🪂 Banff Skies Open For Flyers

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Earlier this week, we asked if Parks Canada should crack down on unlicensed operators in the wake of a Lake Louise canoe rescue. And, 93% of you said yes. The rescue involved three tourists who rented a canoe from an unlicensed vendor offering cheap rates. While some readers raised concerns about monopolies and pricing, most agreed: safety comes first.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

PARAGLIDING GETS A GREEN LIGHT IN BANFF

What’s Happening? After 17 years of persistence, paragliding and hang-gliding are officially allowed to launch and land in Banff National Park. At least for the next three years. A pilot program, launched May 23, opens the skies to non-motorized flyers under strict guidelines.

How We Got Here. Canmore legend Will Gadd and others in the flying community pushed for nearly two decades to make this happen. While soaring above Banff was always legal, touching down wasn’t. Now, hike-and-fly trips from Castle Mountain and other spots are possible. Just don’t try landing in town or near ski resorts.

Leave No Trace. Supporters say paragliding is ultra-low impact. Pilots walk up, glide down, and leave no trace. Compliance in other national parks has been strong, with pilots self-regulating under the Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada.

Still a Trial Run. This is a three-year test. Pilots must log flights, carry proof of HPAC membership, and avoid sensitive zones. If it goes smoothly, more launch sites may open. Commercial flights? Not in the cards yet.

Will Gadd, Doing Will Gadd Things. Gadd’s passion for flight isn’t just about policy. It’s personal. Last summer, he pulled off a 150 km solo expedition from Ha Ling to Mount Assiniboine. He paraglided in with 40 pounds of gear, landed near the summit, solo-climbed the peak, and flew 100 km out. It wasn’t flashy, but it was technical, remote, and built on decades of experience.

INJURED ON THE TRAILS? THERE’S A NEW ACUTE INJURY CLINIC—COVERED BY AHS

Not every injury needs the ER. And when it doesn’t, Banff Sport Medicine’s Acute Injury Clinic is here to help.

If you’ve suffered a new injury in the past 10 days, skip the referral process and get fast, direct access to their experienced team of sport medicine doctors and physiotherapists. You’ll get a thorough assessment, referral for imaging if needed (with x-rays available on-site), and a personalized treatment plan. All covered by Alberta Health Services.

It’s a streamlined option for non-emergency injuries, designed for active people who want expert care without the wait.

_{*Presented by Banff Sports Medicine.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐺 Habituated Wolf Raises Safety Concerns in Kananaskis. A lone grey wolf seen approaching people in Kananaskis is likely food-conditioned, prompting officials to monitor it closely and use deterrents. If the behaviour continues, the animal could face relocation or destruction. Visitors are urged not to feed wildlife and to report sightings to 403-591-7755.

• 🦍 Sasquatch or Sheep? Video Sparks Wild Debate. A blurry video filmed in Canmore shows a dark figure crossing a mountain ridge, and some swear it’s Bigfoot. Shared with a Sasquatch research group, the footage appears to show something big moving fast. Others say it’s just a bear or bighorn sheep. Grainy, yes. Settled? Not even close. What do you think?

• ✋Suncor Ends $500K Pledge to Canmore Charity. The Resilience Institute says Suncor Energy Foundation withdrew a $500K donation with no explanation, putting several climate projects and staff positions at risk. The Canmore-based charity shared its story publicly despite legal pressure, while Suncor has not commented on the decision or the concerns raised.

• 🏘️ YWCA Banff Tapped to Lead $150M Canmore Housing Project. Canmore council has chosen YWCA Banff to spearhead a major affordable housing build on Palliser’s Site 7, a 2.3-hectare plot gifted by the province in 2023. The $150M plan includes 270 non-market units across four six-storey buildings, with services for vulnerable residents and potential to expand. Groundbreaking is set for 2026.

