Hey friends! Hereβs Whatβs 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 Albertaβs 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!
π€οΈ Weather Watch β Weekly Outlook (Fri 6 pm)

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!

ποΈ Your Questions Answered!
Does it snow a lot in December? Yes, itβs prime snow season - explore the weather trends.
Is Grassi Lakes open in winter? Yes, but the difficult route may close due to ice - plan ahead. Read what to expect.
Is the Fairmont Banff Springs really haunted? From bellmen to bartenders, the spirits are legendary. Meet the ghosts
I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, itβs not easy. Find out why.
Where can I buy a park pass? There are plenty of options. We explain here.
ποΈ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
βοΈ 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.
π» Bow Valley Beer Shuttle returns on October 16. Hop on for fall fun as Canmoreβs beer and distillery shuttle returns. Gather your crew and ride to local breweries without the car keys. Grab your spot.
π» 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.
π 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 itβs full.
π₯ Fireplaces and mountain air at Buffalo Lodge. Imagine curling up by your own wood-burning fire after a fall hike. These rooms donβt last long once chilly nights arrive. See what it offers.
π― 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.
π₯ 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.
π 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.
π Seasonal Highlights
π» Worldβs 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 itβs unmissable.
π΄ Taste for Adventure returns to Banff Oct 23βNov 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.
β¨ 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 Canadaβs largest dark sky preserve. See the full lineup.
π₯ 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
π Flash your library card for local discounts. Celebrate Canadian Library Month with perks across Canmore - from cafΓ©s to shops, show your Canmore Library card for exclusive deals. Donβt miss these October savings! Get the details.
πΏ 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 Banffβs wild neighbours. See whatβs at stake.
π£οΈ 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 whatβs next.
π± 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
β Readersβ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue
πΊοΈ Tour Highlights:
π‘ Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain β’ π Rooftop Observation Deck β’ π΄ Restaurants β’ π§ Interpretive Center β’ π Boardwalk to Sansonβs Peak & Cosmic Ray Station
Your mountain-top moment awaits. Book your ride today!

πΈEvents, Activities & Live Music
π
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
Saturday, October 4
6:00 |
Banff Pride Festival |
Various Locations | Banff
9:00 |
Annual Pancake Breakfast |
Fire Station | Canmore
15:00 |
Live Music Afternoon |
Three Bears | Banff
15:00 |
Musical: Oh,anne! |
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore
15:30 |
Park Distillery Tour |
Park Distillery | Banff
17:00 |
Jasper Skytram Star Sessions |
Jasper Skytram | Jasper
19:00 |
Banff Ghost Walks |
Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff
19:30 |
Musical: Oh,anne! |
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore
20:00 |
Live Music Night |
St. James Gate | Banff
20:00 |
Theatre: From Jasper with Love |
The Stand Easy | Jasper
21:00 |
Dr. Z Duo Live |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
DJ Raven on the Decks |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
JT Band |
Rose & Crown | Banff
22:00 |
New Soul Duo Live |
The Drake | Canmore
Sunday, October 5
6:00 |
Banff Pride Festival |
Various Locations | Banff
14:00 |
DoSi: Violin-Piano Concert |
St. George in the Pines Anglican Church | Banff
15:00 |
Live Music Afternoon |
Three Bears | Banff
15:00 |
Musical: Oh,anne! |
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Theatre | Canmore
15:30 |
Park Distillery Tour |
Park Distillery | Banff
19:00 |
Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show |
The Balkan | Banff
19:00 |
Banff Ghost Walks |
Good Earth Coffeehouse (Meet) | Banff
19:30 |
Guy Davis |
artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
20:00 |
Music Bingo with Sam |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
21:00 |
Sunday Funday (Party) |
Melissa's Missteak | Banff
21:00 |
Sunday Funday - DJ Set |
Banff Ave Brewing Co | Banff
21:00 |
Sunday Funday: Party |
High Rollers | Banff
21:00 |
Dr. Z Duo Live |
Tavern 1883 | Canmore
22:00 |
Brent Lee Live |
Rose & Crown | Banff
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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