🥰Banff’s Most Romantic Spots

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, two Banff restaurants made the list of Canada’s Most Romantic Restaurants—so if you’re still scrambling for date-night plans, we’ve got you covered.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore gets millions to improve transit 

• A local guy takes on Canada’s craziest adventure reality TV show

• Second-homeowners sue Canmore over the Vacancy Tax

• Plus, comedy tours, pub crawls, square dancing, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

CANMORE’S $5.9M TRANSIT TRANSFORMATION

What’s Happening? Canmore is getting a $5.9 million boost for transit and active transportation upgrades, thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments. The investment will improve sidewalks, bike paths, transit stops, and pedestrian crossings, making it easier—and safer—for residents to get around without a car.

Pedal to the Pavement. One project will revamp Bow Valley Trail, adding new sidewalks, bike lanes, transit stops, and pedestrian crossings. The goal? Safer, more accessible routes that encourage more foot and pedal power.

Better Bus Stops. The second project will upgrade existing bus stops and build new ones for both regional and local transit, while also improving sidewalks and pathways leading to transit hubs.

The Big Picture. Canmore has ambitious goals: boosting transit ridership by 20% annually and ensuring 40% of trips happen on foot, bike, or bus by 2030. With support from all levels of government, the town is paving (literally) the way toward a greener, more connected future.

CALLING ALL BANFF LOCALS & HOME BUYERS!

We’re SO excited to introduce McHardy Residences, a brand-new development coming soon to Banff!

This thoughtfully designed low-density complex is perfect for first-time buyers or anyone looking to move within the community. Located at the corner of Rabbit and Marten Street, you're just steps away from downtown with perks like your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and Bow River trails.

Key Highlights:

• 10-Year New Home Warranty

• Entry Level Pricing

• Versatile Floor Plans

Don’t miss your chance to own one of these 1- and 2-bedroom units! Register here to find out more and reserve your spot today!

…Wondering if you qualify to purchase within the Banff National Park? Give Alex or Lori a call to discuss your options. 😊

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• ⭐Two Banff favorites, Lupo Italian Ristorante & Patio and Sky Bistro, have landed on OpenTable’s list of Canada’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants for 2025. Just in time for Valentine’s Day—if you can snag a reservation.

• ⚠️Remember that early morning earthquake near Banff we reported? Turns out it wasn’t as big as we thought. Originally reported as a 4.5, scientists have now downgraded it to 3.7 after further analysis. Only about 15 people reported feeling it—fewer than the number of people who rage daily over Banff parking.

• 💪Canmore’s own Mark Manysiak is trading in garbage bins for obstacle courses as he competes in Canada’s Ultimate Challenge, a reality competition that transforms the country into a giant adventure course. The 35-year-old “Swiss Army knife of skills” is ready to bring his boundless energy, athletic versatility, and team-first mentality to the national stage.

• 🚶Banff’s pedestrian zone fight wasn’t just about walkability—it was a battle of budgets. The pro-pedestrian campaign, backed by local businesses, spent $54,500, outspending the grassroots ‘no’ vote 4.5:1—yet still lost. With the public vote officially shutting down the summer pedestrian zone, council can’t revisit the issue for three years… unless another vote happens.

• 🎨Canmore’s artsPlace is kicking off 2025 with a fresh lineup of workshops featuring Calgary-based artist Chris Lukas Maier. His exhibit, Palimpsest, explores urban markings—think graffiti and construction paint—as layers of history. artsPlace is also expanding accessibility and rolling out new youth arts programs.

• 🔥A new report ranks Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes among Canada’s top 10 national parks most at risk for wildfires in 2025. Researchers analyzed 30 years of burn data and climate projections, showing western Canada facing growing wildfire threats as conditions continue to shift.

CANMORE’S VACANCY TAX FACES ITS DAY IN COURT

What’s Happening? The legal battle over Canmore’s vacancy tax has officially begun. A group of second-home owners and developers are challenging the bylaw in court, arguing it unfairly targets part-time residents and exceeds the town’s legal authority. The Town of Canmore, however, is standing firm, calling the tax a necessary tool to address the housing crisis.

The Legal Showdown. The judicial review kicks off Feb. 7, with opponents claiming the tax violates provincial law and discriminates against non-primary residents. More than 775 people—both part- and full-time residents—have joined the challenge.

The Town’s Perspective. Canmore officials argue the tax is essential for keeping the town livable. Set at 0.4% of assessed property value, it’s expected to generate $12M annually to fund affordable housing projects.

The Bigger Picture. Vacancy taxes are common in BC and Ontario, but Alberta’s legal framework is untested. With Canmore’s tight housing market on one side and second-home owners on the other, this court case could set a major precedent.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Chess Night with Eric Boerger. Enjoy a game of chess, connect with other chess players, and maybe even pick up a new trick or two! 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Public Library. Free. 

