🤑 90% of Banff = U.S. Owned

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We know you’ve all been on the edge of your seats waiting for the nail-biting Banff sign verdict. The sign stays put (for now). Council voted 4–3 against spending the extra $10K to remove it early, meaning it’ll stick around on Norquay Road until the planned relocation later this year. Bow Valley Insiders agreed. In our poll from last week, 63% said keep the summer photo ops coming, it’s not worth the additional cost.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

U.S. COMPANY CLEARED IN BANFF TOURISM MONOPOLY PROBE

What’s Happening? The Competition Bureau has dropped its investigation into VIAD Corp, the U.S. company behind Pursuit, despite the company now controlling over 90% of Banff and Jasper’s paid sightseeing market. Critics are calling it a federal fumble, especially in the middle of a U.S.–Canada trade standoff.

The Backstory. Last year, Pursuit (owned by VIAD) bought the Jasper SkyTram, adding to its already massive footprint: Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield tours, Golden Skybridge, Minnewanka cruises, Maligne Lake cruises, Brewster buses, and more. The move triggered complaints from Canadian competitors like Mt. Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise, who claimed Pursuit’s bundling tactics (offering deep discounts for packaged attractions) were squeezing them out.

Case Closed? The Bureau now says there’s “inadequate evidence” that the merger reduces competition. But Norquay’s Adam Waterous isn’t buying it. He says the refusal to act is politically motivated, tied to Ottawa’s recent shelving of its digital sales tax after U.S. pressure.

Why It Matters. This isn’t just about gondolas and glacier tours. Critics argue a near-monopoly lets Pursuit raise prices, crowd out local operators, and contribute to Banff’s notorious traffic jams. And while Parks Canada has greenlit nearly all of Pursuit’s expansions since 2011, it’s blocked similar projects, like Norquay’s proposed townsite gondola.

The Takeaway. Visitors might not notice who owns what, but one company now controls most of Banff and Jasper’s top attractions. Critics say that dominance drives up prices and sidelines Canadian competitors. Pursuit, meanwhile, argues its bundled offerings improve access and value for visitors. 

DEAR AIRBNB, WE NEED TO TALK.

It’s over.

You were fun at first. Quirky décor, self check-in, the thrill of pretending I lived in Canmore. But then… you changed.

You got expensive.

You stopped respecting the neighbours.

You left streets full of homes, but no neighbours.

I want something real now.

Something built for people, not weekend profits.

Something where I can hang my coat and stay a while.

So I’m moving on—to Altitude by Logel Homes. It’s a brand-new development in Three Sisters Mountain Village with 239 condos and townhomes starting from $399,900. Built for full-time living, not revolving guests.

There’s a sauna. A hot tub. A fireplace that doesn’t come with a cleaning fee.

Phase 1 is almost sold out, and the next building has already launched.

I hope you find what you’re looking for, Airbnb.

But I’m done pretending.

I’m buying a home.

Click here to talk to Lauren at Altitude. (Our Publisher, Ben, already did).

_{*Presented by Logel Homes.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛶 Illegal Canoe Rental Ends in Lake Louise Rescue. A trio who allegedly rented a green canoe from an unlicensed operator at Lake Louise needed rescuing by the Fairmont Chateau’s boat rescue team on July 3. The canoe, which was rented from a man in a floral-print cap, sparked a law enforcement probe after the incident. Wardens are now seeking tips, photos, or witness accounts to identify the individual.

• 🐻 Tourists Swarm Bear in Risky Close Encounter. A roadside bear sighting near Banff turned dangerous as over 40 people left their cars, some just 5m from a feeding bear. The bear was foraging on buffalo berries, a critical food source that is ripening early this year. Wildlife experts warn that this kind of crowding can lead to relocation or even the loss of the animal.

• 🤒 Measles Alert for Banff Gondola Riders. If you were at the Banff Gondola on July 9 between 2–5 PM, you may have left with more than a photo of Sulphur Mountain. Alberta Health Services confirms a measles exposure window during that time. If you lack two doses of the vaccine, monitor for symptoms and call 1-844-944-3434. 

• 🖼️ Priceless Painting Accidentally Sold at Historic Site. Staff at Bar U Ranch are trying to track down a mystery buyer who unknowingly purchased a $10,000 painting that was never meant to be for sale. The artwork, by Calgary artist Corrie Buwalda, vanished after a new employee mistakenly sold it just 10 minutes into their shift. Next time someone asks how to invest in art, maybe just say “visit the Bar U gift shop.”

• 🙌 Canmore Museologist Appointed to Order of Canada. Robert Janes thought the Governor General’s office was calling for a reference, not to induct him into the Order of Canada. The longtime Canmore resident is being recognized for reshaping the museum world through Indigenous repatriation, ethical stewardship, and a career that started in a tipi, not a boardroom.

Stop paying for ads people recycle ♻️

You know the ones. Wedged between the tire sales and supermarket coupons.

Bow Valley Insider lands where 15,000+ locals actually pay attention — their inbox.

It’s sharp. It’s local. It works.

➡️ Let’s get your business in here where it belongs

WHAT LOCALS REALLY THINK ABOUT LIFE IN THE ROCKIES

What's Happening? Two fresh surveys from Canmore and Banff reveal that while mountain life still gets high marks, locals are feeling the pinch from rising costs, overcrowding, and housing woes.

Quality of Life, With a Caveat. In both towns, over 90% of residents said their quality of life is “good” or “very good.” But when asked if things are getting better? Not so much. In Canmore, half said their quality of life has worsened over the past three years, mainly due to housing affordability, cost of living, and development. In Banff, one-third said things had declined, citing similar concerns, plus the added headache of tourist overcrowding.

