🚆 160km/h to Banff?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

A quick call to action to start the day. We just heard from our friends at Heart Mountain Rescue, our local dog rescue. They launched their summer fundraiser nearly two weeks ago, and so far just $100 has been raised. That's a tough start for a rescue that relies entirely on volunteers and donations to cover veterinary bills, food, medications, and emergency care for homeless dogs. In fact, $100 doesn't even cover the cost of many routine vet visits, let alone emergency treatment. If you’re able, please consider buying a $10 ticket. You'll also have a chance to win a WestJet getaway for two, plus Bow Valley adventure packages from local businesses. Ten dollars probably won't change your day, but it helps Heart Mountain Rescue continue providing life-saving care to dogs across the Bow Valley. 

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

DAUGHTER OF BANFF'S FAMOUS "BOSS" BEAR AT CENTRE OF VIRAL OFF-LEASH DOG ENCOUNTER

What's Happening? Two hikers have been charged after a viral video showed their off-leash dog barking at a grizzly bear on the Taylor Lake trail in Banff National Park. Parks Canada and wildlife experts say the real concern wasn't the bear's behaviour, but the unnecessary risk the off-leash dog posed to the hikers, the bear and the dog itself. 

A Well-Known Bear. The grizzly in the video was Bear 142, a breeding-age female and daughter of Banff's famous "Boss" bear. Earlier this spring, one of her two cubs was struck and killed by a train near Protection Mountain.

Nick de Ruyter, program director of WildSmart with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, told Bow Valley Insider that female bears like Bear 142 are especially important because grizzly bears remain a threatened species in Alberta.

"It would be such a waste if she had to be killed due to an encounter with a group of people with an off-leash dog," he said. Wildlife managers can sometimes be forced to relocate or euthanize bears that seriously injure people, even if the animal was acting defensively. 

Why The Charges Matter. Parks Canada charged the hikers after concluding their dog was off leash. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $25,000.

In a statement to Bow Valley Insider, Parks Canada spokesperson James Eastham said, "Failing to keep your pets leashed in the national parks poses risks to pets and wildlife." He said bears and other wildlife "may react aggressively toward dogs they view as threats," while off-leash dogs can also cause wildlife to avoid important habitat and food sources.

Looking Beyond The Video. While the footage appeared to show the bear following the hikers, de Ruyter said he believes Bear 142 was simply trying to continue down the trail and the hikers were blocking her path.

He said the group did several things correctly, including carrying bear spray, remaining calm and backing away while facing the bear. But he also believes they had time to leash or pick up their dog, group together more closely and, if safe, step off the trail to let the bear pass rather than continuing to film the encounter.

Read our full story (including a repost of the viral video)

THE CANMORE-TO-CALGARY MOVE ISN’T AS SIMPLE AS YOU THINK

On paper, a move between Canmore and Calgary feels straightforward. It’s only about an hour.

But it’s not just the drive.

It’s timing on both ends. Travel time, fuel, and how many trips you’ll actually need. Access in tight Canmore neighbourhoods. Elevators, stairs, parking, and making sure everything is loaded properly so you’re not wasting time (and money) going back and forth. And if something gets missed, you’re not just down the street… you’re doing another full round trip.

That’s where these moves can get expensive, fast.

It’s also where local experience really matters.

Joel grew up in Canmore and has been in the moving industry since he was a teenager. He knows the common friction points that slow moves down.

With Grizzly Moving, every job starts with a proper walkthrough. They map everything out ahead of time so there are no surprises on moving day.

If you’re planning a move between Calgary and the Bow Valley, it’s worth getting a quote from Joel and his team.

_{*Presented by Grizzly Moving.}

THE DIGEST

• 🌊 Exshaw Residents Say They're Running Out of Hope. After June's heavy rainfall put groundwater flooding back in the spotlight, several Exshaw homeowners pleaded with the MD of Bighorn for help, saying water has repeatedly damaged their basements since a creek flood mitigation project was completed in 2019. Residents believe the project changed how groundwater flows beneath their neighbourhood, though the municipality disputes that conclusion. Council acknowledged the issue, with Councillor Rick Tuza bluntly telling residents, "The resources that we have available to us cannot fix your problems." Here's the full background.

• 🥾 A Hiking Accident That Could Happen to Anyone. While this didn't happen in the Bow Valley, we know many of you spend your weekends hiking. An experienced emergency room nurse accidentally impaled himself on a trekking pole after slipping while climbing Montana's Granite Peak. The photos are remarkable, showing the pole entering beneath one arm and protruding from the middle of his back. Realizing the pole had likely missed major organs, he made the decision to leave it in place while he hiked more than 16km to reach help. Doctors later said he was fortunate. He's expected to recover.

• 🌠 One of the Best Meteor Showers in Years Is Coming. If you've been looking for an excuse to get outside after dark, this might be it. The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on one of its best displays in nearly two decades, thanks to a new moon that will leave the Bow Valley's skies especially dark. By the Aug. 12 peak, skywatchers could see dozens of meteors each hour from areas away from town lights. Even if you're just an amateur photographer with an iPhone, we recommend checking out Banff photographer Paul Zizka's guide to viewing and photographing the Perseids. 

• 🐆 Cougar Quietly Wanders Through Canmore Backyard. A doorbell camera captured a cougar moving through a Rundleview backyard in the early hours of the morning without anyone noticing. WildSmart says sightings like this are uncommon but not unusual, noting Rundleview sits along a natural wildlife corridor where cougars, bears, elk and deer regularly travel between habitats. The reminder: keep pets close, carry bear spray year-round, and report cougar sightings to Kananaskis Dispatch.

