🛰Banff Drone Pilot Busted

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Yesterday was Earth Day, and here’s a stat we heard that slapped us harder than a winter snowstorm in April:

A golden eagle diving for prey can hit speeds over 240 km/h…

That’s faster than a local leaving town before July 1st.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• A drone pilot posts… and promptly gets fined

• A few things to know before you camp off-grid

• Banff council debates (then trashes) a summer bike ban

• Plus: music concerts, chili nights, road closures, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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SLEEPING IN THE BUSH? THERE’S A FEE FOR THAT

What’s Happening? If you’re into camping with no reservations—just you, your tent (or van), and the wild—aka random camping—don’t forget: you need a Public Lands Camping Pass. Yes, roughing it comes with a receipt.

Who Needs One? Anyone 18 or older camping outside of established campgrounds on public land. That includes spots like Porcupine Hills, Willmore Wilderness, and Ag Crown land (with leaseholder permission).

What It Costs

• $20 for a 3-day pass
  

• $30 for a full-year pass
  

• Plus $3.25 processing fee per transaction
  

• First-timers also need a Wildlife Identification Number ($8 one-time)

Where to Buy? Grab it online at AlbertaRELM.com, or wherever you’d buy a fishing or hunting licence (like the Canadian Tire in Canmore).

Why It Matters? Since launching in 2021, the pass has raised $3.6M—funding everything from trail maintenance and outhouse upkeep to recreation staff and enforcement patrols. 

Pro Tip. Print your pass or take a screenshot—officers can and do check. Oh, and you’ve got a max stay of 14 days in any one spot.

WHAT’S WITH ALL THE SOLAR PANELS IN THE BOW VALLEY?

It’s just smart homeowners working with Infinity Solar to cut costs and boost home value.

With custom solar setups and flexible financing, Infinity Solar is making solar more accessible than ever.

Here’s something crazy: Installing solar can actually increase your home value.  Studies indicate that for each kilowatt of solar installed, a home’s resale value could increase by 4.1%.

Even better? With net metering, the extra power your panels generate may earn you credits toward future bills.

The best time to switch? Before another winter storm rolls in and your power bill starts looking like a mortgage payment.

Get a free solar estimate in just 2 days.

(If you didn’t click, you either love paying high utility bills or secretly enjoy reading fine print from energy companies.)

_{*Presented by Infinity Solar.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛰Drone Flight Leads to $1,100 Fine. A drone pilot got slapped with fines after Parks Canada traced their footage—posted online—back to illegal flights in Banff and Waterton. Friendly reminder: National parks are strict no-drone zones. Even your TikTok reel could land you a charge. 

• 🚁Skier Critically Injured on Easter Sunday at Sunshine. A 26-year-old Swedish woman suffered a serious head injury after losing control on the black diamond “Ecstasy” run at Sunshine Village. Witnessed by a senior instructor, she was quickly treated and flown by STARS to Foothills in Calgary. Her condition was critical but reportedly improving.

• 🎶Banff’s New Poet Laureate. Heather Jean Jordan—musician and educator—has been named Banff’s newest poet laureate. Her two-year term will spotlight community creativity, including a youth poetry project destined for G7 leaders. Expect lyrical magic across schools, seniors’ homes, and even the Banff Legion’s pint nights.

• ✅Locals Split on Reopening Parks Act. We asked if the National Parks Act should be reopened to allow new housing and parking in Banff. Out of 191 votes, 42% said yes, 44% said no, and 14% were unsure. Comments revealed a sharp divide between conservation concerns and the town’s growing housing crunch.

• 🔥Banff Blew Up on Social Again. Travel Alberta launched a Creator Co. campaign that gave 27 influencers full freedom to explore the Rockies. No shot lists, no scripts—just ice bubbles, alpine lakes, and content that racked up 15.2M views and 1.8M engagements (comments, likes, & shares).

BAN ON BIKES? BANFF SAYS NAH

What’s Happening? A proposed summer ban on bikes along Banff’s Bow River trail got a hard “nope” from most of town council. The idea? Trial a July–August restriction on cyclists between the canoe docks and Muskrat Street pedestrian bridge to reduce safety risks. But the motion didn’t even make it to a vote.

Trail Mix, Not Trail Ban. The multi-use path sees walkers, runners, cyclists, and skateboarders share a curvy, narrow stretch of riverside pavement. While safety concerns were raised, town staff noted there’ve been zero reported cyclist-pedestrian injuries in five years—and natural bumps and bends already slow bikes down.

Council’s Take. Mayor Corrie DiManno and most councillors saw the ban as rushed, ineffective, and likely to backfire. Kicking cyclists off the trail could push them onto roads—or worse, back into cars—adding to summer traffic woes. 

The Bottom Line. Council says education, better signage, and enforcement—not bans—are the best ways to keep trails safe and sustainable.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Community Ride Day. Throw down tricks or just get comfy in the terrain park, this is your chance to ride, vibe, and progress with an awesome crew. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Sunshine Village. Free. Registration required.

