Hey Banff!
Get ready - the countdown to flavour is on. From October 23 to November 6, Banff becomes a foodieโs 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 whatโs brewing in Banff.
Banff in October: Read This Before You Visit!
Banff in December: What You Need To Know!
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:
๐ฌ 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!).
๐ซ No Newsletter on Tuesday - Our next issue will arrive on Wednesday, October 1, so you won't hear from us on Tuesday.
๐บ๏ธ 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.
๐ค๏ธ Weather Watch - Weekly Outlook (Sat 6 pm)

๐บ๏ธ Tour Highlights:
๐ซง Famous Ice Bubbles Up Close โข ๐๏ธ Travel the Icefields Parkway โข ๐ธ Peyto Lake Photo Stop โข ๐ฅพ Optional Snowshoe or Skating โข ๐ Small Group Tour
ย
Reserve now for unreal views and frozen fun!

๐๏ธ Your Questions Answered!
How do I get to Lake Louise? There are plenty of options. Check our complete guide here.
I want to live in Banff. How can I do that? Well, itโs not easy. Find out why.
Is Johnston Canyon worth visiting? Yes, but timing makes all the difference. Find out how to get the most from your visit.
What park passes will I need? Probably a National Park Pass and possibly a Kanansakis Park pass. We explain here.
Which gondola should I go on? It depends. We discuss your options here.
๐๏ธ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
๐ฝ๏ธ 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
๐ด 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.
๐ป Banff Springs is named one of the worldโs 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.
๐ 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.
๐ท๏ธ Donโt Miss These Deals
๐๏ธ Explore Moraine Lake, Lake Louise & Minnewanka - 28% off until Oct 10.
๐ Jasper Park Lodge cabins - 25% off 2+ nights booked by Oct 15. Direct only.
๐ Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise tour - 20% off until Oct 1.
๐ฅพ Banff Hiking with AllTrails Plus - 30% off for a limited time.
๐ Calgary-Banff passenger rail back on track? Advocates are optimistic after the premier tasked Albertaโs transport minister with finalizing plans. High-speed rail could soon link Calgary Airport and Banff. Catch the details
๐ป Farewell to Khutzy, Calgary Zooโs elder grizzly. After mate Skokiโs death, 35-year-old Khutzyโs health declined. The zoo will euthanize her on Sept 30, calling it an act of compassion. Read the update
๐ถ Beer, bites, and bands in Banff. Sample local brews and spirits while enjoying live music at Canadaโs most beautiful beer festival, set in the historic Cave and Basin. Plan your tasting adventure
๐ Seasonal Highlights
โจ Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Oct 17-26, featuring talks, films, and tours.
๐ด Taste for Adventure Oct 23-Nov 6 with special menus across Banff.
๐บ Banff Craft Beer Festival Oct 23-25 at the Cave & Basin.
๐ฅ Banff Mountain Film Festival turns 50 - Nov 1-9 at Banff Centre.
๐ 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 whatโs at stake.
๐๏ธ 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 whatโs being built
โ๏ธ 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
๐ Quick Reminders
๐ Surprise Corner upper viewing platform closed from Sept 8 to Oct 20 for repairs.
๐ข Parks Canada Discovery Passes extended 3 months - no rush to renew.
๐ด Bow Valley Parkway car-free until Oct 2 - open for cyclists and e-bikers only.
โจ๏ธ Banff Upper Hot Springs closed until Dec 2025 for upgrades - plan ahead.
๐ฅ 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.
๐จ The Banff Centre launches over 30 new arts programs for 2026. From Indigenous Arts to Music and Mountain Culture, the Centreโs latest lineup offers residencies and creative opportunities for all stages. Applications are open now. Explore programs
๐ฆ 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
โญ Readersโ Choice: Top Links from Last Issue
๐บ๏ธ Tour Highlights:
๐ก Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain โข ๐ญ Rooftop Observation Deck โข ๐ด Restaurants โข ๐งญ Interpretive Center โข ๐ Boardwalk to Sansonโs Peak & Cosmic Ray Station
Your mountain-top moment awaits. Book your ride today!

๐ธEvents, Activities & Live Music
๐
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
Monday, September 29
19:00 |
Pottery Painting |
Banff Fenlands Recreation Centre | Banff
20:00 |
Monday Trivia |
High Rollers | Banff
21:00 |
Open Mike Night |
The Beaver | Banff
21:00 |
Live Music Night |
Three Bears | Banff
22:00 |
DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
Brent Lee Live |
Rose & Crown | Banff
Tuesday, September 30
9:00 |
Gentle Reflection Walk |
Central Park | Banff
19:00 |
Film: Stories We Have Earned |
Lux Cinema Banff | Banff
22:00 |
Karaoke Night at Mels |
Melissa's MisSteak | Banff
22:00 |
DJ Styler Nazo |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
Silver Fox Acoustic Duo |
Rose & Crown | Banff
Wednesday, October 1
10:00 |
Banff Farmers Market |
Central Park | Banff
15:00 |
Live Music Afternoon |
Three Bears | Banff
16:00 |
Art: Aknumustiวis |
The Banff Centre | Banff
19:00 |
Candidates Environment Forum |
Banff Public Library | Banff
20:00 |
Beers for Queers |
Banff Ave Brewery | Banff
22:00 |
Tommy's Open Mic |
Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub | Banff
22:00 |
Music with DJ Hops |
High Rollers | Banff
22:00 |
DJ Nazo |
Rose & Crown | Banff
๐บ Happy Hours & Food Specials
Our Happy Hours listings have moved. To view a complete list of this week's happy hours in Banff, visit ourย Happy Hour Page.
๐ Thatโs All For Now ๐ฌ
Another week of mountain magic awaits!
We're so glad you're here for the ride.
Keep exploring and sharing, and we'll see you in the next issue with another full lineup of Banff happenings.
Jill & Kevin | Editor | Whatโs On Banff

๐ฌ Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. We'd love to hear from you!
๐ก This newsletter includes affiliate and sponsor links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
