Bears Up Way Past Their Bedtime

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

Winter sunshine, fresh snow, and a few surprising wildlife moments have kept things lively around Banff and Canmore. The bears are still popping up in unexpected places, well past the time most people assume they’ve turned in for the season. Their late activity has sparked plenty of conversation, and the latest sightings are worth catching up on.

Another big talking point is the return of the Canada Strong Pass. With free park entry running from mid-December into January, visitors are getting excited, while locals are wondering how the town will handle winter parking and traffic. It’s shaping up to be a busy stretch, especially for those planning holiday trips.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to enjoy the classic sights without driving snowy roads, a Banff 5-star private tour is offering a $100 discount until November 30th. It’s been getting strong feedback from groups looking for an easy, full-day adventure.

AllTrails has also dropped its half-price offer, which feels perfectly timed for winter explorers. Offline maps and safety tools are always helpful, but especially now as conditions shift. It’s a solid add-on for anyone heading out onto the trails.

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which mountain does the Banff Gondola take you to the top of?

✅ Answer: 3) Sulphur Mountain - 78% Correct

It’s also possible to hike up Sulphur Mountain, but with an elevation gain of about 655 metres, it isn’t for everyone. For a more leisurely summit hike in Banff, check out Tunnel Mountain. If you want a nice, easy walk straight from downtown, then try the Bow Falls Trail.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Mainly sunny, high -6 °C and low -14 °C.
Canmore: Mainly sunny, high -8 °C and low -14 °C.
Jasper: Sunny, high -8 °C and low -13 °C.

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

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

With Bears Back in the News: Funny and True Stories from Banff and Canmore

If you're visiting the Bow Valley and keep seeing bears in the headlines, this collection of true stories gives you a glimpse of what life alongside wildlife really looks like. From grizzlies with big personalities to black bears with questionable decision-making skills, these tales show the lighter side of sharing space with nature.

You'll meet The Boss, the 650-pound legend who treats Banff and Canmore like his personal kingdom, and Bear 148, the bold and curious daughter of Bear 64 who became a local icon thanks to her dramatic run-ins, relocations, and rebellious streak. There are pastry-loving bears, restaurant-charging bears, politely approached bears, and even a grizzly who survived being hit at 100 km/h and walked away like it was nothing.

More recently, we have the story of the bear who went to sleep on a ski run.

If you're planning a trip, these stories are a fun way to understand the valley's wildlife personality while still appreciating the importance of staying bear smart.

👉 Read the full list: Banff and Canmore Bear Encounters.

📚 The Little Grizzly Who Walked Like a Boss

Want an easy way to teach your child about wildlife? Or just need a thoughtful, affordable gift? This charming picture book follows The Boss back when he was a shy cub taking his first steps around Banff. His early adventures are turned into a gentle story about finding confidence and feeling brave in a big new world.

It’s a warm, mountain-inspired read for little ones - and a fun way to spark curiosity about the Rockies. Available now on Amazon.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🐻 Split Lip caught strolling through Lake Louise village. The famous grizzly was spotted on Nov 20, casually cruising through the village, totally unfazed and focused on moving from one side to the other after fresh snowfall. Watch the impressive moment here.

🎟️ Banff braces for return of the Canada Strong Pass. Free entry to national parks is back Dec 12-Jan 15, and locals worry crowds could surge again. With parking already tight, Banff's mayor is pushing Ottawa for limits such as carpool-only access. See what the renewed pass means for winter visitors.

🐻 Grizzly encounter sparks area closure in Yoho National Park. A trail runner was charged and injured on the Tally Ho Trail, prompting Parks Canada to close the Natural Bridge area and investigate what appears to be a sudden defensive grizzly encounter. Wildlife specialists have set traps and are urging visitors to stay bear-aware, even in late November. Get the full Parks Canada update here.

🚌 5-star Banff private tour launches limited-time discount. Perfect for larger groups, this customizable full-day adventure sweeps you through Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Johnston Canyon and more of Banff’s greatest hits. It’s $100 off until Nov 30, making this the moment to snag a premium Rockies experience for less. Grab your discounted spot before it’s gone.

🌲 AllTrails Plus goes half price for Black Friday. Patchy reception around Banff and Canmore? Offline maps, safety alerts, and 3D flyovers suddenly feel essential. The 50% off sale runs to Dec 3 with code CYBER2025. Catch the offer while it’s hot.

🚧 Highway 40 is set for its long winter closure. Highwood Pass shuts to vehicles Dec 1-June 20, so if you were dreaming of that scenic drive, this is your last call to squeeze it in. Snow, wildlife, and quiet trails take over soon. See the closure update here.

🎅 Santa pops into The Malcolm for cozy holiday photo sessions. The Malcolm Hotel has gone full winter wonderland, with outdoor creekside and indoor Santa visits on select dates, pro photos, and limited spots - ideal for families chasing a magical Rockies Christmas moment. Snag your Santa time slot before they vanish.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

❄️ "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 and heavier snow. See what this winter could bring.

🏞️ Your Questions

Can I retire to Banff?
Only if you qualify. Retirees must have lived in Banff for at least five consecutive years before retirement to keep their eligibility. You can’t move to Banff after retiring unless you previously met the need-to-reside rule. For anyone who doesn’t qualify, nearby Canmore is often a better and more flexible option for retirement living. 👉 Learn more in The Banff 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 |

Friday, November 28

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

17:00 | Sue Chick Denton: Live | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

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

19:00 | Movember 80's Style | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

19:00 | The Barflyz | Mineshaft Tavern | Canmore

19:00 | Craig Cardiff: Live | Communitea Cafe | Canmore

19:00 | Night of Lies 2025 | Cornerstone Theatre | Canmore

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

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

21:00 | Dr Z Duo: LIVE | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:30 | Craig Cardiff: Live | Communitea Cafe | Canmore

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

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
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