🏔 Wolf Trouble, Squirrel Mischief, and Banff’s Record-Breaking Summer

Hey friends of the mountains! 🌄 Here's your Banff roundup.

Traffic records have been shattered this summer, with more than 1.7 million vehicles rolling into Banff in just two months. It's proof of the park's growing draw, but also a reminder of the pressure that comes with such huge numbers.

Meanwhile, a wolf was drawn into a campsite after food was left out, and now those campers are facing charges. It's a stark reminder that our actions matter, with serious consequences for both people and wildlife.

And while a squirrel snacking on tourist food made waves online, Parks Canada is quick to remind us that cute moments can mask serious risks. Feeding or encouraging wildlife creates habits that can put animals in harm's way.

Dive into the events, live music, and activities lined up below - there's plenty happening as Banff eases into autumn.

• Banff in September: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in October: Read before you visit!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Wed 6 pm)

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

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

2. Is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Worth the cost? You need to decide for yourself, our guide will help.

3. Can I drive to Lake Louise? Yes, but there may be better options. Learn more.

4. Should I visit Banff in December if I don’t ski? Yes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Discover what you can do.

5. What’s the best way to see Moraine Lake at sunrise? You have a few options. Find out which works best for you.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🚗 Banff Shatters Summer Traffic Records
A whopping 1.76 million vehicles entered Banff this July and August, smashing last year’s numbers. Roam Transit also saw record ridership as officials push visitors out of cars. Full story

🏨 Banff Convenience or Canmore Luxury?
For around the same price, you can stay centrally at the Fox Hotel & Suites in Banff or enjoy upscale comfort at the Malcolm Hotel in Canmore. Decide if you want walkable access to Banff Avenue or a quieter mountain retreat with added luxury, take a look and see what suits you best. The Malcolm Hotel Canmore, Fox Hotel & Suites Banff.

🐺 Wolf Raids Food, Campers Face Charges in Banff
Campers at Two Jack Lakeside face charges after leaving food unattended, attracting a wolf. Penalties under the Parks Act can reach $25,000, and past cases have led to wildlife being euthanized. Full story

🐿️ Viral Squirrel Snack Heist Is Cute - But Here’s the Bigger Picture
A cheeky ground squirrel stealing snacks in Banff went viral on TikTok, but Parks Canada warns feeding wildlife leads to food-conditioning and danger. Keep snacks packed away - cute isn’t always harmless. Watch the video

🦅 Want to Catch A Hockey Game? Canmore Eagles Release September Schedule.
With the 2025-26 AJHL season about to start, GM Andrew Milne says there’s unfinished business for the Eagles. Fans can expect plenty of excitement at the Canmore rink this year. See Here.

🎨 artsPlace Canmore launches fall lineup
From quilting and ceramics to salsa socials and film nights, artsPlace is rolling out a packed fall 2025 schedule. Locals can snag discounts through the Access Program. Learn More

📡 Rogers Expands Satellite Coverage Across Canada
Rogers has tripled its satellite-to-mobile coverage, letting Canadians text from ferries, remote parks, and even James Bay. Banff, Kananaskis, and Yoho are among the top spots for use. Read more

⚠️ Sundance Canyon Loop Closed
Parks Canada has closed the Sundance Canyon loop for bridge repairs until late fall 2025. The Sundance Trail remains open, but hikers should watch for contractor traffic near the site. More info

💰 Canmore, Banff Skip Living Wage Report
Despite sky-high costs, Canmore and Banff are no longer participating in Alberta's Living Wage Network. Local employers say the report is vital for tackling affordability struggles in the Bow Valley. Read more

❄️ 2025 Winter Hiring Fair in Banff
Looking for seasonal work in the Rockies? Banff’s Winter Hiring Fair is back, hosted at the Moose Hotel & Suites, connecting job seekers with local employers ahead of the busy season. Event details

🍂 Banff Larch Watch – Quick Checklist

• Trail Reports: Check AllTrails for recent hike logs mentioning "larch colour".

• Webcams: Sunshine Village and Lake Louise webcams give a live sense of colour progress.

• Shuttles & Parking: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake shuttles book up quickly - secure spots early.

• Weather Watch: Peak can shift with frost, snow, or wind. Warm Septembers may delay colour by a few days.

• Best Bets: Aim for Sept 24 - Oct 4, with the "golden guarantee" around Sept 25-30.

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

1. 🌟 The top stay in Banff right now

2. 🐺 Follow wolf safety practices - for your protection & the animals

3. 🚌 Icefields Parkway tour: limited spots available

🎸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. CHECK IT OUT HERE

📅 Got a local event to share?

• Use the link below to submit your event

• Enter your email address and use the code we send you to log in.

• Sections marked with a star MUST be filled in; the rest are optional.

• For a free event listing, check the box at the bottom of the promotions page.

• Submit the event at least 4 days before the event date.

• 📅 Submit an Event

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials

Our Happy Hours listings have moved. To view a complete list of this week's happy hours in Banff, visit our Happy Hour Page.

This week’s featured Happy Hour.

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