👸 A Princess Climbs The Rockies

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Our video producer Megan is racing the 10K in the Melissa’s Road Race in Banff on Saturday, so we’ll be cheering her on. For everyone not racing, you might want to think twice before driving into Banff Saturday morning. The race runs from 10:30 AM to 2 PM, with closures and traffic interruptions affecting Banff Avenue, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Bow Falls Avenue, Golf Course Road, and several other streets. Some closures start as early as 7 AM. See all closures and detours here. 

-Ben S., Fortune Whelan, Cassandra Stefanic, Brendan Nogue, Alexia Chambers, Keith Fernandes

SHE’S SEVEN. SHE’S CLIMBED 22 MOUNTAINS IN A YEAR. SOMETIMES SHE WEARS A PRINCESS DRESS.

What’s Happening? Seven-year-old Ellie Saba has spent the last three years hiking increasingly serious Rocky Mountain objectives with her dad, Braiden McDowell. Bow Valley Insider chatted with McDowell about how a first trip to Troll Falls turned into nearly weekly mountain adventures, including 22 new summits in 2025 alone.

And She’s Not Exactly Sticking To Kid-Friendly Trails. This summer, Ellie has summited Mount Bogart, Mount Galatea, Snow Peak and several others. She celebrated her seventh birthday with cake and presents atop Boundary Peak, an eight-kilometre hike with 901 metres of elevation gain.

Two weeks later came Mount Daly: 29 kilometres, 2,166 metres of elevation gain and a 16.5-hour day that ended with three hours hiking in the dark. Sometimes, she tackles these mountains in a princess dress.

“People are always shocked every time to see her up there,” McDowell said. “She truly does it herself.”

It Started With Troll Falls. McDowell had barely hiked himself when he took Ellie to Troll Falls at three years and nine months old. Since then, they’ve headed into the mountains almost every weekend, gradually increasing the distance and technical difficulty.

Safety, he says, determines where they go. They’ve turned around roughly five times because terrain became too technical, but never because they were tired.

Earlier this summer, Ellie slipped crossing a creek while attempting the 40-kilometre Elbow Loop and broke her arm. A helicopter crew flew them out. She was hiking again within a month.

Just How Much Hiking Are We Talking? In 2025, Ellie hiked 54 times, covering 756 kilometres and 53,456 metres of elevation gain. That’s roughly equivalent to climbing from sea level to the summit of Everest six times.

So, What’s Next? McDowell is considering the Canadian Rockies’ “11,000er challenge,” a list of 58 peaks reaching at least 11,000 feet. The current youngest finisher completed it at 26 (and you might remember him from our story earlier this year).

But McDowell says any attempt would unfold over Ellie’s childhood. For now, there’s no checklist. They’re mostly picking mountains that look fun and heading out together.

Read our full interview and see more pictures of Ellie’s summits

WHAT CAN GO WRONG WHEN A BOW VALLEY HOME SITS EMPTY.

A Bow Valley home can sit empty for weeks without a problem. But when something does go wrong, an empty home gives it plenty of time to get worse.

A slow leak can spread through flooring and drywall. A heating failure can lead to frozen pipes. Wind, snow or ice can damage the exterior, while an appliance or sump pump can fail Without triggering an obvious alert.

That’s where North Summit Home Watch comes in.

The Canmore-based company provides scheduled, documented home checks for second-home and vacation-property owners while they’re away.

And this isn’t someone popping in, glancing around and locking the door.

North Summit begins by learning how your home operates and documenting its current condition. During each visit, they systematically check the exterior, doors, windows, visible plumbing, appliances, heating, water heater, sump-pump area, alarm panel and other accessible systems.

They also look and listen for anything that has changed, from water stains and unusual noises to pest activity or signs someone has approached the property.

Afterward, you receive confirmation of the visit and a documented summary. Photos and video can help you see changes for yourself, while urgent concerns are communicated promptly.

North Summit doesn’t promise that nothing will go wrong. It gives problems less time to go unnoticed.

Book A Free 15-Minute Security Consult

_{*Presented by North Summit Home Watch.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛖 A New Abbot Pass Hut Could Be Coming. Parks Canada has received an application from the Alpine Club of Canada to build a new mountaineering hut near the former Abbot Pass Hut, which was dismantled in 2022 after erosion made it unsafe. There’s still a long road ahead: the proposal must undergo Parks Canada’s most detailed environmental review, a process that can take years. The original hut stood between Banff and Yoho for a century, and Parks Canada spent more than $600,000 trying to save it before demolition. Here’s everything we know.

