🙅‍♂️ Banff Lake Rules Just Changed

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Just a quick note on today’s top story. The fish disease affecting Bow Valley lakes and rivers has been getting a lot of attention lately, and it’s changing how people can use our waters this summer. That said, we found the rules a bit confusing, with 21 lakes affected and different restrictions depending on where you go. So we broke it all down into a set of infographics, which you can find linked at the end of today’s story. 

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

FISH DISEASE SPREADS ACROSS ROCKIES, TRIGGERS NEW LAKE RESTRICTIONS

What’s Happening? Parks Canada has confirmed whirling disease in Lake Louise and is tightening rules on water activities across the mountain parks.

What Is Whirling Disease? It’s a parasite that infects young fish, damaging their cartilage and nervous system. This can cause deformities and a “whirling” swimming pattern that makes them easy prey. Mortality rates can reach up to 90%. It does not affect humans, but it can seriously disrupt fish populations and ecosystems.

“Since the first detection in the region in 2016, we have seen an increasing spread of whirling disease,” Parks Canada said.

Why Lake Louise Matters. Lake Louise feeds directly into the Bow River system, raising the stakes for any new detection.

“Any introduction has the potential to spread downstream,” Parks Canada said. 

The disease has already been detected in parts of the Bow River system.

Lake Louise vs. Moraine Lake. Parks Canada is introducing a zoning system:

• Lake Louise (Water Recreation Zone): Most activities still allowed, including paddling and angling, as long as gear is cleaned, drained, and dried.

• Moraine Lake (Water Preservation Zone): No personal watercraft or fishing waders allowed. 

Canoe Rentals vs. Personal Gear. Renting a canoe at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is still allowed because the boats stay on that lake.

“On-site watercraft rentals that do not leave the lake pose no risk,” Anastasia Martin-Stilwell of Fairmont told Bow Valley Insider.

The concern is people moving their own gear between lakes, which can carry the parasite.

Why Restrictions Are Tightening. Parks Canada says human activity is a key driver.

 “Recreational activities like angling and boating pose a higher risk of transporting whirling disease,” the agency said.

Since 2017, the agency has relied on inspections, decontamination, permits, and public education, but says those measures haven’t fully contained the spread. Compliance with cleaning rules has hovered around 60%, and officials say inspection programs alone are “costly to operate at the scale required.”

That combination of continued spread and partial compliance is what prompted the shift to stricter, location-based rules.

Learn More. Read our full article to see what’s allowed on 50+ lakes across Banff National Park (with infographics).

TRY THE OFF-ROAD SUV BUILT FOR THE ROCKIES

We don’t say this lightly, this is one of the coolest off-road vehicles we’ve seen.

This weekend, April 24-25 at The Malcolm Hotel, you can get behind the wheel of the INEOS Grenadier and take it through terrain it was actually built for.

If you haven’t heard of it, the Grenadier is a purpose-built off-road SUV designed to bring back the old-school 4x4. 

It’s built for durability and real-world use, not just comfort. Simple, tough engineering, a powerful BMW engine, and full control in rough conditions like mud, snow, and steep terrain. It’s closer to a classic Land Cruiser than anything you’ll find at a typical dealership.

This is less about a quick spin around the block and more about seeing what it can actually handle.

Spots are limited. Reserve your test drive here (it’s free), and booking details will follow by email.

_{*Presented by Grand Touring.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏕️ Alberta Adds 900 Campsites, But Not Here. Alberta is planning to add more than 900 new campsites by 2033 as camping demand keeps climbing, but none of the near-term expansion is slated for the Bow Valley. The province says 118 sites are coming next year, all outside the region, despite local parks seeing some of the highest use in Alberta. Officials say site selection depends on demand, infrastructure, and environmental factors, but for now, pressure on Bow Valley bookings isn’t going anywhere. Here’s where some of the new sites are expected.

• 🏆 Bow Valley Students Take Their Racing Skills Global. A team of five Banff and Canmore students is back home after representing Canada as the only team at an international STEM Racing competition in North Carolina. The Alpine Allies have spent two years designing and racing CO₂-powered cars, with performance judged on everything from engineering to branding. Along the way, they’ve secured 27 sponsors and built the program largely outside the formal school system. They’ll be showcasing their car and process at a public event at Banff Social on April 24. Read our interview with them.