• 🛣️ India Builds Wildlife Overpass. Just Like Banff, But Bigger. India’s new 2.5 km animal overpass through Ranthambore Tiger Reserve takes cues from Banff’s pioneering crossing system, which has cut wildlife collisions by 80%. Banff was one of the first parks globally to test these structures and now has 44 crossings along the Trans-Canada. India’s project is part of a wider push that includes reforestation and urban wildlife corridors.

Marketing That Slaps (In a Good Way)

Like a fresh baguette to the face…our ads get noticed.

They’re local, loud, and lovingly crafted to convert.

We don’t do boring banners or beige print.

We write clever mini-stories that make 15,000+ locals engage.

➡️ Fill out the form and feel the slap.

ONE YEAR LATER: HOW HAS JASPER RECOVERED?

What’s Happening? One year after wildfires scorched 30 percent of Jasper’s townsite, the community is still rebuilding but it’s also reopening. From luxury cabins to campground trails, the message is clear: Jasper is open for business, and recovery is very much in motion.

The Fire That Changed Everything. Last July, a lightning-sparked wildfire tore through Jasper National Park, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and staff housing, and slashing tourism by more than half. The Cabin Creek neighbourhood was hit hardest. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge survived thanks to quick action and a golf course irrigation system running on full blast, but the damage was extensive. Entire blocks were lost, 520 people are still in temporary housing, and some residents have already given up on returning.

Recovery Meets Reality. Rebuilding is slow. Strict Parks Canada environmental rules have led to long delays, multiple soil tests, and a housing shortage that was already a crisis before the fire. Still, green shoots are appearing. Poplars, wildflowers, and wildlife are reclaiming the burned terrain, offering a rare chance for visitors to witness regeneration in action.

Hope, With a View. With full hotels, open trails, and reimagined art spaces, Jasper’s spirit hasn’t burned out. Locals say the new Jasper won’t look the same but it might be just as spectacular in a different way.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Wings At Home. Grab & Go 2 lbs of marinated chicken wings, kettle chips, and mini cucumbers for $23. Bold, hearty, and fresh. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Don’t miss out on this July special. 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Valbella, Canmore.*

• Storytime in the Park. Bring your imagination (and a teddy) for stories, songs, and snacks with Miss Rhonda and the Summer Reading team. They’ll bring the books and blankets. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Centennial Park, Canmore. Free.

• Girls' Skateboarding Meet-Up. A relaxed evening for girls and women to skate, connect, and build confidence. Enjoy hot waffles, try out extra boards, and get friendly tips from local skaters. All levels welcome; helmets recommended. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Banff Skateboard Park. Free. 

Thursday

• Book Signing. Calgary-born author, Krista Kujat, brings a unique blend of environmental science, acting, and trauma therapy to her writing. Founder of Veritas Vista, Kujat’s work guides readers toward self-liberation, sensuality, and sacred intimacy. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Cafe Books, Canmore. 

• Teen Financial Literacy. Students in Grades 10–12 are invited to join ATB Financial to learn about financial literacy, including developing a budget, types of savings accounts and their uses, investments, and risk management. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Surf & Turf in Style. Indulge in a Canadian Certified Angus Beef NY Steak paired with succulent Canadian lobster for just $69, all while enjoying live music. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Stirling at The Malcolm.*

TRIED ORKIN. THEY WERE BOOKED. MET THESE GUYS—NEVER LOOKED BACK.

It started like most pest control stories do:

You spotted something crawling (or scurrying) and Googled “pest control in Canmore or Banff.”

Orkin? Two-week wait. No thanks.

Then you found Innovative Pest Solutions—and now you won’t trust anyone else.

These guys are fast, friendly, and seriously good at what they do. Founded by three former pest control techs who moved from Calgary to Canmore, they’ve built a smarter, greener, and way more responsive alternative to the big companies.

Rodents? Gone.

Ants? Handled.

Wasps? Not your problem anymore.

They even deal with bed bugs, bats, and those weird centipede things no one wants to Google.

