👰‍♀️ Banff Bride Fakes Her Death

Good morning, Bow Valley!

The Canmore Quad season is officially on—and local trail runner Kyle Long might’ve just been the first one to complete it for 2025. His route? A 60km, 4,876m sufferfest linking Lady Mac, Grotto, EEOR, and Ha Ling—all on foot. It’s part ultra, part mental chess match—and very much a Bow Valley rite of passage. Read the full story of Kyle’s epic day on the peaks.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

“I spent $1200 in the local paper, and got zero calls.”

We hear this all the time.

Bow Valley Insider reaches 12,000+ locals — and our partners actually see results.

If you’re done with outdated marketing…

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s talk about what works.

MILITARY HELICOPTERS BEGIN NIGHT FLIGHTS FOR G7

What’s Happening? With the G7 Summit just days away, military helicopters are now running low-level night training missions, and a temporary no-fly zone is about to ground local tourism flights.

Eyes on the Sky.  Starting yesterday (June 5th) and going until June 18th, Royal Canadian Air Force helicopters will be flying below 2,000 feet between 10 PM and 6 AM around Nakiska and Kananaskis Village. The goal? Prep for every possible scenario as security ramps up for world leaders arriving June 15–17. Fighter jets have already been spotted flying in formation, and the RCMP says this visible presence is part of a coordinated effort to keep the region secure.

Grounded and Regulated. Tourism flights operated by Alpine Helicopters will be grounded June 14–17, with exceptions for emergency services. The company says it will coordinate with military air traffic controllers and continue rescue and fire missions through government channels.

Impact on Locals. Expect noise, restrictions—and maybe compensation. Businesses affected by security measures may be eligible for full reimbursement.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 4-124 SILVERTIP RIDGE

Say hello to 4-124 Silvertip Ridge! A beautifully cared-for half-duplex tucked into one of Canmore’s most desirable neighborhoods, just steps from the Silvertip Golf Course.

With 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and over 2,500 square feet, there’s plenty of space for family and friends to enjoy the jaw-dropping mountain views…Soak in the Three Sisters, Ha Ling, and East End of Rundle in all their glory through the South-facing windows and wrap-around deck.

Check out the property tour here.

Property Highlights:

✔️ Private BBQ deck
✔️ Chef’s Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances
✔️ Vaulted Primary Suite with Generous 5pce Ensuite & Unobstructed Views
✔️ Attached Double Car Garage

This home is the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and rustic charm—ideal for anyone wanting to relax in nature without giving up the finer things. 

Connect with Alex and Lori today, and follow them on Instagram for more property updates.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 👰 Banff Bride Fakes Her Own Death—On Purpose. During a rehearsal dinner at the Fairmont Banff, a bride faked choking mid-toast, collapsed, and was declared "dead"—only for a “detective” to barge in and kick off a full-blown murder mystery. Yes, it was all planned. Yes, the guests lost it. Yes, iconic. Watch the video here. 

• 🧖 Canmore’s Getting a Spa The Size of a Football Field. Basecamp Resorts is opening its first-ever spa this November—Wildwood Nordic Spa— in Canmore. Think hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas, and more. It’s the start of Basecamp’s new spa-focused era, with future spots planned for Banff, Fernie, and beyond. The project faced legal challenges from rival developer Stone Creek Resorts, which was ultimately dismissed by Canmore’s appeal board, allowing construction to proceed.

• 🤝 $900K Boost For Bow Valley Nonprofits. The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation just pledged $900,000 over three years to the Banff Canmore Foundation. The renewed support will help fund grants, mental health programs, and long-term community initiatives—building on a 12-year partnership rooted in post-flood recovery.

• 🔥 Fire Risk in Banff Hits ‘Extreme’. Parks Canada has declared an Extreme fire danger across the Banff Field Unit. Locals are urged to report any smoke or illegal fires to (403) 762-1470. For live wildfire maps and status updates across Alberta, check the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard—it’s the best resource by far (we check it every week).

• 🏘️ New 19-Unit Staff Housing Proposed in Banff. Canalta Hotels wants to build a 19-unit, 39-bedroom apartment complex for staff housing at 448 Cougar Street. The proposal is now under environmental review by Parks Canada. Only two parking spots are planned—bike storage takes the spotlight. Public comments are open until July 2, though it’s old-school: you’ll need to mail them to the address listed on the project page.

CANMORE COUNCIL REWORKS HOUSING BUDGET AFTER COURT RULING

What’s Happening? Canmore’s vacancy tax is delayed until 2026, so council is dipping into reserves to keep its housing plans (and staffing) on track. 

As a Reminder. The tax applies higher rates to properties without a full-time resident, aiming to increase housing availability.

The Workaround. The Town expected to collect $10.3M from the new vacancy tax in 2025, but a court ruling means it can’t start charging until 2026. So, council voted to use $1.039M from its reserve to cover salaries and overhead costs this year—including positions like a livability program supervisor and a new bylaw officer.

Project Shuffle. Several capital projects—like a $350K wildlife fence at Lions Park and a new playground—were paused, with hopes to revive them in the 2026 budget. Meanwhile, $242K earmarked for Canmore Community Housing will come from the vital homes reserve instead.

Not Everyone’s Sold. Coun. Tanya Foubert was the lone dissent, arguing the situation wasn’t “emergent” enough to justify using the reserve fund. Still, council sees it as a temporary fix to keep momentum on housing—without jacking up taxes by 33%.

Next Step. Appeals are pending, but for now, council’s all-in on the vacancy tax rollout in 2026.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• National BeaverTails Pastry Day – Free BeaverTails. BeaverTails lovers across Canada are invited to indulge in free Classic Cinnamon & Sugar pastries! 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Canmore. While supplies last. 