Top of Mind: Housing. Housing remains public enemy #1. In both towns, it far outpaced other concerns like traffic, land use, or growth management. In Canmore, nearly half were unsatisfied with the Vital Homes program. In Banff, 58% of residents said housing was unaffordable, which is right in line with previous years.

Municipal Services: A Silver Lining. Despite gripes about growth and cost, most residents still feel they’re getting solid value for their taxes and are generally satisfied with local services, especially trash collection and green space in Banff, and overall safety in Canmore.

Want to dig deeper? View the full Canmore study and Banff study for all the data points, charts, and fine print.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Grab & Go Wings Special. Take home 2 lbs of marinated chicken wings, kettle chips, and mini cucumbers for just $23. Bold, hearty, and fresh! Perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Don’t miss out on this combo! 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Valbella, Canmore.*

• Pride in the Park. This month, Canmore Pride teams up with Beau Valley Circus who will be bringing fun activities to try out! Think slack lines, hula hoops, and juggling. A casual hang with light snacks provided. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free. 

Thursday

• Canmore Mountain Market. Shop fresh produce, meat, baked goods, and crafts. Live music and food trucks too! 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to Attend.

• Teen Financial Literacy. Students in Grades 10–12 are invited to join ATB Financial for a 5-part series on financial literacy and starting a business. In this session, learn about account fees, limits, joint accounts, and power of attorney. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• $18 Nachos in Banff. Get your crunch on. Piled-high, cheesy, fully-loaded nachos for just $18. Perfect for sharing (or not hehe). A tasty way to spice up your week, right in Banff. 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Evergreen, Banff.*

OPERA MEETS DYSTOPIA: THE HANDMAID’S TALE AT BANFF CENTRE

Banff Centre presents the fully staged premiere of a new chamber arrangement of The Handmaid’s Tale. Composed by Poul Ruders with a libretto by Paul Bentley, this new arrangement by acclaimed pianist Dan Schlosberg is performed by Interplay faculty and participants.

Conducted by Kamna Gupta and directed by Brenna Corner, the production marks the culmination of a month-long opera and chamber music residency in the Rockies.

Don’t miss this bold night of music and world-class performance, happening Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 PM.

🎟️ Get your tickets now 

🎥 Watch the trailer

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎭 Final Curtain Weekend. It’s your last chance to catch Canmore’s cheapest entertainment (unless skinny dipping in the Bow counts). The Summer Theatre Festival wraps up July 20. Catch The Wizard of Oz at 1 PM and Treasure Island at 7 PM daily in Centennial Park. Two classic tales, one outdoor stage. Just bring a blanket and enjoy one or both shows. Get tickets here (they’re selling fast).*

• 🍔 Georgetown Inn’s Burger Put to the Test.  We’re still on the hunt for the best burgers in Canmore and Banff. Our local chef, Dallas Suttie, sinks his teeth into the Cheddar Bacon Burger, stacking it up against other Bow Valley classics. Watch the full review and let us know what you think.

• 📢 Calling All Musicians. Valley Winds Music Association is now registering for the 2025–2026 season. No auditions or sight-reading required. Choirs, bands, & good times await. New friends guaranteed, and yes, singing in the shower totally counts as experience. Learn more & register.*

• 🧹 Highway Clean-Up Needs Volunteers. Help clean up the David Thompson Highway on July 19 from 10 AM–1 PM. Walk the road, trails, and campsites collecting trash. Wear sturdy gear (boots, gloves, sun protection). Prizes included. To join, email [email protected].

• 🤝 The Loft Has a New Owner. After 10 years at the helm of The Loft—a Canmore beard and beauty lounge offering cuts, colour, highlights, and esthetics—Liz Willard has passed the reins to Bow Valley local Aleasha Angelo. Cheers to new adventures for both the outgoing and incoming queens of self-care.

• 🥣 Cooking on a Budget. Banff residents! Learn to cook delicious, filling meals on a budget guided by a Banff Springs Hotel chef and Alberta Health Services dietitian. First up: Black bean and cheese burritos and flavored oatmeal packets. $5+gst includes all ingredients. 

• 🚌 ROAM Transit Survey. It’s that time of year again. Roams wants to hear from you to help shape the future of Roam Public Transit. Your feedback helps improve your ride, plan better routes, and deliver the service you need. Take the survey here. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Tour The New MD of Bighorn Facility. Join the MD of Bighorn for the grand opening of the newly built Operations Facility. There will be speeches, ribbon cutting, refreshments & light fares, and facility tours. Due to limited parking, you’re encouraged to bike and carpool. RSVP here. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, 6:00 PM. Joal Kamps. Location: Banff, Gondola. The show is free, but you must make it to the top of the mountain.

• Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, 9:30 PM. Latin Fiesta. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $8.79.

• Thursday, July 17th, 2025, 6:00 PM. Julie & Chris.. Location: Banff, Gondola. The show is free, but you must make it to the top of the mountain.

• Thursday, July 17th, 2025, 6:30 PM. Mari Rosehill at the Larkspur Lounge. Location: Rimrock, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, July 17th, 2025, 7:30 PM. Pierre Bensusan. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. regular $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15.

SPORTS

• Bow Valley Runners Dominate Sinister 7. Strides Canmore’s Drew Ratzlaff took the win at the Sinister 7 100-miler, with fellow Bow Valley runners not far behind, stacking podiums and braving scorching heat in Crowsnest Pass. Special congrats to Mike Fitzy for also crushing the 100-miler milestone. Absolute legends, all of you.

• Rugby: Banff Bears Pull Off Last-Second Comeback. Down to the wire at Sundance Park, the Banff Bears clinched a wild win over the Calgary Canucks with a final-play try from Ian Standish. The 5-1-1 squad hasn’t lost in six games and heads to Calgary next weekend riding serious momentum.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.