• 🌸 A Tourist Town Tried to Hit Pause. It Didn’t Work. This one’s outside the Bow Valley, but it hits close to home. In Fujiyoshida, Japan, officials cancelled their cherry blossom festival to ease overtourism…and still saw record crowds. Social media continues to funnel thousands daily to the same photo spots, with peak days hitting 13,000 visitors. Locals are dealing with litter, noise, and long lines, while experts say education alone won’t fix it. Sound familiar? As places like Banff grapple with similar pressures, the takeaway is clear: once a destination goes viral, it’s hard to put that genie back in the bottle. 

• ⛰ Historic Weather Station Restored Above Banff. A piece of Banff’s history just got a second life. The Sulphur Mountain weather observatory, originally built in 1902, has been restored to its original design after significant repairs. Perched above town on Sanson Peak, the site played a key role in tracking Rockies climate data for decades and remained active until 1981. Parks Canada says the work helps preserve the building while keeping it safe for visitors.

Local Ads That Actually Work

Advertising isn’t a gamble. It’s an investment. And if that investment doesn’t pay off, what’s the point? At Bow Valley Insider, we don’t just run ads, we deliver outcomes. Pine Peak Paving booked a $7,500 job from a single ad. Zoe’s Cleaning added 46 new clients in 60 days. Osteopathy for All gained 21 new patients from five ads. That’s real, trackable ROI, not vague “reach” or “brand awareness.” If you’re tired of throwing money at ads you can’t measure, we’re the local partner who ensures your marketing dollars come back stronger.

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KANANSKIS PASS BRINGS IN MILLIONS BUT FALLS SHORT OF COVERING COSTS

What’s Happening? Alberta’s Kananaskis Conservation Pass is bringing in about $15M a year, but the province says it still falls short of the roughly $20M needed to run Kananaskis Country.

The Gap. The pass was introduced in 2021 and charges $15 per vehicle per day or $90 annually. It’s become a steady revenue stream, but not a complete solution.

 “When we look at the money that we spend in Kananaskis, the $15 million is only a small part of the annual spend,” said Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen.

Translation: the province is still subsidizing a chunk of the operation.

Where The Money Goes. The province says all pass revenue stays in Kananaskis and funds things visitors actually use:

• $4.6M: Facility maintenance

• $2.2M: Trails

• $2.2M: Enforcement

• $1.5M: Mountain rescue and dispatch

• ~$900K: Conservation, education, and human-wildlife coexistence

Why It’s Expensive. Kananaskis isn’t your average park. The province points to high visitation, mountain terrain, and the level of services offered as key cost drivers.
“Kananaskis Country has significantly more operating costs than other regions of the province,” the department said.

What Hasn’t Changed. The price hasn’t gone up since launch, and there are still ways to access the area for free:

• 21 free days per year

• First Wednesday of every month

• Exemptions for low-income Albertans

The Bigger Picture. The pass was partly about managing demand and funding infrastructure as more people head outdoors. But the numbers show it was never meant to fully cover costs.

Loewen framed it as an investment in access and experience:

 “By upgrading trails, improving amenities, and supporting responsible development, we are ensuring that Alberta’s backyard continues to be a top destination.”

Read our full story.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• After the Fire: Jasper Wildfire Lessons. A community panel will explore what the 2024 Jasper wildfire can teach the Bow Valley about preparedness and response. Hear perspectives from a Jasper resident, resilience experts, and municipal leaders from Banff and Canmore on prevention efforts and wildfire planning. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. CanmoreLibrary. Free.*

• Karaoke Night. Think you’ve got pipes or just confidence? Grab the mic and find out. The Drake’s weekly karaoke night kicks off, with a crowd that’s usually more supportive than critical. Bonus: their fresh, oven-baked pizzas are quickly becoming a local go-to. 10 PM. The Drake Screaming Retriever. Free.*

Tuesday

• Eagles Playoff Game 3. The Canmore Eagles are back home looking to extend their 2-0 series lead over Whitecourt in the AJHL final. Standing room tickets only, so expect a loud crowd. If you can’t make it in person, the game is streaming. 7:00 PM. Canmore Rec Centre. $25.

