Snowfall Alert and a Hotel Price Bombshell

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

It’s a week of big shifts in the Rockies. Larch season will be peaking soon, with golden needles painting the trails from Moraine Lake to Sentinel Pass. But the colour show could be cut short as forecasters warn of early snow across the Icefields Parkway and higher elevations. This weekend could bring a white surprise.

Adding to the headlines, hotel analysts say Canadian room rates are set to rise faster than in the U.S. or Mexico next year. If Banff felt expensive this summer, travellers may need to brace themselves for even steeper costs. And closer to home, the Bow Valley Parkway is car-free this fall, offering cyclists and walkers a rare chance to enjoy the scenery in peace. Scroll down for the full roundup of events, deals, and updates happening this week.

• Banff in October: Read before you visit!

• Banff in September: 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. Should I visit Banff in December if I don’t ski? Yes, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Read our December Guide.

2. What are the most dangerous animals in Banff National Park? I have to say the Elk (especially in the fall). Find out why.

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

4. Where can I buy a park pass? There are plenty of options. We explain here.

5. Is Johnston Canyon open in the winter? Yes, and it may be the best time to visit. Find out how to get there and what to do.

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🍂 Banff Larch Watch is on. Golden larches won’t last long! Check AllTrails for the latest hike reports, peek at the Sunshine Village and Lake Louise webcams, and book shuttles early. Best window? Sept 24-Oct 4. Read our full guide

❄️ Snow risk looms in Alberta’s mountains. Fall colours may not last - the Icefields Parkway and higher elevations could see snow as temps dip this weekend. Jasper’s forecast shows a sharp cool-down next week. Don’t miss it. Read more

🚴 Ride Banff’s Bow Valley Parkway traffic-free. Spring and fall unlock rare car-free windows on this stunning route. Golden larches, quiet roads, and epic mountain views are yours to cycle. Don’t miss your chance to ride it. Plan your trip

🏨 Hotel prices in Canada set to soar. Planning a getaway? Brace yourself - Canadian hotel rates are forecast to climb faster than in the U.S. or Mexico. If Banff felt pricey this year, just wait. Full story

🚆 Banff pushes mass transit as traffic explodes. With record vehicles pouring in, Banff leaders say solving Calgary is the key to solving congestion. Calls grow louder for a Calgary-Banff train - but critics warn of risks to grizzlies. Read more

🚧 Banff Legacy Trail closes this week. Heads up, cyclists and hikers - the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore shuts Sept 22-26 for diesel spill cleanup. No safe detours, so plan ahead or miss out on a fall ride. Full story

🍽️ Banff's food scene is sizzling
From Fairmont Banff Springs’ fine dining to cowboy cookouts, craft spirits, and rooftop patios, Banff's flavour game is stronger than ever. Don't just hike - taste the Rockies too. Explore the guide1

🏷️ 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.

🚣 Paddle Into Fall: 10% Off Banff Big Canoe Tour - Soak up the last of the summer warmth with a guided canoe trip on the Bow River. Spot wildlife, learn local history, and enjoy mountain views while your guide steers. Book by Sept 30 to save 10%.

🍺 Park Distillery - Cocktail Happy Hour in Banff - Park Distillery offers a daily happy hour from 15:00-17:00 with 50% off cocktails, $9 wines, $6.99 pints, and food specials. Guests can also book a distillery tour to see how the spirits are made.

📷 $50 Off Professional Photo Shoots in Banff & Canmore: SEPT ONLY - Flytographer is offering $50 off photo sessions (booked via our link) with five local photographers available. A practical option for polished holiday photos. 

🏞️ Explore Moraine Lake, Banff, Lake Louise & Minnewanka - 28% Off Until 10 Oct
Save nearly a third on this full-day small group tour that visits four Banff highlights, including Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Minnewanka.

🌍 Jasper shines at global tourism summit. One year after wildfire devastation, Jasper hosted 200+ global media pros at GoMedia. From heli-yoga to Indigenous tours, the Rockies proved why Canada’s parks are windows into the nation’s soul. See details

⛔ Banff sign move halted by surprise discovery. Work to relocate Banff’s iconic welcome sign has stopped after crews uncovered glass and brick that could date back to the 1800s. Archaeologists are now on site - selfies will have to wait. Full story

🔥 Jasper's trails stay closed until 2026. Dreaming of Valley of the Five Lakes or Maligne Canyon? You'll have to wait - wildfire recovery means closures stretch into 2026. Plan carefully or risk missing out. See details

🚣 Paddling in Banff comes with hidden risks. Lake Minnewanka looks inviting, but cold water, sudden weather, and strong winds can turn a canoe trip dangerous. Don’t let your adventure end badly - check safety tips before you go. Discover more

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

1. 🏰 Fall into luxury at Banff Springs Hotel.

2. 🍂 Larch season is almost here in Banff.

3. 🦌 Aggressive moose closes part of Kananaskis trail.

🎸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

🍺 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.

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