Moraine Lake Closing, The Drake Shuts Its Doors, But Banff Wins Big!

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

It’s that time of year again - change is in the air across Banff. Moraine Lake is officially closing for the season on October 13, giving one last chance to see its glacier-blue waters before winter takes over. The Drake Inn is also pressing pause, shutting its doors until December 1 for a well-deserved makeover that promises big things when it reopens.

On a brighter note, the Fairmont Banff Springs has landed a major international accolade, being listed among the world’s best resorts for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller. And if that’s not enough to lift the spirits, Banff Sunshine Village is riding high after claiming the #2 spot in Canada’s top ski resorts.

From closures to celebrations, Banff’s buzzing with transition and anticipation - here’s what’s new 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 (Wed 6 pm)

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

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. Are there any food and drink festivals in Banff? Yes, there are two taking place soon. Taste for Adventure and the Banff Craft Beer Festival.

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

3. 🎟 Do I need to book Banff gondolas in advance? It's smart to - some sell out fast, especially during sunset hours. See which rides need early booking.

4. 🌅 Are there tours that include both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise? Absolutely - some even bundle Johnston Canyon and Emerald Lake. Find a guided day that covers all of them.

5. 🌲 Is Three Sisters really that good a view? It's one of the most photographed spots in Canmore - for good reason. See why locals never get tired of it.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🚫 Moraine Lake access closing Oct 13. The road to Banff’s most famous blue beauty shuts for the season soon! Last chance to catch those glacier views before winter takes over. Plan your visit now.

🏰 Fairmont Banff Springs earns global glory. “Canada’s Castle in the Rockies” has been named among Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Resorts in the World 2025. Timeless luxury meets mountain magic. Discover what makes it world-class.

👻 A spooky new Indigenous storytelling tour debuts in Banff. "Shadows of the Summits" blends haunted history with Stoney Nakoda legends on an open-top ride through Banff’s eerie beauty this October. Dare to take the tour?

🍻 The Drake is closing... but only for a makeover! Doors are shut till Dec 1 while crews work their magic. Expect a bold new look and the same lively Drake vibe. Take a peek at what’s brewing!

⛷️ Banff Sunshine Village hits #2 in Canada! Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards crown Banff Sunshine Village as Canada’s #2 ski resort. Powder, peaks, and pure bragging rights! See why skiers adore it.

🔪 Murder Mystery at The Rose & Crown Banff. Banff's oldest pub turns into a crime scene on Oct 21! Solve a chilling whodunit over dinner and drinks - before the killer strikes again. Crack the case here.

🎭 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow haunts Banff. Puppetry, dark humour, and a headless horseman gallop into Jenny Belzberg Theatre Oct 11-17. A spooky spectacle like no other! Grab your tickets before they vanish!

🔔 Quick Reminders

👀 Surprise Corner platform closed - The upper viewing platform is closed Sept 8-Oct 20 for rail, stair, and board repairs. Parking stays open, but viewing is limited.

📢 Extra time on your Parks Canada Pass - Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months. No rush to renew - enjoy more time exploring Banff and beyond.

♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs closed - Maintenance and upgrades continue until Dec 2025. Plan ahead and explore alternatives.

🚗 Before you go: Check BanffNow for live parking and site updates - it could save your whole day.

🐻 Bear warning for Mount Lipsett and Mist Mountain. A bluff charge has prompted an alert for hikers: be bear-aware, make noise, and pack bear spray. Check the safety details before heading out.

🍷 Albert Bichot Winemaker's Dinner at Rustica. Fine wine meets mountain magic on Oct 17 as Rustica hosts a seven-course feast paired with Burgundy's best bottles. Limited seats, sky-high flavour. Reserve your spot now!

🦌 New tech brings Banff's wildlife to life. Ohio State researchers' ECODATA visualizes the movements of elk and wolves around Banff, helping to protect iconic species. Science meets storytelling in motion. See how it's reshaping conservation.

💦 Dive into bliss at Banff’s outdoor pool. Heated and open all year, it’s the ultimate mountain soak with million-dollar views and relaxation vibes. Take a virtual dip now!

🔥 Trail closure in Banff for wildfire response. Parks Canada has closed parts of the North Fork Trail near Harrison Lake due to safety concerns. See the full bulletin and affected areas.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• 🎻 Candlelight Concerts Return to Banff Springs! (Coldplay)

• ❄️ Banff Winter Wonder Tour - Featuring Nightrise at Banff Gondola

• 🎻 Candlelight Concerts Return to Banff Springs! (Halloween)

🎸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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