Hi everyone! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
Winter isnβt just knocking - itβs here, and itβs 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. Itβs 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 itβs pure relaxation. The long-awaited Everwild Nordic Spa and Hotel has opened in Canmore, and itβs everything we hoped for and more. With thermal circuits, mountain-view saunas, and tranquil pools surrounded by snow-covered peaks, itβs 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. Santaβs 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 weekβs lineup of live music, happy hours, and local events. Winter has officially arrived - and itβs shaping up to be unforgettable.
Banff in November: What You Need To Know!
Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!
ποΈ Quiz
What river flows through the town of Banff?
Yesterdayβs Question
What is the Banff Springs Snail?
β 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 yearβs Banff Carnival starting Nov 29.
π€οΈ Todayβs Weather
Banff: A mix of sun and cloud, high 3 Β°C and low -3 Β°C.
Canmore: Mainly cloudy, high 5 Β°C and low -2 Β°C.
Jasper: Sunny, high 3 Β°C and low 0 Β°C.
π For a complete forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.
Highlights:
π΄ Hearty Canadian Winter Dishes β’ πΉ Christmas-Spiced Cocktails β’ πͺ Festive Holiday Treats β’ π Snowy Mountain Ambience
Book now to savour the flavours of the season!

ποΈ Your Questions
What makes the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel so special?
Itβs 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 donβt stay overnight, visiting the hotel is an experience in itself.
π Learn what sets it apart in The Banff Guide.
ποΈ Fresh from the Rockies
β οΈ 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 itβs the seasonβs first major incident. Get the full avalanche report.
πΊ 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 donβt despair, Tank310 upstairs is still pouring pints and serving eats all weekend long! Check out the detour and plan your visit.
π§ββοΈ 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.
π· 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 whatβs bubbling at Stirling.
β·οΈ 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.
π Santaβs 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. Itβs pure festive escapism! Take a sneak peek.
π½οΈ Free Holiday Dinner Returns to Banff! BanffLIFEβs 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 itβs full.
π² 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.
β Most Popular Last Issue
β¨ 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 canβt capture in a photo. Winter nights just got irresistible.
πΊοΈ Tour Highlights:
π¨οΈ Iconic Winter Photo Stops β’ ποΈ Lake Minnewanka Storytelling β’ π‘ Gondola to Sulphur Mountain β’ π Nightrise Multimedia Experience β’ π½οΈ Buffet Dinner
Book today - discover the beauty of Banff in winter.

ποΈ 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.
π Explore the full guide to the Canmore Engine Bridge to learn its story and find the best times and spots for incredible photos.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Thursday, November 20
15:00 |
Castle Food Experience |
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff
18:00 |
Live Music: Steph O'Dette |
The Bison | Banff
19:00 |
Banff Ghost Walks |
Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff
19:30 |
AYSANABEE - The Way We're Born Tour |
The Banff Centre | Banff
19:30 |
Roman Rabinovich & Helen Charlston |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
19:30 |
Comedy: Bob's Your Elf |
Miner's Union Hall | Canmore
20:00 |
Irish Night: Live Music |
St. James Gate | Banff
20:00 |
Comedy Night |
Rose & Crown | Banff
21:00 |
Late Night Legends |
High Rollers | Banff
21:00 |
Jam Night |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
Thirsty Thursday Party |
Melissa's MisSteak | Banff
22:00 |
Dangerous Cheese |
Rose & Crown | Banff
π Got An Event To Share?
π
Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.
π Thatβs All For Now π¬
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 | Whatβs On Banff

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