Beer, Fire, Ice... What’s Going On This Week?! 🍻🔥❄️

Hey Friends! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

It’s that perfect time again when the Rockies sparkle, the pints pour, and the excitement builds. The Banff Craft Beer Festival is back, transforming the Cave & Basin into a mountain-view beer lover's dream.

Meanwhile, Ice Magic is set to make its grand return to Lake Louise in 2026, bringing back those jaw-dropping ice sculptures and frozen artistry we've all missed. And if you're craving something truly special this month, The Bison's Visa Infinite Dinner will deliver pure culinary magic with local chefs, whiskies, and stories shared over multiple decadent courses.

Scroll down for all the details, plus your picks for the week's best events, eats, and happy hours. Banff is buzzing - let's get you out there to enjoy it all! 🍻❄️🔥

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🏕️ From Banff to Jasper - How Much Do You Know?

Test your knowledge one question at a time! Each day brings a new fact or challenge about life, nature, and adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Find out the answer in the next issue.

🌤️ Weather Watch (Sat 6 PM)

👉 For the detailed outlook and a year’s weather guide, visit our Weather Page.

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. 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.

2. I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.

3. 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

🍺 Banff Craft Beer Festival: The World's Most Beautiful Beerfest Returns!

Every fall, when Banff's air turns crisp and the Rockies start to sparkle with early snow, the Cave & Basin National Historic Site transforms into a hops-fuelled wonderland. The Banff Craft Beer Festival - proudly dubbed "The World's Most Beautiful Beer Festival" - is back Oct 23rd-25th! Picture it: pints in hand, mountain views all around, and Alberta's top brewers pouring their latest creations.

This isn't your average beer bash - it's Banff, baby. Expect small-batch pours from local legends like Canmore Brewing and Grizzly Paw, delicious bites from Alberta food vendors, and plenty of good vibes to go around. The festival keeps it local, featuring only Alberta brewers and makers - and that’s exactly what makes it special.

🎟️ Grab your ticket, catch the shuttle to Cave & Basin, and get ready to sip your way through the Rockies at the world’s most beautiful beerfest! 🍻 Plan your visit.

❄️ Ice Magic returns to Lake Louise in 2026. Explore a sparkling shoreline gallery of ice sculptures Feb 5-8 with free reserved tickets, required shuttles, and access for select hotel guests and local communities. - embrace the chill!

🔥 A mountain feast is coming to Banff! The Bison hosts an epic Visa Infinite Dinner on Oct 25, uniting top chefs and Alberta distilleries for a multi-course, whisky-paired experience. This is Banff dining turned up to delicious!

📣 Rundle Forebay’s making a comeback. TransAlta has wrapped up major repairs on the Spray Canal, and the Forebay is slowly refilling. A Stage 1 water restriction stays in place for now - hang tight, Canmore, the flow’s on its way back!

👯 Speed Friending Night comes to Jasper. It’s like speed dating, but cooler - quick convos, fun icebreakers, and new connections with Jasper’s winter crew. Thursday, November 6, 18+, free entry. Grab a drink and make a new bestie!

🏷️ Today’s Best Deals

⛷️ Ski & Stay at the Iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. Get almost a third off on winter stays at the Castle in the Rockies. Pair world-class skiing with the comfort of a historic mountain hotel. Tempted? See what guests are saying.

🌄 Explore Banff's Best Sights in a Day: 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 & 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.

🍕 Sunday Funday at The Bear Tavern. Wrap up the weekend the right way - with $10 steins and half-off select pizzas! Perfect for sharing with friends (or not sharing at all!). Dine-in only from 5 pm - cheers to good food, cold beer, and better company!

🥖 Banff’s Wild Flour Bakery is serving up pure comfort. Think crusty loaves, smooth espresso, and cozy conversation - all with 15% off for locals. Life’s better with a little flour on your hands!

🔥 Is your idea of camping a real mattress and a hot shower? Then Skyridge Glamping in Kanansaskis may be your kind of place. It's got the views, the calm, and zero tent drama, definitely worth checking out.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🎿 Lake Louise Ski Resort sets opening date

• 🌌 Jasper Dark Sky Festival is here at last

• 🚗 Can I drive to Lake Louise?

🔔 Quick Reminders

📢 Extra time on your Parks Canada Pass - Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months. No rush to renew - enjoy more time exploring Banff & beyond.

♨️ 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.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

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

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS

🎭 Into the Woods we go in Canmore. The Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre transforms into a fairy-tale forest for the Tony Award-winning musical, brought to life by Bridget Ryan, Jason Carter, and their talented team. Expect laughter, magic, and twists on your favourite tales – a musical adventure you won’t forget!

🍸 Coyotes Southwestern Grill keeps Banff buzzing. Their daily Happy Hour from 4:30-6 PM dishes out $10 personal pizzas and appetizers alongside $6 wines, $6 pints, and 40% off cocktails. Perfect for post-hike hangs or laid-back nights that linger long after sunset!

📅 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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