• Free Family Film. Porky Pig and Daffy Duck make their hilarious return to the big screen in the sci-fi comedy adventure, The Day The Earth Blew Up. 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• Live Music, Cocktails, and a Cause. Wild Life Distillery and Arc’teryx are hosting a fundraiser for Mountain Muskox—a group supporting those impacted by mountain loss or trauma. Expect live tunes from Amelie Patterson, a signature cocktail ($5 goes to the cause), and a silent auction. 6:00 PM. Tickets are $40 and include a drink.

• Roller Disco is Back. Skate under the disco lights, dance to the music, and enjoy a retro night on wheels. Rentals available (limited sizes). 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

Saturday

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Meet Jade, plus longtimers Daisy, Kiki, and Kohen—all hoping June brings their forever homes. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Bow Valley SPCA. Free to attend.

Sunday

• Gear Swap. Check out the Canmore Alpine Hostel open house and be treated to a BBQ, door prizes, games, and a gear swap! 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Canmore Alpine Hostel (201 Indian Flats Rd). Free. 

• Patio Party. Kick off patio season with live music, local food and drinks, and great company. Sip, savor, and soak up the summer vibes with awesome locals. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Table Food + Drink, Canmore. Adults $29 / Kids 5-15 $12.50 / 4 and Under Free.*

• Banff Pride Presents Sweat 45. Join a 45-minute all-level cardio and core workout using kettlebells, dumbbells, and more. 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Summit Lifestyle & Performance, Banff. Free.

• Music Bingo with Sam. Grab your friends for a fun night of bingo, drinks, and snacks! Sangria pitchers are $25, Wildlife cocktails $11, poutine $12, pickles $8, and double highballs just $8. Specials start at 7:30 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

CONTINENTAL SERIES MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE LANDS IN CANMORE

The Canmore MTB Classic just leveled up. This year, it’s not just any internationally sanctioned event — it’s achieved the prestigious distinction of Continental Series status, the only one of its kind in Canada this year. That means elite mountain bikers from across the Americas — and even a few from Europe — are headed to the Bow Valley.

From June 11–14, the Canmore Nordic Centre will be buzzing with world-class racing, live announcers, high-stoke spectators, and a festival-style expo featuring big names like Shimano, Garmin, Thule, and Red Bull.

It’s FREE to attend, featuring an exciting expo village, beer gardens, and a raffle draw on both Thursday and Saturday — all capped off with a massive wrap party Saturday night.

Want to get closer to the action? Volunteers receive free meals, refreshment tickets, a T-shirt, and a grand prize raffle ticket for the wrap party.

👉 Sign up to volunteer.

👉 View the full schedule here

👉 Follow the action on Instagram here

_{*Presented by Canmore MTB Classic.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏌 $325 = Golf, Food, Drinks, Prizes & a Tax Receipt. Play for a cause—and eat well while you’re at it. Your fee includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, a $100 tax receipt, on-course contests, prizes, and a golfer swag bag. Register solo or with a team by tonight. Rotary’s 32nd Annual Charity Golf Classic hits the fairway June 13.*

• 💙 Celebrate Father’s Day in Banff! On Sunday, June 15th, treat Dad to a burger & pint of Legion lager for just $18 (tax included). Enjoy the best patio in Banff, free pool for members, and a warm welcome for all. Banff Legion.*

• 🚧 Spray Lakes Road Closure Started Yesterday. Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Trail) is closed from Grassi Lakes to Goat Creek for construction on Spray Hill. Expect intermittent closures and no access to the overflow lot. Main Grassi Lakes parking remains open. No end date announced—pack your patience.

• 🙋 Volunteer Opportunities. We share volunteer opportunities here multiple times per week, but if you haven’t found exactly what you’re passionate about yet, try Volunteer Connector and filter by proximity or Bow Valley Non Profits.

• 🍱 Bow Valley Fresh Food Box. Fresh, healthy produce made easy and affordable! Each month, grab a medium box filled with 15 seasonal fruits and veggies—delivered to Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, or Lake Louise. For more information, check here. 

• 🦜 Meet Bow Valley Birds. June is a fantastic time to spot birds in the Rockies! Join bird enthusiast Gareth Thomson for a family-friendly walk to discover and learn about local feathered friends in your own backyard. All ages and experience levels are welcome!

• 🎶 Local Musician Spotlight. Singer-songwriter Scott Diehl blends Americana, Roots, Reggae, and Folk—but it’s his “Digital Hobo” persona and climate activism that really set him apart. In this interview with Rocky Mountain Live, Scott opens up about grief, protest music, and why the Bow Valley needs more singalongs. Listen here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Fruit Tree Survey in Canmore. The Town of Canmore is surveying property lines in Cougar Creek to confirm whether fruit trees are on public land before removal. Only fruit-bearing trees on municipal property will be taken down to reduce bear attractants. A removal incentive is available for residents.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, June 6th, 2025,  9:00 PM: The Barflyz. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, June 6th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Rock Bottom.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, June 7th, 2025, 7:30 PM. Trio Taleco. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. . $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15..

• Saturday, June 7th, 2025, 9:00 PM. The Barflyz.. Location:Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, June 7th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Rock Bottom.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

SPORTS

• Bears Rugby Squad Charges Into Banff Home Opener on a Win Streak. After knocking off Red Deer and Calgary, the Banff Bears men's rugby team is chasing a third straight win. Catch them this Saturday, June 7 at Sundance Park—kickoff is at 1 p.m. Despite a short roster, they’ve found their stride and will need every ounce of speed and smarts to stay hot against Lethbridge.

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.