What Happens When Banff Goes Dark?

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

Welcome back to your weekly dose of mountain moments from Banff! This week has a strong winter feel, and it's the perfect time to line up fresh adventures. The Banff Gondola continues to be a favourite for good reason, especially in the colder months. Snowy peaks, warm spaces at the summit, and the immersive Nightrise experience create a mix of scenery and storytelling that makes the visit feel totally different from summer.

Soon after that comes one of the most anticipated events of the season: Ice Magic at Lake Louise. Taking place February 5-8, it brings sculptors from around the world to carve icy masterpieces in one of the most dramatic winter settings you can imagine. This year also includes a Banff option, which means more ways to enjoy the festival without leaving town.

For anyone looking to stock up on winter activities, the massive GetYourGuide Black Friday sale is worth checking out. Up to 50 percent off tours and adventures is rare for this area, and it's an easy way to save on outings you might already be planning for the next few months.

There's a full slate of events and updates waiting below, so settle in and enjoy this week's roundup of Banff happenings.

• 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’s the elevation of Banff town?

✅ Answer: 2) About 1,400 metres - 53% Correct

Banff lies at around 1,400 metres. Because of the elevation, the weather can catch visitors off guard. Our weather-by-season guide walks you through what conditions look like in every month.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: Sunny, high -6 °C and low -12 °C.
Canmore: Sunny, high -2 °C and low -12 °C.
Jasper: Mostly sunny, high -2 °C and low -10 °C.

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

🏞️ Your Questions

Is the Banff Gondola worth visiting in winter?
Yes. The Banff Gondola offers some of the best winter views in the Rockies, with a quick ride to the summit, warm indoor spaces, and stunning boardwalk lookouts. The Nightrise experience adds lights and storytelling after dark, making it a memorable visit for both daytime and evening trips.

👉 Read the full winter guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🎉 Fairmont Banff Springs unveils New Year's Eve Haus Party. The Waldhaus is going full denim-and-bratwurst with live music, bold beats, and a cheeky Canadian tuxedo theme to ring in 2026 in true Banff style. A cosy party with serious vibes - secure your NYE spot while you still can.

🖤 GetYourGuide drops huge Black Friday deals on Banff adventures. Up to 50% off canyon walks, wildlife tours, gondolas, and winter thrills is a rare score for locals and visitors alike. These prices vanish fast - snap up the Banff bargains while they last.

❄️ Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise this February. From Feb 5-8, the Chateau transforms into a glittering world of sculpted ice, with jaw-dropping creations and exclusive access for hotel guests and local community members. A Banff option for everyone is coming too - step into the frosty magic.

🌶️ Coyotes' New Mexican Winter Dinner Fiesta is in full swing. Running until Dec 19, this $35 three-course feast is already winning over Banff diners with salmon tacos, blue corn enchiladas, decadent desserts, $30 wine bottles, and $7 pints. Get in while the fiesta is hot - check out the menu temptations.

🏘️ Banff housing changes unlock 550 new units in the works. Looser parking rules, higher density, and fee cuts have fast-tracked projects, including 90 new affordable homes, but a big housing gap remains - dig into what's being built and where.

🛍️ Holiday Hangtime Flea pops back up at Canmore Brewing. On December 1, the brewery transforms into a festive mini market packed with vintage fashion, handmade home goods, jewellery, and local art. A cosy one-night-only shop-and-sip vibe - treat yourself to a browse through Canmore's coolest vendors.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🎄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.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Try Snow Tubing in Banff for Easy Winter Fun

If you're looking for a fun winter activity that doesn’t require lessons, balance, or expensive gear, snow tubing is an easy win. With nothing more than a giant inflatable tube and a willingness to slide fast, you can enjoy one of Banff's most entertaining cold-weather outings. It's a great pick for families, non-skiers, or anyone who wants a break from the slopes.

Mount Norquay has the biggest tube park in Banff, with multiple lanes ranging from smooth to speedy. It's close to town and offers morning, afternoon, and evening sessions in winter. Lake Louise has a smaller, gentler tube park that's ideal for younger kids or anyone who prefers a calmer ride. Sessions are flexible, and you don't need to book ahead.

Canmore makes a great base for tubing at either location, thanks to its quick access and relaxed atmosphere. If you're exploring farther, Nakiska and Winsport in Calgary also offer tubing parks within easy driving distance.

👉 Read the full guide: Snow Tubing in Banff

🎸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 |

Sunday, November 30

13:00 | Sip & Shop Mini Xmas Market | Rose & Crown | Banff

13:00 | Art & Song | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

14:00 | Concert: Tis the Season | The Malcolm Hotel | Canmore

18:00 | Crowning of the Tree | The Malcolm Hotel | Canmore

20:00 | Music Bingo with Sam | Tavern 1883 | Canmore

21:00 | Sunday Funday - DJ Set | Banff Ave Brewing Co | Banff

21:00 | Sunday Funday (Party) | Melissa's Missteak | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee / Social Systems | Rose & Crown | Banff

Monday, December 1

15:00 | Hang Time Flea Market | Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore

19:00 | Trivia Night | Melissa's MisSteak | Banff

20:00 | Monday Trivia | High Rollers | Banff

21:00 | Open Mike Night | The Beaver | Banff

21:00 | Live Music Night | Three Bears | Banff

22:00 | DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Brent Lee: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

Tuesday, December 2

19:00 | Trivia Tuesday | Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub | Canmore

19:00 | Film: Brit Rock 7 | Canmore Opera House | Canmore

19:30 | The Debaters: Live | The Banff Centre | Banff

19:30 | Royal Wood | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore

21:00 | Banff Punk Night | Pump and Tap | Banff

22:00 | DJ Styler Nazo | High Rollers | Banff

22:00 | Jesse Peters: Live | Rose & Crown | Banff

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