SnowNights Lights Up Banff, Trees Transform Canmore

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

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

There’s a great mix of winter energy and seasonal fun across the valley right now.

SnowNights is gearing up to brighten January evenings with glowing art, live entertainment, and inviting spaces to warm up along the way. It’s becoming one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Banff after dark.

Over in Canmore, the Festival of Trees has returned, and the Malcolm Hotel is glowing for the whole month. With beautifully decorated trees, community events, tastings, and family-friendly activities, it’s one of the most cheerful stops of the season.

Alberta also released a refreshed licence plate design featuring Moraine Lake. It’s a simple update, but a nice nod to one of the Rockies’ best-loved views.

There’s plenty more happening today. Keep scrolling for events, live music, and everything else happening across Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.

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🏕️ Quiz

What is the Banff Springs Snail?

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Yesterday’s Question

What is the main street that runs through the town of Banff?

 Answer: B) Banff Avenue - 80% Correct

Banff Avenue is back to two-way traffic after losing its summer pedestrian zone. Learn how the change affects visitors and locals.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Sunny, high 4 °C and low -4 °C.
Canmore: Sunny, high 4 °C and low -4 °C.
Jasper: Mainly sunny, high 2 °C and low -9 °C

👉 For a complete up-to-date forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
🚡 Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain • 🔭 Rooftop Observation Deck • 🍴 Restaurants • 🧭 Interpretive Center • 🌄 Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak & Cosmic Ray Station 

Your mountain-top moment awaits. Book your ride!

🏞️ Your Questions

How hard is the Tunnel Mountain Trail in Banff?
Not hard - just enough to feel like an achievement. With gentle switchbacks and steady elevation, most people reach the summit in under an hour. It's suitable for beginners, families, and anyone short on time but hungry for mountain views.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📸 Banff’s Moraine Lake hits the road - literally. Alberta's new licence plate features one of the Rockies’ most photographed spots, bringing national park vibes to Alberta bumpers. Get a glimpse of the winning design.

🎄 Canmore Festival of Trees returns for a magical month of holiday fun. The Malcolm Hotel transforms into a forest of dazzling trees, festive events, and community cheer all December long. From tastings to kids’ activities, this tradition packs the season with sparkle. Discover the full festive lineup.

 SnowNights Festival lights up Banff. From Jan 16-Feb 8, the magic continues after dark with glowing art, live performances, cozy hangouts, and mountain-night energy you can’t capture in a photo. Winter nights just got irresistible.

🍺 BLAKE Brewhouse announces temporary closure. The team is shutting the doors for maintenance over the next couple of weeks, returning Friday, November 28, at 5 pm. A short break now means fresher pints later. See the update.

🍽️ Melissa's Missteak drops new winter food specials. Steak sandwiches, full racks of ribs, Surf n' Turf, and even 50%-off riblets - Melissa's just rolled out a weekly lineup of hearty comfort-food deals that make cold nights way more delicious. See the full specials lineup.

🎤 Sunday Sessions return to Core Values Cider. Canmore’s coziest open mic is back every second Sunday, 3-6 pm! Sip, sing, or soak up the good vibes with local talent and fresh cider. Catch the next session.

🚧 Banff Upper Hot Springs is still closed for major upgrades. The full facility remains shut until December 2025 as extensive maintenance and improvement work continues. If a restorative soak was on your list, you'll want to plan an alternative. See the update.

🦌 Highway fence sparks wildlife worries in Bow Valley. A 2026 fencing project from Banff to Canmore aims to cut collisions - but critics warn it could backfire without proper crossings. Ten-kilometre gaps leave animals stranded and safety up in the air. Get the full story.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ Banff Winter Carnival is back for a full season of winter fun. Running from Nov 29 to Mar 30, this annual celebration brings the Cave and Basin to life with hands-on games and classic winter activities for all ages. Find out what’s on offer.

🗺️ Tour Highlights:
❄️ Frozen Waterfalls • 🥾 Guided Canyon Hike • 🌿 Wildlife Spotting • 🧊 Geology & History Insights • ☕ Hot Chocolate & Snack Included • 🚐 Round-Trip Transport
 
Book now and step into the canyon’s icy wonder.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Taste the Rockies: Where to Eat and Drink in Banff

Banff’s mountain scenery might draw you in, but its food scene will make you stay longer than planned. From fine dining in historic hotels to local breweries and cosy cafés, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Start with a taste of history at the Fairmont Banff Springs on the Eat the Castle tour, or enjoy a classic western cookout with Banff Trail Riders. In town, Park Distillery is a must for locally made spirits and hearty meals. Foodies will love the Nibble Tours walking experiences, offering everything from breakfast bites to Canadian comfort food.

For a memorable dinner, book a table at The Bison, Brazen, or 1888 Chop House for a true taste of Alberta. Or sample Banff’s craft beer scene at Banff Ave Brewing Co. and Three Bears Brewery, both perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

👉 Explore the complete Banff Food and Drink Guide to discover the best restaurants, bars, and unique dining experiences across the Rockies.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

Wednesday, November 19

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

19:00 | Conversation Series: Georgina Lightning | The Banff Centre | Banff

19:00 | Grinch Tree Workshop | The GEM Event Centre | Harvie Heights

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

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

19:30 | Pine Tree Players: Bob's Your Elf | Miner's Union Hall | Canmore

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

22:00 | DJ The Barber | Rose & Crown | Banff

22:00 | Banff Latin Fiesta | Anejo Restaurant | 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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