Sky shows, soaring prices, and a hidden canyon stay.

Hey Banff! Here's what’s happening this week.

It's a big one: Jasper's Dark Sky Festival is back, with over 40 events, from stargazing on Whistlers Peak to astronaut talks. At the same time, Canmore's making headlines for becoming Alberta's most expensive place to live - nearly triple Edmonton's shelter costs. And if you've ever dreamed of beating the Johnston Canyon crowds, there's a rustic lodge that puts you right at the trailhead, giving you early morning peace before the buses arrive.
Scroll on for the full lineup of events, deals, and local stories you won't want to miss.

• Banff in October: Read before you visit!

• Banff in September: What You Need To Know!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook (Mon 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 want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.

2. How do I get to Lake Louise? Check our complete guide here.

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

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

5. Can I park in Banff? Yes, click to find out how

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

👀 Wildlife sightings surge in Kananaskis. From towering moose to prowling cougars, encounters are becoming more common. It’s incredible to see - but also a wake-up call for hikers. Find out what’s happening. Discover the details. Before you hit the trails, make sure you know how to stay safe.

👟 Melissa's Road Race takes over Banff. The 46th annual race is here - thousands of runners, cheering crowds, and Banff buzzing all weekend. Don’t just watch from the sidelines - see why this event is legendary. Join the excitement

🌊 Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows: The Falls, Without the Crowds - Stay where the trail begins. These rustic bungalows sit right at the start of Johnston Canyon, giving you rare early morning or evening access to one of Banff’s busiest (and most beautiful) spots. If you want the canyon without the chaos, take a closer look!.

🏔️ Canmore tops Alberta’s price list. Shelter costs in Canmore are now nearly three times higher than Edmonton’s, making it the most expensive place to live in Alberta. Thinking of moving? Think again. See the data

🔥 A new Jasper is emerging. Burned forests have uncovered glacial boulders, new views, and stories of resilience. Visitors say it feels like discovering the Rockies all over again. Be among the first to witness it. Discover more

🌌 Jasper Dark Sky Festival turns 15
From star sessions on Whistler’s Peak to drone shows and astronaut talks, Jasper’s skies will light up from October 17 to 26 with over 40 events. Don’t miss this cosmic celebration. Festival details

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🌄 25% Off Morning Tour to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise – Ends Oct 1
Another excellent lakes deal: enjoy 2 hours each at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a relaxed morning tour. Book soon for a stress-free visit to two of Banff’s most iconic spots.

❄️ 10% Off Rockies Glacier & Lakes Tour - See Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and more on a full-day trip. Columbia Icefield in summer, Johnston Canyon in winter. Book by Oct 14 to save 10%.

⛷️ Stay, Play & Ski at Chateau Lake Louise: Save Up to 20% - Ski days and glacier views come together with this three-night package at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Save up to 20%, plus enjoy a $150 resort activity credit. Curious? Check out guest reviews.

🍺 Bold Bites & Cocktails in Banff at Brazen's Happy Hour - Brazen at the Mount Royal Hotel runs happy hour daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with $8 drinks & small plates - or grab five plates for $35.

🥾 30% Off AllTrails Plus for Banff Adventures - Cell service is patchy in Banff National Park. With AllTrails Plus, you can download maps for offline GPS and keep your route handy. Right now, memberships are 30% off.

⛳ Canada's #3 golf course is right here. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course just scored a top-3 national ranking in its 100th season. Tee times are coveted - don't wait too long to swing your shot. Check it out

💧 Don’t risk Banff and Yoho’s crystal-clear lakes. Parks Canada is racing to keep invasive species out with new DNA tests and parasite checks. Forget to Clean, Drain, Dry, or Certify, and our pristine waters could change forever. Read more

🔥 Prescribed burn planned near Invermere. Up to 26 hectares in the Toby Benches area will be burned starting as early as Sept 23 to reduce wildfire risk. Expect smoke, road closures, and traffic delays. Learn more

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

🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50. From Nov 1-9, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival celebrates five decades of adventure storytelling with world-class speakers, films, and events. Festival details

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

• ❄️ Snow risk looms in Alberta’s mountains

• 🏨 Hotel prices in Canada set to soar

• 🚴 Ride Banff’s Bow Valley Parkway traffic-free

🎸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.

💬 Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. We'd love to hear from you!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates

💡 This newsletter includes affiliate and sponsor links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.