🚗 Banff Parking Cash Grab?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, Canada’s highest paved road is (almost) open. We’re already looking past the G7… and eyeing June 21, when Highwood Pass finally opens to vehicles. Sure, the classics like Pocaterra Ridge are great—but we put together a guide with some hot takes and a few insider tips. We didn’t give everything away (we still believe in keeping secret spots secret), but it’s more than enough to level up your Highwood experience.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

P.S. Shoutout to Anita Furlan! She just moved to Canmore last August, loves the mountains (who doesn’t?), and swears by Bridgette Bar. Thanks for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider, Anita!

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PARK IN THE DITCH, GET TOWED: KANANASKIS CRACKS DOWN

What’s Happening? Kananaskis is now a fortress. That Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) we’ve been talking about for months is officially in place until June 18. Highway 40 is now closed between Lorette Ponds and the Galatea trailhead.

Highway 40: No More Roadside Parking. You can still drive parts of Highway 40 outside that zone—but you can’t park along it. From June 14-18, roadside parking is banned between the Highway 1 junction and the Kananaskis Lakes Trail. Vehicles in violation will be towed, even if you’ve just pulled into the ditch for a quick hike.

For example, Kings Creek Ridge is technically outside the controlled access zone and still hikeable—but here’s the red tape: you’ll need to approach via Spray Lakes Road, not Highway 40, and you can’t park near the trailhead on the side of the road like usual. We assume designated parking lots outside the CAZ, like Barrier Lake and Fortress Gas Station, remain accessible. We’ve reached out for confirmation but haven’t received an official response yet.

What’s Open, What’s Not. If you can plan your route around all the closures and red tape, this weekend might actually be the quietest you'll ever see some of these trails. See our full guide to G7 open hikes here. 

What It’s Like Out There. Some of our team hiked Kent Ridge North last weekend off Spray Lakes Road before restrictions kicked in. We had the trail to ourselves (amazing), but the parking lot had more than a dozen RCMP and Fish & Wildlife officers just hanging around. So yes, it’s quiet—but the roads feel like a moving security parade.

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Step outside and you’re surrounded by nature, endless pathways, and mountain views worth filling your entire camera roll. When you’ve got your mountain fill, unwind in the residents-only sauna, hot tub, or by the outdoor fireplace.

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_{*Presented by Logel Homes.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Bear Trouble Across the Bow Valley. Mount Coleman Day-Use Area in Banff is closed after a bear started actively seeking human food. Meanwhile, Kananaskis has issued a warning for Burstall Pass after multiple grizzly sightings and a close encounter. Several other wildlife advisories still remain in effect—Quaite Creek, Gunnery Mountain, Rockwall Trail, and Peter Louheed Discovery Centre. 

• 🛠️ Expect Delays Near Radium. Construction is underway in Sinclair Canyon to upgrade the watermain feeding Radium Hot Springs and Redstreak Campground. Single-lane traffic on Highway 93S could mean delays up to at least 15 minutes, Monday to Friday (and possibly weekends). Work runs through late June, with a second phase set for fall 2025. Check Drive BC for traffic updates.

• 🚁 Spring in K-Country Isn’t as Mild as It Looks. Rescuers are urging caution as snow lingers and conditions vary wildly by elevation. A recent fatal fall on Mount Baldy is one of six deaths already in 2025. With K-Country visitation nearing 5M annually (up from 3.5M a decade ago), stick to lower-elevation trails, check reports, and pack gear like crampons if heading higher.

• 🔥 Fire Risk Hits ‘Very High’ in the Bow Valley. A fire ban remains in effect across the Calgary Forest Area, including Canmore and Kananaskis, as hot, dry conditions persist. Winds this week could make new wildfires tough to contain. No active fires locally yet, but smoke from BC and northern Alberta is drifting in. Banff’s fire risk? Rated extreme—but still no ban in place. 

• 🏨 Banff’s High Country Inn Reopens as The Kenrick. Reborn as The Kenrick Hotel, this Banff Ave property just wrapped a full-scale renovation—complete with spa, saltwater pool, and boutique touches like locally made bath products you can buy right from your suite. It's modern luxury with a rustic soul, and early guests are already calling it one of Banff’s best. Bonus: it’s also home to Fat Ox, one of our favorite new(ish) restaurants.

WHERE YOUR $7 PARKING FEE ACTUALLY GOES

What’s Happening? Banff wants visitors to know: your $7/hour parking fee isn’t just vanishing into the Rockies.

Where the Money Goes. The Town expects $7.5 million in revenue from visitor parking this year—and it's not going into general funds. Instead, it’s offsetting $6.1 million in local property taxes and funding wildfire mitigation, free Roam transit for residents, regional transit upgrades, and active transportation programs like e-bike rebates and trail improvements.

The Messaging Shift. To reduce sticker shock, council approved installing signs in parking lots explaining how fees are used. Info will also be shared via websites, newsletters, and maybe even on digital receipts.

