the landscapes, culture, and experiences we get to enjoy every day.

And if you enjoy a bit of festive sparkle, the Banff Christmas Market will be returning later this year, promising warm drinks, artisan crafts, and a cosy winter atmosphere.
More event listings and updates are below - take a look at what's happening around town today.

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which town is not located within a national park?

✅ Answer: C) Canmore - 81% Correct

Canmore sits just outside Banff National Park - and it’s every bit as beautiful. Discover some of its easy local hikes.

🌤️ Weather - Fri AM

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

🏞️ Your Questions

1. Does Canmore have the same residency restrictions as Banff? No, the rules for Canmore are different. Find out more here.

2. Is it worth driving to Lake Louise myself? You can, but parking fills fast. Plan early or skip the stress with a shuttle. Learn how.

3. How challenging is the Three Sisters Viewpoint Trail? It's short, easy, and perfect for all ages, just 1.1 km round-trip. See what to expect on the walk.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

Banff Bear Relocated After Mistakenly Choosing Gondola-Side Luxury Den

BANFF, AB - A local black bear's dreams of a ski-in/ski-out hibernation lifestyle came to an abrupt end after Parks Canada officials determined his den was just a little too close to the action - roughly 10 metres from Sunshine Village's ski-out trail.

The bear, whose name was not released but we're calling Barry, had set up his winter residence near the Goat's Eye gondola, apparently mistaking it for a quiet cul-de-sac with mountain views. Instead, he found himself smack in the middle of rush hour skier traffic and snowcat hustle.

"While an area closure around the den was explored, this was deemed not feasible," said Dylan Spencer, resource conservation manager for Banff National Park, adding that ski-out access is critical. "If a bear is startled and emerges from its den, there is a serious risk of human injury."

In other words: no one wants to meet a grumpy, half-asleep bear on their way to apres.

On Halloween, Barry was tranquillized, fitted with a GPS collar, and relocated to a less gondola-adjacent corner of the park. Parks says he recovered well and was "behaving normally,” which for a bear in November means intense napping and light snoring.

Sunshine Village declined to comment but did confirm its ski-out route remains "temporarily free of hibernating wildlife, at least until someone finds a marmot in a day lodge boot dryer."

Meanwhile, Barry is said to be adjusting well - though he's reportedly shopping for a den with more privacy, fewer skiers, and no HOA. Read the full story.

🏆 Alberta crowned world's Most Desirable Region. After more than 4.8 million readers cast their votes, Alberta took top spot in the Wanderlust Travel Awards, named "Most Desirable Region Worldwide" for 2025. See why Alberta stole the spotlight.

❄️ Thinking about Johnston Canyon in winter? The waterfalls freeze, and it's a totally different atmosphere. You'll want microspikes and warm layers, but it's very doable. See what to expect.

🎄 Banff Christmas Market returns for 2025. Running from November 20 to December 14 across four festive weekends, this mountain market features 175+ artisans, food, music, and twinkling lights at the Banff Heritage Train Station. Plan your festive weekend here.

🌿 Policeman's Creek Trail in Canmore. If you want an easy walk right in town that still feels close to nature, this is the one. Wooden boardwalks, quiet creek views, mountain peaks peeking over the treeline… It’s a gentle reset kind of walk. Take a look.

🏔️ Alberta ski hills prove resilient to climate change. Experts say the Rockies’ high elevation and dry air make Alberta one of the most climate-stable ski regions worldwide, even as rising costs and shorter seasons challenge resorts. Read the full report.

🎧 White Claw Winter White Out hits Lake Louise Nov 15. Kick off the season with DJs Cornnnnnnn and Bowie Jane spinning house, techno, and dance classics - and you could win a brand-new snowboard! Lock in your tickets now.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ Banff Winter Carnival returns to Cave and Basin. From November 29 to March 30, the celebration brings free family fun to this historic site. Plan your carnival day here.

🏰 Always Wanted To Stay At The Banff Springs? The Fairmont Banff Springs has a host of offers running this season. Find out what past guests had to say.

🥾 I have time for a short walk in Canmore, where should I go? You have some great options. Get the details here.

🍕Food & Drink

🍖 Thursday Rib Night at Elk & Oarsman. Treat yourself to melt-in-your-mouth Baby Back Ribs smothered in house BBQ sauce, served with crispy fries and coleslaw. Go half rack for $19 or full for $25 - and pair it with $5.75 Banded Peak pints! See the specials menu here.

🍺 The Blake Brewhouse - Weekday Happy Hour in Canmore. From 14:00-17:00, Mon-Fri, get 25% off starters, dumplings, BLAKE beer, RTDs, and signature cocktails. Mountain views, house-made drinks, and room to unwind. Find your new local favourite.

🥞 Juniper Bistro unveils new Winter Brunch Menu. The Banff favourite has launched a seasonal lineup featuring Churro French Toast and Smoked Duck Brioche, bringing cozy, mountain-inspired flavours to the table. Take a peek at the new menu here

🎸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 |

📅 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.

💬 Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. 

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates

💡 This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.