Wolf Pup Euthanised After Elk Encounter

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Parks Canada had hoped to get a young wolf back to its pack. Instead, two days after relocating it, staff had to euthanise the pup following an encounter with a bull elk. The incident happened on 12 October, with details reported this week. Its injuries were too severe to survive.

There are now more specifics behind the Parks Canada budget cuts. CBC reports that Banff and Jasper will each lose one warden, while at least 13 detachments close nationwide. The union wants answers about response times and backup for staff working in remote areas.

Lake Louise starts its ski season today, five days early. The opening-day offering is limited to Juniper Express, Easy Street and two small terrain parks, with lift tickets discounted by over 60%. Enough to get the legs working again.

If you missed Bear 142 wrestling with her cub, we've included the video again. Filmed on the Bow Valley Parkway in May, it comes with a little background from Jill.

Plan Your Visit To Banff For November | December | January

📰 Banff Life

🐺 Banff wolf pup euthanised. A wolf pup injured by an elk on 12 October couldn't survive its injuries and was euthanised. Parks Canada had relocated it two days earlier, hoping it would find its pack.

🎿 Lake Louise ski season starts early. If you're heading up, expect early-season terrain: Juniper Express, Easy Street and two small terrain parks with jumps and rails. Lake Louise's 1 November ski opening comes with lift tickets discounted by over 60%.

🎬 Banff's mountain film festival begins. The Mountain Film and Book Festival runs from 31 October to 8 November. If you're going, check its planning guide: Roam Route 7 returns, and there's a new food truck.

🏞️ Banff faces warden cuts. CBC reports Banff will lose one warden as Parks Canada closes detachments and cuts staffing. At least 13 detachments will close nationwide, with the union questioning response times and backup for staff working in remote areas.

🌲 New information signs at Emerald Lake. If you're walking the Emerald Lake Trail, look for new signs about the landscape, covering everything from the natural forces that shaped it to the plants and animals living there.

🏨 Jasper hotel plans staged reopening. Lobstick Lodge is getting a retro alpine makeover, with redesigned rooms, a café and lounge. Most rooms are expected for peak summer 2027, but the remaining rooms and pool are anticipated by summer 2028.

🏃 Jasper charity run returns in November. You don't need to race regularly to join the Rebuild Jasper Run on 28 November. Donations and fundraising support Jasper's community team and volunteer fire brigade following the 2024 wildfires.

☀️ Banff starts November with sunshine before the clouds take a turn. Sunday will be mainly sunny with a high of 6°C. Monday brings sunshine and a high of 5°C. Tuesday turns cloudy with a high of 3°C. Full Forecast Here

⭐ Readers' Choice: Top Posts From Last Issue

🐻 Bear 142 and her cub are having a wrestle, and we've got the video. Filmed on the Bow Valley Parkway on 25 May, with Jill sharing a little of Bear 142's history.

🐕 Banff loses rescue dog programme. Parks Canada has ended its search and rescue dog programme, which last operated in Banff.

🐾 Cougar warning on Bill Milne Trail. A cougar killed a deer between Mashee Way and Evan-Thomas Day Use Area. A cougar warning remains in effect until further notice.

Castle Food Experience at Banff Springs

Taste your way around the Fairmont Banff Springs on a three-hour guided food tour, with five food and drink pairings and stories from the hotel's past. A chance to explore beyond the lobby, meet the culinary team and make an afternoon of it.

Check availability

☀️ Planning Next Summer?

🚡 Ride above Sunshine Meadows. For mountain views without a long climb, the Sunshine gondola and chairlift ticket covers both rides, with alpine trails to explore afterwards. It isn't suitable for people with mobility impairments.

🍴 Explore Banff through its food. If you enjoy trying Canadian flavours, this three-hour Banff food walk pairs tastings with local history. Contact Nibble Tours before booking about dietary requirements or mobility needs.

🌌 Stay for Moraine Lake's evening. For night owls, the Moraine Lake sunset and stargazing tour combines lakeside time with telescope viewing, weather permitting. Hot drinks and blankets are included.

❓ Your Questions Answered

Which shuttles, attractions and activities should I book before arriving?

I'd secure your lake transport and any activity you're building the trip around first. Leave some gaps for walks, weather changes and days when you'd rather do less.

• Lake Louise and Moraine Lake transport: make this your summer booking priority. Parks Canada shuttle tickets are competitive, and you generally can't drive yourself to Moraine Lake. In 2026, 40% of seats were released on launch day and 60% two days before travel, so missing the first release didn't mean missing out entirely. The 2027 arrangements still need confirmation. Our shuttle booking guide explains the process and alternatives.
• Dog sledding and ski lessons: arrange these once your winter dates are settled, particularly around Christmas and school holidays. Don't assume you can book on arrival: Snowy Owl, for example, doesn't accept same-day bookings. Our December guide covers holiday planning.
• The Banff Gondola, lake cruises and Columbia Icefield tours: book ahead if a particular day or departure time matters. If you're buying an attraction package, reserve the individual time slots too. Our gondola comparison helps you choose which lift suits your trip.

Before paying, check cancellation and date-change terms. A mountain-view attraction is better with a view, but waiting for the forecast means accepting that your preferred time might sell out. I'd keep ordinary walks and town sightseeing flexible around those main bookings.

ABBA Vs Queen: A Candlelight Tribute

Hundreds of flickering candles will fill St Paul’s Church as a live string quartet performs some of the best-loved songs of ABBA and Queen.

Check Availability

📝 New and updated on The Banff Guide

🚧 Rockies trail, road and attraction closures. Johnston Canyon and Banff Upper Hot Springs are both closed. Before you set off, check our Rockies closures and travel alerts for trail access changes, road restrictions and wildlife warnings across the region.

Our updated cabins and mountain stays guide compares places to stay around Banff and the wider Rockies, with practical details on locations, facilities and getting there.

We've also refreshed our Banff happy hour guide and Canmore happy hour guide, with revised hours and offers to help you choose where to stop for food and drinks.

🥾 Out on the trails

Bow River Loop, Canmore

For mountain views without climbing, try this 2 km loop beside the Bow River. You'll cross the historic Engine Bridge, with views towards Ha Ling Peak, and follow riverside paths close to downtown. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, depending on photo stops.

I walked it on Saturday, and there was very little ice. It's a good option for a short outing followed by coffee or lunch in town, though footing can change with the weather.

Read our Bow River Loop walking guide

🎸 Events, Activities & Live Music

Here's what's happening today. Planning ahead? See our FULL EVENT CALENDAR for the rest of the week's events and beyond.

Sunday, November 1

All Day | Mountain Film & Book Festival | artsPlace Canmore | Canmore
All Day | Taste for Adventure | Banff Town | Banff
14:30 | Park Distillery Tour | Park Distillery | Banff
16:00 | Live Music Afternoon | Three Bears | Banff
16:00 | Ain’t We Got Fun | Carter-Ryan Theatre | Canmore
20:30 | Balkan Greek Dinner Show | Balkan Restaurant | Banff
21:00 | Karaoke Night | Beaver Bar | Banff
21:30 | Line Dancing | The Dusty Boot | Banff
22:00 | Sunday Funday: Party | High Rollers | Banff
22:30 | Locals Night with DJ Set | Melissa’s Missteak | Banff
23:00 | Sunday Night Karaoke | Banff Sizzlers | Banff

📅 Got A Local Event To Share? Submit Here (3 days before the event date)

👋 That's All For Now 🎬
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Jill & Kevin | Editors | The Banff Guide