🐎 Baby Horse Gets Rescued

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Alberta Parks is turning 95 this Sunday and like any good birthday it’s a great excuse to ditch your plans and head outside. Hike a trail, paddle a lake, make s’mores…we don’t care, just get out there. Tons of free events across the Bow Valley. Full schedule is in the calendar below.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

LOCALS RESCUE STRANDED BABY HORSE ON THE KANANASKIS RIVER

What’s Happening? Two paddlers on the Kananaskis River pulled off a real-life Disney moment, rescuing a struggling baby horse from drowning by hauling it into their raft and strapping on a life jacket.

The Rescue Plan. Canmore local Anna Gleig and her friend Ava Haddad spotted the foal pinned against a bridge post, separated from its panicked herd. With the river over 12 feet deep, they acted fast by looping back, grabbing the foal by the neck, and paddling it to shore.

One Problem: It Wouldn’t Stay. Every time they tried to leave, the foal followed them into the water. So they did what any good-hearted rafter would do: put a life jacket on it, loaded it back in the boat, and let it nap.

Happy Ending. After a few frantic phone calls and a float down to Seebe, they handed the foal off to a local rancher from Mînî Thnî. The foal was reunited with its mom.

Not a First. In 2021, a horse fell through the ice on the Bow River near Morley. Locals from Stoney Nakoda First Nation braved the freezing water to lasso and haul it out. One rescuer described the horse’s recovery as “divine intervention.”

Bigger Picture. Alberta’s wild horse population has more than doubled in the past decade, from just over 700 in 2015 to nearly 1,500 today. As wild horse encounters rise, the province says better management is key to protecting both animals and ecosystems.

THEY WENT FAST: NATURE’S EDGE SELLS OUT

You may recall that a few months ago, we mentioned the new Nature’s Edge development, the latest boutique townhome project from Distinctive Homes. Well, Phase 1 of Nature’s Edge is officially gone. Every last 2, 3, and 4-bedroom unit, snapped up.

And we get it. With rooftop patios, private hot tubs, attached garages, and upscale finishes, these thoughtfully designed townhomes were an easy yes for a lot of folks. Tucked just far enough from the crowds but still close to everything you love, it was the best of both worlds, and buyers noticed.

The Good News? Phase 2 is on the way. And if you want early access (and first dibs), now’s the time to get on the list. Register here and be sure to follow our friends, Alex and Lori, on Instagram for more market updates.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 📊 98% of Readers Say: Keep Banff Canadian. The Competition Bureau dropped its investigation into US-owned Pursuit’s tourism monopoly in Banff National Park, but Bow Valley locals aren’t letting it slide. Of 908 voters in our poll, 98% want Canadian ownership prioritized in national parks. One reader wrote, “Seems like such a no-brainer.” Another added, “These are national parks, not international business parks.” Read all the community comments here. 

• 🗻 Speaking of Tourism…Thinking of Visiting The Athabasca Icefields? You don’t actually need a tour ticket to get up close, and locals say the free 1.4km walk is the better experience. Fewer crowds, more time on the trail, and none of the theme park vibes. For a more adventurous option, longer hikes like Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass offer even better glacier views. Read our full article here. 

• 🏗️ Mount Robson Inn is Rising Again. After last year’s devastating Jasper wildfire, the site has officially been cleared and construction is about to begin. Locals and past guests flooded the rebuild announcement on Facebook with love, memories, and hope. Mount Robson Inn was established in 1970 and has been owned and operated by Jasper’s Gulevich family for three generations. We’re cheering for you guys!

• 🐻 Two New Bear Warnings in Effect. A grizzly has been active near Lusk Creek, Stoney Creek Group Camp, and the U of C’s Barrier Lake Research Station, prompting an official bear warning. Meanwhile, Parks Canada has closed the Hillsdale area near Ranger Creek along the Bow Valley Parkway until August 31 to protect wildlife. The closure is near Johnston Canyon, but the popular trail and parking lot are still open. 

• ⛰️ Castle Mountain Gets Its First High-Speed Lift. Castle Mountain is installing the Stagecoach Express, a high-speed quad opening for the 2025/26 season. The refurbished lift will unlock 25% more lift-accessed terrain, pulling from the cat skiing zone on Mt. Haig. It’s the resort’s biggest infrastructure upgrade ever and its first new lift since 2006. We just asked around the office if anyone’s skied Castle. No takers. So we’re hoping some of you have.

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FAIRMONT LAUNCHES BANFF’S FIRST LUXURY NORDIC SPA

What’s Happening? Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is opening a Nordic-style spa on Sept. 15, and it’s a first for Banff National Park. Called BASIN Glacial Waters, the year-round wellness centre promises deep relaxation with a glacier-fed view.

Luxury Meets Cold Plunge. The $130M makeover includes saunas (dry, steamy, and everything in between), an open-air infinity pool, cold/hot plunge circuits, and even a Turkish hammam (essentially a European bathhouse with spa-level upgrades).

Choose Your Own Chill. Guests can pick from five themed “choose your own adventure’ spa itineraries, each designed to guide your body toward a goal like sleep, calm, or just recovering from jet leg. And here’s something we didn’t have on our Banff bingo card: there are daily group sauna ceremonies led by official “sauna masters” tossing infused steam into the air (read: a guy waves a towel to funnel hot, aromatic air right at your face). 

Sorry, Locals. For now, BASIN is only open to overnight hotel guests. Access for non-guests is coming eventually, but until then, we’ll be outside in our bathrobes, waiting for the invite.

