Cocoa, Lights & a Storm

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

The holidays are officially here, and Banff is glowing with festive spirit. The Hot Chocolate Trail starts today, featuring more than 30 cafes and restaurants serving creative cocoa concoctions - from rich classics to adventurous new flavours.

At the same time, the In Search of Christmas Spirit experience opens at the Cascade of Time Garden, where lights, storytelling, and mountain air create a truly magical evening walk.

But before you get too cozy, be aware - a snowfall warning is in effect for higher elevations, with up to 30 cm expected through Thursday. It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up, sip something warm, and enjoy Banff at its coziest.

And if you’re up for a little exploration, take a detour to Bankhead, the historic ghost town just minutes from Banff. Its snow-covered trails and old mine ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the park’s past - and make for great winter photos.

Scroll down for this week’s events, dining deals, and festive highlights across the Bow Valley!

• 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

What is the Legacy Trail?

✅ Answer: B) A paved cycling/walking path between Banff & Canmore - 49% Correct

(apologies to anyone who couldn't click on the poll yesterday - this is now fixed)

The Legacy Trail links Banff and Canmore with stunning mountain views along the way. Learn more about the route.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

👉 For a complete forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.

🏞️ Your Questions

What’s the easiest way to explore Banff without driving?
Roam Transit makes it easy to see Banff National Park without touching your keys. Buses link all the must-see spots - Banff Avenue, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and more. The $30 Super Pass even gets you to Moraine Lake, where private cars are banned. It’s stress-free, scenic, and better for the park.

👉 Read the full article to see how to Roam like a local!

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🍫 Banff Hot Chocolate Trail kicks off today! From Nov 13-Feb 8, sip your way through more than 30 cafes and restaurants pouring everything from classic cocoa to wildly creative festive concoctions. This self-guided trail transforms Banff and Lake Louise into a chocolate-lover's playground, inviting you to explore cozy cafes, wintery streets, and new flavours at every stop. Enjoy it as a full-on holiday adventure or drop in whenever the craving hits, whether you're warming up indoors with a steaming mug or taking your treat to go in a reusable cup. Discover all the stops, flavours, and limited-time creations with the full trail guide.

✨ In Search of Christmas Spirit begins today! From Nov 13 to Dec 31, wander the Cascade of Time Garden on a glowing pathway of twinkling lights as Banff's woodland creatures share a heartwarming Christmas story. This open-air experience blends winter atmosphere, gentle storytelling, and the natural beauty of the park into an enchanting holiday ritual. It's perfect for families, date nights, or anyone wanting a peaceful festive moment beneath the stars. Tickets are available now. Step into this magical world with full event details.

🌨️ Snowfall warning issued for Banff National Park. Environment Canada is calling for 30 cm over higher elevations starting Thursday afternoon, with challenging travel and reduced visibility expected. Lower towns should see little accumulation. Track all active alerts on the Environment Canada weather page.

🎭 Mystery dinner nights return to Banff Social Saloon. Step into a whodunit evening with immersive theatre and cocktails from Wild Life Distillery. December 3-7 only, spots vanishing fast! Solve the mystery.

🚠 Banff Gondola closed for annual maintenance. Heads up, adventurers - the Banff Gondola is taking a short break. Don't worry, it will be back soon. Check the details.

🏔️ Save 35% on the Banff & Yoho Rocky Mountain Discovery Tour! Until Dec 7, explore Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and Johnston Canyon with expert local guides, small groups, and luxury eco-travel. Plan your perfect mountain trip.

🔥 Campfire comfort feast at Park Distillery for $37. Tuck into three courses of cozy favourites like rotisserie chicken, spicy rigatoni, or campfire ribs, then finish with a smoky s’more or Noto gelato. Check out the full comfort-food lineup in the original offer.

🏒 Banff’s Fenlands redevelopment enters $4.8M first phase. Plans include a new fitness centre, expanded lobby, updated washrooms, and upgrades to the curling lounge, kicking off a three-phase project totalling $19.1M. See what's proposed for the facility's future in the full breakdown.

🔥 Forest thinning ramps up in Banff and Lake Louise to cut wildfire risk. After a brutal fire season, Parks Canada crews are back removing fuels on Tunnel Mountain and around Lake Louise, with work continuing into 2026-27 to protect communities and trails, plus a 165-hectare fireguard build-out. Get the timelines and locations.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

The Bow River Loop Trail is a gentle 2 km walk that follows the river through Canmore and offers easy access to great mountain scenery. It’s an easy outing for all levels. Add the Bow River Loop Trail to your plans.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Step Back in Time: Explore Banff's Bankhead Ghost Town

If you're after something a little different in Banff, take a short drive along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive and uncover the story of Bankhead Ghost Town. Once a bustling coal-mining community, Bankhead is now a fascinating open-air museum of ruins, relics, and history tucked beneath the slopes of Cascade Mountain.

The 1 km Lower Bankhead Interpretive Trail is an easy, family-friendly walk where you can wander past the old lamphouse, coal cars, and crumbling stone walls while reading signs that bring the town's story to life. It's a perfect mix of nature, history, and a dash of mystery - minus the actual ghosts (probably).

You'll also find great photo spots with views of Mount Rundle, plus nearby stops like Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake to round out your visit.

👉 Add Bankhead Ghost Town to your Banff itinerary - it's a short, memorable walk through Alberta's past.

🎸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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