Is This Banff's Best Christmas Tradition?

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

The mountains are settling into full festive mode, and today’s issue is packed with fresh updates, glowing lights, and a few great savings if you’re planning outings or future stays.

Right now, one of the nicest seasonal experiences is In Search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of Time Garden, from Nov 13 to Dec 31. With lights guiding the way and the story unfolding among the trees, it’s a simple but memorable way to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

If you like planning ahead, the Johnston Canyon Lodge deal is offering 30 percent off select 2026 cabin stays. Early and late-season dates are included, and it’s a rare chance to secure a quiet getaway long before the crowds. Check out the reviews before you book.

Also available this weekend, the 9-spot mega tour has dropped the price of the popular full-day adventure from $199 to $119. With spots like Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Johnston Canyon all packed into one itinerary, it’s a strong option for a big day out.

Plus, with the valley in Black Friday mode, there are plenty of other deals floating around right now, and we’ve highlighted the ones that stand out.

Dive in below for today’s full lineup of events and local updates!

• 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 famous scenic road connects Lake Louise and Jasper?

✅ Answer: 3) Icefields Parkway - 78% Correct

The Icefields Parkway is known for glacier views and bright alpine lakes. Check out our guides to two of the most popular stops along the route, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Partly cloudy, high -8 °C and low -14 °C.
Canmore: Mostly sunny, high -4 °C and low -14 °C.
Jasper: Mostly cloudy, high -4 °C and low -12 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

What is Roam Transit, and how does it help visitors explore Banff?
Roam Transit is Banff National Park’s public bus system linking Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, and popular attractions across the Bow Valley. The buses are modern, accessible, and equipped with free Wi-Fi and big windows for mountain views. It’s an easy way to explore without the stress of navigating or parking.
👉 Learn more in The Banff Guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🎄In Search of Christmas Spirit returns to Banff. Running Nov 13-Dec 31, this illuminated Cascade of Time Garden walk brings a live Christmas story to life with Banff's woodland animals. Tickets for Nov 13-Dec 7 are out now, with Dec 11-31 tickets dropping Dec 1 at 10 am - grab your preferred date before it goes.

🦌An elk spotted tangled in Christmas lights prompts a safety reminder. A Canmore elk was seen with holiday lights caught in its antlers near Benchlands Terrace, sparking a call to secure decorations properly and keep them off low bushes and trees. Simple fixes can prevent dangerous entanglements - see the full wildlife advisory.

🚌Banff's top-rated 9-spot mega tour drops to 119. This 5-star small-group adventure packs Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (when open), Peyto, Bow, Johnston Canyon and more into one epic day. It was $199, now $119 - jump on this bargain before it snaps back.

🚌 FlixBus launches new direct route to Kananaskis. A budget-friendly bus link from Calgary to Kananaskis Village, Stoney Nakoda Resort, and Nakiska Ski Area starts Nov 29, running daily with two trips and onboard perks like Wi-Fi and power outlets. Mountain access just got way easier. Check out the new route details.

🔥 Gas leak disruptions are now resolved in Banff and Canmore. Both towns dealt with temporary shutoffs as ATCO crews managed separate leaks, but service has since been restored, and areas reopened. After traffic detours, appliance restarts, and plenty of patience, everything is back to normal. See the Banff recap and check the Canmore update.

🎁Banff Hospitality Collective launches Black Friday gift card bonus. Spend $100 on an e-gift card and snag a $20 bonus card to use across 16 Banff restaurants. It's the easiest way to gift dinner, drinks, and downtown vibes - scoop up the deal before it disappears.

⛰️Pursuit Pass offers up to 40% off Rockies attractions. Bundle single-visit tickets for Banff, Jasper and Golden to save on gondolas, lake cruises and glacier experiences. It’s a flexible way to see more across the season - take a look at what’s included.

🌲Johnston Canyon Lodge announces 30% off 2026 stays. Early and late season cabin getaways are discounted for May 15-June 14 and September 20-October 17, 2026, when you book direct before December 3. Cosy cabin daydreams officially have a sign - peek at the full post. Not sure? Read the reviews.

⛷️Sunshine Village drops Cyber Monday card and ticket deals. Nab a $119 Sunshine Super Card, discounted mobile lift tickets, multi-day passes and even a romance package before the Dec 2 deadline - lock in your ski season perks now.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🚌 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. Grab your discounted spot before it’s gone.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Meet Canmore's Quirkiest Landmark: The Big Head

If you're spending time in downtown Canmore, make a quick stop at the Big Head sculpture. This nine-tonne granite face peeking up from the ground has been turning heads (literally and figuratively) since 2008. It's easy to spot near Policeman's Creek Boardwalk, and it’s one of the town's most photographed pieces of public art.

Carved by Alberta artist Alan Henderson, the sculpture is a playful nod to Canmore's Scottish roots. The town was named after King Malcolm III, whose nickname, Ceann Mor, means great head or chief. Locals have embraced the humour of it, often dressing the sculpture in costumes for holidays and events, giving it a personality all its own.

Its location at the start of the Policeman's Creek Boardwalk makes it a perfect addition to a short stroll. Whether you're grabbing photos, exploring downtown, or heading out for a gentle walk along the creek, the Big Head is an easy and fun stop.

🎸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 29

10:00 | Mountain Made Market | Canmore Recreation Centre | Canmore

17:00 | Santa's Silent Auction & Live Music | Banff Legion | Banff

17:00 | UnWined & Elevation Gallery: Social | Elevation Gallery | Canmore

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

18:30 | Serene Ryder: Live | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

19:30 | Jake Vaadeland: Live | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

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

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

21:00 | Arn Smit: LIVE | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

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

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

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

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