Is Kananaskis About to Change Forever? Plus: Spa Escapes & Ski Season Buzz.

Hey Banff!

The countdown to ski season is officially on, and this year's Ski Guide is packed with updates from Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay and further afield. The snowmakers are firing up, excitement is building, and it's almost time to dust off the skis for those first turns of the season.

Meanwhile, Alberta's big Kananaskis expansion proposal has locals talking, sparking plenty of debate about how to balance growth and preservation in one of the province's most loved wild spaces.

If you're more in the mood to unwind, spa season is setting a slower pace with new ways to relax and recharge. And for a touch of adventure with a little comfort, mountain glamping is making waves again with some seriously scenic stays.

Scroll down for the week's most talked-about stories and ideas for your next mountain escape.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Sat 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. How cold does Banff get in November? Temps dip below freezing - find out what to expect.

2. Does Banff have a Food and Drink Week? Yes, during Taste for Adventure, local restaurants offer special menus and deals celebrating Banff’s food scene.

3. I will be visiting Canmore for a day. Are there any short hikes available? Yes, here are five easy hikes you can do straight from downtown. If you're happy to go a little further, Grassi Lakes is nearby.

4. Which gondola should I go on? It depends. We discuss your options here.

5. Is Johnston Canyon worth visiting? Yes, but timing makes all the difference. Find out how to get the most from your visit.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎿 Banff’s Ski Season Is Almost Here. Get ready for powder days and thigh-burners! Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise, and Sunshine open in November, kicking off a season packed with epic views and world-class runs. Read the full ski guide.

🏔️ Kananaskis Tourism Boom Sparks Debate. Alberta's plan to grow tourism to $25B by 2025 includes major expansions in Kananaskis, but critics warn of wildlife stress and overcrowding. Read what's at stake.

🍻 Bingo Nights Return to Sheepdog Brewing. Bingo is back in Canmore and Banff! Double the nights, double the prizes, grab your dabber for a night of chaos and laughs every Wednesday and Thursday. Check the dates.

✨ Romantic Glamping in Kananaskis. Escape to a luxury adults-only retreat near Banff with floor-to-ceiling mountain views, king beds under the stars, and private fire pits. Discover Skyridge Glamping.

🌿 Larch Season’s Done - Spa Season Has Begun. The trails are quiet, and it’s time to relax. From Fairmont Spa to Cedar & Sage, treat yourself to Banff’s best fall wellness escapes. See where to unwind.

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🏰 Autumn Savings at the Castle in the Rockies. The Banff Springs Hotel is offering 15% off accommodation if you book before October 15, 2025. A chance to enjoy golden larch forests and crisp mountain air in Banff's most iconic setting. Interested? See what guests are saying.

✨ 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%.

🍺 Fondue Happy Hour at Bluebird Bluebird runs a daily fondue happy hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with 50% off fondue and cocktails starting at $7. The wood-fired steakhouse on Lynx Street serves comfort food and classic drinks in a cozy, chalet-inspired setting.

🍴 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%.

🦅 Eagle Extravaganza in Kananaskis. Forty raptors spotted in one day, including 25 golden eagles soaring over Mount Lorette in Kananaskis, nature's airshow at its finest! See the full count.

🥩 The Beast Is Back: 40oz Steak Night Returns. Fire up your appetite for a 40oz ribeye feast, ice-cold Buds, and bragging rights. It's the meatiest night of the year at Canadian Brewhouse Banff. Coming Soon! Don't miss the feast.

🧘‍♀️ Stretch, Sip, and Soak at Lake Louise. Unwind with yoga, gourmet dining, mountain air, and fireside meditations during Deana Lee's 8th retreat, Nov 7-9. Peace, pampering, and pure Banff energy. Reserve your mat now.

🌈 Banff Pride Shines at Park Distillery. Pride celebrations are in full swing until October 13, featuring themed distillery tours, special cocktails, and community events across Banff. Celebrate with Park Distillery.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• ❄️ First snow hits Sunshine Village.

• 🎯 Hunting season is underway in Alberta parks.

• 🏠 I want to live in Banff. Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.

🎸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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