Low Water, High Spirits - Banff’s Winter Season Is Here!

Hi everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

It’s a season of contrasts in the Rockies. Alberta’s drought continues to make headlines, with some of the lowest fall water levels in years. But while the rivers are running low, the excitement for winter couldn’t be higher.

In Canmore, the Engine Bridge is as photogenic as ever, drawing walkers and photographers eager to capture that perfect reflection shot before the snow sets in. Over in Banff, sleigh rides are gearing up to return for another magical season through snow-covered meadows, just as our Banff in December Guide rolls out to help you plan the perfect winter week.

From dry trails to snowy adventures, there’s a lot happening across the Bow Valley - dive into the stories, events, and mountain inspiration below.

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

Which famous lake in Banff National Park can you no longer drive to?

✅ Answer: B) Moraine Lake - 57% Correct

Since 2023, Parks Canada has closed Moraine Lake Road to private vehicles. Find out how to get there.

🌤️ Weather - Sat 6 PM

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

🏞️ Your Questions

1. Can I park in Banff? Yes, click to find out how.

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

3. Does Roam Transit run year-round? Yes, service continues in all seasons, though schedules vary in winter. Check updates: roam transit guide.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

📰News

💧 Drought grips Calgary and the Rockies. Experts warn the “exceptionally dry” spell isn’t ending soon, with below-average snowpack expected. Water levels, forests, and wildlife all feel the strain. Find out what this means for Alberta’s winter.

🎃 Jasper's Halloween Takeover. From Oct 31 - Nov 2, Jasper comes alive with eerie ghost tours, starry silent discos, and late-night parties. Join the Creatures Return for a weekend of costumes, music, and mountain magic.

🏡 Smith Creek moves forward in Canmore. The long-debated Area Structure Plan has cleared another hurdle, greenlighting 227 homes plus parks and pathways in the Three Sisters region. Explore the details of the approved plan.

🏗️ Jasper’s rebuild races the frost. Contractors are pouring foundations across Cabin Creek as winter looms, with 75 permits issued and crews hustling to beat the freeze. Recovery is on track - but time is tight. Catch the full progress update - read it here.

🎿 Lake Louise throws the ultimate season opener bash! November 15 brings beats, bangers, and big mountain vibes with DJs Bowie Jane and Corn, White Claw prizes, swag, and free shuttles to Banff. Join the party and shred into winter!

🍕Food & Drink

🔥 Butter Chicken Poutine, anyone? Taste for Adventure heats up Banff with rich, spicy, tandoori-inspired flavours at Maclab Bistro - and a tangy Tamarind Twilight to match. Only during Festival week! Treat your taste buds now.

🎶 Booze, bands, and brews collide! October 31 is party night at Canmore Brewing - Andrew Staygold, The Brews, happy hour deals, and zero cover charge. It’s the Halloween hangout you’ve been waiting for! Join the frightfully fun festivities.

🍺 Pizza, Pasta & Cocktails in Banff at Lupo Happy Hour Lupo runs a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with pizzas for $17.50, pastas for $17, and cocktails from $7. It’s a short but tasty window to enjoy modern Italian flavours in a vibrant, open-kitchen setting.

✈️Book Your Trip

🐴 Think you’ve seen Banff in winter? Think again. This private sleigh ride swaps noise for stillness, offering mountain views, wildlife glimpses, and fireside sweetness to finish - check it out

🏔️ Banff Aspen Lodge is Right Where You Need to Be - Now Discounted. Just steps from downtown and close to the ski bus, this is an easy base for exploring Banff. Start with breakfast, end with the hot tubs, and skip the long walks in between - book direct to save.

🧊 See Alberta's frozen beauty. Journey through the Icefields Parkway to Abraham Lake, Sunwapta Falls, and Peyto Lake. Now $80 (was $129) - one of the best winter deals around. Book now before prices rise.

🔥 Dreaming of cosy nights by the fire? After exploring the Rockies, return to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for warmth, comfort, and a view that never gets old. See why it is so special!

🗓️ Plan Your Trip

🏞️ Banff in July: the locals’ guide to summer magic. Long days, wildflowers, patio pints, and mountain highs - July is Banff at its best (and busiest). Learn when to visit, where to park, and how to beat the crowds like a pro. Plan your perfect summer escape.

🛶 Lake Minnewanka: Banff’s wild, untamed giant. Bigger, bolder, and less crowded, this glacier-fed lake is a playground for paddlers, hikers, and stargazers alike. Cruise to Devil’s Gap, hike ghost-town trails, or skate under the stars. Dive into the full guide here.

📸 Canmore’s most photogenic bridge awaits. Framed by Ha Ling and the Three Sisters, the Engine Bridge is a peaceful riverside walk that blends mountain beauty with rich railway history. Explore this picture-perfect landmark.

🔔Reminders

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

🐻 Bear season reminder. October is still an active time for bears as they prepare for hibernation. Stay alert, carry bear spray and stay safe while hiking.

🔧 Banff Gondola annual closure. The Banff Gondola will be closed from Nov 10-21, 2025, for its annual maintenance period, reopening on Nov 22.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

👻 Build a Halloween trip around Banff’s Bankhead Ghost Town. Wander through the eerie remains of a once-bustling coal town - plan your ghostly hike.

🍷 Winter festival season arrives in the Rockies. November means cosy lights, mountain magic, and mugs of hot chocolate! - see what’s happening.

🎃 Spooky season arrives in Banff and Lake Louise. From ghost walks to underground horror screenings & Halloween at the Castle - see the full lineup.

🎸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

📅 Got A Local Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (7 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

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

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates

💡 This newsletter includes affiliate and sponsor links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.