First Major Avalanche of the Season Hits Kananaskis

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

Winter isn’t just knocking - it’s here, and it’s already making headlines. The first big avalanche of the season struck in Kananaskis this week, sweeping two skiers off their line but leaving them thankfully unharmed. It’s a powerful reminder that the mountains are waking up, and with all this new snow, adventure season has truly begun.

But not all the news this week is about thrills - some of it’s pure relaxation. The long-awaited Everwild Nordic Spa and Hotel has opened in Canmore, and it’s everything we hoped for and more. With thermal circuits, mountain-view saunas, and tranquil pools surrounded by snow-covered peaks, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a big day on the trails.

And as the holiday season gets closer, festive spirit is taking over the Bow Valley. Santa’s Dining Room opens December 1, serving cozy Christmas dinners in a twinkling alpine setting that feels straight out of a storybook.

Keep scrolling for this week’s lineup of live music, happy hours, and local events. Winter has officially arrived - and it’s shaping up to be unforgettable.

• 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

What is the Banff Springs Snail?

✅ Answer: B) A rare species found only in the Banff Hot Springs - 67% Correct

Find out more with a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff, which also hosts this year’s Banff Carnival starting Nov 29.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: A mix of sun and cloud, high 3 °C and low -3 °C.
Canmore: Mainly cloudy, high 5 °C and low -2 °C.
Jasper: Sunny, high 3 °C and low 0 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

What makes the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel so special?
It’s not just the dramatic architecture or luxury rooms. It's the history, the ghost stories, the award-winning spa, and the sweeping mountain scenery right outside your window. Built in 1888, the hotel blends heritage with modern comfort, offering everything from fine dining to riverside walking trails. Even if you don’t stay overnight, visiting the hotel is an experience in itself.

👉 Learn what sets it apart in The Banff Guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

⚠️ Avalanche sweeps two skiers off their line in Kananaskis. A shallow wind slab cracked above Highwood Pass, sending both riders for an unexpected ride but thankfully causing no injuries. Rescue teams say it’s the season’s first major incident. Get the full avalanche report.

🍺 Grizzly Paw Taproom is getting a glow-up. The Canmore favourite is "on the trail to improvement" and closed until Dec 12 for upgrades - but don’t despair, Tank310 upstairs is still pouring pints and serving eats all weekend long! Check out the detour and plan your visit.

🧖‍♀️ Everwild Nordic Spa and Hotel debuts in Canmore. A massive 40,000-sq-ft Nordic spa, thermal circuit, mountain-view relaxation zones, and a 99-room boutique hotel have officially opened, promising a new era of Rockies wellness travel. Explore the full experience.

🍷 Fondue and Wine Night heats up Canmore Wednesdays. Cozy season meets indulgence at The Stirling Grill & Lounge, where a three-course fondue for two and half-price wine promises the perfect midweek escape. See what’s bubbling at Stirling.

⛷️ Marmot Basin's Escape Card returns with bigger perks. The $109 pass now unlocks 50% off lift tickets all season, $65 midweek adult rates, and even buddy discounts before Dec 19. Savings are huge this year! See what's new.

🎅 Santa’s Dining Room opens for festive feasts on Dec 1. Step inside this magical holiday hideaway, where twinkling lights and Christmas vibes set the scene for a cozy seasonal dinner. It’s pure festive escapism! Take a sneak peek.

🍽️ Free Holiday Dinner Returns to Banff! BanffLIFE’s festive feast is back Dec 18 at the Pioneer Room, with cozy vibes and a meal by @mountainfirefoods. Spots are limited, so grab yours fast! RSVP before it’s full.

🌲 Thousands of endangered whitebark pine trees were planted in Banff and Kootenay. Thousands of rust-resistant seedlings are now rooted across Banff and Kootenay, kickstarting a long-term comeback for one of the Rockies' most threatened trees. This quiet conservation win is bigger than it looks! Explore the full story.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

✨ 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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Step Into History: Visit the Canmore Engine Bridge

If you've spent time in Canmore, you've likely spotted the striking black truss bridge crossing the Bow River - that's the Canmore Engine Bridge, a true local landmark. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891 to support the town's booming coal industry, it's now a pedestrian and cycling bridge with some of the best mountain views in town.

Walk across the bridge and you'll be following in the footsteps of Canmore's mining past. It's also one of the few remaining examples of a Whipple Truss bridge in Canada, making it a fascinating stop for history and architecture lovers alike. Fans of The Last of Us may even recognize it - the bridge featured in one of the show's most memorable scenes.

The Engine Bridge is part of the Bow River Loop Trail, an easy route that connects to Riverside Park and, if you follow Main Street, to Policeman's Creek Boardwalk. It's a perfect spot for photos of Ha Ling Peak and The Three Sisters, especially at sunrise or sunset.

👉 Explore the full guide to the Canmore Engine Bridge to learn its story and find the best times and spots for incredible photos.

🎸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.