🤑 $1,000 Weekend Stays in Banff

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Our publisher Ben is off the grid this morning. He’s attempting to summit Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. We haven’t heard from him yet, but if all went well, he probably topped out overnight and is now rappelling off an ice face. Good for him. He’s out there finding himself. We’re just trying to find the spreadsheet with all the passwords.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

$525 A NIGHT: BANFF’S NEW NORMAL

What’s Happening? Banff hotel rates have shot up nearly 80% since 2019, leaving weekend getaways feeling more like luxury splurges than casual escapes. The average nightly stay hit $414 in 2024, up from $231 during the pandemic and $269 pre-COVID.

Paying More, Fewer Guests. Summer highs reached $525/night, but here’s the kicker: hotels are making more money while hosting fewer guests. In 2024, Banff hotels pulled in $588M, a 42% jump from 2019, despite lower occupancy.

Why Rates Climbed:

• Staffing shortages: With fewer workers, many hotels cut available rooms, then hiked rates to cover costs.

• Tourism strategy: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism is chasing the “high-value guest,” meaning fewer visitors, but bigger spenders. Think quality over quantity, at least from the industry’s perspective.

Locals Left Out. For Calgarians, the shift stings. “We used to love getting away from Calgary 4 or 5 times a year for a wonderful weekend, great food, and no worries about driving home after,” said Bow Valley Insider reader Karen Paulos. “But I know my husband and I can unfortunately no longer afford a quick weekend away to Banff or Lake Louise anymore, especially in the summer now.” Families like hers are pivoting to day trips or staycations.

The Bigger Picture. For context, Canada’s overall cost of living rose 19% from 2019 to 2025. Banff hotels? Up 79%. The sector’s thriving, but the question is who Banff is really for: spontaneous weekenders, or international tourists with deeper pockets?

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 207–121 KANANASKIS WAY

Looking for a Canmore spot that actually works for both mountain getaways and investment math? 207–121 Kananaskis Way is a two-storey, top-floor condo in one of the town’s most walkable locations. It’s zoned for short-term rentals and sold fully furnished, so you can start earning (or just unpack) on day one. Check out the video property tour here. 

It’s the only unit in the building with a private third-floor view deck, where the peaks feel close enough to tap. Inside: two king bedrooms, a pull-out couch, and updated A/C to keep things cool after a day on the trails. Outside: a main-level patio with gas BBQ hookup, plus access to the complex’s fitness centre, outdoor hot tub, and secure storage.

For more details or to arrange a viewing, contact Alex and Lori.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🤍 Canmore Mourns Community Champion. Carol Picard, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Outlook and Food and Friends (that Monday community dinner we’re always talking about), passed away on Aug. 13 at age 68 after a long illness. Remembered as a “force of nature,” she shaped local journalism, served on the school board, and championed countless community initiatives. A service celebrating her life is planned shortly after Thanksgiving.

• ❤️‍🩹 Second Body Recovered After Barrier Lake Canoe Tragedy. RCMP divers located the body of a 30-year-old Calgary man Wednesday, days after a canoe carrying him and his parents capsized in Kananaskis. His father’s remains were recovered earlier, while his mother, 56, survived after being pulled from the lake with hypothermia.

• 🌦️ Southern Alberta Gets a Soaking, Bow Valley Feels Relief. After a dry start to the year, heavy summer rains have eased drought pressures in southern Alberta, replenishing Bow Valley pastures and water supplies. Canmore hydrologist John Pomeroy warns that shrinking Rocky Mountain glaciers, including Peyto Glacier, mean the region is still dependent on unpredictable summer rainfall for farming and water needs.

• 🐻 Bear Warning Issued for Two Jack Campgrounds. Parks Canada is advising campers at Two Jack Main and Lakeside to exercise caution after a black bear showing curious behaviour was spotted in the area. Visitors should carry bear spray, store all food and scented items in bear‑proof lockers, keep pets leashed, supervise children, and maintain at least 100 metres distance from the animal.

• 🏩 Banff Legacy Inn Heads to Harvie Heights. A new 132-unit development is planned outside Canmore at 950 Harvie Heights Rd., offering short- and long-term stays across 12 buildings. The project, expected to welcome its first guests in spring 2026, adds to the growing accommodation options near Banff.

“I spent $1200 in the local paper, and got zero calls.”

We hear this all the time.

Bow Valley Insider reaches 12,000+ locals — and our partners actually see results.

If you’re done with outdated marketing…

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s talk about what works.

GRIZZLY DEATHS MOUNT ON RAILROAD TRACKS THROUGH BANFF NATIONAL PARK

What’s happening? Three grizzly bears have been fatally struck on the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (CPKC) railway line in Banff National Park so far this year, and wildlife staff recently spent two days searching for a bear reported injured or killed, but discovered it had narrowly escaped and walked away.

The Scope Of The Problem. The losses include a female near Protection Mountain (May 27), a young female near Bath Creek (May 30), and a male near Johnston Canyon (June 17). Parks Canada emphasizes that reported strikes don’t always mean a bear is killed, but confirmed fatalities are mounting, raising concern for the region’s grizzly population, especially breeding females.

