🪨 A Rock Went Viral, Huh?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Stats Can just reported yesterday that Alberta hit 5 million people.  And we’re wondering how many of them will be in Canmore and Banff this long weekend.  Our early estimate: all of them. The good news? With that many people around, you’re guaranteed to see something wild.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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THE G7 WARM-UP: BUCKLE UP, FRIENDS

What’s Happening? With the G7 Summit set for Kananaskis June 15–17, some local disruptions are already in motion. 

Military Activated. CF-18 jets and helicopters are now regularly flying over Kananaskis, while military vehicles move from Edmonton to Calgary. The Canadian Armed Forces are supporting RCMP efforts with surveillance, air mobility, and chemical threat response. Expect low-altitude flyovers and soldiers teaming up with police at local checkpoints.

Info Hub Opens. A G7 community info centre is now open at Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino (1–7 PM weekdays) to answer resident questions. But heads-up: the resort will close to the public from June 14–18, and no RV or semi-truck parking will be allowed from May 26–June 20. 

Banff to Host Pre-Summit Talks. Before the big show, Banff will host G7 finance ministers and central bank governors from May 20–22. Officials say security will be much lighter, with no road closures or public disruptions expected—though the Farmers Market on May 21 might draw bigger crowds than usual.

Highwood Pass Reopening Pushed. Despite earlier reports suggesting Highway 40 might open early to vehicles, Alberta Parks now says Highwood Pass (beginning at the gate near the Kananaskis Lakes junction) will remain closed until June 21.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: COMING SOON TO SPRING CREEK

We’re excited to share with you a first look at a stunning property coming to the market soon!

Located in Arnica Ridge, this 2-bed + den unit offers 1,200 square feet of beautifully kept, move-in-ready space! The open-concept floor plan is stylish and practical, with plenty of storage and high-quality finishes.

In the heart of Spring Creek, enjoy everyday essentials only steps away, like the highly coveted Bridgette Bar, walking paths, coffee shops, and more…

Additional Perks:

✔️ Rooftop deck & private hot tub for exclusive owner use
✔️ Two underground parking stalls (no winter scraping!)
✔️ Built in 2023 with 8 years of New Home Warranty remaining

Want to be the first to know more? Get in touch — Alex & Lori would love to fill you in! Or follow them on Instagram for more property updates.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🪨 A Massive Boulder Blocked Traffic on The Icefields Parkway. A hefty rock rolled onto the road near the Weeping Wall on Tuesday, prompting single-lane alternating traffic. It’s now been cleared—but Banff National Park’s post about it became their most viral of 2025. Turns out, rocks move traffic and the internet.

• 🪵 Bragg Creek Logging Scaled Back—But Tensions Still Running High. West Fraser Timber cut its planned harvest area by 37% after public pushback, but many trail users say the changes don’t go far enough. With hundreds of hectares still on the chopping block, groups worry about long-term damage to a trail network built by volunteers, not government planners.

• ⛰ In Case You Missed It: Arc’teryx Opened A Flagship in Banff. The B.C.-born brand is back in the Rockies with a sleek new Banff store that doubles as a community hub. With local trail maps, Indigenous collaborations, gear rentals, and on-site repairs. The gear’s elite, the vibes are local, the pricing… still Banff.

• 🏞️ Why Are National Parks Becoming Thirst Traps? For our over-50 crowd, a “thirst trap” is just a sexy pic—and Banff, Jasper, and Waterton fan accounts are leaning into it. Think shirtless lumberjacks, sultry glacier shots, and steamy waterfall slow-mos. It’s cheeky, yes—but also a playful nudge to get people to care about conservation. Our stance: sighhhh.

• 📣 Update: Funding Crisis Averted For Stoney Nakoda Students. After weeks of uncertainty, Indigenous Services Canada has stepped up with a renewed commitment to fully fund placements at Exshaw School. Canadian Rockies Public Schools says it’s a huge relief—but also a reminder that without a direct funding link, future disruptions remain very much on the table.

MAY LONG COMES WITH TRAIL CLOSURES

What’s Happening? Just ahead of the May long weekend, Alberta Parks and Parks Canada have issued multiple trail closures and activity restrictions across Banff and Kananaskis. 

Bear With Us. The Rockwall Trail and meadow near the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre are closed until further notice thanks to multiple bears hanging around. There’s also an ongoing bear advisory for the Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Both grizzlies and black bears have been spotted, and officials are urging visitors to leash pets, carry bear spray, and stay alert.

No Wandering at Johnston Canyon. Over in Banff National Park, off-trail use is now banned along Johnston Canyon until November. Why? It’s nesting season for the endangered black swift, a cliff-dwelling bird whose numbers have been in sharp decline. Violators could face fines up to $25,000.

Lake Louise Tightens Up Too. Several trails around Lake Louise—including parts of the Bow River and Louise Creek trails—are closed until mid-October to protect a key wildlife corridor. Double-check all Lake Louise closures before lacing up.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Pickup Soccer Fun. Join a friendly pickup soccer game—just show up and play! Balls, pinnies, and nets are provided. All skill levels are welcome for a fun way to stay active and meet others. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-In Fees Apply. 

• Stretch & Share. Join in for a fun, all-levels yoga class at the Library! Start by sharing your favourite book, then enjoy a 45-min session with instructor Chie Fujimaru. Mats provided. Kids welcome with a caregiver! 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

Saturday

• Mountain Made Market. Say hi and support amazing Canadian artists! Discover one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home goods, and more — all handcrafted with heart and passion. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Civic Centre. 

