🚓 Banff’s May Long Crackdown

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Just a quick reminder if you’re heading toward Banff’s Sulphur Mountain area: starting today through Oct. 12, the new paid parking pilot is officially in effect daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Parking is now $17.50 per vehicle. If this is somehow your first time hearing about it, you can read our previous coverage. 

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

REPORT WARNS ALBERTA TOURISM FEES MAY REDUCE TRAVEL SPENDING

What’s Happening? Alberta’s tourism industry is warning the province’s higher hotel and rental car fees could backfire, with a new report estimating the changes may reduce visitor spending by $164 million annually.

The Numbers. The report, released by the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta, surveyed 157 tourism and hospitality businesses across the province. It estimates Alberta could lose about $42 million annually in hotel and rental car spending alone, with reduced spending at restaurants, shops, and attractions bringing the projected total to $164 million per year.

The province increased its hotel tax from 4% to 6% in April and plans to introduce a new 6% rental car tax next year. Alberta estimates the changes will generate an additional $102 million annually.

Why Operators Are Concerned. Tourism groups argue travellers don’t simply absorb higher costs, especially as affordability concerns remain high.

“When the cost of a hotel room or a rental car jumps, visitors don't just write a bigger check, they shorten their trips, skip the local restaurant, or look toward our neighbours in B.C. for their next getaway,” the report states.

The report cites studies suggesting hotel demand tends to fall as accommodation taxes rise. One University of Guelph study referenced found hotel room sales historically declined by 0.44% for every 1% increase in hotel taxes.

However, the report does not point to current booking declines or occupancy drops in Alberta tourism communities. Much of the projected impact is based on expected visitor behaviour changes and industry survey responses.

Bow Valley Perspective. The findings differ from comments previously made by Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert, who told Bow Valley Insider earlier this year he did not expect the tax increase to significantly affect visitation patterns in the Bow Valley. 

“I think the relatively small size of the levy will not have any discernible change to visitation patterns, length of stay or spending behaviours,” Krausert said in March.

Big Picture. Despite the concerns, Alberta’s tourism industry has continued growing rapidly. The province reported a record $15.2 billion in visitor spending in 2025, reaching a benchmark it originally expected to hit in 2027. Alberta is still targeting $25 billion annually by 2035. 

Read our full story 

WE HAD 10 DAYS TO MOVE 3,500 SQ FT

Ben here. I wanted to share a quick experience I had recently with a local business.

In April, my mom’s home sold faster than expected, and we had less than two weeks to move her out of a 3,500 sq ft home… into a one-bedroom.

This wasn’t just a move. It was a full downsizing. Sorting what stays, what goes to donation, what goes to the dump, and trying to keep everything straight while helping a 77-year-old through a pretty emotional transition.

I hired Grizzly Moving at full price. No discount, no special treatment.

And I can’t stress this enough, these guys aren’t just a random moving company. Joel (the owner) grew up in Canmore and has been in the moving industry since he was a teenager. Now he runs Grizzly Moving out of the Bow Valley, handling moves locally and across provinces.

We did a 30-minute FaceTime walkthrough. He asked sharp questions, gave practical advice, and helped us plan before anything even started.

Then he pulled it off. On short notice, over a weekend he normally wouldn’t work, his team handled everything with care and kept the entire move organized across multiple locations. 

If you’ve got a move coming up, I can’t recommend Joel and his team at Grizzly Moving enough. 

Get a free quote from Joel or just reach out if you have questions about your move. 

_{*Presented by Grizzly Moving.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏔️ Some Of Kananaskis’ Best Early-Season Hikes Reopen Today. Vehicle access west of Elbow Falls on Highway 66 and along Powderface Trail reopen today following their annual winter closures. Since these trails melt out earlier than much of the Rockies, they’re often among the first solid spring hiking options. Our team actually biked into the area last weekend while the road was still closed to scope things out, and we put together a list of five hikes ranging from mellow ridge walks to full-day alpine-style adventures. Most trails were surprisingly dry, although this weekend’s forecast could change conditions quickly. 

