A Christmas Carol, Meteor Magic, and a Foodie Adventure.

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

There’s magic in the air - literally. The Orionid meteor shower is lighting up the night skies over Banff, Canmore, and Jasper with dazzling streaks that peak after midnight. It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up, grab a thermos, and look east for one of nature’s most beautiful shows.

Step inside the Fairmont Banff Springs this Christmas, where A Christmas Carol returns to the castle for another season of festive storytelling and cosy nostalgia. It’s a Banff tradition that blends classic theatre with holiday magic in the most iconic setting imaginable.

And if that doesn’t warm you up, Banff’s guided food tour will - it’s your ticket to local bites, Canadian classics, and great company. From poutine to caesars, it’s a delicious way to discover the town’s best spots.

Check out what else is happening around town below - there’s plenty to explore this week!

• 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?

Yesterday’s answer.
Which of the following towns is NOT located within the Canadian Rockies?
✅ Answer: D) Whistler (171 from 239 - 71.55% correct)

🌤️ Weather Watch (Tue 6 PM)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. Is it possible to live in Canmore, or does it have the same restrictions as Banff? Canmore does not have the same restrictions. Find out how you can move to Canmore.

2. 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.

3. Are there any short hikes near downtown Canmore? Yes, here are five easy hikes you can do straight from downtown. If you have a vehicle, Grassi Lakes is nearby.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🌠 Orionid meteor shower lights up Banff, Canmore, and Jasper. Orionid meteors fire up the Rockies this week, with 15-20 streaks per hour in dark skies over Banff, Canmore, and Jasper. Peak views are after midnight toward dawn - bundle up and look east. Get the best viewing spots and timing

🎭 A Christmas Carol returns to Banff Springs. Back for its eighth season, this festive crowd-pleaser runs Dec 5-28 inside the Fairmont Banff Springs with 2 PM and 7:30 PM shows Tuesday-Sunday, family-friendly fun, and wallet-friendly tickets. Plan your show night

🏗️ Polarizing Three Sisters development is finally breaking ground. After decades of fierce debate, Canmore’s most controversial project is moving ahead. With 7,000 homes planned, critics warn it could forever change wildlife corridors and the town’s character. Dive into the controversy

🎄 Banff Christmas Market Step into a festive wonderland, Nov 21 - Dec 14. Browse artisanal gifts, savour holiday treats, and soak up the European-inspired magic with a Rocky Mountain twist. Open Fri to Sun, 10:00 - 20:00. Find out more.

🎃 The Great Pumpkin Walk returns to Banff! Pick up a pumpkin, carve your masterpiece, and join the glowing parade from Central Park to the Recreation Grounds. As night falls, hundreds of pumpkins light the way to live music, hot chocolate, and cozy fires at Okâch - Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, Sundance Park. Registration required for pumpkin pickup.

🔥 Craving some après-ski comfort? Moose Hotel & Suites pairs warm mountain style with spa relaxation and a cozy Italian restaurant downstairs. End your day in the rooftop pools at one of Banff’s best winter stays. Take a closer look.

🍽️ Not sure where to eat in Banff? This guided food tour takes you to the right places, where you’ll sample Canadian favourites like poutine and caesars while discovering some of Banff’s best local spots. Check it out.

🌲 Parks Canada begins major logging near Banff. This winter, crews will thin 125 hectares at the base of Sulphur Mountain to protect Banff from wildfire threats. Expect chainsaws, trucks, and smoke as work continues into 2027. See how it fits into the wildfire plan.

💨 A fresher-smelling Canmore comes with a $5-million price tag. Canmore is investing big to clear the air at its wastewater plant before next summer’s stink season hits. Expect sleeker tanks, new tech, and slightly higher bills. Find out what’s behind the fix.

🏷️ Today’s Best Deals

🗻 Highlights Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise. Save almost one-third by booking early for 2026! Visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Falls, and the Icefields Parkway. Reserve by Oct 31st to get the discount.

🏨 No Car? No Problem at the Mount Royal Hotel: Stay at this downtown Banff favourite. Right in the middle of town, it's an easy base for exploring on foot. Book three nights or more to save!

🚗 End of the road for Canmore’s summer strolls. The 8th Street pedestrian zone is now closed, and cars have reclaimed downtown. Locals can look forward to its return when the warm weather does.

🐺 Coyote-wolf warning in Elbow Valley issued. A bold coyote approached a person and dog near Allen Bill and Fullerton, prompting a safety advisory from Allen Bill to Canyon Creek. Make noise, leash pets, and act big if approached. Read the advisory before you go.

🍂 Fall Fest set for Jasper Pop-Up Village. Pumpkins, live music by Pete Cherniawsky, artist Beth McLachlan, games, and a carving contest (entries by 12 pm, judging at 3 pm) take over Saturday, Oct 25. Cozy vibes guaranteed. See the day’s lineup.

🔥 FireSmart crews are back at the Canmore Nordic Centre. From Oct. 18 to early November, crews will be burning leftover debris from past FireSmart projects. Expect smoke near the Day Lodge and Visitor Centre - no need to report it. See what's planned.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• Ice Magic is set to make its grand return to Lake Louise

• The Banff Craft Beer Festival is back

• Want to live in Banff? Find out why it's not easy

🔔 Quick Reminders

📢 Discovery Passes extended. Parks Canada Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months, giving you extra time to explore Banff.

♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs update. The Hot Springs remain closed for maintenance and upgrades until December 2025.

🐻 Bear activity reminder. October remains a busy time for bears preparing for hibernation. Make noise, stay alert, and keep bear spray handy on the trails.

🔧 Banff Gondola maintenance. The Banff Gondola will be closed Nov 10-21, 2025, for annual maintenance, reopening Nov 22.

⚠️ Bow Glacier Falls Trail update. The trail is closed for safety, but you can still go partway to see the falls from a distance. Closure in place until further notice.

🎸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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