• 🏆 Four Bow Valley Hotels Earn MICHELIN’s Hotel Honour. MICHELIN doesn’t just recognize restaurants. Its “Keys” recognize standout hotels for their design, service and overall experience, and four Bow Valley properties earned One Key for 2026: Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Post Hotel & Spa, and The Lodge at Bow Lake. We priced the same October night at all four and found rates ranging from about $718 to more than $2,400 before taxes and fees. See what you actually get for those very different price tags. 

• 🧑‍🚒 A New Fireguard Is Being Proposed Near Bragg Creek. Rocky View County is exploring a fireguard on Crown land immediately west of the community. The project would remove or thin trees and other vegetation to help slow wildfires and give firefighters a safer place to respond. The County has applied for provincial funding, with a decision expected Sept. 30. Even if funding is approved, council would still decide whether to proceed after public feedback, including concerns around protecting existing recreational trails. An open house runs Monday, Sept. 28 to learn more. 

• 🔥 Wildfire Season Isn’t Over Yet. Despite the cooler nights and shorter days, wildfire danger in the Calgary Forest Area, which includes the Bow Valley, has climbed to high after several warm, dry days quickly dried out vegetation. Strong, gusty winds are also increasing the risk of fast-moving fires. There are currently no active wildfires in the area, but officials are reminding people to be especially careful with campfires as grasses and other vegetation dry out for fall. 

We’re Looking For Canmore Businesses People Are Overlooking

Do you run a Canmore business and wonder: Why the heck don’t more people know about us?

Maybe you offer an incredible experience, class or service people would genuinely love if they knew it existed.

That’s why we’re launching a new Bow Valley Insider series: The Other Side Of Canmore.

We’re showcasing businesses and experiences that even people who live here might not know about.

We recently filmed our first episode at Creekside Villa, highlighting their surprisingly affordable wellness classes. Now we’re looking for more businesses to consider.

To be clear: This is a paid partnership opportunity. Our team will come experience what you offer first to make sure it’s a good fit.

If it is, we’ll go hard at making sure people know about it.

➡️ Think we should check out your business? Fill out this quick form and tell us about it.

ELK ACCOUNT FOR NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF AGGRESSIVE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS IN NEW STUDY

What’s Happening? Elk accounted for nearly two-thirds of aggressive wildlife encounters documented in a new study of 25 Canadian national parks and historic sites. And with mating season underway, it’s a timely reminder that the elk you encounter on an everyday Bow Valley walk deserve plenty of space.

First, Some Important Context. Researchers examined 2,878 aggressive incidents involving five large mammal species between 2010 and 2023. Elk accounted for 1,803, more than any other species studied.

That doesn’t mean nearly two-thirds of all elk encounters turned aggressive. The study only examined incidents already classified as aggressive, ranging from displays and bluff charges to chases and attacks. Just 47 of all 2,878 incidents resulted in human injury or death.

And These Aren’t Just Backcountry Encounters. Walking and hiking were part of the study’s “low impact” category, which accounted for 704 aggressive encounters, the most of any activity category. Another 643 occurred in townsites, with elk involved in 73.3% of those incidents.

Banff and Jasper national parks together accounted for 80% of all aggressive incidents in the dataset, although the study did not include all of Canmore or the wider Bow Valley.

Why It Matters Right Now. Elk rutting season is underway and expected to last until mid-October. WildSmart program director Nick de Ruyter told Bow Valley Insider that bull elk can become aggressive toward people, dogs, cyclists and even vehicles that get too close.

“I think people do underestimate them and think they’re just like a big deer,” he said.

Parks Canada recommends staying at least 30 metres from elk, while de Ruyter recommends giving bulls at least 100 metres during the rut.

If One Blocks Your Trail? Wait or find another route. Don’t sneak past it for the sake of finishing your walk, and definitely don’t move closer for a photo.

As de Ruyter put it: “Just give them lots of space.”

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Dirty Bingo At The Exshaw Legion. The Exshaw Legion is hosting an adults-only bingo night, combining classic bingo with laughs and some decidedly not-so-classic prizes. The kitchen and bar will be open throughout the evening. Doors 6:00 PM. Bingo 7:00 PM. Exshaw Legion. 18+. $10 cover.*

• Two Nights of Live Music At The Drake. Flatline Phoenix is taking over The Drake Friday and Saturday night with a mix of pop-rock, indie and covers. If live music and a late-night pint sound like your kind of weekend, you’ve got two chances to catch them. 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM. The Drake, Canmore. No cover.* 

