🏔 Parkway Closed, Larches at Peak, and a Lodge Stay Unlike Any Other

Hey Banff! Here's what's happening this week 👋

It's nearly that time of year - larch season is just around the corner. Soon, Banff's alpine forests will turn a shimmering gold, drawing hikers and photographers from far and wide. Our guide shows you where to go and when to expect the colours at their best.

The Hop On Hop Off bus is also winding down for the year, with the final day of service on September 21. If you've been waiting to ride, don't leave it too late.

And if you're planning a unique getaway, Storm Mountain Lodge offers rustic charm with fireplaces, antique tubs, and a true mountain lodge vibe - all without Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles this fall, giving cyclists and e-bikers a chance to soak up the views in peace.

Scroll down for the full lineup of events, live music, and activities happening around Banff this week.

• Banff in September: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in October: Read before you visit!

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Sat 6 pm)

🏞️ Your Questions Answered!

1. What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.

2. Is Moraine Lake still open? Yes, you have until 13th October. Find out how you can visit.

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

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

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

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🍂 Golden larches light up Banff.
For just a few days each fall, Banff’s alpine forests turn brilliant gold. Don’t miss the short-lived spectacle - our guide shows you when and where. Read our guide

🚌 Last call for Banff’s Hop On Hop Off bus
The bright yellow sightseeing bus wraps up its 2025 season on September 21. It’s your final chance to skip the parking chaos and ride stress-free to Banff’s top spots. Learn More

🌲 A Cabin Stay With Character - The ultimate Banff stay.
Storm Mountain Lodge isn’t about luxury - it’s about atmosphere. Antique tubs, crackling fireplaces, and a proper mountain lodge vibe make this a standout stay along the scenic 93. No Wi-Fi, no problem. Looking for something different? Check this place out!

🚴 Bow Valley Parkway is now car-free for the fall.
The eastern stretch of Banff’s Bow Valley Parkway is closed to vehicles until early October, making it the perfect route for cyclists and e-bikers. Skip the traffic and enjoy the views. Find out more

🐾 Cougar and bear warnings in Kananaskis
Multiple wildlife warnings are in effect after a cougar sighting at Mount Baldy and two bear bluff charges on local trails. Hikers are urged to stay alert and carry spray. Read more.

• Wildlife Safety

🧖 Everwild Nordic Spa opens in Canmore.
Basecamp Resorts is transforming MTN House into Everwild, a boutique Nordic spa hotel. With hydrotherapy pools, elemental rituals, and immersive wellness packages, it’s set to redefine relaxation in the Rockies. Discover more

🍽️ Figuring Out Food in Banff? This Tour Takes You to the Right Places
If you're unsure about where to eat or what counts as Canadian cuisine, consider booking a tour to try local favourites such as poutine & caesars. Learn more

⛷️ New ski area coming to Lake Louise
Lake Louise Ski Resort is adding Richardson’s Ridge, a 200-acre terrain pod with new runs, glades, and a high-speed quad. The first phase is scheduled to open in spring 2026. Full story

🚗 Banff traffic hits record high
With 1.76 million vehicles crowding Banff this summer, officials warn the town is at its limit. Ideas on the table include turning away cars or pushing more visitors to transit. Read more

🪂 Paragliding takes off in Banff.
A new Parks Canada pilot project allows paraglider and hang-glider pilots to legally launch and land inside Banff National Park for the first time. Enthusiasts say the views are unforgettable. Full story

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

1. 🐿️ Viral Squirrel Snack Heist Is Cute - But Here’s the Bigger Picture

2. 🐺 Wolf Raids Food, Campers Face Charges in Banff

3. 🥾 Is Johnston Canyon worth visiting? Find out how to get the most from your visit.

🎸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.

🍸 The Fox Ox Aperitivo Hour
Daily from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Fox Ox serves up an elegant Italian-style happy hour. Small plates range from $6, with highlights like house-made focaccia, elk meatballs, Tuscan fries, bison tagliatelle, and East Coast oysters.

Drinks start at $5, with classic wines like Prosecco and Pinot Grigio ($12 to $13). Spritz lovers can sip Aperol, Amalfi (limoncello), or Hugo (St. Germain) cocktails topped with bubbly Fiol Prosecco ($16 to $17).

The Fox Ox is located at the Kenrick Hotel on Banff Avenue. This is in the heart of downtown Banff, so parking can be tricky. Check out your parking options and consider walking or using Roam Transit.

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