Banff’s Hot Springs Closed Until 2026 & The Drake Gone Forever?

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

It's been a lively few days in the Rockies, full of change and conversation. Canmore's housing market continues to surprise, with Canadian buyers driving prices higher despite economic headwinds.

Down on 10th Street, The Drake Screaming Retriever has officially arrived - complete with a basement brewery and nine fresh, house-made beers ready to pour.

Over in Banff, the Upper Hot Springs will stay closed into early 2026 as crews work through ongoing repairs.

If you are looking for a Christmas day out, the price of the Abraham Lake bubbles and Icefields tour has been slashed to just $59, offering a full day of jaw-dropping frozen scenery for less than a dinner out.

There's always something stirring in these mountains - scroll down for more of what's happening across Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.

• 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 river flows through the town of Banff?

✅ Answer: B) Bow River - 92% Correct

The Bow River runs through both Banff and Canmore, and the river trails make for great, easy walks. If you’re in Canmore, explore the Bow River Loop Trail.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: A mix of sun and cloud, high 2 °C and low -2 °C.
Canmore: A mix of sun and cloud, high 4 °C and low 0 °C.
Jasper: Partly cloudy, high 4 °C and low -1 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

What’s the best shuttle option for Moraine Lake?
It depends on what you want. The Parks Canada shuttle is the most affordable, Roam Transit’s Super Pass is convenient, Direct Shuttles are simple, and the Hop On Banff bus lets you explore multiple stops in a day. WowBanff offers a unique open-top ride, while private sunrise shuttles get you there before first light. Each offers something slightly different, but all lead to those iconic Ten Peaks views.

👉 Compare all options in The Banff Guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🏔️ Canadian buyers fuel renewed demand in Canmore and ski-town real estate. Despite high rates and economic headwinds, mountain markets are heating up as domestic buyers surge back into resort towns. Canmore’s rec-property scene is holding strong, and a broader “Buy Canadian” wave is lifting prices across ski destinations. If you're thinking about getting into the market, now may be the moment before values climb further. Find out what's pushing prices upward.

😔 Banff Upper Hot Springs closure extended into early 2026. Structural issues uncovered during upgrades mean the full facility will stay closed while crews continue restoration work. Get the update.

🍺 The Drake Pub transforms into The Drake Screaming Retriever. After 35 years as a Canmore staple, The Drake is getting a full refresh with a new name, a small-batch brewery in the basement, and a revamped taproom pouring nine house-made beers. See what's brewing.

🧊 Lake Louise hosts Ice Magic 2026 Feb 5-8. Prepare for towering sculptures, delicate carvings, and a lakeside winter dreamscape at the Fairmont Chateau. A separate ice sculpture event in Banff will be open to the general public, with details coming soon. Explore event details.

🎭 Pine Tree Players bring chaotic Christmas comedy to Canmore and Kananaskis. Singing elves, barbershop harmonies, and a whirlwind mashup of holiday classics power the troupe's production of "Bob's Your Elf," running Nov 19-29 in Canmore and Dec 18-21 in Kananaskis. Pure festive fun for all ages! Catch the showtimes.

🍷 Brewmaster’s Dinner returns to Tank310. Five French-Canadian-inspired courses meet expertly paired local brews and spirits in this decadent Dec 17 feast by The Grizzly Paw and friends. This one always sells out! Snag your seats before they’re gone.

🚗 Jasper warns winter road trippers to double-check conditions. Navigation apps can send drivers the wrong way, so the park is urging visitors to verify closures and real-time reports before hitting icy mountain highways. Don’t start your adventure unprepared! Plan your route the safe way.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🧖‍♀️ 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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Feel the Power of Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park

If you're exploring the Canadian Rockies and want a quick, unforgettable stop, Takakkaw Falls should be high on your list. With a free fall of 254 metres, it's one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, and you can feel the mist long before you reach the base. The name comes from the Cree word for "magnificent," and once you're standing in front of it, you'll see why.

The walk from the parking lot is short and flat, making this one of the easiest ways to experience a true natural giant up close. The trail crosses a scenic footbridge and leads straight to the splash zone, with glacier-carved peaks rising on all sides. If you time your visit for July or August, the meltwater is at its most dramatic, and late afternoon often brings a rainbow at the base.

Nearby highlights such as Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and the Spiral Tunnels make it easy to turn this into a full Yoho adventure.

👉 Read the complete guide.

🏨 Elk + Avenue Hotel drops 20% off 3-night stays. Stay steps from Banff’s dining, shopping, and nightlife in chic, modern rooms blending minimalist style with Rocky Mountain warmth. Pet-friendly and perfect for après vibes or big nights out. Unlock the 20% saving.

❄️ Lake Louise Inn drops huge winter deal. Save 40% when you stay three nights or more in a cozy suite this season. Think powdery slopes by day and fireside comfort by night. Snag the offer before Dec 1.

🧊 Abraham Lake bubbles and Icefields tour slashed to $59. This winter escape hits Athabasca, Sunwapta Falls, Peyto Lake, and the famous Abraham Ice Bubbles for a day of unreal frozen scenery and once-a-season photo ops. Seats won’t last! Grab the winter deal.

🎸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 |

Friday, November 21

15:00 | Castle Food Experience | Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Banff

17:00 | Poetry & Pints | Banff Legion | Banff

17:00 | Isaac Brothers: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

17:00 | Jasper Skytram Star Sessions | Jasper Skytram | Jasper

18:30 | Square Dance Fundraiser | Cornerstone Theatre | Canmore

19:00 | The Seenagers: Live | Moxy Hotel | Banff

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

19:00 | Friday Night Comedy: Chris Gordon | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | May Contain Alcohol: Live | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:30 | The Barra MacNeils: Live | The Banff Centre | Banff

19:30 | Comedy: Bob's Your Elf | Miner's Union Hall | Canmore

22:00 | Friday Night Live DJ LT | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Dangerous Cheese | Rose & Crown | Banff

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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