👰 Banff Elopement Video Explodes

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Our next Bow Valley Insider Adventure Club is live. We’re going ice climbing. We’ve set up two options, one mid-week (Dec 4-5) and one on the weekend (Dec 6-7), so you can choose whatever fits your schedule. We’ll group people by experience level, whether you’ve climbed before or not. And seriously, you do not need any climbing experience. The whole thing is guided by our friends at Leviathan Mountain Guides. Day 1 is all about learning the basics, and Day 2 is just having fun going up and down different lines. It’s a great chance for Bow Valley Insiders to get together. All the details are here. One heads-up: we need to know by Sunday night if you’re in, so do not wait. Any questions? Hit reply.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

MORAINE LAKE CHOSEN FOR ALBERTA’S NEW LICENCE PLATE

What’s Happening? After more than 240,000 votes, Albertans chose Moraine Lake as the design for the province’s first new licence plate in four decades. The winning plate will roll out starting mid-2026. Our only complaint is that the image leaves out the tiny lineup of tourists that completes the scene.

How We Got Here. The province launched the public contest earlier this fall with eight designs, four of them showcasing Bow Valley scenery. As the rounds narrowed, it came down to two local heavyweights: The Three Sisters and Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake ultimately won. 

Government Response. Minister of Service Alberta Dale Nally called the image “a reflection of Alberta’s identity,” noting that the current plate introduced in 1984 has earned its retirement. Premier Danielle Smith echoed the sentiment, describing the new design as a symbol of Alberta’s “strong and free spirit.”

What’s New About the Plate. Beyond aesthetics, the plate incorporates upgraded reflective technology to improve readability at night and reduce counterfeit concerns. The province says the design aligns Alberta with modern visibility and security standards.

Getting Yours. Drivers will start receiving the new plates in mid-2026. Those who are eager can swap early for $28. Everyone else will automatically receive a new plate at their next registration renewal, free of charge. 

PURSUIT TEAM MEMBER TURNS VOLUNTEER HOURS INTO COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s Happening? When Canmore’s Jade Boisclair Rondeau isn’t processing payroll for Pursuit’s Banff Jasper Collection, she’s helping the Canmore Eagles hockey team take flight. For nearly eight years, she has volunteered over 140 hours each year, doing everything from scanning tickets to singing the national anthem before puck drop.

The Bigger Picture. Jade’s efforts also highlight Pursuit’s Volunteer Rewards Program, launched in 2023 to support the causes that matter most to its team members. For every eligible hour volunteered, Pursuit donates $10 to a local nonprofit of the employee’s choice. Since the program began, staff have contributed more than 4000 volunteer hours, translating into over $40,000 in community donations through the Pursuit Community Fund.

“I’ve always loved volunteering,” Jade said. “Times are tough, and I can’t always give money, but I have time. Pursuit donating on my behalf makes it even more meaningful.”

Community on Ice. For the Eagles, those volunteer hours make all the difference. “Our home games don’t run without volunteers,” said team operations manager Robin Aitken. “They’re the backbone of everything we do.”

Aitken, a former Pursuit employee, said the connection runs deep. “Having a company the size of Pursuit encouraging their staff to get out and volunteer is huge. These are the communities they operate in, and it’s great to see them giving back.”

Why It Matters? Whether it is supporting youth sports, local events, or regional nonprofits, Pursuit’s Volunteer Rewards Program helps strengthen the ties between its team and the communities they call home.

As Jade puts it, “Volunteering gives you a sense of belonging. It’s about showing up for your community, and Pursuit helps make that possible.”

_{*Presented by Pursuit Collections.}

THE DIGEST

• 👰 The Winter Elopement That Took Over Banff Instagram. A couple trekked through blowing snow to say their vows at Peyto Lake on Nov 10th, and it absolutely delivered. Banff Elopement Photographers, who shoot more than 100 elopements a year, figured the pair might call it off once they saw the forecast. Nope. The bride hiked in her dress, embraced the cold, and the post has blown past 270,000 likes. Check out the shots.

• 🚗 Tiered Parking Rates in Banff Now on the Table. After yesterday’s Banff council meeting, the newest direction isn’t a flat parking hike but a tiered system: $7 an hour in winter and $9 in summer. Administration confirmed each stall already brings in about $12,000 a year, which is why parking revenue is such a big piece of funding Banff’s transit math. The seasonal tiered rates will return during budget talks, where council will decide whether this model sticks or gets reshaped. Full details.

• 🚆 Opinion Piece Says Federal Budget Favors Calgary–Banff Rail. A Calgary Herald op-ed argues the new Canada Strong Budget quietly sets the stage for the Calgary Airport–Banff Rail by expanding the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s mandate and adding long-term funding for clean transit and downtown renewal. The next move rests with the province as it finalizes Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan.

• 📈 2025 Living Wages Rise Across Alberta. Most communities saw increases this year as housing, transportation, and childcare costs continue to climb. Jasper leads the reported list at $31.80 an hour, but the last time Canmore participated in 2023, its figure was a much higher $38.80. Calgary rose 8.4 percent from last year to $26.50. Banff has never taken part in the survey. 

• 💪 Team Canada’s New Olympic Kit Drops. Lululemon revealed its Olympic apparel lineup, which many Bow Valley athletes will be wearing at the Games. The kit leans into icy blues and big maple leaves, with everything from quilted wrap vests to down puffers. Fan gear ranges from $38 to about $500. And if you grab a beanie, scarf, or bag, 10% goes to supporting Canadian athletes. 