• 🐕 Banff Considers Second Dog Park Exit After Wildlife Encounters. Banff council is exploring a second exit gate for the Sundance Dog Park after residents described multiple situations where people and dogs were effectively trapped inside due to aggressive elk and coyotes near the entrance. One incident involved a dead elk carcass nearby that attracted coyotes, leaving about a dozen people unable to safely leave until Parks Canada wardens arrived. Mayor Corrie DiManno called the idea of being stuck inside “low-key terrifying.” 

• 🚫 May Long Crackdown Returns To Banff Campgrounds And Highways. Parks Canada is again banning alcohol and cannabis at several Banff National Park campgrounds over the May Long weekend, including Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack, Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain, and Lake Louise campgrounds. The restriction runs today through Monday, with possible eviction, cancelled permits, and fines up to $25,000 for violations. Meanwhile, Banff RCMP say patrols this weekend will focus on impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seatbelt violations. 

•  💡Winning Design Chosen For Banff Visitor Centre Overhaul. You might remember earlier this year when Parks Canada asked the public to weigh in on six proposed designs for Banff’s new downtown visitor centre. Well, the final concept has now been selected. The winning proposal was led by Toronto’s Paul Raff Studio alongside internationally known Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates. Officials say the design stood out for its sustainability focus and stronger connection between indoor space and the mountain environment. Our article has a video of the new concept.

Need to get the word out for an upcoming event or initiative?

Here’s what one of our current partners, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, had to say:

➡️ Want results like this? Let’s see if it’s a fit

CANMORE PUSHES MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PLANS BACK FIVE YEARS

What’s Happening? On Wednesday, we reported that Canmore approved a scaled-back version of its second home tax, which cut projected annual revenue from roughly $10.3 million to about $4.4 million. With less funding available, several projects are now being delayed, including early design work for a proposed pedestrian crossing near Palliser Trail, which has been pushed from 2026 to 2031. 

Why It Matters. Council voted to remove the $600,000 Palliser Pedestrian Crossing Design project from the town’s 2026 infrastructure plan. Several councillors stressed the crossing remains an important long-term infrastructure project as residential development continues around the Palliser lands (if you’re not familiar with the area, here’s a map). 

“If we don't have the proper infrastructure in place to allow for pedestrian access and for alternate forms of transportation, I think we will be heading into a big problem,” Coun. Rob Murray said during Tuesday’s meeting.

Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert said he did not want residents interpreting the reduced infrastructure budget as a retreat from the town’s broader housing commitments.

“I would hate for anyone to walk away from this seeing this as turning away from our commitments,” Krausert said.

Several councillors also suggested the crossing project could potentially return earlier than 2031 if other funding opportunities emerge.

Growing Attention On The Corridor. The Palliser area has faced increasing scrutiny over pedestrian safety tied to nearby residential growth and ongoing concerns about illegal jaywalking across Highway 1. The corridor was also in the spotlight this week after RCMP began investigating a fatal collision involving a 24-year-old Canmore resident found near the Palliser area on the westbound Trans-Canada Highway early Monday morning. 

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. A free family movie night brings SpongeBob back to the big screen for a ghost-filled undersea adventure with the Flying Dutchman. 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free with RSVP.*

Saturday

• Canmore Market Season Returns. The Canmore Mountain Made Market kicks off for the season with local vendors, food, live music, and indoor-outdoor shopping downtown. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Civic Centre. Free entry.

• A Big Night Of Harmony At The Banff Springs.  An uplifting night of live choral music is coming to the Banff Springs, with big voices and plenty of energy. Bow Valley Chorus invites audiences to settle in for an evening of harmony, rhythm, and joyful community singing. 8:00 PM. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Some tickets still available.*

Sunday

• The Sunday Social Run Club. A new community run club meets at Lovely Ice Cream for a stroller-friendly social run followed by coffee and connection. 8:00 AM. Lovely Ice Cream, Canmore. Free.

