🐻Bears Skip Hibernation

Good morning, Bow Valley!

What a wild weekend in the Bow Valley! Between Skijoring in Banff and Hockey Day in Canada celebrations in Canmore, there was no shortage of excitement.  And good news—our recent polar vortex is set to wrap up by the end of today. Warmer days ahead! (Well, “warmer” is relative”) 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• A grizzly was spotted walking around 

• The fireguard in Canmore is taking shape

• A $24M parcel of land is available near Downtown Canmore 

• Plus, local food specials, free yoga, movie nights, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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GRIZZLY ON THE MOVE

What’s Happening? A grizzly bear in Jasper National Park made an early (or perhaps skipped) exit from hibernation, spotted wandering ski trails and the Jasper SkyTram area. This comes amid southern Alberta’s unusually warm winter, with Banff recording its third warmest December on record.

Bear Necessities. Parks Canada experts speculate the bear might have missed hibernation altogether due to low-fat reserves or could be emerging early, as warmer winters shorten denning seasons. The grizzly was last seen on Jan. 14 near Mount Robson Provincial Park, trailing moose tracks—possibly in search of food.

Climate Wake-Up Call. A 2016 study linked grizzly hibernation patterns to climate change, showing earlier den exits tied to warmer temperatures and reduced snow cover. This disrupts energy budgets, cub survival, and increases human-bear conflicts.

Stay Bear Aware. Officials remind locals and visitors: bears can be active year-round. Keep dogs leashed, carry bear spray, and remain alert—even in winter’s chill.

BANFF CENTRE EVENT: DEAFY 

Presented by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
February 1 | Margaret Greenham Theatre | 7:30 PM | $45

Experience Deafy, a powerful and moving tragicomedy written and performed by Chris Dodd. Combining American Sign Language (ASL), spoken word, and subtitles, this captivating production explores themes of belonging through the journey of Deaf public speaker Nathan Jesper, who arrives late to a venue only to discover things are not as they seem.

Immerse yourself in an evening of innovation and storytelling that bridges the gap between communities and celebrates diverse experiences. Learn more and secure your tickets today. 

GET TICKETS

THE DIGEST

• 🐎⛷️Banff Avenue turned into a skijoring course this weekend, blending cowboy culture with ski stunts. Around 5,000 spectators cheered on skiers and snowboarders being towed by horses, boosting local business by 50%. Retro ski gear, wild tricks, and Banff vibes made it a winter spectacle like no other.

• 💵Climbers, heads up: Over $40,000 in grants could fund your 2025 adventures. Apply by Jan. 31 for the Jen Higgins Grant (empowering young women) or the John Lauchlan Memorial Award (supporting bold Canadian ascents), or by Feb. 1 for the Bernard de Launoit Prize (rewarding innovative exploration).

• 🙌Legendary skier Eddie Hunter, a Banff icon, was honored with a chairlift named after him at Mount Norquay, the ski resort he’s called home for nearly a century. At 98, Hunter still skis, inspiring generations while sharing a birthday year with Norquay, both turning 100 in 2026.

• 🧑‍🚒A fire guard is taking shape west of Canmore to protect against wildfires fueled by dense forests. The province plans to harvest 200 hectares and thin 116 by summer, prioritizing south slopes. With below-average snowfall, locals are urged to FireSmart their homes and prep evacuation plans.

• 🐆Cougars have been spotted near the East Gate of West Bragg Creek and along Merlin and Kestrel trails.

$24M PARCEL NEAR CANMORE’S TOWN CENTRE HITS MARKET

What’s Happening? Two vacant lots in Canmore are on the market for a jaw-dropping $24M, offering six acres of land with views of the Three Sisters Mountain Range. This is the largest privately owned parcel currently available in Canmore.

Big Land, Big Potential. The property, located at 300 & 302 Bow Valley Trail, has 870 feet of prime frontage, essential site services at the property line, and is within walking distance of Canmore’s town center. It’s zoned for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development, making it an opportunity for both investors and developers.

Room for Possibilities. From homes to a boutique hotel or even a brewery, the options are endless. It’s truly got us wondering what could sprout up here. 

Canmore’s Housing Crunch. As Canmore grapples with long-term housing shortages, council recently approved a tax incentive program for purpose-built rentals, offering grants of up to 75% of municipal property taxes for 10 years. However, the high cost of land remains a barrier

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Skiing on Trails. Learn about the sport of cross-country skiing. Canmore Nordic Centre. 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Free. 

• Fish Fry. Head over to Fergus & Bix for their beer-battered Haddock and Yukon Gold Fries, for only $12. 4:00 PM to Close. Fergus & Bix, Canmore. $12.