Why It Matters. Railways follow valley bottoms, where bears naturally travel, and spilled grain along the tracks can lure them into danger. Past studies show 110 tonnes of grain trickle from trains across Banff and Yoho annually, and that’s enough to feed 50 bears for a year. Each train strike risks individual bears and the broader population, even as research indicates Banff’s grizzly numbers have remained stable to slightly increasing in recent years.

What’s Being Done. Parks Canada and CPKC collaborate on mitigation measures including fencing, vegetation management, wildlife crossings, and real-time monitoring. Experts say solutions are complex, but calls for stronger action are mounting. Wildlife advocates urge mandatory speed restrictions, improved track fencing, and better habitat protection away from the rails.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• DENE Art Exhibit. Northwest Territories artists, Kim Lea, and her daughter and granddaughter are in Canmore for this special exhibition of traditional DENE art. Stop by to meet these gifted artists and check out their breathtaking artwork. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Healing Mountain Creations (101-1 Industrial Place, Canmore). Free to attend.*

• Family Film. Enjoy a free movie screening of Flow, perfect for all ages. Wear your comfiest pajamas and bring a blanket or stuffed animal and the library will supply the popcorn. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

Saturday

• Rock Climbing Basics. In this one-day course, learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing with the help of a certified Association of Canadian Mountain Guide in a small group setting. Technical equipment and transportation provided. 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Banff. $40 - $200 + gst.

• Annual Backlot Bash. Canmore’s biggest and best outdoor party is back. There’ll be live music all day long kicking off with Scott Diehl at 2:30 PM and shutting it down with The Electric Squirrels at 8:30 PM. Need a bite? Local food trucks have you covered. 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.

• Luau & Pork Fest. Doors open at 2:00 PM with the regular 3:00 PM meet draw. Show up at 6:00 PM for pulled pork, pork ribs, sides, and a coconut dessert. Reserve today by calling the Exshaw Legion 403-673-3522 or emailing [email protected]. 2:00 PM. Exshaw Legion. $20 per dinner per person.*

Sunday

• String Quartet Performance. This library program for children 0-6 features a special performance by the Youth Quartet program from this year’s Banff International String Quartet Competition. Following the performance, families can enjoy activity stations with crafts, sensory bins, and toys. 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏇 “Extreme” Horse Racing Returns. August 22–24, witness North America’s first “extreme sport”: three horses, one rider, one team. The 3rd Annual races at Wapta Ipa Aktakiyebi Chagu (Goodstoney) Race Track include kids’ activities and pony rides. Daily admission is $15, weekend pass $25, and Elders plus children under 10 enter free.

• 🏃 Moose Mountain Event Notice. This Saturday, the 33rd annual Moose Mountain Trail Races run 8:30 AM–3:30 PM on Moose Connector, Tom Snow, Moose Packers, Moose Mountain, Ridgeback, and Telephone Loop trails. Expect marked routes, quads for safety, and drones in use. Trail users are asked to cooperate for a smooth event.

• 🥾 Fast Trail Times Require Smart Prep. Alpine trail running is booming, but rushing into backcountry objectives can turn a one-day goal into an overnight ordeal. Test your footing, carry essentials, dress in layers, track weather, and always tell someone your plan. Parks Canada says GPS and phones help, but self-reliance and caution keep you and your Strava times safe.

• 👢Taste of Marche Hits Canmore. On September 19, Farmerette and the Calzolaio Boutique will host an Italian-themed evening with Canadian designer Danika Dugan. Sip traditional Marche aperitifs, chat about leather and fashion, and browse the new Spring Creek boutique. Spots are limited, so DM to reserve your place!

• 🔌 Rogers Pass EV Charger Stays Open. Even with construction at Rogers Pass Centre, the summit EV charger remains accessible for drivers traveling between east or west through Golden. Expect minor delays as materials and equipment pass through, but the plug-in point stays live for your alpine road trips.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Pushes for Stronger Wildfire Building Codes. A draft community plan heading to a Sept. 8 public hearing calls for the Town to lobby other governments for tougher safety standards. Local bylaw tweaks already allow metal roofs and fire-resistant landscaping, but officials say broader changes are needed especially after last summer’s Jasper blaze.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 22nd 2025, 6:00 PM: Gord March & Tyler Wood. Location: Canmore Rose and Crown. No Cover.

• Friday, August 22nd 2025, 3:00 PM: DJ Bunny Hops. Location: Lupo, Banff. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, 7:30 PM. Artists of Chisel Creek. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15.*

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, 9:00 PM. Travel By Gravel. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, 10:00 PM.The Ramifications. Location: Banff Rose and Crown. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Need More Billet Families. With junior hockey restructuring expected to shuffle players between leagues, the Eagles are short on homes for their 17–20-year-old roster. Hosts get $600 a month, grocery and restaurant discounts, and season tickets. Only two players live locally, so most rely on billets. The team hopes to finalize placements by Sept. 8.

• Canmore Cyclists Shine at Canada Summer Games. Six locals repped Alberta in St. John’s, with standout rides from Kahlen Anderson, who placed fifth in the women’s time trial, and Ashton Thomson, who stormed to eighth in both the road race and crit, a year after a serious crash in Canmore. On the men’s side, Thomas Rilett cracked the top 10 with an eighth-place road race finish.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, same time, same place! 

Heads Up: We sometimes feature paid promotion from local businesses and organizations we trust. When you see a little asterisk (*), that means it’s a sponsored post. We only work with partners we think our readers will actually care about.