• Film Festival Day 1 of 2. The No Man’s Land Film Festival has a goal of enhancing the female and genderqueer presence in outdoor adventure. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15 / members $12.75 / youth $7.50.

• Wine Workshop. You will learn more about what wines pair well with certain foods, and how to ask the right questions to find the right wine in the future. 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM. UnWined, Canmore. $43.93. 18+.

Saturday

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Long-term resident dogs Daisy, Kiki, Kohen, and Bedard will be available for visitation (and adoption). 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free. 

• Movie Night. Adventure Film Collective - Winter Series. Immerse yourself in captivating stories of exploration and adrenaline-pumping action. Grab a beer and join in to watch! 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. $11.98 in advance / $17.31 at the door.

• Community Square Dance. Join for a community square dance, with caller Leslie Gotfrit and live music by The Hip to Be Square Collective. 7:00 PM. Canmore Miners Hall. $25.  

• Film Festival Day 2 of 2. The No Man’s Land Film Festival has a goal of enhancing the female and genderqueer presence in outdoor adventure. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15 / members $12.75 / youth $7.50.

Sunday

• Game Night with CYAN. Drop in to meet new people and play new games! Games gratefully provided by Armadillo Games! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. By Donation. 

• Comedy Tour.  Four international comedians come together to create one amazing show with each bringing a unique and hilarious take, providing something for everyone. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $50.

• Banff Pub Crawl. The perfect opportunity to make new friends, find your new favourite spot, and enjoy a night full of fun vibes.Whether you’re solo or with a crew, join a team and make some memories! 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM. The Banff Bar Hop. $21.69. 18+

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ❌Mountain Madness Relay Cancelled. Unfortunately, due to poor snow conditions, the Mountain Madness Relay Race scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2025 has been cancelled. 

• 🏅Unsung Heroes of the Bow Valley Honoured. Last week,  twenty-one people from all walks of life from the Bow Valley were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to their communities. Congratulations!

• 🤠Horse Lovers Volunteer Call. The Bow Valley Equine Adaptive is looking for volunteer horse leaders, side walkers, and board members.  

• 📝Women in Business. Registration is now open to active members for the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce: Women in Business on March 6th. Looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating International Women's Day! 

• 🍕Half-Price Happy Hour. Nothing better than a crisp martini and chicken sausage pizza during Brigette Bar’s happy hour! Enjoy half-off all beverages and pizzas daily from 2-5PM.

• 🗣️Fireside Chats with Local Authors. Adventure, travel, mountain culture - Sharon Wood and Bernadette Macdonald.  Share their stories at the Canmore Library’s event on Tuesday, February 4th. 

• 🍩Buy a Donut to Support the Special Olympics. Special Olympics Canada has partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited-time Special Olympics Donut, available from January 31st -February 2nd. 100% of the proceeds go directly to local Special Olympics community programs 

• 🤝Community Conversation. Settlement Services of the Bow Valley is hosting a free dinner and community conversation about culture shock.  Share your stories, meet new people, and reflect on what makes a community feel like home.

• 💊New Pharmacy in Canmore. The new pharmacy in Spring Creek is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free underground parking is available.

CIVIC NEWS

• On February 11th, the Town of Canmore will approve its final budget, which could include facelifts to the Cougar Creek ice rink and the playground located at the Homesteads of Charles Carey. 

• Canmore residents and businesses can now access planning, building, and development-related permits and services, which must be submitted through a new online application portal at portal.canmore.ca.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, January 31st, 2025,  5:00 PM: Andrew Staygold. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, January 31st, 2025,  9:00 PM: Garrett Barbuto. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, January 31st, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mike Mackenzie. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Friday, January 31st, 2025,  10:00 PM: With Intention. Location: The Lodge by Banff Ave Brewing.  $5 Cash Cover.

• Saturday, February 1st, 2025,  9:00 PM: Grant Kanigan.. Location:Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover. 

• Saturday, February 1st, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mike Mackenzie. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

SPORTS

• Para Biathlon.  Canada dominated the opening day of the Para Biathlon World Cup in Italy, snagging three gold medals in sprint pursuit events. Derek Zaplotinsky (men’s sitting) clinched his first-ever World Cup win, Brittany Hudak (women’s standing) pulled off a comeback victory, and Mark Arendz (men’s standing) delivered a flawless performance to complete the golden sweep.

• Hockey. The Canmore Eagles soared past the Olds Grizzlys in a 9-2 blowout, extending their winning streak to six games. The Eagles dominated early, going up 4-0 in the first 10 minutes and leading 7-0 after one period. Canmore now sits atop the AJHL standings, five points ahead of the competition.

• Nordic Ski. Canada Cup Western Champions are in Kimberley this weekend and Canmore is well-represented in the U-18 races! Check out the schedule and race webcams. 

That’s all, folks!

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