From Scorching Heat to Snowy Slopes - What’s Happening in Banff?

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

The Rockies are feeling the extremes this fall. September smashed long-standing Alberta heat records, with Calgary, Edmonton, and Banff all basking in summer-like weather. But while the sun blazed, spooky season crept in. Candlelight Halloween concerts at Banff Springs are nearly sold out, drawing fans of eerie classics like "Thriller" and "The Addams Family" for nights of goosebumps under the glow of hundreds of candles.

Winter lovers haven't been forgotten either. The Canmore Nordic Centre is offering 10% off cross-country ski passes purchased this month, a perfect chance to get ready for snowy trails ahead.

From record-breaking sunshine to flickering candles and snowy slopes on the horizon, there's plenty to catch up on this week. Scroll down for the full roundup.

• 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. Is Moraine Lake still open? Yes, you have until 13th October. Find out how you can visit.

2. 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. You can visit Boo Grizzly at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Refuge over the summer months.

3. What’s the best way to see Moraine Lake at sunrise? You have a few options. Discover which one works best for you.

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

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

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎃 Candlelight Halloween Classics in Banff. Step into the hauntingly beautiful Banff Springs Hotel for a candlelit concert of spooky favourites from "Thriller" to "The Addams Family." Goosebumps guaranteed! Book your seat

☀️ September smashes Alberta weather records. It felt more like midsummer than fall, with Calgary, Edmonton, and Banff setting new heat milestones - plus Calgary's driest September since 1885. Check the details

🏔️ You can’t live in Banff, but you can in Canmore. Strict residency rules make Banff off-limits for most, while Canmore is wide open for homeowners and renters. Check out our featured property.

🚌 Banff Confronts Tourism Surge. With millions of visitors each year, Banff is developing a human use management plan to combat gridlock and overcrowding. The goal? Manage the chaos without stopping the fun. See what's planned.

🍂 Larch Madness Takes Over the Rockies. Golden trees, viral Instagram shots, and traffic jams - fall in the Rockies is beautiful and bonkers. Want the larches without the crowds? It takes effort. Find out how

🏕️ Mount Engadine Lodge: Quiet Comfort, Deep in the Backcountry When mountain locals want to unwind, they head here. Nestled deep in the Spray Valley, Mount Engadine is a peaceful, unplugged, and quietly spectacular destination. Whether you stay in the lodge, a cabin, or a glamping yurt, you'll be treated to warm hospitality, gourmet meals, and starry nights. Sounds like your kind of escape? Take a closer look.

⛷️ Discounted ski passes at Canmore Nordic Centre. Cross-country ski season passes are now on sale with 10% off if purchased in October. Available online or at the day lodge desk. Grab your pass

🚦 Lake Louise Drive is getting some TLC. Road crews are resurfacing this week, causing short delays. A minor wait for drivers now, but the views at the end are worth it. Know before you go.

🔔 Quick Reminders

👀 Surprise Corner platform closed for repairs. 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

📢 Reminder: Extra time on your pass. Parks Canada Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months. No rush to renew, enjoy more time exploring Banff and other national parks. More

♨️ Don’t forget: Banff Upper Hot Springs is closed. Banff Upper Hot Springs is shut for maintenance and upgrades until December 2025. Plan ahead and check alternatives if you’re heading to the park. More info

🚌The Lake Louise Shuttle service will cease on October 13th for the season. After that date, parking at Lake Louise is free of charge. NOTE: Although it may be free, it's still not easy!

🌲 Jasper’s enchanted golf course reborn. After the 2024 wildfire, Jasper Park Golf Course has reopened with sweeping mountain views, restored fairways, and a magical “enchanted forest” feel that golfers are raving about. See the transformation

❄️ Glaciers retreat, rivers at risk. Experts warn that shrinking glaciers and snowpack could reduce flows in major Alberta rivers by up to 80%, threatening farms, cities, and power supplies. Get the facts

🎭 OH, ANNE! A New Musical in Canmore. The fiery redhead of Green Gables gets a rollicking East Coast twist with fiddles, laughs, and high-energy fun. Final shows run until October 5. Book your tickets

🤠 Canmore musician rides into the spotlight. Caroline Whyte's debut EP "Ranch Songs" blends cowgirl grit, barn loft stories, and indie-pop charm - written with horses as roommates! Hear her story

🌉 Banff bridge gets a powerful new name. The Muskrat Street pedestrian bridge is now officially known as Thunder Medicine Pipe Bridge, honouring the Blackfoot people and their deep ties to this land. Read the story

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🥾 Banff hikers warned: bear’s not in the mood.

• 🐶 Puppy Power at Snowy Owl Tours.

• 🏚️ Craig’s Waystation Demolished in Canmore

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE 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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