• Bastion Burger is Popping Up at The Fat Ox. Enjoy smash burgers, drinks, and patio games like Jenga and Cornhole, May 17–18 from 11 AM – 3 PM. It’s burgers, bevvies, and bragging rights in Banff!*

• Interactive Mystery Night. Join the hunt for the stolen Philosopher’s Scone in this fun, interactive whodunnit. Play a character, solve clues, and uncover the thief—or be one! Costumes welcome. Register early to get your role! 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. Grades 7-12.

• Banff Film Fest: Night Two in Canmore. Night two of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a fresh lineup of awe-inspiring adventure films, showcasing incredible journeys, untamed landscapes, and fearless explorers. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15

Sunday

• The NEW Summer Brunch Menu Is On At The Juniper! Smoked salmon boards, five signature bennies, tasty vegan plates, prairie berry waffles with chèvre mascarpone foam — all served on Banff’s best patio. Check out the full menu now. 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Juniper Bistro, Banff.*

• Banked Slalom Meets Pond Skim. Sunshine’s season finale takes the classic banked slalom and throws in a splash of chaos—literally. Come carve, skim, and race through a water-laced terrain course. 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Sunshine Village. $20 to compete, free to watch. 

• Centering Indigeneity in Pride. Join Canmore Pride & Mînî Thnî Two Spirit Pride for a powerful panel discussion amplifying Two-Spirit voices, identities, and lived experiences. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⛷️ Locals Are Grabbing This Ski Deal. The pass most locals grab before May long? This one. SkiBig3’s deal gets you unlimited access to all three resorts (Norquay, Louise, & Sunshine), 50% off at places like Revelstoke and Pano, and $129 buddy tickets. The catch? You’ve got until May 20 to lock in the savings.*

• 🧘🏻‍♀️ Banff’s Best Wellness Weekend (But You Gotta Move). If you’ve been thinking about doing something for yourself, Well in Banff is the perfect excuse. Full weekend of yoga, hikes, saunas, art therapy, live music... and it’s all happening in Banff from May 23-25. Standard passes are almost sold out—definitely don’t wait on this one.*

• 🦌 Don’t Pet The Elk. Getting too close to wildlife puts everyone at risk—including you. Keep your distance, never feed animals, and let them stay wild. This week, tourists in Banff got far too close to the wildlife.  

• 🚴 Banff’s First-Ever Bike “Bus” Is Rolling! This fun, eco-friendly initiative lets students ride their bikes to school as a group, supported by volunteers and parents. It’s a great way to build community, stay active, and make the morning commute safe and social. Route info shared upon registration.

• 🚐 Hop on Route 12. Starting today, May 16, this free daily shuttle takes you from downtown Canmore to Quarry Lake, the Nordic Centre, and Grassi Lakes. Leave the car behind and enjoy easier access to Canmore’s top outdoor spots.

• 🏞️ Lake Louise Awaits — But Is It Thawed Yet? Before your friend from Toronto drags you out there, check the live webcam to see if the ice has actually melted. No point making the trip if the turquoise water’s still under wraps.

• 🥤 Skip The Landfill—Bring Your Reusable Cup. Join Lux Cinema Banff’s Reusable Cup Program and help keep single-use cups out of the landfill. It’s a simple step toward zero waste—and a big win for the planet.

• 👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 Adventurous Couples Model Call. Rocky Mountain Photo is on the hunt to find one couple for an epic styled shoot… on a glacier. As part of their Ice Odyssey Elopement Experience, you’ll get glacier views, pro photos, travel + styling support. To apply: DM a few pics and a short blurb about your love story.

• 🔒 Craig’s Is Closing Soon. After 39 incredible years, Craig’s is closing its doors next month. A true Bow Valley icon, this family-run spot has been serving up legendary all-day breakfasts since 1983. If you haven’t said goodbye with a plate of eggs Benny, pancakes, or a classic burger—now’s the time. Let’s give Craig’s the send-off it deserves.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff’s Debt Down, Reserves Growing. Banff's latest financials show progress on debt reduction and reserve growth, with a $10.1M surplus and strong cash position. While capital reserves remain below ideal levels, the Town is actively investing in infrastructure and steadily rebuilding reserves to support future projects.

• Shape the Future of Your Community. The MD of Bighorn is reviewing its Land Use Bylaw—and your voice matters! This bylaw guides how land can be used or developed, from housing to businesses to green space. Join an open house, workshop, or pop-up in June. Learn more and RSVP.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, May 16th, 2025,  7:00 PM: Open Mic Night. Location:artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Friday, May 16th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Wild T & The Spirit.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, May 16th, 2025, 7:00 PM. DJ Cristobal.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $60 / members $51 / youth $30.

• Saturday, May 16th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Wild T & The Spirit.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, May 17th, 2025,  7:00 PM: Mike Szabo.  Location: Rooster Acoustics, Canmore.. ​$22

SPORTS

• Love, Ice, and a Very Bad Birthday Cake Decision. Canmore local Jennifer Tu’s hilariously human tale from Polar Circus (an epic Rockies ice climb) reminds us that alpine climbing is unpredictable—and so is your stomach after blue-iced Biscoff cake and beer. Her third-place win in Climbing.com’s “Dirtbag Love Story” contest proves that real love is yelling “I s*** myself” while hanging from a frozen waterfall 15 feet above your partner.

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.