• Final $6 Chili Night. Tonight is the final Community Chili Night until November. Enjoy one last hearty bowl of chili and sourdough. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Wild Flour, Banff

• All-Candidates Forum. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with your federal candidates to make your voice heard. Bring your own cup and plate/bowl to fill up on tasty local treats. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library or Online. Free.  

• Trivia Night. Show off your pub trivia knowledge for cash prizes. 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. $2.    

Thursday

• Rocky Mountain Adaptive Lunch and Learn. Join this online session to learn about adaptive programs. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Online. Free. 

• Alpine Club of Canada Updates. This social will include backcountry hut updates, booking procedures, and the club’s 5-year plans. 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Rose and Crown, Banff. Free to Attend, Registration required.

• Planting and Painting Women’s Circle. Join Liz to paint a terracotta pot and plant herbs.  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free. Registration Required.

• Jewelry Workshop. Get crafty, get connected, and get creative at Banff Pride’s monthly craft nights. Learn how to create your own painted, pendant necklaces. All materials provided, any skill level welcome. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. 214 Banff Ave. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎤Bow Valley’s Got Talent—Live and Unfiltered. Valley Winds' Music in the Mountains returns April 26 at the Banff Centre! With four hometown groups—Concert Band, Jazz Band, CHORDillera Choir, and Men of the Mountains—this spring concert is your chance to catch the Bow Valley’s finest blow, strum, and sing their hearts out. Tickets will go fast—grab yours now for Saturday night.

• 🎙Hello Hidden Darkness, My Old Friend. Tucked behind the Carter-Ryan Gallery, a hidden microtheatre is bringing Simon & Garfunkel’s music to life. Hazy Shade of Winter is the cozy night out you didn’t know you needed. Get your tickets now. Final shows are happening this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Only a few seats left. 

• 🏞️The Ultimate Banff Hike Face-Off. Tunnel Mountain or Sulphur? We broke down the pros, cons, trail stats, and insider tips to help you choose the right hike for your next day out. Whether you're in it for the views, the challenge, or the post-hike snacks—this guide’s got you covered. Read the full article here.

• 🙋Volunteer Opportunities. The Share and Repair Fair is one month away! If you are passionate about working towards a circular economy and supporting waste reduction, these volunteer experiences could be for you.

• 🚧Banff Road Closure. The Glen Avenue underpass at the south end of the Bow River Bridge will be closed to vehicles until April 30 (but open to pedestrians and cyclists), as ATCO inspects and maintains utility lines at the location. 

• 🚮Plog with Strides. Plogging = Jogging to pick up trash. The official event runs Saturday, but Strides is encouraging runners to plog anytime this week and bring your bag of trash back to Strides. The tradeoff? Clean trails and a $5 coupon for a pint.

• 🧹Spring Street Sweeping. It’s time to clear sand and gravel from the roads in Canmore and Banff. Check out the Banff schedule here and Canmore’s zone sweeping here. 

• 🎨Canmore’s Public Art Collection. Local artist, Lesley Russell posted this throwback piece to their instagram last week. Did you know there are over 24 of these pieces done by local artists? Head out on a public art tour in Canmore. 

• An Exhibit About Memory, Connection & Exchange. At artsPlace Canmore, Erika Germain’s exhibit Names of Loved Ones invites visitors to swap a small object for a handmade “token of love.” The interactive show blends ceramics, painting, and community connection—and runs until May 19. Yes, you’re allowed (and encouraged) to touch the art.

• 🎬The Last of Us Update. If you’re a fan (no spoilers), you know what happened to Jackson in last Sunday’s episode (filmed in Canmore). How about this for a travel idea? Check out the map of filming locations and plan your own The Last of Us-themed Alberta itinerary!  

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: HEART MOUNTAIN RESCUE

Furever starts here. Heart Mountain Rescue is a powerhouse, volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescuing dogs, promoting spay and neuter, and advocating for animal welfare. No shelter—just big hearts, busy lives, and loving foster homes. Every dog deserves a furever home.

CIVIC NEWS

• Housing Loan Boost. Banff plans to boost its employee housing loan program by 30% to match rising property values. The interest-free loan would rise to $52K for Banff homes and $39K in the Bow Valley. Aimed at first-time buyers, the move supports staff retention amid housing challenges.

• Canmore Special Council. On Tuesday, Canmore Town Council held a special meeting. Agenda items included a delegation from the Rotary Club and budget approval for Short-Term Rental Enforcement Fund. Watch the meeting replay here. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, 9:00 PM: Banffchella. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Canmore. $16.50 / $21.69.

• Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, April 24th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Country Night with Honkytonk tom + Arn. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, April 24th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Mike Mackenzie Band. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Own Beats the Best. In a friendly race against Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell (yes, those two super famous climbers), local legend Sonnie Trotter was the first to climb a 5.14d route—crushing Spirit Quest in Squamish. A new doc follows their journey juggling family, work, and world-class climbs. Watch the trailer or read more here.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, same time, same place!