Tourist’s Drone Flight Ends Very Badly

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

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another round of mountain news and fresh finds from around Banff. There’s a mix of travel tips, winter inspiration, and a reminder about something that’s becoming a real issue in the park.

Let’s start with the headline. Parks Canada has stepped up enforcement after another drone incident, and the consequences were serious. With more visitors hoping to capture aerial shots, wardens are making it clear that flying a drone in the national park isn’t just risky; it can disrupt wildlife and rescue operations. If you missed the story, it’s worth checking out.

On the lighter side of winter planning, we rounded up Banff hotels with fireplaces. It’s the perfect time of year to think about warm, comfortable spaces, and this list is full of great spots for quiet evenings and relaxed stays.

If you’re looking for something outdoors, the 5-star 4-lake winter tour has dropped from $139 to $79. It’s a rare discount for a full day of snowy viewpoints, and reviews have been consistently strong.

There’s also a standout deal at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Their Black Friday offer is running, but only for a short time, and bookings need to be made before December 1st.

Scroll down for the full lineup, more local updates, and a few new ideas to make the most of your week.

• 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 is Banff named after?

✅ Answer: 3) The Scottish hometown of two railway officials - 63% Correct

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mostly sunny, high -3 °C and low -9 °C.
Canmore: Mostly sunny, high 0 °C and low -8 °C.
Jasper: Mostly sunny with light snow possible, high -1 °C and low -9 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Where can I park in Banff without paying $7 an hour?
Downtown Banff charges $7 per hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., so the best free options are the Train Station Lot, Bow Avenue, and the upper levels of the Bear Street Parkade. The Train Station Lot offers 500 stalls, a 9-hour limit, and weekend shuttles into town. Bow Avenue is a short walk to shops and restaurants, making it ideal for longer visits.

👉 See all free and paid options.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🚫 Parks Canada cracks down on rogue drone use. Illegal flights are sparking harsher penalties as wardens work to protect wildlife, visitors, and rescue operations. One operator learned the hard way with fines and a ban. Catch the full cautionary tale.

🔥 12 Banff hotels with fireplaces for the ultimate cosy stay. From crackling wood fires to sleek gas hearths, these handpicked Banff hotels turn winter trips into warm, firelit escapes. Perfect for après-ski lounging, romantic weekends, or snug family retreats. Explore the full cosy-core lineup here.

🎹 Candlelight Concerts return to Banff this January. The Banff Springs Hotel will glow with hundreds of candles as live tributes to Adele and Coldplay take over on January 3. A magical, ultra-Instagrammable night awaits. Step inside the candlelit soundtrack.

🌈 Full-day 4-lake winter tour drops from $139 to $79. This 5-star-rated adventure covers Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake in one stunning winter circuit, making it one of the season’s best-value excursions. Grab the deal before the price snaps back.

📣 Banff Ave Brewing drops big Black Friday deals. Half-price appies, deep merch discounts, and a bonus $20 when you buy a $100 gift card are hitting the pub for one day only. Get in on the bargains before they’re gone.

❄️ Marmot Basin returns for winter with a November 26 opening. Jasper’s slopes are ready to roll, but wildfire damage means the South Gate will be slower than usual. Grabbing your park pass early could save your powder day. See what to know before you drive up.

🦌 Banff considers thinning forest to prevent elk deaths on train tracks. With elk frequently trapped near a tight railway corridor, the town is eyeing vegetation thinning to give wildlife clearer escape routes and reduce collisions. See how this plan could save future herds.

⚠️ Major Banff trail loop stays closed for bridge work. The Sundance Canyon Bridge won’t reopen until December 15, 2025, keeping the canyon loop closed while the main trail remains open with construction traffic. Plan your outing with the latest update.

🏰 30% off Fairmont Banff Springs if you book before December 1. With stays valid through spring, it's a rare chance to experience the Castle's luxury for less. Reviews are glowing, especially for the dining and spa. Grab the Castle's seasonal steal while it's still live.

📚 The Book About Banff's Most Famous Bear. The Boss wasn't always a legend - he started as a nervous cub learning to be brave in the wilds of Banff. The Little Grizzly Who Walked Like a Boss brings his story to life, blending real landmarks with a message that bravery is something you build. A charming read for families. Available on Amazon now.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🎄 Banff Christmas Market promises four weekends of mountain magic. With 175+ vendors, Santa visits, live music, hot chocolate bars and the glittering Twinkle Night preview, this festive favourite turns the Rockies into a storybook. Your holiday season might start right here!

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Take a Relaxed Riverside Walk to Bow Falls

If you're looking for an easy, scenic walk close to downtown Banff, the Bow Falls Trail is a great choice. Starting from Central Park, the path follows the Bow River downstream with gentle grades, mountain views, and plenty of places to pause and enjoy the scenery. It's a simple way to stretch your legs and get a feel for Banff's landscape without leaving town.

The trail leads you right to Bow Falls, where glacier-fed water tumbles over a wide cascade. In spring, the flow is powerful and loud; in winter, it's quieter, with ice forming along the edges. Along the way, you’ll see views of Tunnel Mountain, Mount Rundle, and the Banff Springs Hotel perched high above the river. Benches, interpretive signs, and easy access make this walk suitable for almost everyone.

Because the trail is close to town and easy to reach, it works well as a first-day stroll or a quick outing between activities.

👉 Read the full guide.

🎸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 |

Wednesday, November 26

8:00 | November Coffee Connector | CanMore Together | Canmore

15:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff

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

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

19:00 | Drumming Class | Scout 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 | Halle Ponton: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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