P.S. If we ever stop sending these newsletters, it’s because we’ve been recruited as full-time sauna masters. We always knew journalism was a stepping stone.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Author Signing. Meet Bindu Suresh, a Montreal-based author and former journalist turned pediatrician whose writing blends medicine and literature, shaped by a life lived across Canada. Catch her at Cafe Books in Canmore from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free to attend.

• Free Family Movie. Take a break from summer adventures and enjoy Star Wars: Attack of the Clones at the Canmore Library. Running from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this free drop-in event includes movie snacks and family-friendly fun.

Saturday

• Guided Hiking Experience – Mount Yamnuska. Join Alpine Air Adventures for a full-day trek with epic views, starting at 8:00 AM from Helly Hansen in Banff. Includes breakfast or lunch, Helly Hansen swag, and supports Search & Rescue. Cost is $22.63.

• Background Beats & Patio Pints.  Ted Woodhouse is a groove-savvy singer and instrumentalist in country-blues and pop. He’s known for leading the High Country Band and the Sail Cats. In short, kind of a big deal. 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

• Weekend Happy Hour at The Boss. Enjoy a great selection of both food and drinks, including $6 mini margherita pizzas, and signature Boss Burger. Head to the lounge from 3-6 PM for a family-friendly happy hour, or from 9-11 PM for adults only.*

• Opera In A Pub? Yes, Really. Grab a drink and enjoy an evening of powerful voices and live music in a relaxed, welcoming setting. No tuxedos, no rules. Just incredible performances up close. A fresh, fun way to experience opera! 7:30 PM. Banff Legion. Free to Attend.*

Sunday

• Alberta Parks Day. Celebrate 95 years of Alberta Parks with outdoor fun across the Bow Valley. Hit the trails in Peter Lougheed, paddle Upper Kananaskis Lake, or chill lakeside at Spray Valley. All day. Free. Check full schedule. 

• Canmore Enduro at the Nordic Centre. With over 250 riders and some of the Bow Valley’s best trails, the Canmore Enduro is more than just a mountain bike race, it’s a full-day experience. Clinics, youth discounts, vendors, and post-race stoke make it a local highlight. Free to watch, but you’ll need a Kananaskis pass to park.

• Canmore’s Alternative, Metal & Punk Fest Returns. Catch bands from Banff, Morley, Calgary & beyond, from symphonic folk metal to ska punk. Fully licensed, all ages, and packed with local heavy talent. Something loud for everyone! 1:00 PM - 12:00 AM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $40 / members $34 / youth $20.*

• Sweaty Sundays. Presented by Banff Pride because they want you to be proud of yourself. This is an explosive cardio workout suitable for all levels. 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM. Summit Lifestyle & Performance. Free, but register early. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 👉 Amazing Race Canada Returns to the Bow Valley. Season 11 stopped in Lake Louise, where Calgary brothers Esosa & Osas Igbinosun braved ice blocks and tested their roping skills. The stunning Rockies backdrop made for epic TV moments before teams raced on to Golden, BC.

• 🙋 Join Canmore Food & Friends Volunteers. Every Monday, Food & Friends serves up a nutritious, pay-what-you-can meal, and they’re always looking for helping hands. Whether you’re into cooking, serving, grocery shopping, or setting tables, there’s a role for you. Sign up here.

• 📀 New Bow Valley Music. Congratulations to Canmore musician Ellen Braun who dropped two fresh tracks ahead of her next album, releasing August 22. Available online now. 

• 🦮 Friendly Dog Reminder Near Mînî Thnî. Free-roaming community dogs often hang out by the highway, hoping for handouts. They have loving families and homes. Please don’t feed them, as it keeps them near traffic. If a dog appears injured or in distress, call Cochrane Humane Society, Morley RCMP, or Stoney Security.

• 🛎️ New Canmore Restaurant. Axis Bar and Kitchen is now open inside Solara Resort and Spa. Word is happy hour runs 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, with a late-night edition (9:00 PM–11:00 PM) launching next week. That’s all we know right now. We’ll keep you posted. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Parking Changes in Exshaw and Dead Man’s Flats. New “No Parking” signs are coming to Exshaw and Dead Man’s Flats to improve safety and sightlines. Key areas include Cougar Mountain Cres, Diamond Drive, River’s Bend, and 2nd Avenue. Watch for new signage soon and help keep roads and intersections clear.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, July 18th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Summer Patio Afternoons: Mister Bird.. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. Free. 

• Friday, July 18th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Pace Yourself by Break A Sweat.. Location: Banff Ave Brewing Company. $5 Cash Cover.

• Saturday, July 19th, 2025, 3:00 PM. Ted Woodhouse. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Saturday, July 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Fonzie Scheme.. Location: The Drake, Pub, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, July 19th, 10:00 PM: Red Mile High. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.  

• Sunday, July 20th, 2025, 1:00 PM. AmpFest IV.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $40 / members $34 / youth $20.

• Sunday, July 20th, 2025, 2:00 PM. Alexander Malikov, Classical Piano.. Location: St. George in the Pines Anglican Church, Banff.. $30.

SPORTS

• Canmore Biathlete Wins Big in Italy. Pascale Paradis, a Canmore-based national team biathlete, skied to first place in the women’s super sprint at Italy’s Frassinoro Summer Biathlon Festival, beating Olympic and World Championship medallists after signing up last minute. The surprise win gives her a confidence boost heading into the 2026 Olympic season.

• Canmore’s Arden Young Named One of Canada’s Top Trail Runners. After a breakout season in 2024, Arden Young is officially on the map. The Canmore-based runner snagged top finishes at Black Canyon, Canyons Endurance, and UTMB CCC, plus a win in Puerto Vallarta. Canadian Running named her one of eight trail runners to watch this year, and we agree.

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.