🐻 Ready for Bears? 🚄 What’s Really Happening With the Train & 🚧 G7 Disruption Begins

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

This week’s newsletter covers everything from bears to barriers - and yes, the train again. With active bear reports and early trail closures around Lake Louise, it’s time for a refresher on staying safe outdoors. Bear spray, group travel, and staying alert are key.

G7 prep is also ramping up fast. The town is already seeing military convoys and traffic disruption, and it’ll only get busier in the weeks ahead.

As for the Calgary-Banff train, a new funding model has revived the conversation. But it’s far from a done deal - plenty of questions remain about cost, impact, and political will.

Read on for everything you need to know this week 👇

🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week

🐻 Bear safety essentials for Banff adventures
With bear sightings on the rise around Banff, Parks Canada and local experts remind hikers to stay alert - keep bear spray accessible, avoid surprise encounters by making noise, and follow guidelines to protect both people and wildlife. More

🚫 Lake Louise trails closed to protect the wildlife corridor
Several popular paths between Lake Louise campground and the lakeshore are off-limits until 15 October to prevent disturbance in key wildlife travel zones. More

🚄 Banff rail project edges closer to reality
With new political momentum, a finalized master plan on the way, and the promise of no provincial cost for Banff’s leg, the Calgary-to-Banff train could finally be on track for a 2029 debut. More

🛑 G7 Summit Update: Get ready for roadblocks, motorcades, and media tents
The Bow Valley is officially on global watch, from military convoys to Banff Centre closures. Expect detours, VIP sightings, and a whole lot of noise until June 17. More

🪨 Boulder blocks the Icefields Parkway near Weeping Wall
A dislodged rock caused a temporary disruption on one of the Rockies' most scenic highways. More

🐦 Off-trail hiking is banned at Johnston Canyon to protect endangered birds
All visitors must stay on the marked path to help safeguard habitat for the black swift, an at-risk species facing severe decline. More

🏃 Melissa’s Road Race returns to Banff this September
Canada’s most colourful road race is back on 27 September with 5K, 10K and Half Marathon events, live music, beer gardens, and scenic mountain routes. More

🚴 Calgary-to-Canmore trail one step closer to reality
The Town of Canmore and MD of Bighorn are signing a memorandum to push forward plans for a long-envisioned multi-use trail link. More

🧗 Arc'teryx returns to its Rocky Mountain roots
The iconic brand is doubling down on its connection to the Canadian Rockies—blending sustainability, innovation, and a love of high places. More

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• 🐻 Grizzly bear spotted by Lake Louise Ski Resort staff

• 🗻 Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine, Emerald Lake & Johnston Canyon

• 🚠 Banff: Gondola Admission Ticket

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

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

Mon, 19th May

09:00 🧘 Yoga at the Library - Banff Library, Banff
12:00 🎿 Slush Cup - Ski Season Finale - Sunshine Village, Banff
19:00 ❓ Trivia Night - Melissa’s, Banff
20:00 🎵 Live Music - Three Bears, Banff
21:00 🎤 Open Mic Night with Liam Cowan - The Beaver Banff, Banff
22:00 🎧 Slush Cup After Party - 2 DJs Live - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Brent Lee - Rose & Crown, Banff

Tue, 20th May

19:00 📚 Literary Readings - Literary Journalism Chapter 2 - Banff Centre, Banff
22:00 🎧 DJ Night - Styler VNAz - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - Melissa’s, Banff
22:00 🎶 Live Music - Silver Fox Acoustic Duo - Rose & Crown, Banff

Wed, 21st May

10:00 🛍️ Farmers Market - Central Park, Banff
15:00 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears, Banff
22:00 🎤 Open Mic Night - Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub, Banff
22:00 🎧 Live DJ Party - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎧 Live DJ Set - Rose & Crown, Banff

Thu, 22nd May

19:00 🧵 Craft Workshop (2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive) - String Art - Banff Canmore Foundation, Banff
19:00 📖 Literary Journalism Readings - Chapter 3 - Banff Centre, Banff
19:30 💃 Greek Night Dinner Show - Balkan, Banff
21:00 🎉 DJ Night - $3 Everything - Dancing Sasquatch, Banff
21:00 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers, Banff
22:00 🎸 Live Music - Mo’ Marley - Rose & Crown, Banff
Evening 🍻 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff

Future Events

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? Our events page has a growing list of future happenings, complete with descriptions and links!

🍺 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+)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat & 15:00-close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00 Sat-Thu, 15:00-17:00 Fri)
🎤 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30 Sun, Fri & 16:00-17:00 Sat)
🎳 High Rollers (15:00-17:00 & 22:00-Close)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+)
🥩 Melissa’s MisSteak (15:00-18:00 Daily; Sun-Thurs, 15:00-18:00 & 22:00-02:00)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00 Daily)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-Close, Fri-Wed: All Day Thurs)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-18:00 Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00 Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00 Daily)
⏰ Tommy’s (15:00-18:00 & 22:00-Close)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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