• Documentary: From Empty Land to Wildlife Comeback. A film exploring one of North America’s most ambitious conservation restorations. Preserved follows the recovery of Vermejo, a 558,000-acre landscape in New Mexico where bison, beavers, native trout, and other wildlife are returning. Screening followed by Q&A with the filmmaker. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $7.50-$15.* 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🍙 The Cave You’ve Probably Ignored (But Shouldn’t). Everyone hikes above Grotto Mountain. Almost no one goes under it. There’s a cave, called Rat’s Nest, which stretches over 4 km beneath the mountain, packed with fossils, pictographs, and formations that took thousands of years to grow. It’s one of the most unique experiences in the valley, yet locals often skip it. Grab some friends and do something different for once. Bow Valley Insiders get 20% off. Book through this link, and the discount applies automatically at checkout.*

• 📝 Why Some Canmore Teams Are Turning to Journaling. A Canmore-based writing workshop series is picking up interest not just with individuals, but with local teams looking to build stronger habits around reflection and growth. Karina Birch, CEO and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Soap Co., says journaling has helped develop more self-aware, grounded leadership within her team. The upcoming four-part series led by Lorraine Widmer-Carson, introduces practical techniques like free writing, gratitude, and memory work, designed to help participants think more clearly and confidently. Classes start this Saturday. Learn more.*

• 🎤 Valley Winds Spring Concert. An afternoon of live music is on deck as Valley Winds brings together jazz, concert band, and choir performances under one roof. The concert features the Jazz Band, Concert Band, and CHORDillera choir, showcasing musicians from across the community. It takes place on Sunday, April 26, at 2 PM at Silvertip Resort in Canmore. Tickets are $35, and free for kids under 12. If you’ve never been to a Valley Winds show, we highly recommend it.*

• 🚧 Castle Junction Bridge Closure. The bridge at Castle Junction is now closed for repairs until April 30. This shuts down Highway 93 South between the Trans-Canada Highway and the railway, including the Bow River bridge. This could affect plans for Johnston Canyon or Silverton Falls. You can still get there, but you’ll need to access Highway 1A from Banff, not via 93 South. Check Alberta 511 before heading out. 

• 💡 Earth Day Talk Goes Beyond the Science. This one’s less lecture, more real conversation. Frankie D’s Donuts and Biosphere are hosting a community discussion on the emotional side of climate change, from grief and anxiety to what meaningful action actually looks like. Expect local voices and a focus on moving from overwhelm to action. It kicks off April 22 at the Canmore Library with donuts at 6 PM, followed by a guided three-part conversation. Free with registration.*

• 🧑‍⚕️Medical Volunteers Needed for Canmore Run. If you’ve got wilderness first aid or medical training, organizers are looking for support at this year’s event. The run takes place on May 16 at Millennium Park, with volunteers needed from 7 to 10 PM. Minimum requirement is an 80-hour Wilderness First Aid certification, with ski patrol, nurses, and paramedics welcome. Interested? Email [email protected].

CIVIC NEWS

• MD of Bighorn Considers New Business Licence Fees. A new system would require businesses operating in Exshaw, Dead Man’s Flats, Lac des Arcs, and across the MD of Bighorn to pay an annual fee. The shift would replace recurring development permit renewals with a simpler licensing model while improving oversight and tracking. Fees could range from $100 to $250, with revenue potentially funding staffing or new business initiatives. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, April 20th, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee Live. Location: Rose & Crown, Banff. Free.

• Tuesday, April 21st, 10:00 PM: DJ Styler Nazo. Location: High Rollers, Banff. Free.

SPORTS

• Eagles Take 2-0 Series Lead in AJHL Finals. After a 3-1 win in Game 1, they followed it up with a 3-2 win to take a 2-0 lead over Whitecourt in the AJHL final. Now the series shifts to Canmore, with Games 3 and 4 set for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Rec Centre. 

• Canmore Hockey Player Heads to St. Cloud State. Finn McLaughlin, a 20-year-old defenseman, is transferring from the University of Minnesota to St. Cloud State, where his father also played in the late 1990s. McLaughlin appeared in 32 games this season and is now joining a program he’s been connected to since childhood. He said the move offers a bigger opportunity to grow his game, particularly in offensive situations, as he looks to earn a larger role moving forward. 

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.