🤡 Banff’s Creepiest Room

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on our poll from Wednesday about political advertising. 65.2% said you’re okay with it as long as ads are clearly marked as sponsored, avoid attack-style messaging, and stick to a candidate’s history, platform, and vision. We read every comment and take your feedback to heart.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

TAXING PART-TIME RESIDENTS IN CANMORE FACES NEW SCRUTINY

What’s Happening? Premier Danielle Smith’s mandate letter to the Municipal Affairs minister is drawing Canmore’s attention. It directs the province to prevent “specialized municipal taxes on homes that are not a primary residence,” wording that points directly at Canmore’s Livability Tax.

How the Tax Works. Starting in the 2026 tax year, homes not occupied for at least 183 days, including 60 consecutive, will face an extra 0.4 percent levy on assessed value on top of the regular municipal rate. On a $1,000,000 property, that would mean $4,000 extra a year. The town projects $10.3 million in annual revenue, earmarked for affordable housing initiatives.

The Legal Backdrop. The Court of King’s Bench upheld the tax in April, but second-home owners and developers appealed. A ruling from the Court of Appeal is expected late 2025 or early 2026.

Provincial Pressure. Developers have already asked the province to intervene, warning that the tax sets a precedent for municipalities across Alberta. The Premier’s directive does not name Canmore, but it puts programs like this under review.

Local Response. Mayor Sean Krausert says the tax is essential to address a 2,000-unit housing shortfall, calling it “crucial revenue” for building non-market homes. Council candidate Jen Marran wants the tax delayed until after the appeal and the work of the new Property Tax Taskforce this fall, a group of public representatives set to recommend changes to the town’s property tax bylaw.

Big Picture. The outcome will determine how far Alberta towns can go in experimenting with housing solutions before provincial policy draws the line.

Read our entire coverage of the story here.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 458 STEWART CREEK CLOSE (COMING SOON)

There’s a place in Stewart Creek that feels like it was made for the Canmore lifestyle. 

458 Stewart Creek Close has one of those backyards you can picture yourself in right away: a sunken firepit for long summer nights, a hot tub for post-adventure soaks, and big decks made for friends and mountain views. The best part is it’s all low maintenance, so you spend more time enjoying it than working on it.

Inside, there’s space for everything and everyone. You get 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and over 3,000 square feet, plus a heated double garage that’s perfect for skis, bikes, and all the gear that comes with mountain life. The neighborhood is one of Canmore’s newest and was designed with walkability in mind, making it easy to get outside right from your doorstep.

If you want a closer look, Alex and Lori can fill you in on the details.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚊 Poll Shows Support for Calgary-Banff Train. Nearly half of Banff’s traffic starts in Calgary, and a Bow Valley Insider poll of 485 readers shows 64% want a Calgary–Banff train prioritized. Supporters cite safety, fewer cars, and lower emissions, while critics raise costs, grizzly deaths, and whether enough people would actually use it. Many argue buses, shuttles, and rail together may be the real fix.

• 👻 Banff Springs Named Among World’s Most Haunted Hotels. Conde Nast Traveller, one of the world’s top travel magazines, just named the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to its list of 64 most haunted stays, one of only two Canadian spots to make the cut. Curious about the legends? We investigated the ghost stories behind the hotel and pulled together the three most famous tales. Read them here. 

• 🏞️ The Larches Hit Their Peak This Weekend. The annual larch march is here, and while the usual suspects like Pocaterra Cirque and Chester Lake will be packed, we’ve got other ideas. Our team shared their favorite trails they’ve actually hiked that are tougher to find on Google lists but reward you with fresh views and fewer crowds. Check our recs here. 

• 🍃 Banff and Canmore Mayors Back Climate Push. More than 250 local leaders, including Banff mayor Corrie DiManno and Canmore mayor Sean Krausert, signed an open letter urging Ottawa to fast-track green infrastructure over pipelines. They want a clean energy grid, high-speed rail, and energy-efficient housing to protect communities already hit by wildfires and smoke. Their message: growth and resilience must align.

• ✅ Banff Sign Relocation Resumes. Remember last week when we said the Banff sign move was halted over possible archeological remains? Parks Canada has now confirmed the glass and debris uncovered were not significant, so construction is back on. The $1.2M project will shift the sign to the train station, add benches, landscaping, and pathways, and create a safer photo spot. 

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.

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s chat

BANFF AND KANANASKIS BIRD REPORT

What’s Happening? It’s been a big week for birdwatchers in the Bow Valley: endangered black swifts are back at Johnston Canyon, a rare ancient murrelet just made its second-ever recorded appearance in the Park, and golden eagles are beginning their fall migration along the front ranges. 

Swifts at Johnston Canyon. Four pairs of black swifts returned this spring from South America, but only two raised chicks. That is far below the dozen nests seen in the 1970s, yet better than the near-vanishing numbers of the 2000s. Parks Canada is using cameras and DNA analysis of bird poop to learn why these cliffside nesters are struggling, with climate change and shrinking insect populations the main suspects. 

Rare Murrelet Sighting. An ancient murrelet, a seabird that usually lives along the Pacific coast, showed up in Banff on Sept. 16 (see picture). Longtime resident Marc Breau first spotted the bird, sparking a wave of binoculars pointed west of town. It’s only the second confirmed sighting in Banff National Park (the last was in 2007 at Lake Minnewanka).

Golden Eagle Highway. Meanwhile, golden eagles are gliding overhead on their “eagle highway,” a narrow migration stream that follows the Fisher Range and other ridges in Kananaskis. Thousands pass through each fall between mid-September and early November, riding updrafts with barely a wingbeat. 

