Grizzly Hunt Talk Escalates

Hi everyone! Here's What’s Happening This Week!

There’s a steady mix of local news and winter activities to share this week. One story getting a lot of attention is the renewed talk about reopening Alberta’s grizzly bear hunt. The idea has raised concerns, and local specialists are reminding the province that updated research and stronger conflict-prevention efforts are needed before any major decisions are made. It’s a topic that matters to many people in the area, and it continues to evolve.

At the same time, Nightrise is returning to the Banff Gondola, and it’s bringing a calm, colourful atmosphere to Sulphur Mountain. The after-dark setting offers a nice change of pace from the usual daylight views, and the combination of lights and quiet winter evenings makes it a relaxing outing.

If you’re craving a bit of movement, fat biking is becoming a go-to option. Trails in Banff, Canmore, and Jasper are groomed and ready, giving riders an easy way to explore the snow-covered landscape. With plenty of rental choices and a variety of routes, it’s a simple activity to fit into the week.

There’s more happening around town, so take a look at the full lineup below.

• Banff in November: What You Need To Know!

• Banff in December: What to Expect in the Heart of Winter!

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates!

🏕️ Quiz

Yesterday’s Question

What is the Canmore “Big Head”?

✅ Answer: B) A giant sculpture of a man’s head in downtown Canmore - 62% Correct

The “Big Head” is one of Canmore’s quirkiest landmarks and a favourite photo stop. Learn more about its story.

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Banff: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries, high 1 °C and low -1 °C.
Canmore: A mix of sun and cloud, high 5 °C and low 0 °C.
Jasper: Sunny, high 1 °C and low -6 °C.

👉 For a complete forecast for the week ahead, visit our Weather Page.

🏞️ Your Questions

What’s the best ski resort near Banff?
That depends on what you’re after. Want steep runs and powder? Head to Kicking Horse. Family-friendly fun? Try Norquay or Panorama. For epic scenery and world-famous terrain, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village are unbeatable. Wherever you choose, Banff’s mountains deliver unforgettable skiing and snowboarding.

👉 Read our complete 2025 ski guide to find your ideal resort.

🏔️ Fresh from the Rockies

🐻 Banff-Kananaskis MLA calls for coexistence, not grizzly hunts.

MLA Sarah Elmeligi is pushing back against talk of reopening Alberta's grizzly bear hunt, saying science - not fear - should guide decisions. Following a recent bear attack near Cochrane, Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen suggested the province might reconsider the 20-year hunting ban.

Elmeligi, who is also a bear biologist, believes education, prevention, and proper conflict management - not killing - are the real solutions. She's calling for stronger funding for BearSmart programs, the reinstatement of human-wildlife conflict specialists, and updated grizzly population data to guide policy.

With Alberta's grizzly population still estimated at under 1,000, Elmeligi says coexistence efforts must come before any discussion of hunting. Read the full debate.

🌌 Nightrise transforms Sulphur Mountain after dark.

From November 22 to March 29, the Banff Gondola invites you to witness the mountains in a whole new light. Created with Moment Factory and the Stoney Nakoda Nation, this immersive after-dark experience blends sound, light, and storytelling into a breathtaking sensory journey.

On select nights, enjoy stargazing, marshmallow roasting, and live performances under the stars. Begin your evening with dinner and a sunset view, then watch as the summit comes alive with the magic of Nightrise.

🚴‍♀️ Fat biking rolls into Banff, Canmore, and Jasper this winter.

The Bow Valley’s snowy trails are alive with the buzz of fat tires as riders trade skis for bikes. In Canmore, the Nordic Centre offers groomed single-track trails perfect for beginners and pros alike, while Kananaskis Country delivers scenic routes through rolling forests.

Jasper’s network of trails, winding past frozen lakes and mountain views, adds a wilder edge to the adventure. With rentals and maintained paths across all three mountain towns, fat biking is fast becoming the Rockies’ coolest way to explore. Book your adventure.

🌨️ Heavy snowfall raises avalanche risk across the Rockies. Up to 30 cm of new snow and rapid temperature swings are creating unstable slopes from Banff to Jasper, with warnings for travellers on Highway 93 and mountain routes. Details on the changing conditions

🦌 Deer sightings climb around Banff as fall behaviour kicks in. Deer are roaming more visibly through town, creating some great autumn moments. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the seasonal activity.

🎿 Winter returns in full swing at the Canmore Nordic Centre. With 65 km of pristine trails, a skating rink, fat biking, and a cosy lodge, this alpine playground is ready for another big season of snowy fun. Discover what’s waiting on the trails.

🎄 The Festival of Trees returns to The Malcolm Hotel. The Rotary Club of Canmore’s holiday tradition is back on November 28, filling the hotel with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and festive spirit. Admission’s free, and seasonal treats await at The Stirling Lounge and Pulse Café. Enjoy the magic

🍣 Sushi House Banff announces new opening date. The popular Banff sushi spot is taking a little extra time to perfect its relaunch, now set to open Sunday, November 16. Big changes and upgrades promise to make the wait worth it. Details here.

⭐ Most Popular Last Issue

🎄 Banff Christmas Market returns with Rocky Mountain charm. From Nov 20 to Dec 14, the Banff Train Station transforms into a festive village filled with artisanal stalls and European-style holiday magic. See all dates, times, and highlights in the full guide.

🏔️ Plan Your Trip

Celebrate Year-Round: Festivals and Events in Banff, Canmore, and Jasper

If you're planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, time it with one of the region's many festivals or events. From snow and ice carving in winter to farmers’ markets and music festivals in summer, there's always something happening in Banff, Canmore, and Jasper.

Winter brings highlights like the SnowDays Festival, the Ice Magic competition at Lake Louise, and Jasper in January, while spring features food and drink celebrations such as Made with Love in Banff. Summer is packed with outdoor markets, marathons, and events like the Canmore Folk Music Festival. Come fall, enjoy the Banff Craft Beer Festival, Jasper Dark Sky Festival, and Banff Pride.

👉 Check the Banff, Canmore, and Jasper Events Guide before your trip - it's the best way to plan your visit around the Rockies' most memorable experiences.

🎸Events, Activities & Live Music

📅 Today’s Events are listed below. To view future events, visit our website.

BANFF EVENTS | CANMORE EVENTS | JASPER EVENTS | BANFF HAPPY HOURS | CANMORE HAPPY HOURS |

📅 Got An Event To Share?

📅 Submit Here (8 days before event date)
Complete starred sections. For a FREE LISTING, check the box on the promotions page.

💬 Want to get in touch? For feedback, local stories, or questions, reply to this email. 

👉 Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more updates

💡 This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.