Forecast Warns of a Brutal December

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

Welcome back to What's On Banff! As we settle into the final stretch of November, winter is stepping onto the stage with a bit of drama. The Weather Network is hinting at a colder-than-usual December shaped by Arctic air and a disrupted polar vortex. With a sharp chill on the way, it’s a perfect moment to start planning cosy escapes. The Banff hot chocolate trail is gearing up to be a favourite warm-up this season, and several local hotels are already leaning into the weather with inviting rooms with fireplaces that make the cold feel a little more welcome.

One place where winter truly shines is the Banff Winter Carnival. Running all the way to March, it celebrates the region's early carnival history with games, films, and plenty of snowy charm at the Cave and Basin. If you're craving something festive and fun, it's a great place to spend a morning or afternoon.

For a bucket-list experience, the Abraham Lake ice bubbles are returning with peak clarity. With a major tour price drop, this is an ideal time to explore the frozen shoreline, catch some incredible photos, and enjoy the long-season beauty the foothills are famous for.

And over in Canmore, the Three Sisters Viewpoint walk is another fantastic pick. It's a short, rewarding outing where the mountains reflect beautifully on still water when the conditions line up.

• 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

Which ski resort has the highest summit elevation within Banff National Park and Jasper National Park?

✅ Answer: 3) Banff Sunshine Village - 48% Correct

Sunshine Village boasts the loftiest runs with a top elevation of 2,730m and some of the best snow in the Rockies. Discover more about Banff’s top ski spots.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Cloudy with light snow, high -4 °C and low -9 °C.
Canmore: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow, high -2 °C and low -7 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy with light snow, high -4 °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 see the Banff Merman today?
You’ll find it at the Banff Trading Post at 101 Cave Avenue, just across the Bow River Bridge. It’s a short walk from downtown, and viewing it is free. For the best photos, visit mid-morning to avoid reflections on the glass case. In winter, the shop is quieter, and you may have the Merman all to yourself.

👉 Wondering what the Banff Merman is? See the full story and history.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

❄️ "December to remember" forecast warns of a sudden winter blast. The Weather Network says Canada is in for a shock start to winter with Arctic air, a disrupted polar vortex and a weak La Nina combining for colder temps, heavier snow and a classic Canadian December. See what this winter could bring.

❄️ Banff Winter Carnival brings back a century-old tradition. From Nov 29 to Mar 30, the Cave and Basin transforms into a snowy playground packed with mini curling, box hockey, vintage films and roaring-twenties nostalgia inspired by Banff’s original 1917 carnival. Step into the magic of winter fun.

🧊 Abraham Lake ice bubbles tour drops to $49. This no-end-date winter adventure hits Abraham Lake, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake for surreal frozen bubbles, icy blues and unreal photo spots - now with a big price cut from $89. Grab the deal before it melts.

🎸 Tommy's Unplugged fires up a live showdown in Banff. Singer-songwriters hit the stage at Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub for a raw, acoustic preliminary round where new talent battles for bragging rights and future spots. See who’s stepping into the spotlight.

📸 Christmas goes to the dogs at the Malcolm Hotel. A festive fundraiser is bringing pet photos with Santa and a holiday high tea to Canmore, with all proceeds supporting the Bow Valley SPCA. Fur, fun, and holiday charm await. Fetch the full event details here.

🌊 Banff pushes to clean up stormwater harming Bow River aquatic life. New monitoring shows contaminants washing off roads and lots are exceeding federal guidelines and impacting river health. The town is seeking $150,000 to kickstart a long-term fix. See what solutions are on the table.

🎉 Maclab Bistro rings in 2026 with a legendary NYE party. Banff Centre is throwing a mountain-view bash with DJ Matty Rage, champagne at midnight, late-night snacks, and a special hotel rate to keep the celebration rolling. Step into 2026 in true Banff style.

🔥 Lake Louise issues a new area closure for Fire Guard work. Phase 2 of the project is now closed to all public access, with pile burning, smoke and full Pipestone trail closures in effect. The Great Divide Trail stays open. Check the latest safety updates.

🎄 Stoney Nation Christmas Market returns to Mini Thni Gym. A full day of Indigenous handcrafted gifts, local food, door prizes and Santa photos brings festive warmth to the community on November 27 from 11 am-5 pm. Plan your holiday wander here.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚫 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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Capture an Iconic View: The Three Sisters Viewpoint Trail

If you're looking for a quick walk with a huge payoff, the Three Sisters Viewpoint Trail is one of the best short adventures in Canmore. At just 1.1 kilometres round trip, it's a gentle stroll that leads to a small pond where the Three Sisters peaks often reflect perfectly in the still water. On a calm morning or evening, the scene feels almost unreal.

The trail begins near the off-leash dog park on Highway 1A and follows a rocky creek bed. It's not always clearly marked, but as long as you follow the creed bed, you're heading the right way. The final clearing is where the magic happens - Faith, Hope, and Charity rising sharply above the water, with Ha Ling Peak also reflected from certain angles.

This viewpoint is popular with photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light softens, and colours start to glow. Because the trail is short and close to town, it's easy to fit into any day in Canmore.

👉 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 |

Thursday, November 27

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

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

17:00 | Chess Night | Canmore Public Library | Canmore

18:00 | Live Music: Steph O'Dette | The Bison | Banff

19:00 | Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show | The Balkan | Banff

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

19:00 | Art & Life | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

19:00 | Monthly Snowpack Discussion | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:00 | Thursday Night Poker | Canmore Legion | Canmore

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

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

20:30 | Comedy: Brian Stollery | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Late Night Legends | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Thirsty Thursday Party | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

22:00 | The Blue Mules | Rose & Crown | Banff

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