Hikers Face Off with Banff’s Biggest Grizzly 😱

The week kicked off with a roar - literally. Rangers confirmed that the giant grizzly seen near Johnston Canyon was "The Boss," Banff's legendary bear. Locals are still buzzing after the photos went viral.

Meanwhile, Banff's Great Pumpkin Walk is about to bring the glow! On October 24, Central Park transforms into a flickering path of creativity, with carved pumpkins, music, and community spirit lighting up the night.

If you'd rather trade pumpkins for pedals, try the new Electric Fat Bike Adventure, offering stunning views and an effortless ride through Banff's trails.

Keep scrolling - there's plenty more happening this week, from concerts to early-winter fun.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Wed 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. Does Banff host any events for food lovers? It sure does. Taste for Adventure is a winter foodie favourite that celebrates Banff’s best bites. See who’s taking part.

2. Where do I get that famous Three Sisters reflection shot? There's a small pond at the end of a short trail that mirrors the peaks on calm days. Find the exact spot locals love.

3. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs really haunted? From bellmen to bartenders, the spirits are legendary. Meet the ghosts

4. When's the best time to hike Grassi Lakes? Each season offers something special - from summer colours to frozen winter magic. Discover the best time for you.

5. Will I have cell service on hikes and road trips? No! Download AllTrails and Google Maps FOR OFFLINE USE before you arrive.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🐻 Grizzly spotted near Johnston Canyon confirmed as “The Boss.” Park rangers have verified the massive bear seen near Johnston Canyon is Banff’s legendary grizzly, “The Boss.” The sighting drew thousands of online reactions and sparked debate about wildlife safety. See the photos here.

🎃 The Great Pumpkin Walk returns to Banff! On Oct 24, watch the town glow as hundreds of carved pumpkins light the path from Central Park to the Rec Grounds. Expect live music, fire pits, and community magic. See event details.

🛷 Do Banff differently this winter. Swap skis for something slower - a private horse-drawn sleigh through snow-covered meadows. Cosy blankets, mountain views, and fireside s’mores make it pure winter magic - see the ride.

🎃 Spooky fun and great brews this Thursday, October 31! Canmore Brewing fires up its Community Fridays with Andrew Staygold live at 5 pm and The Brews bringing Halloween energy after. Happy hour 4-7 pm - music till 9:30! Join the fun.

🌄 Enjoy Sunwapta Falls, Minus the Crowds: You don't have to drive to get to the falls - they're right there if you stay at the Sunwapta Falls Resort Hotel. That means early-morning walks before the crowds and golden-hour photos without the rush - see why it's a favourite with returning visitors.

❄️ Snow’s coming to the Rockies! Alberta’s first real taste of winter is almost here, so it’s time to prep smart: check avalanche conditions, pack your safety gear, and let someone know your route. See the winter safety tips.

🏔️ New chairlifts coming to Castle Mountain and Lake Louise! Skiers rejoice - big upgrades are on the way with faster, modern lifts to boost the slopes for the 2025-26 season. Read about the lift-off.

🍷 Banff Wine & Yoga Festival 2025. Three days of yoga, wine, and mountain calm at Buffalo Mountain Lodge - soulful sessions, curated tastings, and fireside vibes. Reserve your weekend escape.

🌌 Jasper Dark Sky Festival returns for its 15th year. Jasper’s night skies are set to sparkle Oct 17-26 with stargazing, a drone show, astronaut talks, and a free concert by TALK. This year’s lineup promises cosmic-scale wonder! Catch the stellar details here.

🔥 Heads up for travellers through Kootenay. Parks Canada is conducting brush pile burns near Radium Hot Springs and Kootenay Crossing, Oct 16-17. Expect smoky skies and stay alert if driving Highway 93S. Get the travel update.

🔔 Quick Reminders

♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs closed - Maintenance and upgrades continue until Dec 2025. Plan ahead and explore alternatives.

🚧 Highway 40 (Highwood Pass) - Seasonal Closure. Highway 40 from Peter Lougheed Park to Highwood House closes to vehicles Dec 1-June 20. More info

🐻 Bear season alert. October is still prime time for bear activity as they fuel up for hibernation. Stay alert, make noise, and keep bear spray handy.

🔧 Banff Gondola closure. The Banff Gondola is closed Nov 10-21, 2025, for annual maintenance, reopening Nov 22. Check out your other options.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🎤 Justin Bieber pops up at Lake Louise

• 🚐 Banff braces for record crowds

• 🥾 Five easy hikes you can do from downtown Canmore

🎸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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