A Small Town Love Story

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HOW A 30-YEAR-OLD CANMORE SALON OWNER BECAME YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

What’s Happening? At last week’s Bow Valley Business Excellence Awards, 30-year-old salon owner Aleasha Angelo won Young Entrepreneur of the Year for her leadership at The Loft in Canmore. Her path stands out because she didn’t start a business. She bought one, took a risk many avoid, and reshaped it into something new.

A Different Kind of Entrepreneur. While most people spend their twenties collecting experience, Angelo spent hers aiming for ownership. She arrived in the Bow Valley at 23 as a Red Seal stylist from St. John’s, drawn by mountains and a change of pace, but with a clear long-term plan. “Owning my own salon was not really a dream,” she said. “It was the goal.”

So when The Loft came up for sale, she moved quickly. She crunched numbers, pictured the space, and faced the big question: Am I ready. In July 2025, she decided she was.

The Less Glamorous Part. The takeover brought a steep learning curve. Leases, payroll, contracts, and everything that happens off the salon floor became her new reality. She leaned on mentors and friends throughout. “Owning a small business means you have to know everything about everything,” she said.

Building a Culture, Not Just a Business. Angelo’s vision centers on team culture. She wants a workplace where stylists can specialize, collaborate, and build careers instead of simply renting a chair. “Everyone has a niche,” she said. “You do better work when you genuinely love what you are providing.”

The Recognition. Community support followed quickly, and last Thursday it became official when her name was called. For the Bow Valley’s next generation of entrepreneurs, her advice stays simple: “If you want it, go get it.”

Read our full interview and check out all the winners from the Bow Valley Business Excellence Awards. 

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Bob’s Your Elf Opens Tonight. It’s showtime. Bob’s Your Elf opens tonight at the Canmore Miners’ Union Hall, kicking off a week of festive fun with the Pine Tree Players. Expect a laugh-out-loud story about an elf on thin ice with Santa, backed by a live choir of elves singing Christmas classics between scenes. Funny, heartfelt, and perfectly chaotic. Tonight’s performance is pay what you can, or grab tickets for $30 through November 29. Don’t miss this local holiday favourite.*

• Figure Drawing with Wanda Ellerbeck. A multi-week mixed-media life-drawing workshop using a live model, exploring line, shape, form, value, and colour relationships, with room to experiment. Ideal for those with some figure-drawing experience and taught by Alberta artist and educator Wanda Ellerbeck. 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Details here.*

Thursday

• Project A Is Turning Eight. The Canmore shop, known for its curated selection of handcrafted gifts, is celebrating eight years of supporting Canadian makers. Expect returning favourites and new additions, plus refreshments, canapés by Sauvage Canmore, and giveaways from local creators. 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 103-710 Main Street, Canmore. Free to attend.

• Banff Comedy Night. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 8:00 PM. Expect a full lineup of stand-up featuring emerging and touring comics, with Allyson June Smith headlining. This is an 18+ event. 7:00 PM. Banff Rose and Crown. $28.41. Tickets here.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💝 Help Us Support 285 Bow Valley Families This Christmas. This year, we’ve partnered with the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign to help raise $105,000 for families and seniors in need. We’re only at $21,106 so far, and these funds directly support 285 households in the Bow Valley with grocery and gift cards so everyone can celebrate the season with dignity. Donations over $20 receive a tax receipt. Please consider donating.*

• 🎥 Documentary Short Debut. A new three-minute film co-created with Canmore’s Kristy Wolfe and artsPlace is now live on YouTube. I AM [not invisible] explores what it’s like to live with an invisible disability and the everyday doubts and dismissals people face when their challenges aren’t visible. The piece premiered at Creative Combat in Canmore and aims to help viewers better recognize and understand experiences they may not see from the outside.

• 🎤 Holiday Music Fills the Malcolm Hotel. Valley Winds Music Association hosts its winter concert at the Malcolm Hotel’s Edinburgh Ballroom in Canmore, featuring four of its signature ensembles with a mix of choral and band performances. Expect a festive, family-friendly afternoon of holiday music to kick off the season. November 30 at 2:00 PM. Tickets here.*

• 📸 Chasing Great Photos in the Bow Valley? If today’s elopement story inspired you, then check out our Ultimate Photography Guide to Banff and Canmore. It skips the overdone postcard shots and highlights quieter, more creative locations across the Bow Valley. From waterfalls to scenic backgrounds and high-country lakes, it’s packed with practical tips for getting fresh photos. 

• ⚕️ The Secret to a Stronger, Pain-Free Back. Chronic back pain isn’t normal, and it’s not something you have to live with. Whether it started at the gym, at your desk, or years ago, our friends at Osteopathy For All in Canmore identify and correct the root cause for lasting relief. Book a free assessment today and stand tall again.*

CIVIC NEWS

• U of A Partners with Canmore on Wildfire Evacuation Planning. The University of Alberta is teaming up with the Town of Canmore and Roam Transit to strengthen local wildfire evacuation and recovery plans. Led by engineering professor Stephen Wong, the project will map evacuation routes, assess infrastructure vulnerabilities, and recommend safer, more resilient street designs. The findings aim to help Canmore and other at-risk Alberta communities evacuate more safely.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Banff Latin Fiesta. Location: Anejo Restaurant, Banff. $10 Cash at the Door.

• Thursday, November 20th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Roman Rabinovich & Helen Charlston. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $50 / members $42.50 / youth $25.

SPORTS

• Eagles Drop Two at Home as Slump Continues. It’s been a rough stretch at the Canmore Rec Centre. The Eagles lost both weekend games, falling 4–3 to Devon and 2–0 to Whitecourt, and have now dropped three straight at home after a strong start. Cohen Daoust stayed hot with three points Friday, and Alex Scheiwiller was stellar Saturday, but it wasn’t enough. Canmore sits at 9-9-1-0 and now heads out for a three-game road trip.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.