📈Banff Hotels Are How Much!?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Quick poll results from Wednesday: We asked if you support the new Temporary Foreign Worker Program restrictions. Out of 319 responses, 48% opposed, citing harm to local businesses, 30% supported, seeing benefits for housing and jobs, and the rest were unsure of the impact. Safe to say that local businesses aren’t thrilled.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff hotel prices are soaring

• A new luxury spa is coming to Canmore

• A Banff Centre faculty member goes on tour 

• Plus, $6 chili bowls, dance club, trailhead closures, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF HOTEL PRICES SOAR—BUT FEWER ROOMS ARE FULL

What’s Happening? Hotel prices in Banff are climbing faster than a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. The average nightly rate hit $414 in 2024—nearly double the $231 rate seen during the COVID years of 2020-21.

A Pricey Comeback. Banff’s accommodation sector has been on a steady recovery, with annual room revenue surging from $151 million in 2020 to a staggering $588 million in 2024. Meanwhile, occupancy rates still lag behind pre-pandemic levels, even in peak months.

Less Full, More Expensive. Interestingly, while fewer hotel rooms are being filled compared to 2017-19 (when occupancy exceeded 90%), prices keep climbing. Coun. Barb Pelham suggests staffing challenges could be a factor.

Wildfires & Waveriders. Last summer’s Jasper wildfire may have had a mixed impact on Banff’s bookings, with last-minute changes in travel plans likely canceling each other out.

Keeping Tabs. The Town of Banff plans to release hotel occupancy and revenue updates quarterly—so expect more numbers to crunch.

LOVE THIS COUNTRY? MAKE A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION

Share your home and Canadian lifestyle with someone who cares!

Open your home to an international student for 5 or 10 months.

Step-by-step training, ongoing support, and remuneration are provided.

➡️Check out the article CRPS Homestay Program: Everything You Need to Know

Homestay applications are being accepted now for the 2025-26 school year.

Our students choose Canada and the Rocky Mountains for a reason. Help make their dreams come true!

_{*Presented by CRPS International Student Program.}

THE DIGEST

• ✨New Luxury Hotel & Spa Coming to Canmore. Spring Creek is getting a fresh dose of luxury with The Alexander Hotel Spa, a 45-room boutique stay featuring a wellness spa and a pool overlooking Spring Creek. This $12M project will be connected to the Malcolm Hotel via an underground tunnel.

• 🚉Have Thoughts on Passenger Rail? The Alberta government wants the Bow Valley’s input on its Passenger Rail Master Plan. With Banff pushing for better mass transit to curb congestion, this could shape future rail or bus services. An open house happens March 12 (4-8 PM) at Canmore Creekside Hall, plus a virtual session on April 3. Details here.

• 🏥Canmore Hospital Expands Endoscopy Services. Thanks to $440K in fundraising, Canmore General Hospital is upgrading its endoscopy equipment, increasing capacity from 1,400 to over 2,000 procedures annually. Endoscopies—aka crucial but unglamorous internal checkups—get a 4K upgrade for sharper imaging, less discomfort, and shorter wait times. A big win for your insides!

• 🎤Banff Centre Faculty Member Goes on Tour. Fresh off a GRAMMY win, soprano Karen Slack is touring African Queens, a recital celebrating historic African leaders through new works by Black composers. The Banff Centre faculty member will perform in Washington, D.C., New York, and Toronto, showcasing her powerful vocals and storytelling in this groundbreaking program.

• 📍The Ultimate Rocky Mountain Trek. For hardcore hikers, the Great Divide Trail is the ultimate challenge—1,100 km of rugged, breathtaking wilderness straddling Alberta and B.C. Not always a trail, sometimes just a route, it demands serious planning. Can’t commit to eight weeks? Try Section C, a seven-day trek through Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho.

TROUT HABITAT DECLINE WORSE THAN EXPECTED, REPORT FINDS

What’s Happening? Trout habitats in Southern Alberta are in worse shape than previously thought. A new Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society (CPAWS) report reveals that habitat degradation isn’t just confined to the controversial Highwood River area—it’s widespread across Alberta’s forested landscape.

Troubled Waters. Despite federal protections, native trout species like the Westslope Cutthroat and Bull Trout are losing critical habitat due to logging, stream crossings, and weak enforcement of conservation laws.

Who’s to Blame? The report singles out logging operations, particularly West Fraser Timber, for habitat destruction caused by insufficient watercourse buffers, road construction, and clearcutting in sensitive areas.

Talks, But No Action? CPAWS is pushing for actual enforcement of Species at Risk protections. Meanwhile, West Fraser says it’s refining its harvest plan and engaging stakeholders—but logging is still set to resume in Fall 2025.

Next Steps. CPAWS plans to meet with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to push for stricter enforcement before more habitat is lost.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• $6 Chili Night! Enjoy a hearty bowl of meat or vegan chili with buttery sourdough, cheese, and sour cream for just $6—the most affordable dinner in Banff! 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Wild Flour, Banff. $6 a bowl.

