Bear Alerts, Fire Risks & a Secret Cave Show

Hey Banff! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

From curious caves to close encounters, the Rockies are full of surprises right now. This week, we’re spotlighting the magical new Cave of Dreams performance in Canmore - a one-of-a-kind underground experience that blends music, puppetry, and storytelling. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Meanwhile, things are heating up on the trails - literally and figuratively. There’s a bear warning out at Mt. Shark after multiple grizzly sightings, and the Bow Valley fire danger is now officially high. Stay smart out there!

And with Moraine Lake access closing on October 13, now’s the time to catch that iconic sunrise - some great deals are running to help you do it.

Scroll down for all the news, events, happy hours, and hotel specials lighting up Banff this week!

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in September: 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. Where can I buy a park pass? There are plenty of options. We explain here.

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

3. What do I need to know about the Larch season? Well, there is a lot to learn. Check out our complete guide.

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

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

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🌙 Cave of Dreams premieres in Canmore. This underground arts experience fuses choral music, puppetry, and storytelling deep inside a limestone cave, crafted by a team of visionary artists. Experience the magic

🏨 Lakeside Calm or Historic Grandeur? Two iconic Fairmont stays, two very different moods. Perched right on the lake, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is all about views, glacier air, and quiet grandeur. Down the road in Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs offers historic charm, sweeping valley views, and a more lively resort atmosphere. Which Fairmont fits your Rockies dream - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or Fairmont Banff Springs?

🐻 Bear warning at Mt. Shark trails. Multiple close encounters with a grizzly have triggered an official alert for the cross-country ski, bike, and Watridge Lake trails. Extra caution is advised for all users. They aren’t in bed yet! Find out what you need to know.

📸 Banff’s iconic welcome sign relocation back on track. Work has resumed after archaeologists cleared concerns over old glass finds. The selfie-famous sign will be relocated to a safer spot near the train station, alongside new park features. See the plans unfold.

🔥 Jasper rebuild picking up steam. After last year’s wildfire destroyed 358 structures, 11 new builds are now underway, and the first occupancy permit has been issued. Momentum is finally building. See the progress

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - 20% Off Until 1 Oct. With Moraine Lake access closing soon for the season, take the chance to see sunrise at Moraine and visit Lake Louise.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Time at the Castle in the Rockies - The Banff Springs Hotel has a Gatehouse Family Offer with daily breakfast and a $200 resort credit. Spacious family rooms and suites make it easy to unwind after a day of mountain adventures. Curious? See how guests rate their stay.

🏞️ 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.

🍺 Late-Night Happy Hour at Banff Ave Brewing Co - Banff Ave Brewing Co offers daily specials from 9 p.m. with $4 Shafts, $5 Highballs, & $10 Ninjas. The two-story brewpub is a lively local hub with house-made beers and a menu that puts a twist on classic pub fare

🏨 20% Off 3-Night Stays at Elk + Avenue Hotel. Planning a more extended visit? Elk + Avenue Hotel is offering 20% off when you book three nights or more. Check it out for a stay right in the heart of downtown Banff.

🔥 Bow Valley fire danger is now high amid the heat. Hot, dry weather has pushed the Bow Valley’s fire risk up to high, sparking calls for extra caution from hikers and campers. One spark could change everything. Stay fire smart

🚌 Fall & winter Roam bus changes are coming. As of September 29, the Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise routes will receive new timetables, service adjustments, and stop modifications. Plan ahead to avoid missing your ride. Check the latest schedules.

🧊 Scientists sound alarm on glacier loss. Western Canada and US glaciers have lost 12% of their volume since 2020, nearly double the pace of the last decade. Sea levels, ecosystems, and weather face growing risks. Find out what this means to you.

🚂 Rocky Mountaineer buys Lake Louise depot. The luxury train operator’s parent company has purchased the historic 1910 station, ensuring the future of both the iconic restaurant and rail stop for visitors.

🎬 Short films bring Banff’s stories to life. From coast-to-coast park journeys to rare glimpses of the Banff Springs snail, these powerful shorts are all included with admission. Small films, significant impact! Plan your visit

🌲 Jasper's Five Lakes trail returns in 2026. Closed since the wildfire, Jasper's Valley of the Five Lakes trail is being rebuilt with smoother paths, better signage, and even stone staircases. Reopening in 2026 - it'll be better than ever. See details

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

1. 🌊 Johnston Canyon Lodge: The Falls, Without the Crowds

2. 🏔️ Canmore tops Alberta’s price list

3. 🏡 I want to live in Banff. Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.

🎸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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