🐻 Bear Captured

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, I don’t know about you, but we’re more than ready to retire the phrase “controlled access zone.” After weeks of tracking G7 disruptions across the Bow Valley, the chaos is nearly behind us. A few final updates are still to come as day use areas and trailheads reopen—but the end is in sight, folks.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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THEY OPENED THE GATES. NOW WHAT?

What’s Happening? The Canada Strong Pass officially launches this Friday—and it’s already stirring up strong opinions. Our Instagram video outlining the details hit half a million views within 24 hours, with reactions split between excitement and concern.

What is the Canada Strong Pass? This pass fulfills a federal campaign promise to offer free admission to all national parks, 25% off camping, cheaper VIA Rail fares, and half-price museum entries for young adults (free for kids). No sign-up required, valid from June 20 to September 2. The government says the pass helps families “choose Canada” this summer.

Locals? Not Exactly Celebrating. In Banff, where crowds already test the limits, some say “free” could mean too many feet on the ground. We polled over 500 Bow Valley Insider readers—80.5% were against the plan. Trailheads are full, Lake Louise is often at capacity, and vehicle traffic in Banff is already up 9% from last year.

Mayor Corrie DiManno told CBC: “We know this is going to add additional pressures... really, the way forward is transit—and mass transit from Calgary is key.”

The Most Popular Question We’re Getting: I just renewed my Parks pass last week—am I screwed? Nope. If your Discovery Pass is valid during the free period (June–August), Parks Canada is automatically extending it by 3 months.

The Verdict? It’s a win for access—but it also puts a spotlight on what locals have been asking for all along: better transit, more park funding, and smarter visitor management. If this drives record numbers, it’ll also test the system that supports them.

CANMORE HOUSE HUNTERS: WILDLIFE EDITION

Spoiler: It’s mostly out-of-towners and mythical creatures.

Welcome to the Bow Valley—where the wildlife is thriving… and first-time homebuyers are endangered.

Let’s observe:

On the ridge, the Local Barista eyes a $749K one-bedroom. She quietly refreshes Realtor.ca, then retreats to the safety of her rental den. Nearby, the Remote Tech Couple swoops in, offering $100K over asking—with no conditions and a smug smile.

And look! The elusive First-Time Buyer. You almost missed them—they haven’t been spotted since 2019.

Can anyone actually afford to buy here?

Maybe. But it takes a guide who knows the terrain.

Michael & Cari Hossmann don’t just do mortgages. They help locals map out what’s possible—whether it’s buying with a partner, unlocking creative lending programs, or getting prepped for when the right listing appears.

Before you write off homeownership as folklore, book a free strategy call. They’ll help you separate fact from fiction.

👉 Talk to Michael & Cari

Because even in Canmore, not all hope is extinct.

_{*Presented by Dominion Lending Centres Synergy Financial.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Update: Sausage-Snatching Black Bear Captured and Collared. We covered this bear last week—now there’s an update. Parks Canada has captured and GPS-collared the young male after it raided a picnic site near Mount Coleman. It’s now in an aversive conditioning program: staff track it dawn to dusk, using noise, chalk, and rubber deterrents to make human areas feel hostile.

• 🐻 Another Bear Closure—This Time Near Upper K Lake. Boulton Creek Campground Loop A is closed after a black bear tore into an unoccupied tent that had attractants inside. It’s unclear if it got a reward, but officials aren’t taking chances. Only hard-sided camping is allowed elsewhere as monitoring continues. Check all active bear advisories and closures before heading out. 

• 🧗 Accident Prompts Warning For Popular Climbing Route. A climber was seriously injured on Grey Waves (Kid Goat, East Face of Loder) after an oven-sized rock broke loose, triggering major rockfall. The belayer narrowly avoided injury, and rope damage made self-rescue impossible. SAR performed a heli-sling. The lead climber remains in hospital, with no update on their condition. Climbers are urged to avoid the route until bolts are inspected.

• 🚶 World Leaders Stroll Through Empty Pomeroy Lodge. French President Emmanuel Macron posted a video from inside the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, giving a rare peek into the G7 bubble. The usually packed tourist resort looks more like a Bond hideout—world leaders, tight security, and not another soul in sight.

• 🎶 Banff Elementary Students Write Anthem For The G7. A group of Banff Elementary students just schooled world leaders—with a song. The students wrote and recorded A Single Seed, an original anthem urging G7 leaders to act on climate, inequality, and global aid. The project came together in just one week—and honestly, it’s a banger. The students were featured on CTV National.  

WHO GETS TO SHAPE A TOURISM TOWN?

What’s Happening? As locals in Spain shoot squirt guns at tourists in protest of overtourism, Banff’s business community is firing off its own concerns—this time at Town Hall. The issue? How much say a municipality should have in shaping its tourism economy.

Banff’s Debate Over Retail Control. Banff’s new draft Community Plan aims to steer the mix of retail shops to better serve residents and visitors. But tourism groups like Banff Lake Louise Tourism and the Hospitality Association say the Town is overstepping. “Business diversity emerges naturally… not by government direction,” said BLLHA’s Karli Fleury. They want the Town to focus on infrastructure and accessibility—not picking winners and losers in the market.

Across the Atlantic: From Policy to Protest. Meanwhile in Spain, residents of tourist-saturated cities like Barcelona and Mallorca are taking a more direct approach—squirting water guns at visitors and demanding restrictions on short-term rentals. The protests highlight rising frustration over housing shortages, cultural erosion, and cities that feel more like backdrops than homes.

