Tommy’s Pub Turns 30, Boo the Bear Disappears, and Sunrise at Moraine Awaits

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

It's a mix of milestones and last chances in the Rockies. Tommy's Pub is turning 30, and the celebration comes complete with music, beers, and the community spirit that's kept it a local favourite for decades.

Meanwhile, Boo the Grizzly is heading into winter hibernation at the end of September, marking your final chance this season to see him at the Kicking Horse Refuge.

And for those chasing unforgettable mornings, the Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour is now 30% off, offering early access to two of the Rockies' most iconic lakes with guides, blankets, and hot drinks included.

From Oktoberfest at the Banff Springs to live music, hikes, and happy hours, there's plenty more on the calendar. Scroll down and see everything happening this week in Banff.

• Banff In September: What You Need To Know

• Banff In October: Your Trip Starts Here

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🌤️ Weather Watch – Weekly Outlook ( Sat 6 pm)

• Banff Weather by Month

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🎶 Tommy’s Pub celebrates 30 years.
Banff’s Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub is marking three decades with live music, beers, and community cheer. The legendary open mic and Battle of the Bands keep the valley’s music scene buzzing. More

Mount Royal Hotel Offers 20% Off for Longer Stays in 2025
Travellers planning a more extended stay in Banff this year can take advantage of an offer from the centrally located Mount Royal Hotel. Guests who book three nights or more before December 31, 2025, will receive 20% off their stay. The historic hotel sits right on Banff Avenue, close to shops, restaurants, and the Bow River trails. A rooftop lounge with mountain views adds to the appeal. Check it out.

🧸 Remembering Skoki the Banff rebel
Skoki the Grizzly, once Bear #16, lived a wild youth raiding campsites before spending nearly 30 years at the Calgary Zoo. He passed away this month at the age of 35, leaving a legacy of coexistence. More

🌼 Banff’s alpine meadows are shrinking fast.
A new study reveals Banff’s alpine meadows have declined 33% in just 23 years, threatening species like pikas and grizzlies. Researchers say climate change and fewer fires are driving the loss. More

🦌 Elk rut season continues in Banff.
A bull elk tangled in festive lights had to be rescued by wildlife crews as the rut season continues. Parks Canada warns that elk are aggressive this time of year; give them space. More.

• Elk Safety

🐻 Reminder: Last chance to see Boo
Don’t forget - Boo the Grizzly Bear heads into winter dormancy at the end of September. Visit him at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge before he disappears for the season. Learn more about Boo the Grizzly.

Moraine Lake Sunrise Tour Now 30% Off for a Limited Time
Travellers looking to beat the crowds at Banff's most iconic lakes can now save up to 30% on a small-group sunrise tour. The experience includes early access to Moraine Lake before sunrise, followed by golden hour at Lake Louise, complete with hot drinks, cozy blankets, and local insight from experienced guides.

🧊 Wildfire ash is speeding glacier melt.
Banff’s Peyto Glacier is darkening with soot and ash, accelerating melt by 10%. Scientists warn that this fuels droughts, floods, and sea level rise - with global consequences. More

🍻 Oktoberfest party at Banff Springs
On Sept 20, the Waldhaus patio at the Fairmont Banff Springs transforms into a Bavarian bash with beer, bites, keg taps, trivia, oompah bands, and a DJ. Free entry - RSVP to join the fun. More

📢 Reminder: Extra time on your pass
A quick reminder - Parks Canada Discovery Passes are automatically extended by 3 months. No rush to renew, enjoy more time exploring Banff and other national parks. More

🥾 Last call for Lake Louise tea houses
There’s just one month left to lace up your boots and hike to Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House before the season comes to a close. Don’t forget cash for those famous treats! There is still time to book your shuttle.

🐻 Reminder: Bear warning still in place
A reminder that the bear warning for the Burstall Pass parking lot and surrounding area remains in effect after a recent grizzly bluff charge. Stay alert and carry bear spray. More

• Bear Safety

🎉 Rose & Crown turns 40 with a big party.
Banff’s Rose & Crown is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Sept 13 with rooftop DJs, live bands, raffles, and late-night pizza. All raffle proceeds support the BVSPCA. More

🎢 Banff branded 'Disneyland of the Rockies'
A scathing opinion piece argues Banff has lost its identity as a national park, trading conservation for consumerism and overcrowding. Is Banff still about nature - or just selfies and shopping? More

👥 Overtourism tops Banff election agenda.
With elections looming, candidates are focusing on Banff’s most pressing issue: the surging number of visitors. How should the town balance booming tourism with residents’ quality of life? More

🔥 Banff backcountry wildfire update
A 5.8-hectare blaze near Panther River is holding steady with no significant growth. Parks Canada says no infrastructure is at risk, but closures remain in the Wigmore Valley. More

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• 🦌 When Kev met Mamma Elk

• 🚠 Last chance for Sunshine Meadows

• 🚌 Full-Day Rockies Tour Now 22% Off Until September 18

🎟️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

Mon, 8th September

12:00 ⛸️ Public Skating - Fenlands Recreation Centre
20:00 ❓ Monday Trivia - High Rollers
21:00 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver
21:00 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears
22:00 🎧 DJ Set: Tunes with Tenax - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Brent Lee Live - Rose & Crown

Tue, 9th September

12:00 ⛸️ Public Skating - Fenlands Recreation Centre
17:30 ⛺ Basecamp: Young Adult Social Drop-In - Sundance Park
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night at Mels - Melissa's Missteak
22:00 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers
22:00 🎤 Jesse Peters Live - Rose & Crown

FUTURE EVENTS 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.

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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