6.7 Million Cars - Can Banff Cope?

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

Banff's bursting at the seams - literally! Visitor numbers have hit record highs, prompting Parks Canada to step in to tackle gridlock and crowding across the park. From Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, new visitor management plans are rolling out to protect the park and preserve the magic that keeps people coming back.

Speaking of crowds... Justin Bieber and Hailey were spotted soaking up the mountain air at Lake Louise this week, trading Hollywood lights for alpine calm. From canoe rides to cozy campfire moments, their low-key getaway caused a quiet frenzy across social media.

And as we head deeper into October, spooky season is officially on! Banff and Canmore are going all-out - from A Nightmare on Banff Ave at Melissa's Missteak (expect DJs, costumes, and chaos) to Halloween Goes EDM at Sheepdog Brewing in Canmore, featuring DJ Twood and a glowstick dance floor.

So whether you're navigating traffic or planning your costume, there's plenty to keep your week full of energy and fun. Scroll down for the full lineup of local events, live music, food specials, and mountain adventures ahead! 🎃

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch - Weekly Outlook (Tues 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. Are there any short hikes near downtown Canmore? Yes, here are five easy hikes you can do straight from downtown. If you have a vehicle, Grassi Lakes is nearby.

2. Can I visit Fairmont Banff Springs if I am not staying there? Yes, the Fairmont Banff Springs welcomes visitors. You can explore the public areas, dine in the restaurants, and take in the scenery.

3. Do I need to book Banff gondolas in advance? It's smart to - some sell out fast, especially during sunset hours. See which rides need early booking.

4. Should I visit Banff in December if I don’t ski? Yes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Read our December Guide.

5. What's the best way to get around downtown Banff? Raom Transit should cover all your needs. Find out how.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎤 Justin Bieber pops up at Lake Louise. JB and Hailey swapped LA glam for Alberta chill vibes, canoeing, spotting lynx, and singing by the lake! Yep, Bieber fever hit Banff hard. Peek at the getaway pics.

🚐 Banff braces for record crowds. With traffic up nearly 9%, Parks Canada is rolling out a new visitor management plan to ease gridlock at hot spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Shuttles, planning, and patience ahead! See what’s happening.

🏒 Canmore’s Noah Philp nets first NHL goal. The hometown forward lit up the rink, scoring in the Oilers’ 3-1 win over Vancouver and sealing a dream milestone. Watch the proud moment. See the goal

🌄 The world’s most beautiful beerfest is back! Cave & Basin transforms into a beer lover’s paradise with Alberta-only brews and mountain charm. Explore the lineup, then snag your tickets before they’re gone.

🎿 Roll Out of Bed and Onto the Slopes: Sunshine Mountain Lodge sits 7,200 feet up in Banff National Park, the only place in Alberta where you can sleep right on the mountain. If you want to avoid early-morning alarms and shuttles, it’s definitely worth checking out.

🎄 Plan your Christmas in Banff and Lake Louise now. The dazzling "In Search of Christmas Spirit" returns next month, lighting up Cascade Gardens with festive magic! Early access tickets are live, get planning! Grab details here

🎃 A Nightmare on Banff Ave hits Melissa’s Missteak. Halloween lands on a Friday, and the party’s huge - Jägermeister Canada joins forces with DJs Happy Friday, Matty Rage, and Ranko for Banff’s wildest night! See the event post

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🍁 Winter Escape in Jasper - Discounts + Breakfast. Stay 3 nights or more before April 15, 2026, for a discounted stay plus breakfast. Think snowy trails, frozen lakes, skating on Mildred Lake, or stargazing under winter skies and wondering if it's worth it? Check visitor reviews.

🌄 Explore Banff's Best Sights in a Day - Currently Discounted: Only have one day to see Banff? This small-group tour covers iconic sights such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Falls, and more. Book by October 31 to save.

🥾 Banff Hiking with AllTrails - Generous Discount For A Limited Time. No cell service, no problem. Use AllTrails Plus to download maps and use offline GPS to stay on track throughout Banff National Park.

🍺 Fondue Happy Hour at Bluebird. Bluebird runs a daily fondue happy hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with half off fondue and cocktails starting at $7.

🚗 Parking fines drop $130K in Banff. Drivers are breathing easier this year as ticket revenue tumbles thanks to RCMP staffing gaps. Officials say enforcement will bounce back once positions are filled. See the whole story. Let’s get it down to zero find out how to park, fine free in Banff.

❄️ Thanksgiving snow slicks up Rockies roads. Drivers faced icy highways, flurries, and even an early closure of Moraine Lake as winter crashed the holiday weekend. Alberta Parks warned: winter’s here to stay! Get the storm scoop

👻 Halloween goes EDM at Sheepdog Brewing. Canmore’s Sheepdog is throwing a 2010s EDM Throwback Party on Oct 31 with DJ Twood, a new beer launch, prizes, and glowstick vibes galore. Costumes highly encouraged! See the full post.

🌄 Ever biked through Banff's backcountry? This small-group tour takes you off the beaten path on electric fat bikes. Easy pedalling, endless views, and that "why didn't we do this sooner?" feeling - find out how

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🌙 Nightrise at the Banff Gondola: Final Season

• 🌌 Starlit Adventure - Johnston Canyon Evening Icewalk

• ❄️ Snow’s Coming to the Rockies

🎸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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