First Snow Falls, 87 Films Announced & A Hunting Warning

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

October kicked off with a white surprise as Sunshine Village woke up to its first snowfall of the season. The sight of powder-dusted slopes has locals buzzing about winter arriving early this year.

But the season also brings hunting back to Alberta’s parks. Visitors are being reminded to wear bright colours, make noise, and stay alert on trails as hunters return to the backcountry.

Meanwhile, culture takes centre stage as the Banff Mountain Film Festival unveils its 50th edition, featuring 87 films, Radical Reels, and global premieres. It promises to be one of the biggest celebrations of adventure storytelling yet.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Fri 6 pm)

Read Our Complete Guide To What You Can Expect From Banff’s Weather. Whenever You Plan To Visit

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. Does it snow a lot in December? Yes, it’s prime snow season - explore the weather trends.

2. Is Grassi Lakes open in winter? Yes, but the difficult route may close due to ice - plan ahead. Read what to expect.

3. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs really haunted? From bellmen to bartenders, the spirits are legendary. Meet the ghosts

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

5. Where can I buy a park pass? There are plenty of options. We explain here.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

❄️ First snow hits Sunshine Village. October kicked off with a white surprise as Banff Sunshine Village woke up to its first snowfall of the season. Winter vibes are officially here! See the photos.

🍻 Bow Valley Beer Shuttle returns on October 16. Hop on for fall fun as Canmore’s beer and distillery shuttle returns. Gather your crew and ride to local breweries without the car keys. Grab your spot.

👻 Banff & Canmore Ghost Walks. Step into the shadows this Halloween as costumed guides lead you through eerie alleys and chilling tales of restless spirits in the Rockies. Spooky spots are selling out fast. Book Banff | Book Canmore.

🏃 Banff Winterstart 5-Miler returns Nov 1. Headlamps, costumes, and mountain air collide in this legendary night run, lighting up Banff Avenue. Early birds snag special gifts - spots will go fast! Register before it’s full.

🔥 Fireplaces and mountain air at Buffalo Lodge. Imagine curling up by your own wood-burning fire after a fall hike. These rooms don’t last long once chilly nights arrive. See what it offers.

🎯 Hunting season is underway in Alberta parks. With hunting permitted across 85% of provincial parks, visitors are urged to wear bright colours, make noise, and stay alert on trails this fall. More here.

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Fest unveils 87 films. From Radical Reels to global premieres, this 50th edition promises a packed week of screenings, free events, and cultural buzz at Banff Centre. See the full lineup.

🚗 Bow Valley Parkway reopens to cars. After a period of traffic-free cycling, vehicles are once again allowed along the scenic route from Oct 3 until next spring. Check the details.

🌟 Seasonal Highlights

🍻 World’s most beautiful beerfest returns. Surrounded by peaks and hot springs, 40+ Alberta breweries bring their best to Banff Nov 20-22. Get ready for rare pours and alpine vibes. See why it’s unmissable.

🍴 Taste for Adventure returns to Banff Oct 23–Nov 6. Two weeks of special menus, brunch and bubbles, game platters, and mountaintop dinners make this the tastiest way to explore Banff and Lake Louise. See participating restaurants.

✨ Jasper Dark Sky Festival turns 15. From Oct 17-26, stargazers and science fans will gather for telescope viewings, cosmic talks, and Indigenous sky stories in Canada’s largest dark sky preserve. See the full lineup.

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50. From Nov 1-9, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival celebrates five decades of adventure storytelling with world-class speakers, films, and events. Festival details

📚 Flash your library card for local discounts. Celebrate Canadian Library Month with perks across Canmore - from cafés to shops, show your Canmore Library card for exclusive deals. Don’t miss these October savings! Get the details.

🌿 Banff election forum spotlights wildlife corridors. Candidates clashed over protecting critical grizzly and wolf routes near Fenlands while debating redevelopment plans. Conservationists warn that fragmentation could irreversibly harm Banff’s wild neighbours. See what’s at stake.

🛣️ Petition to twin Yoho highway lands in parliament. After years of deadly crashes, 764 Canadians signed a petition urging Ottawa to install wildlife crossings along the last 40 km stretch through Yoho. Read what’s next.

🌱 Douglas-firs return to Jasper. Park staff and students have planted 10,000 seedlings in the Chetamon burn, bringing back shade, wildlife habitat, and resilience. Celebrate the comeback

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🏠 Canmore’s vacancy tax showdown heats up

• 🎶 Coldplay by candlelight in Banff

• 🎃 Halloween takes over the Rockies

🎸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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