Saturday

• ’90s Trivia and Pottery. Test your knowledge of ’90s sitcoms, music and fashion while painting your own mug, wine glass or bowl at Canmore Brewing. Your $30 registration includes the pottery piece, painting supplies, trivia, glazing and firing. And since you’re at a brewery, you can grab a pint while you put those ’90s memories to work. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. $30. Pre-registration required.*

•  Bob Dylan Tribute Night. Lonnie Glass is performing a night of Bob Dylan, with a steak BBQ before the show. You can make an afternoon of it too, with the Legion’s meat draw starting at 3 PM. Steak BBQ at 6:00 PM. Show at 7:00 PM. Exshaw Legion. $30 for dinner and the show.*

Sunday

• Canadian Rockies Quilt Show. Canmore is hosting two days of colourful quilts this weekend, with everything from traditional and modern designs to art and 3D pieces. There’ll also be vendors, a silent auction and live demonstrations. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. $10. Tickets at the door.

THE BIGGEST MYTH ABOUT GARAGE DOORS

Most of us have our furnace serviced. We change the oil in our vehicles. We even remember to clean our gutters.

But the largest moving object in most homes?

It usually doesn't get a second thought.

According to the team at Alpine Doors, one of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that garage doors don't need regular maintenance. The reality is they're made up of dozens of moving parts, including springs, rollers, cables, hinges and tracks, that experience wear every time the door opens and closes.

A routine service appointment can catch worn components before they fail, helping prevent inconvenient breakdowns and extending the life of your garage door and opener. It also gives technicians a chance to inspect important safety features and ensure everything is operating properly.

The good news? Most maintenance visits are straightforward, and many minor issues can be fixed before they turn into costly repairs.

If it's been years since anyone looked at your garage door, it may be time to give one of the hardest-working parts of your home the attention it deserves.

The local team at Alpine Doors has been helping Bow Valley homeowners and businesses keep their garage doors running safely and smoothly since 1997. 

Learn more or request a free quote.

_{*Presented by Alpine Doors.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥾 New Pocaterra Cirque Trail Is Now Open. Some good news for Kananaskis hikers: the newly built trail through Pocaterra Cirque is officially open. The professionally constructed route replaces the muddy, steep hiker-created trails that previously criss-crossed the area, while still connecting hikers with Pocaterra Ridge, Grizzly Col and Highwood Ridge. One small ask from Alberta Parks while it settles in: avoid hiking it when wet, as sections of the brand-new trail can still become prone to damage. 

• 🎬 Ride The Cyclone Tickets Are On Sale. It’s still a few weeks away, but Pine Tree Players shows have a habit of selling out, so now’s a good time to grab tickets. The darkly funny musical follows six teenagers who die in a roller coaster accident and find themselves competing for the chance to return to life. Ride the Cyclone runs Nov. 18-28 at the Canmore Miners’ Union Hall in downtown Canmore, with tickets at $35. There’s also a Pay What You Can performance on opening night, Nov. 18.*

• 🐯 Cougar Warning Issued In South Kananaskis. Alberta Parks has issued a cougar warning for the Meadow Loop and Loggers trails in Sheep River Provincial Park after a carcass was found within the trail network. The park is in southern Kananaskis, off Highway 546. The warning is in effect until further notice, with visitors advised to travel in groups, make noise, carry bear spray, keep children close and keep pets leashed. 

• 🔥 More Fireguard Work Underway In Lake Louise. Crews are back at work on the Lake Louise Community Fire Guard this week, hand-thinning trees near Pipestone and the Great Divide Trail to reduce wildfire risk. Trails are expected to stay open, though active work areas will be temporarily closed. You might also spot smoke from Highway 1 as you drive through town, with pile burning planned when conditions allow. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Expect Bridge Closures And Detours Around Canmore. Bridge and culvert work is underway at several spots around town and is expected to continue through Oct. 25. The list includes the 8 Street and 10 Street bridges, two bridges along Policeman’s Creek Trail, Spring Creek Drive Bridge, Spurline Policeman’s Pond Bridge and the Silvertip Trail culvert. Expect temporary road, pathway and trail closures, detours, construction traffic and some extra noise. Check affected areas.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 25th, 2026, 9:30 PM: Ramblin' Hey Ho Ha's.  Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, September 26th, 2026, 4:30 PM: Oktoberfest.  Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, September 26th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Dougasaurus Decks.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

SPORTS

• New Program Aims To Get More Alberta Kids Skiing. Alberta Alpine has received provincial funding to launch First Tracks, a two-year initiative helping eligible young skiers get started with local clubs. Support will include credits toward registration and event fees, connections with participating clubs and qualified coaching. Have a kid who wants to try alpine skiing? Check out the official announcement here. 

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.