Office February 2025
January 2025 Newsletter
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Banff and Canmore
As the holiday season rapidly approaches us, the charming mountain towns of Banff and Canmore, transform into winter wonderlands. These iconic mountain towns are the perfect destination to soak in the festive spirit with family and friends. From holiday markets to dazzling light displays, there's something for everyone. Here's a quick roundup of a handful of the must-see Christmas events happening in the Bow Valley this year.
1. Banff’s Winter Wonderland: Cascade of Lights and in Search of Christmas Spirit
Dates: December 12-31st, 2024
Location: Central Park and Banff Avenue
Banff transforms into a glittering wonderland during the Cascade of Lights. Stroll along Banff Avenue and Central Park to marvel at the magical light installations and festive decorations, and then enjoy the truly exceptional light show and story line at the in search of Christmas Spirit at the Cascade of time Gardens.
In Search of Christmas Spirit Tickets
2. Festival of Lights at Riverside Park
Dates: December 1, 2024 - January 7, 2025
Location: Riverside Park
Riverside Park comes alive with thousands of lights during the annual Festival of Lights. Stroll through this exceptional display with a hot chocolate in hand and take in the festive ambiance. The lights are free to enjoy and make for the perfect photo backdrop.
3. Banff Santa Sleigh Rides
Dates: Select evenings in December and throughout winter
Location: Downtown Banff
What better way to experience Banff downtown mountain charm than with a cozy wagon ride through the snowy streets? Holiday wagon rides are a beloved tradition, offering a unique perspective of the town’s Christmas decorations. Wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy the magic of the season.
Banff Sleigh Ride Tickets and Information
4. Christmas at the Nordic Centre
Dates: December 23-26, 2024
Location: Canmore Nordic Centre
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers festive activities for all ages. From cross-country skiing on groomed trails to snowshoeing through picturesque landscapes, there’s no shortage of winter fun. Don’t miss the Christmas Eve Lantern Walk, where participants light up the trails with glowing lanterns for a magical evening.
5. Christmas at Banff Gondola
Dates: December 23rd, 2024- January 1st, 2025
Location: Banff Gondola
Celebrate the season with a magical trip to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola offers stunning views of the snow-capped Rockies, along with festive activities at the summit, along with a chance to meet and have a photo with Santa! Enjoy holiday-themed dining, and breathtaking winter landscapes.
Banff Gondola tickets and information
6. Holiday Performances at artsPlace
Dates: Various dates throughout the Holiday Season
Location: artsPlace Canmore
artsPlace, Canmore’s community arts centre, is hosting a series of holiday-themed performances and workshops. From live music and theatrical productions to family-friendly craft sessions, artsPlace is a hub of creative holiday cheer. Be sure to check their website for a full schedule of events.
7. Holiday Skating at the Fenlands
Dates: Throughout Winter
Location: Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
Glide across the ice at the Fenlands Recreation Centre, where the skating rink is decked out for the holidays. This family-friendly activity is a quintessential winter experience in Banff. Skate rentals are available, and warming up with a hot drink afterward is a must!
8. Christmas Dining Experience
Dates: Throughout the season
Location: Various restaurants in the Bow Valley
Treat yourself to a festive feast at one of Banff and Canmore’s many acclaimed restaurants, from the Iconic Fairmont Hotels many restaurants, the Sterling Grill at the Malcom, the Fat Ox, Iron Goat, Rimrock’s annual Christmas dinner, Ankor, and many other exception dining establishments. Local eateries come alive and offer special holiday menus featuring traditional Christmas dishes with a Rocky Mountain twist. Make reservations early to secure your spot for an unforgettable dining experience.
SUMMER IN THE Mountains
As we journey through summer, our hearts go out to the
residents of Jasper, our fellow mountain town. From my
youth camping trips to biking adventures as a teen, and
now hiking and biking as an adult, Jasper holds a special
place in my heart. We are all hoping that the residents
can soon return to their beloved town.
For our summer newsletter we always take a look at
some of the quarterly statistics, please see some insights
below.
Real Estate Insights: Q2 2024
Market Activity Surge: The second quarter of 2024
witnessed a remarkable 43% increase in activity
compared to the same period in 2023. Prices also rose
across various segments.
Townhomes and Condos: Townhomes and apartment
condos saw substantial year-over-year growth, with
increases of 23% and 20%, respectively.
Hotel Condos and Single Family Homes: Hotel
condos experienced more modest gains, with
average sale prices up by 6%. Single-family homes
followed closely with a 5% increase.
Inventory and Market Balance: While listing inventory
slightly rose, it remains far below a balanced market.
With a Months of Inventory (MOI) at 3.55, we’re firmly
in a seller’s market. Even a 50% inventory increase
wouldn’t tip the scales toward a buyer’s market.
Days on Market: Properties continue to sell swiftly,
with single-family homes and lots being the only
exceptions, hovering above 2 months. Historically,
our averages fall between 2 and 3 months for all
segments.
Looking Ahead: Anticipate more listings in August,
September, and October. We hope this influx will
help restore market balance, as eager buyers await
the right properties.
Here in Canmore, excitement is building for the upcoming
Canmore Folk Music Festival. This iconic event, which
began in 1978, continues to thrive, with Blue Rodeo
headlining this year. The trails around town are bustling,
and last weekend’s Rockies 24 - a 24-hour mountain bike
race at the Canmore Nordic Centre was a resounding
success. Our doorstep boasts incredible facilities and trails,
a true blessing for all of us outdoor enthusiasts.
Enjoy the remainder of summer and remember that we’re
here to assist with all your real estate needs. Referrals are
always welcome!
Looking for things to do on your visit?
Looking for Activities during your visit to Banff or Canmore?
Banff and Canmore are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Known for their stunning mountain views, pristine wilderness, and plethora of outdoor activities, these towns offer an incredible experience for visitors.
If you're planning a trip to Banff and Canmore in the coming months, here are some upcoming activities that you won't want to miss:
1. Banff Mountain Film Festival: The Banff Mountain Film Festival is a world-renowned event that showcases some of the best outdoor adventure films from around the globe. The festival takes place in Banff every fall and features a wide range of films, from high-adrenaline sports to environmental documentaries. This is a unique and shouldn’t be missed experience.
2. Canmore Highland Games: The Canmore Highland Games are a celebration of Scottish culture and tradition. The event takes place every Labor Day weekend in Canmore and features traditional Scottish games such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, and tug-of-war, as well as live music, dancing, and food. A great day out for all of the family.
3. Banff Marathon: The Banff Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in the world, offering runners stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. The race takes place every June and offers a full marathon, half marathon, and 10K race.
4. Canmore Folk Music Festival: The Canmore Folk Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in August and features some of the best folk and roots musicians from around the world. The festival offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of food, drink, and craft vendors to enjoy.
5. Skiing and Snowboarding: The Rockies are an incredible destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. With several world-class ski resorts in the area, including Banff Ski Resort and Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay, visitors can enjoy a wide range of ski runs for all skill levels, including a huge amount of bank county touring for those with the appropriate gear and knowledge.
6. Hiking and Biking: In the summer months, hiking and biking are extremely popular activities in Banff and Canmore. With hundreds of kilometers of trails to explore in the surrounding hill, as well as a extensive trail system at the Canmore Nordic Centre, visitors can take in the stunning mountain views while getting some exercise and fresh air.
7. Wildlife Watching: Banff and Canmore are home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Please do not forget to give these beautiful animals space and respect.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful setting, Banff and Canmore offer something for everyone. With these upcoming activities, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.
Mountain Living Real Estate Team
710 - 10 Street, #101
Canmore, AB T1W 0G7