• Games Night with CYAN. Games have a new night! Drop in to meet friends and try out new games provided by Armadillo Games. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. By donation. 

• Free Movie Night. Check out Conclave, which spins a web of conspiracies and intrigue that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Beers for Queers. Remember, this is a sober-friendly event (if you’re okay with others drinking around you). Taproom has a nice selection of non alcoholic beverages and a great food menu! 7:30 PM - Late. Banff Ave Tap Room.

Thursday

• Women in Business Panel. This Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce event will start with the panel discussion, followed by networking for the last hour. Appetizers and one beverage will be included.  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. YWCA Banff. $25. 

• Poker Night. Come play Thursday night poker at the Canmore Legion with a fun group of regulars. Enjoy great eats from Avi's Kitchen and refreshing beverages. New players are welcome. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion.

• Drop-In Badminton. Play a game of pick-up or bring a friend. For ages 16+.  8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Lawrence Grassi Middle School. $5.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥂Happy Hour at Murrieta’s. Join in for Social Hours every Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM and enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers. Whether you’re unwinding after an adventure or catching up with friends, their cozy atmosphere and great deals make for the perfect afternoon escape.

• 🍞Bread Giveaway! Wild Flour Artisan Bakery is celebrating the community by giving Bow Valley Insiders the chance to win a handcrafted baked treat or fresh bread! Sign up once, and you’re entered into the Locals Weekly Giveaway for the rest of the year.

• 🖊Pen Pal Program. The Pen Pal Program partners people 55+ with Grade 5 students in Canmore to get to know each other through letter writing. If you’re interested in being a Grandpal, please direct message Volunteer Canmore or email Family and Community Support Services at [email protected].

• 🕺Dance Club. The Bow Valley Line Dance Club supports line dancing in all its forms, from classes to events and socials. Learn something new or find some people who love line dancing too!  

• 📆Gallery Reception. Mark your calendar for Friday, March 14, from 7 to 9 PM for the Grand Opening of the 2025 Homegrown Art Show at Banff Town Hall.  The event is a celebration of the work of young, new, and emerging Bow Valley artists.

• 💸Cash Incentives for Secondary Suites. As part of Banff’s Housing Action to stimulate the creation of more homes in Banff, the town provides financial incentives to encourage dthe evelopment of secondary rental suites.

• 🧩Library of Things. Want to try out a bread maker or air fryer before committing to a purchase? The Canmore Library has added new items to their library of things, and they’re yours to use with your library card. 

• 🚧Warming Hut Closure. The Pocaterra Warming Hut. in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to furnace failure.

• ⛔First G7 Closure. The Kovach Pond Day Use Centre will be closed starting March 10 through to July 31.

• ✍Banff Writing Group. Looking for some accountability buddies? Or dedicated time to write in a safe and inclusive space? The Banff Writing Group meets on Sunday afternoons.  

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: FRIENDS OF KANANASKIS COUNTRY

Friends of Kananaskis Country is a community of over 1,600 individuals committed to sharing K-Country with the world through education, community engagement, and volunteer participation. The organization is aligned with the Government of Alberta’s vision of engaging the public in participating in the long-term use and enjoyment of Kananaskis Country and through a Cooperating Agreement with Alberta Parks. Check out their amazing work here. 

CIVIC NEWS

• The Town of Banff is holding two open house times today on the future changes to the Town of Banff's recreation centre. From 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. The Open House discussion will include a proposed separation of arena team rooms from washroom/shower/changing space.

• The Town of Banff is open to sharing Assessment Review Board members with the Town of Canmore and the Municipal District of Bighorn to address recruitment challenges. This would streamline appeals and enhance regional collaboration. Alternatively, Banff could pay $2,000 per year to join the Central Alberta Assessment Review Board, which provides experienced, independent oversight but reduces local control.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, 6:00 PM: Open Mic Night. Location: Wildlife Distillery, Canmore. Free. 

• Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, 10:00 PM: The Blue Mules. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, March 6th, 7:30 PM: Morgan Toney.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15 

• Thursday, March 6th, 9:00 PM: Rumpus & Burchill. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak. $25.10. 

• Thursday, March 6th, 10:00 PM: Mo' Marley. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Hockey. Eagles Goaltender Alex Scheiwiller finally secured his first shutout of the season, stopping all 27 shots in the Canmore Eagles’ 7-0 rout of Drayton Valley. His teammates swarmed him in celebration, marking a well-earned moment for the 19-year-old, who’s been a rock for Canmore in their push for the AJHL’s top spot.

• Video Submission Ski or Snowboard Contest. From March 1 - April 5, adrenaline junkies can submit their best unedited ski or snowboard line for a shot at cash prizes and gear. Helmets required, park lines don’t count, and creativity is key. Think you’ve got what it takes? Capture your best stunt and send it in!

That’s all, folks!

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