💚 Hope in the Rockies: Two Orphan Cubs Rescued After a Tough Season

Hey Friends! Here’s what’s happening this week!

There's some heartwarming news coming out of the Rockies - two orphaned grizzly cubs have found a safe new home at the Calgary Zoo. After the loss of Skoki and Khutzeymateen, this rescue feels like a new beginning. The cubs will grow up under expert care and, in time, meet the public next year. It's a hopeful reminder that even in the wildest corners of Alberta, compassion and conservation can go hand in hand.

Meanwhile, excitement is brewing for the Banff Craft Beer Festival, returning to Cave & Basin from October 23-25. The event turns one of Banff's most historic spots into a mountain-view taproom, complete with local bites, fresh pours, and good company.

But amid the cheer, there's a bigger story unfolding - the return of free national park access could spark another wave of visitors, and locals are wondering whether Banff is nearing "peak tourism." With stunning scenery comes the challenge of keeping the balance.

Keep reading for this week's full lineup of live music, food specials, and unforgettable events across Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Thur 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. 💅 Can I visit hotel spas without staying overnight? Many spas welcome day guests for treatments and pool access. Check the best options: best hotel spas.

2. 🐾 Are cougars active in winter? Yes. Cougars stay active year-round, often hunting more in winter when deer gather near towns. Learn how to stay safe on local trails.

3. 🎃 What’s Halloween like in Banff? Think glowing pumpkins, haunted hotels, and castle parties under the mountains. See what’s happening around town.

4. 🎿 Are winter encounters with elk common? Yes, especially near roads and open areas where food is easier to find. Stay alert and keep your distance. More advice in our elk safety guide.

5. 🌲 Does Roam run year-round? Yes, service continues in all seasons, though schedules vary in winter. Check updates: roam transit guide.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🌲 New beginnings for orphaned grizzlies. The Calgary Zoo has adopted two rescued cubs after saying goodbye to Skoki and Khutzeymateen. The pair will grow up safely under expert care and meet the public next year. Meet the cubs.

🏔️ Cheers to beers with a view this October. From Oct 23-25, Cave & Basin transforms into Canada's most scenic taproom. Sample exclusive Alberta brews, taste delicious local food, and soak in the Rockies' charm. Tickets include drink credits, so come thirsty! Plan your beer adventure.

👻 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.

🏞️ Banff braces for another tourist surge. With free national park access returning, experts warn Banff may be on the brink of “peak tourism.” Locals say it’s time for limits. See what’s coming.

🌊 Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows: The Falls, Without the Crowds. Stay where the trail begins. These rustic bungalows sit right at the start of Johnston Canyon, giving you rare early morning or evening access to one of Banff’s busiest (and most beautiful) spots. If you want the canyon without the chaos, take a closer look!.

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🍺 Aperitivo Hour at The Fat Ox in Banff. The Fat Ox at the Kenrick Hotel offers a daily Aperitivo Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring $8 pints, discounted cocktails, and small Italian-inspired plates, such as bruschetta, Tuscan fries, and elk meatballs.

❄️ Nervous About Winter Driving? Take This Banff Day Tour Instead: Let someone else handle the snowy roads. See Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Marble Canyon and more. Book by Oct 31st for a discounted rate.

🌸 Springtime in Jasper: Discounted Lakeside Stays. Soak in the fresh bloom of Jasper National Park next spring with discounted stays between March 13 and April 3, 2026. After outdoor adventures, relax in a lakeside cabin or recharge at the spa. Curious about the stay? Read guest feedback.

🏰 Two Candlelight Concerts at Banff Springs "Castle" - Both Discounted. Choose the Coldplay tribute, or the Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics for something moodier. Reserve by Oct 17 for a discount.

🎟️ Only days left to save big on Norquay passes! Secure your ski season now before prices jump after October 19. Adult, family, and snow school deals available. Get yours before the deadline.

💫 A dream stay at Fairmont Banff Springs. The Terrace Suite is mountain luxury at its best - breathtaking views, elegant design, and that fairytale Banff magic. It’s pure indulgence in the Rockies! Take a peek inside.

👻 Creatures return to Jasper this Halloween! Jasper’s first-ever Halloween Takeover runs Oct 31 - Nov 2 with ghost stories, silent discos, and wild late-night parties. Dare to join? See the full lineup.

🦅 Golden eagle migration soars over the Rockies. From now until early November, watch hundreds of eagles gliding past Crowsnest Pass, Kananaskis, and the eastern slopes. Grab binoculars and look up! Find the best viewing spots.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🐻 Grizzly spotted near Johnston Canyon confirmed as “The Boss”

• 🚴 Do Banff differently this winter

• 📸 Where do I get that famous Three Sisters reflection shot?

🎸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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