Treatments are pet- and kid-safe, and they’re already trusted by big-name property managers like PEKA.

But they’re trying to get the word out to Canmore homeowners, too.

Need help yesterday?

Reach out now and they’ll be there before you’ve finished reading this sentence.

🐜 Get a free quote.

_{*Presented by Innovative Pest Solutions.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎭 Because You Deserve a Laugh. Need a night out? OH, ANNE! is a brand-new musical comedy where four actors bring dozens of characters (and instruments) to life. It’s clever, chaotic, and completely charming. Playing now at Carter-Ryan Theatre. Get 15% off with BOWVALLEYINSIDER. Get tickets here.*

• 🌼 A Local’s Secret To A Perfect Garden. The best flowers, freshest veggie starts, and lushest hanging baskets. Wendy’s Garden Centre has it all. No wonder Canmore’s hotels, restaurants, and locals trust Wendy’s for their greenery. Find them at Roosters Corner (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore).*

• 🍹 Summer Sips at Whitebark Cafe. Enjoy hand-pressed lemonade in original, raspberry, or lychee flavors; or savor a 16-hour Nicaraguan cold brew, perfectly smooth, rich, and bold. All on the dog-friendly patio, open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, through the end of September.*

• 🧺 Picnic with a View (and a YETI). Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is offering a Peak Picnic package: a 2-night alpine stay with chef-curated meals packed in YETI backpacks for your trail adventures. Bonus? You’ll head home with a keepsake blanket. Perfect for those who like their wilderness with a side of comfort. Check details here.*

• ✍️ Last Chance to Shape Alberta’s Parks. The province’s draft Plan for Parks is open for feedback, but not for long. The survey closes July 26, so if you’ve got opinions on the future of Alberta’s parks, now’s the time to share. It takes just 10–15 minutes.

• 🛒 New Dollar Store Opens on Railway Ave. Canmore’s newest spot for cheap finds just opened its doors. The dollar store on Railway Ave is now stocked with everyday essentials, random gems, and seasonal deals. Whether you need batteries or just want to poke around, it’s worth a wander.

• 🔒 Electric Wolf Cafe on Main Street is permanently closed. We drove by and saw the windows covered up, and Google confirmed it. It’s always tough to see a local business go, especially one that brought something unique to the strip.

• 👨‍⚖️ Thinking of Running for Council? The Town of Banff keeps a public Register of Candidates, and so far, it’s empty.  If you want to shape Banff’s future, now’s the time to file your Notice of Intent to Run before accepting or spending campaign

CIVIC NEWS

• Green Light for New Wolf Street Housing in Banff. Council has approved moving ahead with final designs for the Wolf Street project including 90 below-market homes plus community space to help tackle Banff’s housing crunch. Supported by provincial, federal, and local funding, construction is set to begin in fall 2025.

• Banff ER Doctors Urge Council to Tackle Alcohol-Related Harm. Physicians are urging Council to adopt stronger municipal alcohol policies like earlier bar closing times or fewer liquor stores to help reduce violence and injuries. Council will consider the new community plan, which could address this, on July 28.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, 6:30 PM. Andrew Staygold. Location: Rimrock, Banff.. No Cover.

• Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, 10:00 PM. Tommy's Open Mic Hosted by Garry from The Ramblin' Hey Ho Ha's. Location: Tommy, Neighborhood Pub, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, July 24th, 2025, 5:00 PM. Mallory Chipman w/ special guest Digital Hobo.. Location: Market Bistro, Canmore. $11.98.

• Thursday, July 24th, 2025, 7:30 PM. Susan O'Neill. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $18.50 - $37.00

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Noah Philp Inches Closer to Full-Time NHL Role. After a strong bounce-back season, Canmore native Noah Philp proved he can hang with the pros. He tallied 35 points in Bakersfield and played 15 games for the Oilers, showing solid defensive metrics. With waiver eligibility looming, Philp’s next step may be cracking Edmonton’s lineup for good.

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.