• Make a Joyful Noise in Calgary. Bow Valley Chorus takes its spring concert east for a second evening of choral music. The program features classical works performed by local voices, including Rutter’s Gloria, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. 8:00 PM. St. Stephen’s Church, 1121 14 Ave SW. Tickets.*

$1,575/MONTH TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN THE BOW VALLEY

The Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) just increased homestay compensation to $1,575 per month for the 2026-27 school year, plus a $200 sign-on bonus for new host families who apply before May 31.

But the people already doing this will tell you it rarely ends up being “just” about the money.

Every year, students from countries like Japan, Germany, Brazil, Spain, and Switzerland come to Banff and Canmore to study in local schools and experience life in the Rockies.

Host families provide a bedroom, meals, and a stable home base. In return, many end up building friendships that last years beyond the program.

And there’s another side most people don’t realize: international students pay tuition and help fund local schools. Their tuition supports teachers, classroom resources, and course opportunities that benefit Bow Valley students too.

CRPS says they urgently need more host families secured before the end of May or some students may not be able to come.

Fill out this quick form to express your interest - it takes 10 seconds.

_{*Presented by Canadian Rockies Public Schools}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌭 Banff Rooftop Hot Dog Eating Contest Is A Real Thing. The Rose & Crown is hosting a rooftop hot dog eating contest on June 4 where contestants will have 10 minutes to consume as many hot dogs as humanly possible. Water and ketchup will be provided, along with what we can only assume is mounting regret. The winner gets bragging rights, gift cards, merch, and free Monday hot dogs through October. $25 entry. 18+ only. Register here.* 

• 🍙 Grotto Mountain Has a Giant Cave Underground. In Canmore, you can hike partway up Grotto Mountain and then head straight inside it. It’s a 4.5-hour guided experience with Canmore Cave Tours. Now is the time for locals to go. It’s not full of summer tourists, and the cave sits at a steady ~5°C year-round , so once you’re in, the outside weather stops mattering. No wind, no snow. You’ll move through tight passages, open chambers, and sections where you’re crawling or rappelling, with fossils and formations thousands of years old. Book through this link for 20% off (only for Bow Valley Insiders).* 

• 🧠 Climate Workshop Comes To Canmore. The Biosphere Institute and Cory Beaver (Iyarhe Nakoda) are hosting a free workshop next Wednesday exploring the connection between climate change, care, and mental health. The session blends climate psychology with Stoney Nakoda teachings and includes discussion, reflection, and a hands-on planting activity focused on reciprocity and community care. Full details.* 

• 🙋🏻 FireSmart Volunteers Needed. Want to help Canmore get more wildfire ready this summer? The Biosphere Institute is looking for friendly volunteers for its door-to-door FireSmart education campaign. Volunteers go out in pairs, with full training provided, to share practical steps residents can take at home. The commitment is about four hours per week from June through September. Learn more.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Transit Signal Priority at Banff Ave. Banff is giving Roam buses a little extra help at one of town’s busy intersections. Roam buses in the far-right lane at Banff Avenue and Elk Street will receive signal priority to move through more efficiently. The change is meant to improve transit reliability, reduce congestion, and make travel a bit smoother.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, May 15th, 2026, 9:00 PM: House Party.  Location: Banff Ave Brewing Company. $5.

• Friday, May 15th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Halo.  Location: The Drake, Canmore. Free.

• Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 PM: Ashley Garrett. Location: The Drake, Canmore. Free.

SPORTS

• Canmore Sports Groups Say Indoor Space Crisis Is Getting Worse. Local sports clubs say Canmore’s indoor recreation space shortage is forcing athletes into warehouses, long commutes, and inconsistent training schedules. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and squash organizers are now renewing calls for a multi-sport facility, warning the lack of space is starting to affect athlete development. 

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.