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ALBERTA SAYS CALGARY-BANFF RAIL COULD CARRY 17,000 DAILY RIDERS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 160 KM/H

What's Happening? Last Thursday, we attended Alberta's online public information session on the province's Passenger Rail Master Plan, where officials answered questions and revealed several new details that weren't included when the plan was first released. The biggest takeaway? The Calgary-Banff corridor remains one of Alberta's strongest passenger rail priorities, with the province projecting 17,000 daily riders by 2055.

What We Learned. “The Calgary and Banff connection scored highly and was shortlisted for inclusion in the 30-year network,” provincial passenger rail executive Rob Watson said. He clarified that the often-cited 30-year network refers to Alberta's full passenger rail vision, not the timeline for the Calgary-Banff line itself. 

That leaves room for proposals such as Liricon Capital's privately financed Calgary-Banff service, which its backers say could begin operating as early as 2031, although the province did not endorse that timeline.  The master plan simply identifies which corridors have enough demand to move into detailed planning.

Why Higher-Speed Rail? One of the webinar's most interesting explanations answered a question many readers have asked: Why not simply run passenger trains on existing freight tracks? Officials said conventional rail would be slower, less reliable and constrained by freight traffic. 

For the Calgary-Banff corridor, officials concluded a dedicated passenger rail line would allow trains to exceed 160 km/h, avoid delays caused by freight traffic and provide the reliability needed to support long-term regional service. 

What's Next. The province is now beginning corridor planning, evaluating potential station locations, studying airport connections and meeting with private investors and engineering firms before seeking formal expressions of interest. Officials stressed that exactly where trains will stop, including whether Canmore receives a station, has not yet been decided.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Hangtime Flea Returns to Canmore Brewing. Browse vintage clothing, jewellery, art, home goods, and other secondhand finds from local vendors while enjoying a pint. It's a great excuse to support local makers, discover something unique, and give pre-loved items a second life. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free Entry.*

• Karaoke at The Drake. Think you’ve got pipes or just confidence? Grab the mic and find out. The Drake’s weekly karaoke night kicks off, with a crowd that’s usually more supportive than critical. Bonus: their fresh, oven-baked pizzas are quickly becoming a local go-to. 10 PM. The Drake Screaming Retriever. Free.*

Tuesday

• Cheap Tuesday Movie Night in Banff. Disney's live-action Moana brings the beloved adventure back to the big screen as Moana sets sail beyond her island with the demigod Maui to restore prosperity to her people. Starring Catherine Lagaʻaia and Dwayne Johnson, the remake pairs familiar songs and characters with a fresh live-action take on the Oscar-nominated original. 6:45 PM. Lux Cinema, Banff. $8.99.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏆 Business Award Nominations Are Now Open. Know a local business, non-profit or entrepreneur making a real difference? The Bow Valley Business Excellence Awards are now accepting nominations for 2026, with categories recognizing everything from new businesses and young entrepreneurs to community impact, sustainability, arts and culture, and non-profits. Anyone can nominate, including the business itself, and one thoughtful submission is enough since judges evaluate quality, not quantity. Nominations close Sept. 13.*

• 🧗 Last Week to Save on Climbing Passes. If you're planning to climb at the Canmore Climbing Gym this summer or fall, this is your last week to save 20% on 10-punch passes. Until July 31, they're discounted from $170 to $136 before tax. Passes never expire, include access outside staffed hours, and can only be purchased once during the sale, making this one of the gym's best deals for regular climbers. Get the deal.*

• 🐻 More Bear Advisories Issued Across Kananaskis. Alberta Parks has issued new bear warnings for Paddy's Flat Campground near Bragg Creek, Eau Claire Campground in Spray Valley Provincial Park, and Mount Kidd RV Park near Kananaskis Village. Officials say black bears, including sows with cubs, are active in these recreation areas. Unlike the hikers in today's top story, we have a feeling our readers already know the drill: leash your dog, make noise, and keep your bear spray within easy reach. 

• 🍽️ An Amalfi Coast Dinner Comes to Banff. If your summer could use a little more Italy, The Fat Ox is hosting a single long-table dinner inspired by the Amalfi Coast's famous Ravello Festival on Aug. 11. Guests will start with a welcome cocktail before settling in for a communal outdoor dinner featuring live jazz, mountain sunset views, and a Southern Italian menu of fresh oysters, grilled octopus, seafood linguine, Canadian salmon, and lemon tarts. An optional Italian wine pairing is available. Only a few spots left. Tickets here.*

• 📍 Netflix Mapped the Bow Valley's Filming Locations. Ever wondered where your favourite Netflix scenes were filmed? The streaming giant has launched an interactive map highlighting filming locations across Canada, including Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis. The guide pinpoints locations featured in productions like Can This Love Be Translated?, My Life With the Walter Boys, The Abandons, and Our Living World, while also suggesting nearby hikes, restaurants and attractions for anyone wanting to visit the real-life locations. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Delays Heritage Conservation Changes. Banff council has postponed a decision on proposed heritage bylaw changes until October after residents raised concerns about a plan that would let owners of protected heritage buildings sell their unused development rights to other properties. Supporters say the tool could encourage owners to preserve historic buildings instead of redeveloping them, while critics worry it could lead to larger developments in some neighbourhoods and create planning headaches. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, July 27, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, July 28, 10:00 PM: DJ Styler Nazo. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Rider Wins Double Silver at Alberta Summer Games. Canmore's Jacques LaCock brought home two silver medals in the U13 mountain biking events at the Alberta Summer Games, finishing second in both the short-track and cross-country races. Coaches say the young rider stood out for battling back through the field in both events, capping what they describe as a breakthrough season.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.