Banff’s Traffic Surge Is Worse Than Ever

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

Winter energy is settling in, and the Bow Valley is full of stories worth sharing. The Banff sign has found its new home by the train station, offering visitors a fresh backdrop and a convenient stop as they explore town. It’s a small change, but one that already feels like a win.

Canmore, on the other hand, is navigating bigger shifts. The vacancy tax debate has moved into its next chapter as the council pushes forward with the plan. With strong opinions on all sides, it’s shaping up to be one of the most significant local issues of the year.

This week also brings a double dose of holiday spirit. Up at the summit, the Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas has returned, filling Sulphur Mountain with warm lights, nostalgic touches, and that classic seasonal glow. And down in Banff, Carter-Ryan Productions is bringing "A Christmas Carol" to life at the Fairmont Banff Springs, adding a theatrical twist to the festive season with music, puppetry, and a whole lot of charm.

Keep scrolling to see everything happening this week 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 causes the bright turquoise colour of Moraine Lake?

✅ Answer: C) Fine rock flour from glaciers - 65% Correct

Tiny glacial particles scatter sunlight, giving Moraine Lake its striking turquoise colour. Learn more about this iconic lake.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mostly cloudy, high 4 °C and low -2 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high 6 °C and low 0 °C.
Jasper: Mainly sunny, high 5 °C and low -2 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

What are the best easy hikes in Canmore for families?
Canmore has plenty of gentle trails that are perfect for all ages. From riverside boardwalks to peaceful forest paths, each route offers mountain views without steep climbs. The Bow River Loop, Quarry Lake, Policeman's Creek, Larch Island, and the Three Sisters Viewpoint all deliver scenery, wildlife, and great photo spots. They’re accessible, close to town, and great for a relaxed morning outdoors.

👉 See the full list in The Banff Guide.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Take a Scenic Break at Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway

If you're driving the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops you can make. Sitting just 35 km north of Lake Louise, this glacier-fed lake shines a brilliant turquoise in summer and reflects the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. It's right beside the highway, so you get world-class views without a long hike.

You can take a short walk along the shoreline, enjoy the wide-open mountain scenery, or start the trail to Bow Glacier Falls (currently partially closed) for a half-day adventure. The area is perfect for photography, especially early or late in the day when the light is soft and the water is still. In winter, the lake becomes a quiet spot for snowshoeing and peaceful walks in deep snow.

Bow Lake also pairs well with nearby highlights like Peyto Lake, Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, and Helen Lake, making it a great stop on any Parkway itinerary.

👉 Read the complete guide to Bow Lake and check out the video.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🎭 A Christmas Carol lights up Banff Springs. From Dec 5-28, Carter-Ryan Productions brings Scrooge’s journey of redemption to life at the Fairmont Banff Springs with puppets, music, and festive magic. Perfect for families! Plan your festive night at Fairmont Banff Springs.

❄️ Lake Louise and Jasper go glacial with new spa experiences. Fairmont’s mountain escapes are embracing the wild with icy plunge pools, self-guided thermal journeys, and rituals inspired by snow-capped serenity. It’s wellness with a Canadian Rockies twist. Discover the chill factor.

🏘️ Canmore pushes forward with controversial vacancy tax. Despite concerns from the province, Canmore council voted to move ahead with Alberta’s first-ever vacancy tax on second homeowners. The $10.3M levy faces legal challenges but could fund vital housing projects. Learn how it could reshape Canmore’s housing future.

🎄 A Very Vintage Mountaintop Christmas returns to the Banff Gondola. From Nov 22 to Dec 31, Sulphur Mountain transforms into a nostalgic holiday escape with twinkling decor, festive sights, and cosy summit magic. Step into the vintage wonderland.

📸 Iconic Banff sign finds a new home by the train station. The famous Banff photo spot has been moved beside the train station, now boasting Mount Norquay as its stunning backdrop. The $1.3M relocation aims to create a new community gathering space. Find out why this move is a big win for Banff visitors.

🎅 Santa hits the slopes at Sunshine Village. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are swapping the sleigh for skis at Banff Sunshine Village this December 13-14. Expect photo ops, festive fun, and snowy cheer for all ages. Find out what’s happening on the mountain.

🚗 Banff traffic hits all-time highs in 2025. Every month except February broke vehicle records this year, with over 1.8 million cars flooding in by summer. Despite efforts to ease congestion, Banff’s roads are maxed out. Find out how the town plans to keep moving and check out our Parking in Banff guide for smart tips before you visit.

🌙 Moonlight Madness returns to Jasper on Nov 21. The annual late-night shopping tradition is back, lighting up downtown with deals, festive vibes, and community cheer. Shops stay open late, and the whole town comes alive under the glow. See event details.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🍺 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.

🎸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 |

Saturday, November 22

10:00 | Annual Holiday Market | Canmore Legion | Canmore

10:00 | Christmas Artisans' Market | Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore

10:00 | Bow Valley Artisan Market | Bow Valley Garden Centre | Canmore

10:55 | Opera Live Stream: Arabella | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

13:00 | Paint a Christmas Welcome Sign | Listen Studios | Canmore

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

20:00 | Live Music Night | St. James Gate | Banff

20:00 | Salsa Socials | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

21:00 | Bob Hughes: Live | Moxy Hotel | Banff

21:00 | Andy Loops: LIVE | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

22:00 | DJ Raven on the Decks | High Rollers | Banff

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

22:00 | Late Night DJ | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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