Hungry? Thirsty? Banff’s Festivals Are Closer Than You Think

Hey Banff!
Get ready - the countdown to flavour is on. From October 23 to November 6, Banff becomes a foodie’s paradise with Taste for Adventure, serving up unique menus and chef-led creations. Right alongside it, the Banff Craft Beer Festival (Oct 23-25) pairs local pours with tasty bites and mountain vibes. And if you need the perfect place to stay, Peaks Hotel and Suites continues to impress guests with its understated charm and five-star reviews.
Festivals, flavours, and a standout hotel - this fall has it all. Keep reading to see what’s brewing in Banff.

• Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!

• Banff in December: What You Need To Know!

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We're Changing Things Up!

We've got exciting news! Starting next week, we're expanding your favourite Banff newsletter to bring you even more of the Rockies, more often.

Here's what's changing:
📬 New Schedule - We'll now be bringing you updates five times a week, Wednesday through Sunday (with Monday and Tuesday off to give us a break!).
🚫 No Newsletter on Tuesday - Our next issue will arrive on Wednesday, October 1, so you won't hear from us on Tuesday.
🗺️ More Regional Coverage - We'll also share some highlights from Jasper, so you don't miss out on the biggest news and events across the Rockies.

As always, everything we share is rooted in local knowledge, love for the mountains, and a commitment to keeping you connected to the best of the Rockies.

🌤️ 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. How do I get to Lake Louise? There are plenty of options. Check our complete guide here.

2. I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, it’s not easy. Find out why.

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

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

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

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🍽️ Taste for Adventure returns to Banff. From Oct 23-Nov 6, feast on exclusive menus, chef specials, and foodie events across Banff and Lake Louise. Two delicious weeks to indulge and explore. Treat yourself

🚴 Last Chance: Ride the Bow Valley Parkway. Until October 2 (inclusive), the Bow Valley Parkway is car-free, and this small-group tour makes the most of it. Cycle past Vermilion Lakes and the Legacy Trail, then hike Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls. Plan your escape.

👻 Banff Springs is named one of the world’s most haunted hotels. Conde Nast Traveller ranked the Fairmont Banff Springs among just two Canadian spots on its spooky list, famed for ghostly tales of a bride and bellman. Discover the spooky details.

🌟 Banff's Best-Loved Hotel, According to... Everyone. Peaks Hotel and Suites keeps topping the charts for a reason. With a near-perfect rating and a location just off Banff Avenue, it's quietly become a visitor favourite. Understated, elegant, and always welcoming - this one's not flashy, just really well done. See why it's become a visitor favourite.

🏷️ Don’t Miss These Deals

🏞️ Explore Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Minnewanka - 28% off until Oct 10.
🍂 Jasper Park Lodge cabins - 25% off 2+ nights booked by Oct 15. Direct only.
🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise tour - 20% off until Oct 1.
🥾 Banff Hiking with AllTrails Plus - 30% off for a limited time.

🚆 Calgary-Banff passenger rail back on track? Advocates are optimistic after the premier tasked Alberta’s transport minister with finalizing plans. High-speed rail could soon link Calgary Airport and Banff. Catch the details

🐻 Farewell to Khutzy, Calgary Zoo’s elder grizzly. After mate Skoki’s death, 35-year-old Khutzy’s health declined. The zoo will euthanize her on Sept 30, calling it an act of compassion. Read the update

🎶 Beer, bites, and bands in Banff. Sample local brews and spirits while enjoying live music at Canada’s most beautiful beer festival, set in the historic Cave and Basin. Plan your tasting adventure

🌟 Seasonal Highlights

✨ Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Oct 17-26, featuring talks, films, and tours.
🍴 Taste for Adventure Oct 23-Nov 6 with special menus across Banff.
🍺 Banff Craft Beer Festival Oct 23-25 at the Cave & Basin.
🎥 Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50 - Nov 1-9 at Banff Centre.

🚗 Spray Lakes Road upgrades spark debate. A provincial mandate calls for "improving and upgrading" the 70km gravel road near Canmore, but locals fear paving could alter the wilderness vibe. See what’s at stake.

🏘️ Banff housing boom breaks records: 429 new homes are in progress or built - more than the past decade combined! From affordable units to major builds, the town is buzzing with growth. See what’s being built

❄️ Banff and Canmore brace for winter worker crunch. As ski season approaches, local businesses are scrambling to fill jobs, with demand for staff at an all-time high. Could this be the toughest hiring season yet? Read the full story

🔔 Quick Reminders

👀 Surprise Corner upper viewing platform closed from Sept 8 to Oct 20 for repairs.
📢 Parks Canada Discovery Passes extended 3 months - no rush to renew.
🚴 Bow Valley Parkway car-free until Oct 2 - open for cyclists and e-bikers only.
♨️ Banff Upper Hot Springs closed until Dec 2025 for upgrades - plan ahead.

🥕 Banff Farmers Market winds down. Only one more market remains! Stock up on fresh produce, treats, and local crafts in Central Park when the season comes to an end on Oct 1.

🎨 The Banff Centre launches over 30 new arts programs for 2026. From Indigenous Arts to Music and Mountain Culture, the Centre’s latest lineup offers residencies and creative opportunities for all stages. Applications are open now. Explore programs

🐦 Rare seabird stuns Banff birders. An ancient murrelet, seen only once before in Banff NP, wowed locals at Lake Minnewanka this month, drawing birdwatchers from across Alberta. See the sighting

⭐ Readers’ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue

1. 🌙 Cave of Dreams premieres in Canmore

2. 🐻 Bear warning at Mt. Shark trails

3. 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - 20% Off Until 1 Oct

🎸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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