The Common Thread? Whether it’s zoning bylaws or anti-Airbnb crackdowns, communities are trying to reclaim balance in economies built for outsiders. Here’s hoping Banffites don’t start packing Super Soakers.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Bow Valley Local Pizza Special. Every Wednesday at Evergreen Restaurant & Lounge, enjoy handcrafted pizzas for just $17—Margherita, Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, or Veggie. Made with premium ingredients like burrata, San Marzano tomatoes, and smoky bacon. Local flavour, local love!*

• Indigenous Peoples' Day Community Workshop. During this 90-minute community-based workshop, you will engage in grounding practices, self-reflection, considering how Indigenous Teachings and Practices can support our wellbeing: mind, body, spirit, and heart. 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Zoom. Free. 

• Collage Workshop. Create your own personalized deck of inspirational cards using collage—no art experience needed. All supplies provided. Led by local Art Therapist Kristin Slagorsky. 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Elevation Place. $5 Suggested Donation.

• In-Person Bear Aware Session. Learn how to stay safe in bear country with this free 90-minute session from Parks Canada and the Town of Banff. Includes bear behaviour tips and inert bear spray practice. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free.

• Casual Craft Night. Connect with Canmore’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community at this monthly drop-in—every 3rd Thursday. Bring your own project, snacks, or games. No registration, just good vibes. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Together. Free.

Thursday

• Mountain Market. The market welcomes both locals and visitors with a diverse selection of locally and regionally made products, including fresh produce, meats, baked goods, preserves, and coffee. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to attend.

• Bevvies & Business. Casual networking with snacks and drinks, hosted by Evergreen Co-op—plus a free jug of windshield washer fluid for all guests. 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Moxy, Banff. $10 for BVCC Members / $20 for Non-Members (Pre-registration required).

TESTED ON BEN’S DIRT

Meet Zoe—easily the best cleaning lady in the Bow Valley (we don’t say that lightly). Before we recommended her, she tackled our publisher Ben’s place—which was leaning more “wildlife habitat” than “home.” She crushed it. Now she’s taking on new clients for everything from regular cleans to move-outs to the deep stuff. Book a quick chat to see if she’s the right fit for your space.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🛎️ Locals Love This Restaurant—and Now We Do Too. Swing by Bella Crusta for world-famous focaccia sandwiches that locals swear by, pizza that’s all about that crust, and gelato to top it all off. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep to yourself... but won’t. We didn’t–check out our visit here.*

• 💡 From Curious Elk to Charging Bears. Whether you hike solo or lead group trips, wildlife encounters are part of the deal. On June 28, join longtime local expert Tyler McClaron for a hands-on safety workshop covering bears, elk, and everything in between—including bear spray practice and real-world tips you’ll actually remember when it counts. Register here. Hosted by the Interpretive Guides Association.*

• 🥂 Summer Solstice with The Fat Ox This Friday. Celebrate the longest day of the year at their Solstice Patio Party, 3–9PM! No ticket needed—just show up and vibe. Enjoy drinks by BYHENDO, lawn games, marshmallow roasting, and more. Fire, friends, and sunshine—what more do you need?*

• 🤝 National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21). Spend the day at Banff Central Park (12–6 PM) for a day of celebration, storytelling, music, dance, and a vibrant Indigenous artisans market. All events are free and open to all. Let's honour the cultures that shape this land.

• 👉 Rotary Park Banff Now Open. Huge thanks to the Town of Banff, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation, and ARC Construction for bringing this vibrant community space to life. Come enjoy the new features and soak up the sunshine! 

• 📢 New Shop Opening in Canmore. A new Dollar Store is opening soon at the old Castle Mountain location in Canmore. Stay tuned for opening day details and a sneak peek at what’s in store!

• 🌱 Volunteer Tree Planters Needed. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn about reforestation efforts, and be part of something that gives back to the land and community. No experience necessary — just bring a good attitude, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

• 🐱 We Feature Dogs A Lot Here, But We’re Cat Lovers Too. Consider adopting a senior cat like Sophie or Gilles from the Bow Valley SPCA or spiffy distinguished middle-aged gentle-cat like Mr. Chester Cattington. The cats at the BVSPCA love to have visitors during open hours! Yes, you can pet them and play with them, too.

CIVIC NEWS

• A Full Disc Golf Course Won’t Be Coming To Banff. Council rejected proposed sites due to zoning and environmental concerns, but a non-permanent practice area at Sundance Park may be explored in 2026.

• Canmore Community Housing Update. May showed some big milestones for the Vital Homes program. The final Wolf Willow unit is now officially part of the Ownership program, Ptarmigan Pointe is 100% sold, plus 25 new Rental Program applications in April show continued strong demand.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Andrew Staygold.. Location:Rimrock, Banff. No Cover.

• Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, 9:00 PM. Open Mic Night. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover.

• Thursday, June 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Karaoke Thursdays. Location: Canmore Hotel. No Cover

• Thursday, June 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Static.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Dark Horse Youth Shine At Calgary Martial Arts Comp. Big congrats to the Dark Horse Martial Arts youth team for competing at Affinity Academy’s in-house event last weekend. Shoutout to Canmore locals Eli and Tate, who placed in the competition. Solid matches, great energy—and hopefully some well-earned ice cream after.

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.