Want To Catch Glimpse? Black swifts and ancient murrelets are rare sights, but golden eagles are a sure bet. Early October afternoons at Hay Meadows near Mount Lorette offer some of the best eagle viewing in North America, with 13 spotted yesterday. Details here.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Free Minecraft Movie. Four misfits find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. 5:30 PM. artsplace, Canmore. Free.*

• Free Poker With Prizes. Head to the Exshaw Legion tonight for poker. Buy-in is free, but you’ll still have a shot at winning prizes. Doors open at 6PM, with $10 loaded nachos and drink specials on the menu. Everyone is welcome. 14 Heart Mountain Drive.*

Saturday

• Bow Valley Ultra Fun Run. Show up at 9:00 AM for coffee & pastries, then choose your distance for a run at 10 AM. No bibs, no timing, just great trails, great friends, and good vibes. 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Meet at Ski Uphill-Run Uphill. Free. Details. 

• Film Festival Highlights. Experience four powerful screenings. Living with Wildlife shares Bow Valley’s efforts to coexist with grizzlies. Push exposes the global housing crisis. The Public dramatizes a library occupation during a deadly cold snap. Evil Does Not Exist explores community resistance to development. 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. artsplace, Canmore. Free. Schedule here.*

• Meat Draw + Dirty Bingo. The Exshaw Legion is lining up a fun-filled Saturday. Things start at 3PM with a meat draw, where $1 tickets give you a chance at prizes every half hour and maybe even your supper. Then Dirty Bingo gets rolling at 7 PM with cheeky “sexy romantic goodies” as prizes. Bingo admission $10. Everyone is welcome. 14 Heart Mountain Drive.*

Sunday

• Last Chance to Test Drive an EV in Banff. The 2025 EVs are for Everyone Tour wraps up this Sunday. Meet Plug’n Drive ambassadors, ask your EV questions, and try out the newest models. It’s totally free with no commitment. Click here to book your Banff test drive. 10 AM - 5 PM. Banff Train Station. Free.*

• Mountain Navigation Course. Learn key navigation skills in this one-day course, including route planning, map and compass, GPS apps, and terrain assessment. Open to all outdoor enthusiasts and supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. 8:30 AM–5:00 PM at the Fenlands, Banff. Registration and pricing vary.

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AT BANFF CENTRE

What’s Happening? Banff Centre is hosting Kohkom’s Babushka, a family-friendly story that blends Métis and Ukrainian traditions through time travel, music, and dance. 

The Story. Paulette, who’s Métis, and Natalia, who’s Ukrainian, can’t stand each other. But when they’re suddenly transported back to the early 1900s, the feuding tweens have to work together to return home. Along the way, they discover the cultural connections that run deeper than they thought. Watch the 60-second trailer. 

The Details:

•  Margaret Greenham Theatre

• Oct 10, 16, 18 at 7:30 PM & Oct 15 at 2 PM

• From $20 | Recommended ages 8+

Why Go: It’s a magical, multi-generational story about friendship, culture, and what happens when you’re pushed outside your comfort zone. Perfect for families or anyone who loves a good tale with music and heart.

🎟️ Get Tickets Here

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎭 Oh Anne! Gets Extra Time. This crowd-pleasing musical comedy isn’t done yet. Extended through Oct. 5, Oh Anne! brings Avonlea to life with flying fiddles, fiery characters, and full-body laughs. Catch it at Carter-Ryan Theatre in Canmore while you still can. Tickets are already pretty cheap, but use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for another 15%.*

• 🚧 Banff Road Closures & Traffic Updates. The 46th annual Melissa’s Road Race takes place Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Key closures include Sundance Road (full 8:30 AM–2 PM), Tunnel Mountain Drive (7 AM –12 PM), and Banff Avenue bridge and northbound lanes (10:35–10:55 AM). Rely on Banff Transit? See the route changes here. 

• 🏒 Canmore Beer League Needs Goalies. The Midlife Crisis Hockey League is recruiting goalies for the 2025–26 season. Perks: free registration, Thursday 9:45 PM games from Oct. 2–Apr. 2, and post-game pints at Rose & Crown with food covered and drink discounts. It’s a 26-game season capped by a Bow Valley Finals. Spares welcome.

• 📣 Smith Creek Development Info Session. Three Sisters Mountain Village is hosting an online session Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 7–8 PM on Phase 1 of the Smith Creek project. The plan calls for new housing, commercial, and industrial areas with parks and transit links. It also requires expanding Canmore’s growth boundary. Register here to join the Zoom call.

• 🎤 Taylor Swift Premiere Weekend at The Lux. The Lux in Banff is hosting an exclusive event for Swifties from October 3 to 5. See the world premiere of the “Fate of Ophelia” music video, plus behind-the-scenes footage and Taylor Swift’s own reflections on her 12th studio album.

CIVIC NEWS

• Meet the Canmore Candidates: 2025 Municipal Election. Get to know the individuals running for Mayor and Council in Canmore’s upcoming municipal election. Candidate forums are scheduled to start next week and run through October. The first one is being held on Monday, Sept. 29, from 3:00 - 6:30 PM at the Malcolm Hotel.  

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 26th 2025, 7:00 PM: Carly Mackerras.  Location: The Moxy, Banff. No Cover.

• Friday, September 26th 2025, 10:00 PM: Silver Fox Acoustic Duo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Saturday, September 27th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Raven. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Banff Bears Crowned Provincial Rugby Champs. The Banff Bears are Alberta’s best after defeating Edmonton’s Nor Westers 33–12 to claim the Rugby Alberta Division 2 championship. Tries came from Matt Soukas, Ian Standish, Nathan Wilson, and Elliot Bonham, with Jack Pinker adding three drop goals. Even playing a man down, the Bears’ speed, fitness, and resilience carried them to victory.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, 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.