🐻 Pedestrian Zone Cancelled, Bear Warnings Up, and More Surprises in the Bow Valley! 😲

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

May in the mountains is always a bit unpredictable, and this week's got a little bit of everything. 🐾 Wildlife sightings are ramping up, from grizzlies to calving elk, and Parks Canada is sounding the alarm on safety and fire danger. Stay smart out there.

🚧 As for town life, Banff Avenue is back to business-as-usual - cars, curbs, and a different kind of energy. After four summers of pedestrian buzz, the adjustment is real, and it'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

🎟️ But don't worry, there's still tons to look forward to: Be a Pro hockey camp is taking signups, live tunes fill the evenings, and the BBQ wagons are rolling.

Let's dive in - your full weekly lineup is just below! ⬇️

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🚗 Banff’s pedestrian zone ends - what it means for summer 2025
After four lively summers, cars are back on Banff Avenue, sparking mixed feelings from locals, businesses, and visitors as the town braces for renewed traffic and a very different vibe. More

🏒 Train with hometown pros at Canmore’s Be a Pro Hockey Camp
Canmore’s own Luke Philp (Hershey Bears) and Sam Jones (Guildford Flames), plus Banff’s Ryan Barrow (Cardiff Devils), return this August to lead an elite camp for U11 and U13 players. Learn more and book your spot.

🚴 The Legacy Trail is officially open.
Canmore's iconic pathway to Banff is back for the season - grab your bike, and enjoy the ride (just watch for bears!). More

⛳ Golf season swings into gear across the Bow Valley
Top courses in Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis are teeing off this May, just in time for spring - and even the G7 Summit can’t stop the fun. More

📷 Discover the magic of Peyto Lake, Banff's quiet showstopper
A short drive from Lake Louise, Peyto Lake's surreal blue waters and wolf-shaped viewpoint make it a must-stop on the Icefields Parkway - just don't forget your camera or your snacks. More

🐻 Bear activity surges one month after The Boss's return
A month after Banff's iconic Grizzly 122 emerged, multiple bears - including sows with cubs - are now active across valley trails, prompting fresh safety reminders. More

🦌 Elk calving closure in effect near Tunnel Mountain
Parks Canada has closed part of Tunnel Mountain's west slope through June 30 to protect calving elk and prevent dangerous encounters with aggressive mothers. More

🥾 Spring hiking? Expect snow, ice, and avalanche risk
Many Banff-area trails remain snowbound or dangerous through June, especially at higher elevations - know before you go and check for closures. More

🚆 Explore Banff on a budget with the new Canada Strong Pass
Families visiting Banff this summer can take advantage of free VIA Rail trips, national park access, and museum perks - perfect timing for a Rockies adventure. More

📢 High fire danger confirmed in Banff National Park
Parks Canada has officially issued a fire danger warning for the Banff Field Unit - report illegal fires and stay wildfire aware. More

🎨 Visionary Indigenous art comes to Banff
The Whyte Museum's new exhibition "The Ancestors Are Talking" showcases powerful works by the Indigenous Group of Seven and launches an artist mentorship program. More

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon

• Lake Minnewanka: Banff’s biggest lake is wild & scenic

• Columbia Icefield, Skywalk, Crowfoot Glacier & Lakes

📢 Wildlife Safety 101: What Everyone in Banff Needs to Know 🦌

May marks the return of Banff's most iconic residents - bears, elk, and other wildlife. As the snow melts and trails dry out, animals become more active in and around town.

Grizzly bears are now out of hibernation, including The Boss - Bear 122 - one of the Bow Valley's largest and most famous grizzlies. He's already been spotted this season, reminding us that every hike, dog walk, or scenic stop needs a little more awareness.

Here are three quick tips for staying safe this spring:

1. Keep your distance. Stay at least 30 metres from elk and 100 metres from bears.

2. Make noise on trails. Talk, clap, or use a bear bell to avoid surprising wildlife.

3. Carry bear spray. Know how to use it - and keep it accessible, not buried in your bag.

🐻 The Boss is impressive but still a wild animal, not a photo opportunity. Parks Canada warns that approaching or feeding wildlife is dangerous and illegal.

📱 Stay updated on trail closures and wildlife reports at: parkscanada.gc.ca/banff-wildlife

Whether you're walking the Bow River trail or heading up Tunnel Mountain, take a moment to prepare. We're lucky to share space with these animals - let's keep it safe for everyone, including The Boss.

🏘️ Featured Property 📃

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

We keep it short here - head to the events page for full descriptions and links.