• Guitar for Beginners. Build your skills with this six-week introductory course. You’ll learn chords and chord progressions, strumming patterns, and basic music theory.  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Catharine Robb Whyte Building. $130+GST.

• Winter Yoga. Join CYAN every Monday for drop-in yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect. All are welcome! 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. By Donation. 

Tuesday

• B-I-N-G-O. Tuesday is always bingo night in Exshaw. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Exshaw Legion. 

• Ukrainian Social. Ukrainians and anyone wanting to support Ukrainian Families. Join for a social evening of board games and fun. 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Trail Running. Meet up with the folks at Canmore Trail Culture for a trail run. All abilities are welcome. 6:00 PM. Check here for Tuesday’s meeting place. Free to Run.

• Banff Life Basecamp. Head to the best place in Town to connect and meet new friends in a welcoming and inclusive space to play games and enjoy free drinks and baked goods. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Wild Flour Bakery. Free. 

• Book Club. This month’s Rainbow Read is Boy Erased, a memoir by Garrad Conley, who grew up the son of a Baptist pastor. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Movie Night. Someone Lives Here is a documentary about a carpenter who takes it upon himself to build small, life-saving shelters for the unhoused residents of Toronto during the pandemic. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $12 / youth $6. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⚽Soccer Registration. Minor Soccer Club registration opens today (Monday) at 9:00 AM.  Check the website for information on programs available for your soccer player. 

• ⛔Closed Restaurants.  Tavern 1883 is closed this week to freshen some things up. They will be back Friday. Sauvage is closed until January 28th to give their staff a break. 

• 🔓Clinic Re-Opens. Ridgeview Medical is officially reopening at its Railway Ave location on February 1, 2025. The Spring Creek Integrated Health will remain open with three family physicians.

• 💸Cold Plunge. You cold plunge on the regular, so why not raise some money for the Special Olympics while you’re at it? Register to plunge, donate, or brave the cold and cheer on the plungers!

• 👯Community Square Dance. Leslie Gotfrit accompanied with live music will lead this dance at the Miners Hall. No experience is necessary, and all proceeds will support The Pine Tree Players.

• 🏒Play Pond Hockey. Here is a list of the top outdoor skating spots that are a short drive or hike away.

• 🍽️Local Food Special. Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 PM, locals can indulge in a three-course meal for just $45 at Murrieta’s in Canmore.

• 🕰️History on Ice. Jordan Small shares local hockey lore, including the “Hat Trick’s” Canmore roots.

• 💝Sport Funding. The True Sport Youth Fund gives community sport organizations the financial support needed to keep sport inclusive and accessible in the Bow Valley.

• 🏕Senior Camping Discounts. Starting May 1, the provincial government is offering a 25 percent discount on camping fees for Alberta residents 65 and older. 

• 🎭Comedy in Banff. One of a kind stand up Simon King returns to Banff bringing his darkest hour of material yet in a special intimate venue.

• 🧘🏻‍♀️Yoga Workshops. Sarah Harvie and Lydia Zamorano are teaming up for a third craniosacral workshop on February 1st, Kevin Gaudet and Gayatri Jyoti present Yoga Nidra and Gongs on February 2nd.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore’s Community of the Whole meets Tuesday at 1:00 PM with another full agenda. Items of note include an update on the Palliser Lands Development and this month’s councilor updates. 

• MD of Bighorn held its first council meeting of 2025 and welcomed a delegation that presented more about the FireSmart Development Recognition Program and the Exshaw Mountain Gateway. Check out the entire Council Roundup here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, January 2oth, 2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Monday, January 20th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Karaoke Mondays. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. No Cover.  

• Tuesday, January 21st, 2025,  10:00 PM: Adequate Band. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Hockey.  What’s it like to suit up for the Canmore Eagles? This AJHL team is more than hockey—it’s about giving back to the community that cheers them on. Watch this SportsNet feature on how the Eagles balance goals on the ice with heart off it.

• More Hockey.  The Canmore Eagles are soaring after the AJHL trade deadline, keeping their core intact for a championship run. New addition Will Lutic has been a revelation, earning rookie of the week honors, while captain Rhett Dekowny leads with standout performances. With top-tier goaltending and strong chemistry, the Eagles are ready to defend their spot at the top.

• Even More Hockey. Canmore’s Thelma Crow Arena hosted a unique event introducing South Asian families to hockey, with support from Hockey Alberta and Hockey Night Punjabi. The initiative, aimed at inclusion and fun, reflects hockey’s growing popularity in Alberta’s South Asian community, where registrations have doubled in five years. Even the Stanley Cup made an appearance!

That’s all, folks!

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