Why It Matters? Many visitors assume a national park pass covers parking (it doesn’t), or are blindsided by tickets. While affordability concerns are rising, complaints about the parking cost itself are rare. In fact, parking duration hasn’t changed since fees were introduced—suggesting rates haven’t deterred anyone yet.

TL;DR. Banff’s parking program isn’t a cash grab—it’s a cost-offsetting, fire-fighting, transit-boosting machine. Now, they just have to make sure people actually know that.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Celebrate Pride Month at The Prow. Enjoy featured Pride cocktail and mocktail all June long—50% of proceeds support Canmore Pride. Sip with purpose and join us in raising a glass to love, inclusion, and community.*

• Summer Happy Hour. Sip, savour, and soak up the summer with $6 drafts, $7 sangria & highballs, $8 cocktails, $15 pizzas & more. Patio or lounge—your summer spot awaits! 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Murrieta’s, Canmore.*

• Fire Resilient Housing Workshop. Learn how to apply wildfire mitigation to new builds and renovations. 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Silvertip Pavilion (2000 Silvertip Trail), Canmore. $10.

Thursday

• Mountain Navigation Course. This course will include route planning, map and compass skills, an introduction to GPS and digital mapping app use, terrain assessment, and more. 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. $20 - $125. 

• Forest Therapy Walk. This event offers a soothing way to decompress, reconnect with the natural world, and share a tranquil experience with your community. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Spray River West Trailhead. Free, Registration Required. 

• Special Live Stream: Dr. Strangelove. A rogue U.S. general launches a nuclear strike, leaving one oddball scientist and the government scrambling to stop it. This stage adaptation of Kubrick’s classic stars Steve Coogan in four roles. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $20 / $17 members / $10 youth.

• Avonlea Comes to Canmore. A new musical comedy based on Anne of Green Gables is lighting up Carter-Ryan Theatre. Performed by just four actors playing dozens of roles with live East Coast music, OH, ANNE! is pure local theatre magic. Opening night is Thursday! Save 15% using the code BOWVALLEYINSIDER *

ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT ON THE SUMMIT

Before you head off on that next mountain adventure (or crack open a local craft brew to celebrate retirement), make sure the future you’ve worked for is totally secure. 

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Trust us, you’ll breathe a whole lot easier knowing your loved ones (and your nest egg) are in good hands. 

Ready to check one more thing off life’s to-do list and enjoy these Rockies stress-free

Reach out to Stringam and lock in your legacy.

_{*Presented by Stringam Law.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💙 Celebrate Dad this Sunday, June 15. Soak up the sun on Banff’s best patio as you enjoy a Father’s Day special at the Banff Legion: Burger & a pint of Legion lager for just $18 (tax included), all day long.*

• 🧘‍♀️ Summer Solstice with The Fat Ox, June 20. Start your day with Yoga + Mimosa (10AM–12PM)—an energizing outdoor class led by Jess Young. Includes mat & mimosa. Limited to 18 spots. Tickets via Eventbrite. Then swing by the Summer Solstice Patio Party (3–9PM)—no ticket needed! Lawn games, fire pit, drink specials, and sunny vibes.*

• 🚥 Getting To and From the Banff Half. Heading into Banff this Sunday? Avoid traffic and parking headaches and opt for ride sharing instead. The organizers of the Banff Half Marathon have compiled a list of travel options as well as a Race Day Shuttle. 

• 🎨 Celebrate Indigenous Art & Culture. Celebrate National Indigenous History Month at the Indigenous Art Market on June 14, 10 AM–4 PM at Canmore Civic Centre Plaza. Shop original beadwork, art, fashion & more from 35 Indigenous makers. Free. Want to volunteer? Sign up here. 

• 🛠️ Tool Lending Library. The Biosphere Institute hosts a tool lending library for Bow Valley residents, offering a small selection of equipment. Available free of charge and can be picked up at their office in downtown Canmore.

• 🗳️ Election Workers Needed. Banff and Canmore are both looking for election workers for October’s elections. If you're 18 or older, friendly, patient, good with basic math, and able to work long hours, this might be for you. $27/hour.

• 🎶 Didn’t Get a Ticket to The Ducks Sold-Out Show? Check out their fun interview on The Canmorite where they discuss the arc of their musical journey, the challenge of making music in a world of artificial intelligence, and how there used to be a 4th Duck!

CIVIC NEWS

• 2025 Banff Property Tax Notices Are Out. If you haven’t received yours by June 13, contact [email protected]. Most taxes fund daily services, although over half goes to Alberta’s education tax, which has increased by 29%. Learn more or sign up for a monthly plan.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Banff Latin Fiesta - June Edition. Location: Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

• Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Tommy's Open Mic. Location: Tommy’s Open Mic, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, June 12th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Adequate. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover

SPORTS

• Bears Beat Lethbridge 45–7 in Home Opener. Banff’s rugby squad steamrolled Lethbridge at Sundance Park, scoring seven tries and locking in their third straight win. With momentum building and vets like “Hoops” Hooper still laying down hits, the Bears face the undefeated Calgary Irish next. Next home game: June 21 vs. Foothills Lions.

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.