Lake Louise Opens, Jasper Glows, and Banff Celebrates - Don’t Miss a Thing!

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

Festival season has officially kicked off, and there's no slowing down now. The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is lighting up the heavens, Taste for Adventure is tempting every foodie in the Bow Valley, and Lake Louise just circled its opening day on the calendar. It feels like every corner of the Rockies is alive with excitement, from cosy apres-ski vibes to crisp nights under starlit skies.

Add in concerts, craft brews, ghost walks, and a few surprises around town, and you've got all the ingredients for an incredible October weekend. Whether you're planning to explore, unwind, or celebrate, this is the perfect time to get outside and soak up the season.

Scroll down for your complete guide to what's happening - and don't miss out on the magic in the mountains.

• 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. Can I drive to Lake Louise? Yes, but there may be better options. Learn more.

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

3. I’m excited to see a bear. Are there any I should look out for? Banff’s most famous bears are probably The Boss and Split Lip. We have posts on both of them.

4. What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.

5. Are there ghosts in Banff and Canmore? Yes - and they’re surprisingly personal. Uncover the Bow Valley’s hauntings.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎿 Lake Louise Ski Resort sets opening date. Mark your calendars for Nov 7! The slopes are gearing up for another epic winter, complete with a live DJ and the debut of Richardson's Ridge - 200 acres of new terrain. Get the opening day details

🌌 Jasper Dark Sky Festival is here at last. From Oct 17-26, gaze at the stars, join astronomy talks, try yoga under the Milky Way, and snap unreal night photos. It's one of Canada's coolest celestial celebrations. Plan your stargazing adventure

👀 Surprise Corner platform reopening soon. The upper viewing platform at Surprise Corner is closed from September 8 to October 20 for rail, stair, and board repairs. Parking remains open, but the viewing area is limited. More

🚣 It's back! Banff's Rainy Bay sign is here at last. Locals were stunned to find the beloved wooden marker reinstalled after it vanished this summer. No one knows who fixed it - but everyone's glad they did. See how the story ends

🍽️ Taste for Adventure is nearly here. From Oct 23-Nov 6, Banff's top chefs are serving up exclusive menus, foodie events, and mouthwatering creations. Go fancy or casual - but don't risk food FOMO! See what's cooking this fall

❄️ Step into a winter wonderland at Lake Louise. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is offering up to 25% off your stay. Think snow-dusted peaks, frozen lakes, and alpine luxury - all in one magical escape. Book your winter getaway

❄️ Experience the Glacier After Hours. When the tour buses leave, Glacier View Lodge guests have the icefields to themselves. Watch the Athabasca Glacier turn gold at sunset, then blue again at dawn - quiet, still, unforgettable.

🍺 Dark Sky drinks hit Jasper Brewing Co. To celebrate the Jasper Dark Sky Festival (Oct 17-26), Jasper Brewing Co. is pouring galaxy-inspired cocktails like the Ursa Major Sour, Blackberry Old Fashioned, and Blackberry Sage Smash. Limited time only! Try the celestial sips.

🌙 Ever dreamed of a sleigh ride under Banff’s stars? Bundle up, listen to the snow crunch beneath the runners, and warm up after with s’mores by the fire. It’s storybook stuff - find out how

🏨 Stay in Jasper and get a free Mastercard gift card. Book a cozy fall escape through Tourism Jasper between Oct 27 and Dec 12 and score up to $175 in prepaid gift cards just for checking in. Your getaway practically pays for itself! Snag your bonus stay offer now.

💦 Free Radium Hot Springs passes with your stay. Book two or more nights in Radium between Oct 14 and Dec 15 and enjoy free soaks in the famous hot springs. The longer you stay, the warmer the reward! Grab the deal before it cools off.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🏞️ Banff braces for another tourist surge

• 🌲 New beginnings for orphaned grizzlies

• 🏔️ Cheers to beers with a view this October 

🎸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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