SnowDays Is Coming - Get Ready!

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

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

As the holiday season starts to take shape, the atmosphere in Banff feels especially warm and lively right now. The Fairmont Banff Springs is hosting A Christmas Carol again this December, bringing lights, laughter, and a bit of theatre magic to the castle. It’s one of those traditions that feels bigger each time it returns.

SnowDays is also coming up in January, and the early details look promising. Think snow sculptures, family-friendly town events, and that winter energy that fills the streets even on the coldest days.

On a quieter note, Canmore’s Drunken Lobster Oyster Bar has announced they’re closing their doors. It’s been a favourite spot for many, and their message to the community was warm and thoughtful.

Take a look below for more news, upcoming events, and some good reasons to get outside this week.

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🏕️ Quiz

Which of the following lakes is not located in Banff National Park?

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Yesterday’s Question

Which of the following activities is allowed in Banff National Park?

 Answer: B) Paragliding - 32% Correct

Paragliding might not be on your list, but knowing Banff’s park rules should be. Here’s what to check before you visit. Want to know what happens if you take a mushroom? Read here.

🌤️ Weather - Sat 6 PM

Banff

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

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
❄️ Frozen Falls at Johnston Canyon • 🏔️ Scenic Icefields Parkway • 📍 Lake Louise & Peyto Lake • 🐾 Wildlife Spotting • 🚙 Luxurious Private SUV • 🧭 Expert Guide

Reserve now for a private day of winter magic!

🏞️ Your Questions

  1. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself. Reading our guide will help.

  2. Where's the best place to unwind with a drink in Banff? From lively brewpubs to cosy bars, there are plenty of options. See what's worth a visit.

  3. Can I park in Banff? Yes, click to find out how.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

SnowDays Festival Returns to Banff - January 16 to February 8, 2026!

Winter in Banff just got a little more magical. ❄️

Mark your calendars for SnowDays 2026, a celebration of snow, ice, and all things winter, set in the heart of Banff National Park. From January 16 to February 8, downtown Banff and Lake Louise will transform into snowy wonderlands featuring massive snow sculptures, dazzling light displays, and crowd-favourite events like skijoring - yes, that's skiing behind galloping horses right down Banff Avenue!

Families will love the Play Zone in Central Park, while Bear Street comes alive with music, food, and apres-ski vibes. And don't miss Ice Magic at Lake Louise from February 5-8, where carvers sculpt icy masterpieces against one of the world's most stunning backdrops.

Bundle up, bring your camera, and explore winter at its best. Read the full guide.

🎭 A Christmas Carol runs Dec 5-28 at Fairmont Banff Springs. The classic comes alive inside the castle again this year. Bring friends, bring family, or just treat yourself to a little seasonal magic. Plan your night.

🎄 Banff Food Tours joins forces with the Banff Christmas Market. Your festive foodie dreams just came true! Join a Banff Food Tour Dec 5-7 or Dec 12-14, and your ticket includes Christmas Market entry. Sip, snack, and shop through twinkling Banff! Grab your spot now.

🎪 Banff Festival Marketplace Returns This November. If you’re around Banff this weekend, make time to drop in. Today is the last day of outdoor gear, books, artisan gifts, tasty samples, and free talks at the Banff Centre. A fun one to wander. Plan your visit

👣 Looking for simple walks in Canmore? This covers the Bow River Loop, Quarry Lake, Policeman's Creek, Larch Island, and the Three Sisters Viewpoint - all easy to access and not too long. Take a look

🏕️ Johnston Canyon Lodge opens 2026 bookings. Dreaming of a rustic cabin escape surrounded by towering pines and waterfalls? Johnston Canyon Lodge just opened reservations for 2026 stays - these cosy hideaways go fast! Plan your mountain getaway here and wake up next to the trail.

🎤 Yuk Yuk's triple-headliner hits Moxy Banff. Three comics, one wild Saturday. Braden Lyster, Jonny Pogo & Dale Ward bring fast laughs to Moxy Banff on Nov 15, 9-11 PM. Free for hotel guests, limited seats - blink and it’s sold out! Get tickets before they vanish.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🐺 Two wolves euthanized in Banff National Park. These come after bold, food-conditioned behaviour raised public-safety risks. Read the report.

🐻 Banff’s most iconic bear gets his own bedtime story. Bear 122, known to many as The Boss, has been adapted into a children’s book. Available on Amazon. (Ad)

🥐 The Uprising Bake Shop teases a new beginning. "Something new is coming." Read their announcement here.

🍕Food & Drink

🏔️ Mountain Hour hits Tavern 1883 - 40% off everything! Now that’s a reason to smile! Every day from 2–5 pm, enjoy 40% off all food and drinks during Mountain Hour at Tavern 1883. Join the happiest hour in town

🦞 Canmore’s Drunken Lobster Oyster Bar Closes After 4.5 Years. The team has announced they’re shutting their doors, thanking locals, staff, and suppliers for making it a favourite stop for fresh seafood and good times in town. Read their farewell.

🍔 The Battle of the Bison begins at The Grizzly Paw Pub. Two chefs, two towering burgers, and only one crown! Try Nigel’s "Bison in the Rough" or Bhanu’s "True North Bison Burger" and vote with your appetite. Taste both and pick your champion.

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
🌨️ Iconic Winter Photo Stops • 🏞️ Lake Minnewanka Storytelling • 🚡 Gondola to Sulphur Mountain • 🌌 Nightrise Multimedia Experience • 🍽️ Buffet Dinner

Book today - discover the beauty of Banff in winter.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Sunday, November 9

13:45 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

15:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff

15:00 | Musical: Into the Woods | Carter-Ryan Gallery & Theatre | Canmore

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

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

20:00 | Music Bingo with Sam | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Sunday Funday - DJ Set | Banff Ave Brewing Co | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday (Party) | Melissa's Missteak | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

Monday, November 10

13:45 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

17:30 | Monday Striders | Nordic Centre | Canmore

19:00 | Trivia Night | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

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

20:00 | Monday Trivia | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | Open Mike Night | The Beaver | Banff

21:00 | Live Music Night | Three Bears | Banff

22:00 | DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

Tuesday, November 11

13:45 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

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

19:00 | Trivia Tuesday | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

22:00 | Karaoke Night at Mels | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

22:00 | DJ Styler Nazo | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Rusty Halligans: Live | Rose & Crown | 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!
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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