Banff's Tragedies Continue

Hey friends! Here’s What’s Happening This Week!

Tragedy has returned to the mountains. Another grizzly has been lost - the fourth in Banff this year - reigniting fierce debate over how to protect the park's wild residents. It's a sobering moment in a place that prides itself on its natural beauty and balance.

Yet life in the Rockies carries on with its familiar mix of wonder and warmth. The Canada Strong Pass is back, giving free access to Banff and Waterton for winter and summer adventures. And so is the Hot Chocolate Trail, serving decadent cocoa creations guaranteed to melt the chill from even the coldest day.

And talking of chill, we do have a weather warning for this weekend, so be careful out there.

Keep scrolling for your weekend lineup - events, live music, and everything that makes Banff shine, even through its hardest weeks.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Fri 6 pm)

Read Our Complete Guide To What You Can Expect From Banff’s Weather. Whenever You Plan To Visit

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. What is the best short hike in Banff? There are many; Tunnel Mountain is one of the most popular.

2. Is Johnston Canyon open in the winter? Yes, and it may be the best time to visit. Find out how to get there and what to do.

3. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself. Reading our guide will help.

4. Is it possible to live in Canmore, or does it have the same restrictions as Banff? Canmore does not have the same restrictions. Find out how you can move to Canmore.

5. 🎿 When do Banff's ski resorts open for 2025? Some lifts start spinning before most people have hung their wreaths. See who's opening first this season.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎟️ Free entry to Banff and Waterton this winter and summer. The Canada Strong Pass has been renewed, offering free access to national parks from Dec 12 to Jan 15 and again next summer. Perfect timing for a festive visit or a sunny road trip - learn more.

🍫 Banff's Hot Chocolate Trail is back and calling your name. Imagine wandering through snowy streets with a steaming cup of cocoa - or three! Over 30 local spots are serving up decadent creations, from whipped-cream mountains to boozy chocolate bliss. Grab a friend, pick a route, and sip your way through Banff and Lake Louise one mug at a time. Your winter warm-up starts here - see the lineup.

❄️ Snowfall warning issued for Banff and Canmore. Environment Canada says 5-20 cm of snow is expected across Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis, with heavier snow along the Icefields Parkway. Travel could be difficult at times, especially over the weekend - read more

🔥 Fireplaces and mountain air at Buffalo Lodge. Imagine curling up by your own wood-burning fire after a fall hike. These rooms don’t last long once chilly nights arrive. See what it offers.

🐻 Another grizzly tragedy in Banff sparks outrage. A male grizzly was struck near Castle Junction - the fourth bear death in Banff this year. Conservationists warn that the park's wildlife corridors are in crisis. What happens next? - Read the story.

🎄 In Search of Christmas Spirit returns to Banff. Ready to feel that Christmas magic? Bundle up and wander through the Cascade of Time Garden as it sparkles with lights, music, and storytelling straight from Banff's wild residents. This free outdoor experience is pure festive joy - part nature walk, part holiday fairytale, and all heart. Running select nights from Nov 13 to Dec 31, it's the perfect way to kick off the season - plan your visit.

🌟 Seasonal Highlights

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50 - Nov 1-9 at Banff Centre. See what’s on.

✨ Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Oct 17-26, featuring talks, films, and tours. Learn more.

🍴 Taste for Adventure Oct 23-Nov 6, special menus across Banff. Check the menus.

🍻 Banff Craft Beer Festival, Oct 23-25, with Alberta’s best breweries. See the lineup.

👻 Banff & Canmore Ghost Walks. Step into the shadows this Halloween as costumed guides lead you through eerie alleys and chilling tales of restless spirits in the Rockies. Spooky spots are selling out fast. Book Banff | Book Canmore.

🌉 Kananaskis bridge battle reignites over environmental fears. Ottawa has approved a new bridge across the Highwood River, years after construction was halted. Critics say it puts fragile bull trout habitat at risk. The debate's heating up - learn more.

🎻 Early bird tickets now on sale for Canmore's Square Dance Fundraiser. Lace up your boots and get ready to swing! The Biosphere's 3rd Annual Square Dance hits Cornerstone Theatre on Nov 21 with live music, auctions, and laughs galore. Grab your tickets before they're gone, join the dance here.

❄️ Winter driving reminders from Jasper National Park. Snow's back, and so are icy roads! Park officials urge travellers to check Alberta511 and Environment Canada alerts before hitting the highway. Stay smart on mountain drives, read the safety tips.

🦬 Second Indigenous bison hunt begins in Banff's backcountry. A new chapter of reconciliation unfolds as Indigenous Nations lead a ceremonial bison harvest between Oct 15 and Dec 9, honouring traditions and renewing ties to ancestral lands. Learn why it matters - read the story.

🍂 Jasper Transit gears up for winter rides. Starting Oct 14, Jasper's transit system gets a seasonal shake-up with new routes, earlier morning runs, improved regional connections, and the long-awaited return of the Town Loop. Don't miss your stop - see what's new.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🧖 Nordic spa experience coming to Canmore

• ⭐ Four Banff National Park hotels make 2025 MICHELIN Keys

• 🏆 One of our favourites, Lodge at Bow Lake earns MICHELIN Key

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS

📅 To view all future events, visit our website.

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials

Our Happy Hours listings have moved. To view a complete list of this week's happy hours, visit our Happy Hour pages.    BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS

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