Hey Friends! Here's Whatβs Happening This Week!
Thereβs 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. Itβs the perfect excuse to bundle up, grab a thermos, and look east for one of natureβs 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. Itβs a Banff tradition that blends classic theatre with holiday magic in the most iconic setting imaginable.
And if that doesnβt warm you up, Banffβs guided food tour will - itβs your ticket to local bites, Canadian classics, and great company. From poutine to caesars, itβs a delicious way to discover the townβs best spots.
Check out what else is happening around town below - thereβs plenty to explore this week!
Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!
Banff in November: What You Need To Know!
ποΈ From Banff to Jasper - How Much Do You Know?
What is a standard safety precaution for hikers in bear country in the Canadian Rockies?
Yesterdayβs answer.
Which of the following towns is NOT located within the Canadian Rockies?
β
Answer: D) Whistler (171 from 239 - 71.55% correct)
π€οΈ Weather Watch (Tue 6 PM)

Banff
π For the detailed outlook and a yearβs weather guide, visit our Weather Page.
Tour Highlights:
π§ Explore Frozen Waterfalls by Headlamp β’ π Stargaze Along the Canyon Trail β’ π₯Ύ Ice Cleats & Hiking Poles Provided β’ β Hot Chocolate & Maple Cookies β’ πΆ Small-Group Guided Experience
Book now to experience the canyon's night magic!

ποΈ Your Questions Answered!
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.
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.
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.
ποΈ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
π 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
π 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
ποΈ Polarizing Three Sisters development is finally breaking ground. After decades of fierce debate, Canmoreβs most controversial project is moving ahead. With 7,000 homes planned, critics warn it could forever change wildlife corridors and the townβs character. Dive into the controversy
π 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.
π 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 OkΓ’ch - Γyethkabi OΓ»gitΓ»bi, Sundance Park. Registration required for pumpkin pickup.
π₯ Craving some aprΓ¨s-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 Banffβs best winter stays. Take a closer look.
π½οΈ Not sure where to eat in Banff? This guided food tour takes you to the right places, where youβll sample Canadian favourites like poutine and caesars while discovering some of Banffβs best local spots. Check it out.
π² 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.
π¨ 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 summerβs stink season hits. Expect sleeker tanks, new tech, and slightly higher bills. Find out whatβs behind the fix.
π·οΈ Todayβs Best Deals
π» 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.
π¨ 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!
π End of the road for Canmoreβs 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.
πΊ 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.
π 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 dayβs lineup.
π₯ 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.
β Readersβ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue
πΊοΈ Tour Highlights:
βΈοΈ Ice Skate on Lake Louise β’ βοΈ Johnston Canyon Icewalk β’ π Snowshoe Trails β’ πΈ Off-the-Radar Scenic Stops β’ π Hotel Pickup & Drop-off β’ π£ Small Group
Your ultimate winter day out. Book now!

π Quick Reminders
π’ Discovery Passes extended. Parks Canada Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months, giving you extra time to explore Banff.
β¨οΈ Banff Upper Hot Springs update. The Hot Springs remain closed for maintenance and upgrades until December 2025.
π» 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.
π§ Banff Gondola maintenance. The Banff Gondola will be closed Nov 10-21, 2025, for annual maintenance, reopening Nov 22.
β οΈ 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.
πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π Todayβs Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.
Wednesday, October 22
13:45 |
Park Distillery Tour |
Park Distillery | Banff
15:00 |
Live Music Afternoon |
Three Bears | Banff
15:30 |
Park Distillery Tour |
Park Distillery | Banff
18:00 |
Make a Silver Charm |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
18:00 |
Open Mic Night |
Wild Life Distillery | Canmore
18:00 |
Mountain Bike Ride |
Canmore Brewing Company | Canmore
19:00 |
Banff Ghost Walks |
Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff
19:00 |
Open Mic Night |
The Local | Canmore
19:00 |
Drumming Class |
Scout Hall | Canmore
19:00 |
Movie Night |
Canmore Public Library | Canmore
19:00 |
Bingo Night! |
Sheepdog Brewing | Canmore
19:30 |
Musical: Into the Woods |
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore
20:30 |
Trivia With Awale |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
Tommy's Open Mic |
Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff
22:00 |
Music with DJ Hops |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
DJ Tenax |
Rose & Crown | Banff
π To view all future events, visit our website.
πΊ 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. Β BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS
π Thatβs All For Now π¬
Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.
Jill & Kevin | Editor | Whatβs On Banff

π¬ Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. We'd love to hear from you!
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