🐻 Bear Makes Contact

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re getting whiplash trying to keep up with all the G7 updates. Closures and access plans are shifting fast—not just in Kananaskis, but Banff too. From now until the summit, we’ll keep you posted. What looked firm last week is already changing. We’ve also assigned a video producer to cover breaking G7 updates on Instagram, so expect more real-time content there too. Stay tuned.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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G7 IS COMING. BANFF IS BRACING.

What’s Happening? Banff is bracing for its biggest role since hosting Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. While world leaders meet in the mountains, the Banff Centre will transform into a media hub—and protest planning is heating up.

Protest? Yes. On the Highway? No. RCMP’s Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) has confirmed protests will be allowed—just not on roads. Highway demonstrations like the carbon-tax blockades are a no-go. Central Park in Banff is currently tagged as the protest zone, but the Town says that’s still “proposed,” while the RCMP says the “decision has been made.” More clarity is expected this week.

Media Frenzy Incoming. Roughly 1,400 journalists will be based at the Banff Centre. From May 31 to June 20, public parking is closed. Maclab Bistro closes June 13, Vistas Dining Room June 14—both reopen June 18. Fitness room? Closed June 9–20. Security will be tight, but hey—at least the Wi-Fi is getting an upgrade.

Traffic Warning. June 13–17, St. Julien Road and the Tunnel Mountain trailhead parking lot will be off-limits. Surprise Corner access will be restricted, and yes—VIP motorcades could mean surprise delays. Translation: this is a good time to walk.

WHY IS INFINITY SOLAR TAKING OVER THE BOW VALLEY?

Are they launching a solar-powered gondola? Offering rooftop tanning memberships?

Nope. Even better…

They’re helping homeowners cut electricity costs long-term with custom solar and financing options that make solar more accessible.

Here’s something crazy: Installing solar can increase home value and reduce power bills over time.  Studies indicate that for each kilowatt of solar installed, a home’s resale value could increase by 4.1%. 

Even better? With net metering, the extra power your panels generate may earn you credits toward future bills. 

And here’s what’s really turning heads in Canmore and Banff:

Both towns now have the Clean Energy Improvement Program, offering eligible homeowners financing repaid through their property taxes–low, predictable payments with no big upfront costs. 

If you’re slightly curious, get a free solar estimate in just 2 days.

(If you didn’t click, you either love paying high utility bills or secretly enjoy reading fine print from energy companies.)

_{*Presented by Infinity Solar.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Bear Warning Issued for Lake Minnewanka Trail.  Our worst backcountry nightmare came true: A female black bear with cubs made contact with a tent. Parks Canada has issue a warning through June 15, noting the bear’s bold behaviour—travel with caution, carry bear spray, and report sightings to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.

• 🥶 Frozen Lake Louise Cold Plunge Sparks Questions. A guy on social media took a legal—but risky—dip in the still frozen Lake Louise. The video’s getting traction, but it’s also prompting questions about safety and the role social media plays in shaping outdoor culture. Watch the full plunge and see what you think.

• 🏕️ More Canadians Pitching Tents At Home This Summer. The U.S. trade war and Trump’s 51st-state comments have some Canadians ditching cross-border camping. Alberta Parks is seeing a 25% jump in bookings, while summer camps grapple with rising costs and cautious parents. National pride, fuel prices, and (potentially) free park access could keep more tents on Canadian soil.

• ✅ MEC is Canadian-Owned Again. After five years under foreign control, MEC has returned to Canadian hands. A local investment group now holds majority ownership, marking a new chapter for the outdoor retailer. CEO Peter Hlynsky says it’s a long-awaited move that reflects what members have been asking for: true Canadian roots, restored.

• ⛷️ Lake Louise Ski Resort Begins Work On Major Terrain Expansion. Construction is underway on Richardson’s Ridge, a new 200-acre zone next to the Back Bowls with a mix of pistes, glades, and chutes. While the resort has previously eyed a 2025–26 opening, there’s no firm date yet.

WOULD YOU BIKE FROM CALGARY TO CANMORE ON THIS TRAIL?

What’s Happening? A Calgary-to-Canmore multi-use trail is one step closer to reality. Canmore and the MD of Bighorn are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help push Stage 2 of The Trail—a proposed active-transport corridor—from Cochrane to Canmore.

No Money Down (Yet). The MOU doesn’t lock in any funding—it simply gives the green light to stay involved in planning. Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to better connect communities, especially after seeing the runaway success of the Banff–Canmore Legacy Trail.

The Big Picture. Stage 1 (Calgary to Cochrane) is already underway with backing from Cochrane, Calgary, and Trans-Canada Trail funding. Stage 2 will require input from the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation, Alberta Transportation, and other stakeholders to finalize the route.

Why It Matters? This could be Alberta’s next iconic route—designed for all ages and abilities, with commuting, tourism, and reconciliation goals all rolled into one very scenic path.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Slush Cup. Ski or snowboard across a freezing pond in full costume for cash, prizes, and glory. Sunshine’s legendary season-ender includes epic skims, DJ sets, and spring party energy. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Sunshine Village. Free to watch.

• Banff Food & Friends. A warm meal and good company for anyone who could use either—or both. Open to seniors, adults facing food insecurity, or anyone craving connection. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. St. George’s in the Pines, Banff. Free.

