Is Winter Here Already? First Snow Falls!

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

Winter has made its first move, and Banff and Jasper are feeling the chill. A cold front could bring snow as far south as Calgary, marking the official start of toque season. But while flakes may be falling, the glow is far from gone - Candlelight Concerts are back at the Banff Springs Hotel, blending Halloween classics and Coldplay tributes under hundreds of flickering candles.

On the Columbia Icefield, scientists are sounding the alarm as 1.5 cubic kilometres of ice have vanished - that's nearly 590,000 Olympic-sized pools of meltwater. But beyond the data, it's a reminder of the magic and fragility of the mountains we love.

From icy peaks to warm performances and a hint of winter's arrival, there's plenty to keep your week glowing. Scroll down for the full lineup of local updates and events.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Tue 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. ❄️I read there is nothing to do in Banff in November. Is that true? Well, these are your options. Tell us what you think!

2. 🐻 Can I really get fined for leaving food out? Yep - even a forgotten sandwich can lead to a ticket (and worse for wildlife). See how to keep your picnic bear-safe.

3. 🚌 What’s the easiest shuttle option to Moraine Lake? The Parks Canada shuttle is cheap and frequent, but it takes some planning. Find out how to book it right.

4. 🎿 When do Banff's ski resorts open for 2025? Some lifts start spinning before most people have hung their wreaths. See who's opening first this season.

5. 🎃 What’s Halloween like in Banff? Think glowing pumpkins, haunted hotels, and castle parties under the mountains. See what’s happening around town.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🌨️ First shot of snow could hit Alberta this week. Grab your toque and maybe your snow shovel - Alberta's flirting with winter again! A cold front could bring flakes near Jasper and even Calgary by Thanksgiving. Brace yourself here.

📣 WildSmart echoes bear alert with a side of caution. In case one warning wasn’t enough, WildSmart has doubled down: bears are out and not messing around. Nature's cute... until it charges you. Get the lowdown and stay sharp.

🏔️ When You Want to Remember Why You Love the Mountains. It's easy to get caught up in the pace of Banff and forget the stillness that drew you here in the first place. Spend a night by the glacier and it all comes back - the awe, the peace, and that quiet kind of joy that lingers.

❄️ Columbia Icefield loses 1.5 cubic km of ice - that's huge. That's nearly 590,000 Olympic pools of meltwater! Scientists say understanding the data helps turn "oh wow" into climate action. Get the full picture.

🎻 Candlelight Concerts Return to Banff Springs! After selling out previous performances, the Candlelight concerts are back at the iconic Banff Springs Hotel! ✨ Enjoy spine-tingling Halloween Classics or a stunning Tribute to Coldplay - all performed by string quartet under the warm glow of candlelight in one of Banff's most magical venues.

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🍴 Unsure Where to Eat in Banff? Try This Food Tour: Currently Discounted! 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.

🍺 Late-Night Happy Hour at Banff Ave Brewing Co. Daily specials from 9 p.m. with $4 Shafts, $5 Highballs, & $10 Ninjas. The two-story brewpub is a lively local hub with house-made beers and a menu that puts a twist on classic pub fare.

🏨 Special Deal for 3-Night Stays at Elk + Avenue Hotel. Planning an extended visit? Elk + Avenue Hotel is offering a great deal when you book three nights or more. Check it out for a stay right in the heart of downtown Banff.

✨✨ Stargaze in Banff's Wilderness with over One-Third Off: 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.

🚗 Banff council to tackle overcrowding and traffic woes. Too many cars, too few parking spots, and way too many opinions. Banff's council is meeting with Parks Canada to finally face the gridlock monster. Peek at the plan.

🚧 Construction alert on Canmore’s Three Sisters Parkway. If your drive feels bumpier than usual, it's not just your shocks - roadworks are in full swing and running through November. Slow down, follow signs, and avoid the angry honks. Check detour details here.

🔥 Jasper fire crews begin prescribed burning. Parks Canada is firing things up - on purpose! If you see smoke this October, don't panic, it's all part of wildfire management (and it's not your campfire gone rogue). See where the burns are happening.

🐻 Canmore residents cut 125 fruit trees to keep bears safe. Turns out the bears love crabapples as much as we do. Locals are chopping down fruit trees to stop uninvited furry guests from wandering into town. See who's pitching in.

🏒 Canmore Eagles soar with wild comeback win. Four goals in the third period turned a rough start into pure hockey redemption. The barn was buzzing as the Eagles grabbed their third straight victory. Relive the rally.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🏔️ Kananaskis Tourism Boom Sparks Debate

• 💧 Spa Season Has Begun

• 🥾 Five easy Canmore hikes from downtown

🎸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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