Mon, 5th May

19:00 🎉 Melissa's Trivia Night - Melissa's, Banff
Trivia night fun at Melissa's with questions and prizes.

19:00 👫 Speed Friending: Banff Life x Banff Pride - Good Earth Coffeehouse, Banff
Free social event to meet new friends in a relaxed setting.

20:00 🎶 Live Music - Three Bears, Banff
Evening live music set at Three Bears.

21:00 🎤 Open Mic Hosted By Liam Cowan - The Beaver Banff, Banff
Join the mic or enjoy local talent with Liam Cowan hosting.

22:00 🎧 Mondays - 2 DJs Live - High Rollers, Banff
Two DJs spin party sets with Power Hour specials.

22:00 🎸 Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff
Country rock vibes from Brent Lee, no cover charge.

Tue, 6th May

22:00 🎸 Banff Punk Night Vol V - The Pump & Tap Tavern, Banff
Live punk sets from four bands including Random Killing.

22:00 🎧 Tuesday Night with Styler VNAz - High Rollers, Banff
DJ set and 75-cent wings all night.

22:00 🎤 Karaoke - Melissa's, Banff
Biggest karaoke night in Bow Valley with drink deals.

22:00 🎶 Jesse Peters - Rose & Crown, Banff
Soulful piano-driven performance by Jesse Peters.

Wed, 7th May

15:00 🎶 Live Music - Three Bears, Banff
Afternoon live music session.

16:00 🧠 Nudge by Nudge - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
Behavioural science talk focused on sustainable tourism.

19:30 🎼 Soundweavings: Participant Concert 1 - Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff
Free global music collaboration concert.

20:00 🍻 Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewing Co, Banff
Inclusive social evening with local brews.

22:00 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub, Banff
Open mic session hosted by Garry for local performers.

22:00 🎧 DJ Hops - High Rollers, Banff
Party night with DJ Hops and drink specials.

22:00 🎶 DJ Nazo - Rose & Crown, Banff
Late night beats from DJ Nazo.

Thu, 8th May

13:00 🌿 Welcome to Wellness - The Bison Courtyard, Banff
Live music, food, and wellness activities in the courtyard.

19:30 💃 Balkan Greek Night - Balkan, Banff
Dinner show with belly dancing and traditional entertainment.

21:00 🍻 Thursdays $3 Everything - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
Local’s night with $3 drinks and live DJs.

21:00 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers, Banff
Acoustic Arn at 21:00, followed by Mike Webb at 23:00.

22:00 🎸 JG n’ The District - Rose & Crown, Banff
Live funk grooves and late-night energy.

Future Events

We list a few future events here - find many more with full descriptions and links on our events page.

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️

Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.

🍺 Banff Ave Brewing Co. (21:00-close)
Shafts $4, Highballs $5, Ninjas (3oz) $10

🍺 Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close Sun)
Deals include discounted drinks & food specials, $10 wings on Sunday.

🍟 Beaver (16:00-18:00, Nightly)
$4 tap beers, $9 poutine, $6 waffle sticks

🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00, Daily)
Fondue special – warm, melty goodness!

🌶️ Chilli’s (09:00-11:00 & 15:00-17:00)
Special drinks, grab-and-go, après specials

🥩 The Elk and Oarsman (14:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
Tues: $12 steak, Wed: 1/2 price wings, Thurs: ribs from $17

🎤 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30 Sun/Fri, 16:00-17:00 Sat)
50% off sushi, $15 ramen, $6.50 pints

🎳 High Rollers (15:00-17:00 & 22:00-close)
$5 pints, food deals, half-price Shafts & bowling

🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00-close)
Tacos 1/2 price, Coronas $6, Bulldogs $12

🥩 Melissa’s MisSteak (15:00-18:00, Daily)
$4.50 highballs, $5.25 lager, $1/oz wine. Late: $6 Pilsners

🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
50% off cocktails, $9 wine, $6.99 pints, food discounts

🍀 St. James' Gate (15:00-18:00, Mon-Fri)
Pub meals from $13.50, beer from $7.50, 25% off whiskey flights

🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-close)
$12 Trash Cans (3oz), hiballs $6, pints $7

🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-18:00, Daily)
$8 pints, cocktails 20% off, food specials

🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00, Daily)
Beer $6, wine from $6, highballs $5, apps $8

🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
$6.99 pints, food and cocktail specials

⏰ Tommy’s (15:00-18:00 & 22:00-close)
$4.25 Pil cans, High Life & hiballs. Steak $13.95, lunch $12.95

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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