Costume Parties, Candlelit Concerts & a 300% Tax Hike

Hey Banff & Canmore!

October is here, and the mountains are buzzing. From ghostly walks in Banff to a rave in Canmore and Jasper's brand-new festival, Halloween is about to take over the Rockies.

But it's not all costumes and candy - Banff Springs is set to glow with Coldplay hits performed by candlelight, a magical night you won't forget.

And in Canmore, a heated vacancy tax fight is pulling even the premier into the spotlight. Scroll down to catch these highlights and explore the full lineup of music, events, and community news happening this week.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Thurs 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 the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself. Reading our guide will help.

2. What are the most dangerous animals in Banff National Park? I have to say the Elk. Find out why.

3. 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.

4. Should I visit Banff in December if I don’t ski? Yes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Read our December Guide.

5. Will I have cell service on hikes and road trips? No! Download AllTrails and Google Maps FOR OFFLINE USE before you arrive.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🐻 32 Chunk crowned Fat Bear champ. After over 1.5 million votes, Katmai's 32 Chunk beat the competition to win Fat Bear Week - despite a broken jaw! Meet the heavyweight champ.

🎃 Halloween takes over the Rockies. Banff’s ghost walks, Canmore’s rave, Lake Louise’s masquerade, and Jasper’s brand-new festival make October the spookiest month in the mountains. Pack a costume and join the frightful fun! See the full guide

🎶 Coldplay by candlelight in Banff. The Fairmont Banff Springs transforms into a glowing concert hall as a string quartet reimagines Coldplay’s hits, from "Yellow" to "Fix You." Pure magic in the mountains. Book now before it sells out

🍂 Last chance for Banff's golden larches. This weekend marks the final glow of larch season - with shuttles, tight parking, and bears out and about, plan smart. Catch the colours

🏠 Canmore’s vacancy tax showdown heats up. A 300% tax hike on second homes has drawn the premier into the fight. Could sweeping changes be on the horizon for Canmore homeowners? Find out now.

🥾 Skoki Lodge: Off the Grid, Deep in the Backcountry. No roads, no signals - just you, the mountains, and a trail that leads to something unforgettable. Skoki Lodge sits 11 km beyond Lake Louise in the high alpine, accessible only by foot or ski. A National Historic Site, it’s rustic, remote, and wildly rewarding. See what makes it special!

🍷 Italian Thanksgiving at The Fat Ox. On Oct 12-13, feast on turkey piccata, mushroom lasagna, and tiramisu at Banff's cosiest Italian table. Family-style comfort food, $42 per person. Reserve now.

🔥 Philp is pushing for an NHL spot. The 27-year-old from Canmore is impressing at Oilers camp, grinding his way into the conversation for a crucial fourth-line role. Could he crack the lineup? Find out here.

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

✨ Stars, Silence, and 35% Off Stargazing in Banff
Trade daylight crowds for a night under the stars in Banff National Park. From a secluded spot with little light pollution, see constellations, the Milky Way, and even the northern lights on lucky nights. Book by October 13 to save 35%.

🍴 Unsure Where to Eat in Banff? Try This Food Tour - 18% Off. Figuring out where to eat in a new place can be tricky. This walking food tour gives you a taste of Banff - from poutine to fudge - and is a great way to kick off your trip. Book by October 14 to save 18%.

🍸 Twice-Daily Happy Hour at Banff Park Lodge's Terrace Lounge The Terrace Lounge at Banff Park Lodge offers Happy Hour from 4-5 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to close. Enjoy 50% off select appetizers plus drink deals such as $5 beer & $8 cocktails.

🥾 Save 30% on AllTrails Plus - Hike Smarter in Banff. Stay on track even without a signal. AllTrails Plus lets you use offline maps and GPS, which are essential for exploring Banff's backcountry. Limited-time 30% discount available.

🎨 Final Weeks for Indigenous Seven Exhibit. Only until October 19 at the Whyte Museum - see the acclaimed "The Ancestors Are Talking." Visitors call it exceptional and moving. Don’t miss your chance. See the exhibit.

🍺 Run now, party after - Parks2Pints lands Oct 4! Tackle 5km or 10km in Canmore, then dive into live music, food trucks, and the Grizzly Paw beer garden. Trails win, you win. Save your spot.

🏠 Banff housing project approved. A new development has been given the green light to help ease Banff's housing crunch with affordable and mixed units. See what’s coming.

🚁 Night in the wild: Kananaskis rescue drama. A Jeep stuck off-road left an Alberta man stranded overnight in freezing conditions, prompting a dramatic search-and-rescue mission. See how it ended.

🐾 Wolverines need a comeback plan. These elusive “mountain ghosts” have dropped nearly 40% in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay over the last decade. They could use some good news. Read the findings

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🎃 Candlelight Halloween Classics in Banff

• 🏡 Check out our featured property

• 🚌 Banff Confronts Tourism Surge

🎸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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