• Romantasy Book Club: Twilight Night. Chat A Court of Thorns and Roses at 6:30 PM, then stick around for a Twilight movie night at Canmore Downtown Hostel. Expect bingo, prizes, and bonus points if you dress like Bella—or bring a cactus. Free to join. BYO snacks and drinks.

Tuesday

• Memory Café. For those with dementia and their caregivers: enjoy dinner, music or art, and time to connect. Caregivers get space for self-care and resources. 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Origin, Spring Creek Canmore. Free, registration required.

• Swim for $2. Toonie Tuesday Swim is perfect for families! Kids 8 and under must be with a caregiver (13+), staying within arm’s reach. Enjoy the leisure pool, lazy river, waterslide, and lap pool foam toy area. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. $2. 

WIN A VIP CANMORE FOLK FEST EXPERIENCE (OR A HELI TOUR!)

The Canmore Folk Fest's online silent auction is live—and the prizes are seriously worth singing about.

Bid now through May 26 to support the festival’s future and score one of these gems:

• 35-min heli tour from Alpine Helicopters

• VIP Fest Package with backstage access & afterparties

• Golden Tarp: First dibs on tarp placement all weekend

• Folkstar Parking + weekend passes

• Private House Concert with Mike Petroff

• Passes to Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg Folk Fests

• Local Artisan Gift Pack from MLA Sarah Elmeligi

• Mini portrait session with Georgi Silckerodt

Every bid supports a festival that aims to bring music and mountain magic to Canmore for decades to come. So whether you're in it for the prizes or the cause—get in while you can.

Bid Now — Auction ends May 26

_{*Presented by Canmore Folk Fest.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⌛ Last Chance for Well in Banff. Just a heads up—Well in Banff kicks off this weekend and Standard Passes are almost gone. Expect yoga, cold plunges, saunas, and—new this year—free ear seeds (while supplies last) from Canmore Wellness Clinic. VIPs also get B12 shots included, with IV drips available to all attendees for a fee. Don’t miss it.*

• ⛷️ Last Chance: Save Up to $850 on Skiing Before Tomorrow. Winter’s done, but this deal’s heating up. Score unlimited skiing at all three local resorts (Norquay, Louise, & Sunshine), killer savings at 25 others, and buddy tickets—plus full refund flexibility until November. If you’ve ever bought a pass before, you qualify. Save up to $850 if you buy by May 20.*

• 🚧 Trail & Access Update. Troll Falls access closes tomorrow. Plus, due to G7 Summit security, Highwood Pass/Highway 40 South remains closed to vehicles until June 21. There’s no cyclist or pedestrian access from the north. Limited access from the south ends just past Ptarmigan Cirque. Expect security presence and closure signage. 

• 🚌 Bus from Palliser to Downtown.Good news, residents of Palliser! While the pedestrian bridge is still a few years off, Roam Route 12 links your neighbourhood to downtown, Grassi Lakes & beyond. Less traffic, more convenience, and a greener Canmore.

• 💽 Digital Hobo Drops Album. Local musician Digital Hobo’s new album Climate Stories turns community voices into powerful songs. From climate scientists to refugees, this release is a call for action and hope in the face of the climate crisis. Listen now and be part of the story. 

• 🦌 Elk Warning Near Canmore. Alberta Parks issued a wildlife warning for Larch Island in Canmore due to aggressive elk during calving season. Give elk space, keep pets leashed, and report encounters. 

• 🙋 Volunteer at the Banff Half Marathon. On June 15th, help bring the race to life—cheer on runners, hand out water, and more. Perks include a T-shirt, snacks, and a bowling party! Sign up and be part of the magic.

• 💝 Canmore’s Kindest Sale is Back is Weekend. St. Michael Anglican Church’s beloved Pay-What-You-Can Garage Sale is back. Drop off donations Thursday 10–2 or reach out if you need an earlier pickup. Then come shop Friday 4–7 & Saturday 9–1. Everyone is welcome!

• 🐺 Adopt a Four-Legged Movie Star. This playful, sun-loving Seppala Siberian Husky is looking for her forever home! A star of the film Togo and known for her “Lotus CPR” dance, she’s ready to swap sledding for snuggles. Learn more about adopting Lotus. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Releases 2024 Council Pay. Mayor Corrie DiManno earned $122K last year, while councillors made between $44K and $47K. The Town Manager’s total pay hit nearly $296K. With an election ahead, DiManno says fair compensation is key to making council roles accessible in a town with high living costs.

• MD of Bighorn May Council Roundup. Council adopted the Trails Master Plan, supported Seniors Week (June 2–8), greenlit composting and road projects, and backed a $10K funding request from McDougall Stoney Mission Society. Next meeting: June 10. Read the full roundup.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, May 19th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, May 20th,  2025,  10:00 PM:Silver Fox Acoustic Duo. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore U13 Players Shine at Prospects Cup. Graham Irvine, Theo Roberts, and Seton Long brought home gold and silver from Hockey Alberta’s Prospects Cup, proving Canmore’s got serious talent on ice. We think we spotted the trio celebrating over slices at Red Rock Pizza over the weekend—and honestly, well-earned.

• Canmore Climbers Head to Nationals. Maddy Mann, Marie Gadd, and Owen Orchard are representing the valley at youth climbing nationals in B.C. this week. With top finishes at regionals and lessons learned from last year, all three are aiming higher—and this time, finals are in sight.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.