🦬Bison Hunt in Banff

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We know we have a lot of restaurant/bar owners and managers in our audience. We obviously want to feature whatever special thing you have going on at your establishment (happy hour special, post-ski apres, etc).  However, we’re going to change the way we feature these things in the future. In short, we need a more direct line of communication with you. So, if you want your establishment featured, then fill this form out.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• An update on the indigenous bison hunt in Banff

• There’s more tourism in the Bow Valley because of the weak dollar

• Canmore to host international glacier preservation exhibition 

• Plus, salsa classes, comedy night, film screenings, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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THREE BISON HUNTED IN BANFF AS TRADITION MEETS CONTROVERSY

What's Happening? Banff National Park made history with its first Indigenous-led ceremonial bison hunt in 145 years. Three bison were harvested in 2024 as part of a pilot project co-developed by the Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) and Parks Canada.

Reviving Tradition. This historic initiative reconnected Indigenous communities to their ancestral lands and cultural practices. Nations including Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina, and Métis emphasized the hunt’s spiritual significance, noting the profound connection to their history and environment.

Growing the Herd. The hunt was made possible by the successful reintroduction of bison to Banff in 2017. Over seven years, the herd grew from 16 to over 130, enabling sustainable harvests.

A Controversial Move. Not everyone is on board. Critics, like lawyer and naturalist James Bartlett, question whether hunts undermine the sanctity of national parks as wildlife sanctuaries. Concerns about permitting hunting in protected areas have sparked debate about balancing cultural practices with preservation.

Looking Ahead. The ceremonial harvest sets the stage for future collaboration, with Parks Canada and the IAC committed to expanding the program while navigating its broader implications.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 204-155 CROSSBOW POINT

Nothing screams move in ready quite like a tastefully renovated home! With new flooring, light fixtures, appliances, and paint this cozy Crossbow condo is ready to welcome you. 😊 

As one of the few residential buildings that offers an extensive amenities hall, the strong community ties among neighbors is one of the many draws of this Canmore complex. Not to mention the countless outdoor seating areas, gathering hall, games room, reading nook, pool and hot tub. Check it out!

For more information contact Lori and Alex or visit CanmoreAgent.com for a look at what’s new in the market!  

Be sure follow us on Instagram for more property updates!

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• ✈️Alberta’s tourism industry is cashing in on a weak Canadian dollar, drawing U.S. travelers to ski resorts like Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise, where lift tickets feel like a bargain. Locals are also opting for closer vacations, boosting regional tourism. The message is clear: Alberta’s a deal, and the industry’s ready.

• 📰The CBC is hiring up to 30 new journalists across Canada, including one based in the Bow Valley. With a focus on towns like Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise, the expansion aims to strengthen local coverage. Recruiting starts soon, but political debates over the CBC’s future loom large. Will the coverage be better than Bow Valley Insider? Absolutely not (*snarky grin*) 

• 🦌Injured wildlife? Don’t play hero. Alberta Fish and Wildlife advises against handling animals yourself—it stresses them out and could make things worse. Call Fish and Wildlife for guidance. Deer and other large mammals often recover better on their own, but human interference, like feeding them, only adds to the problem.

• 🚉A proposed passenger rail service from Calgary to Banff could connect the airport, downtown Calgary, and key stops like Canmore, Cochrane, and Banff. Supporters highlight its potential to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and boost tourism, but political uncertainty over federal infrastructure funding could derail the project before it leaves the station.

• 👀In case you missed our Wednesday newsletter: Changes are coming to visitor access in Lake Louise as Parks Canada tackles overcrowding. A recent survey showed support for limiting daily visitors, boosting transit, and reducing personal vehicles to protect wildlife and improve experiences. Expect updates in spring.

CANMORE HOSTS UNITED NATION’S GLACIER PRESERVATION LAUNCH

What's Happening? Canmore will play a key role in the United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, launching January 25 at The Whyte Museum. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about the rapidly shrinking glaciers and their critical importance.

Why Glaciers Matter? Glaciers do more than beautify landscapes; they act as “water in the bank,” supporting water supplies, food security, and climate stability. Their loss could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human life.

A Canadian Focus. The initiative will celebrate researchers, artists, and Indigenous perspectives, highlighting glaciers’ cultural, scientific, and ecological value. Events include the Meltdown: A Drop in Time exhibition featuring photography, film, and art that spotlight Canada’s glacial heritage.

A Call to Action. By preserving glaciers, Canadians can safeguard their identity, ecosystems, and future. Visit unglacieryear.ca for more details.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Level Up Your Sourdough. In Sourdough Next Level, you’ll learn to make flavored sourdough loaves like cheesy jalapeño and cranberry, as well as classic ciabatta. 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM. The Co-Kitchen, Canmore. $75. 

• Free Family Film. Robot Dreams follows the unusual friendship between a dog and a robot in New York City in 1984. 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

Saturday

• Bow River Lodge Open House. Tour the wonderful, home-like accommodation to meet their friendly staff and residents. Don't miss out on this opportunity to find a comfortable home where you can age. 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Bow River Lodge, Canmore. Free. 

• Family-Friendly Birthday Bash. Help the Canmore Brewing Company celebrate its eighth trip around the sun with live music and food trucks. 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.

• Adoptable Dogs Open House. Long-term resident dogs Daisy, Kiki, Kohen, and Bedard will be available for visitation (and adoption). 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free. 

• Rabbie Burns Celebration. Enjoy a delightful Burns evening served with traditional Scottish fare and drinks (with a Malcolm twist). Join for a memorable evening to commemorate the life of Scotland’s favourite poet! 5:30 PM. Stirling Dining Room, Canmore. $85 per person + gratuity. 

• 18+ BINGO. The bingo you know with prizes to spice up your (love) life. Dirty Bingo starts at 7:00 PM. Exshaw Legion. $25.

• Salsa Class and Social. Join the dance class at 8 PM for fun tips and to meet new partners. Afterward, party with a DJ, do some social dancing, and have snacks! 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15.  

• Comedy Night. One of a kind stand up Simon King returns to Banff bringing his darkest hour of material yet. 8:00 PM. Banff Ave Brewing Company. $33.28.

Sunday

• Avalanche Awareness & Training Passport. Choose to complete the Avalanche Training Passport for a chance to win a wicked prize, sponsored by FRESH Ski Shop & the Lake Louise Ski Resort! A lift ticket is required to visit the stations on the backside.)  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Lake Louise Ski Resort. Free.

• Yoga Workshop. If you love hands-on assists, then you will love this workshop with Lydia, where you will use a dowel to get into the hard-to-reach places and improve your awareness and form in the shapes. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. $60. 

• Film Screening. Beyond The Edge is a documentary film that explores the emotional trauma experienced by athletes in adventure sports. Grab a beer and join in to watch, with a panel discussion to follow! 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. By Donation. 

• Music Bingo with Sam.  Join in for five rounds of music bingo with multiple prizes. 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📝Last Day to Register for Mountain Madness. This legendary local relay race will take you and your team of five on the adventure of a lifetime! But only if you register by today. 

• 🖼️Glacier Exhibit at The Whyte. MELTDOWN showcases a powerful collection of artworks focusing on glacial landscapes by Jim Elzinga, Roger Vernon, Tiffany Shaw, and Leanne Allison. The exhibit officially opens Saturday, but head down Friday for a gala. 

• 🎗Cash for CYAN. Congratulations to CYAN on receiving $50,000 to create meaningful opportunities for young adults in Canmore. 

• 🚴‍♂️Cyclist and Pedestrian Detour. The sidewalk on the Southwest side of Spring Creek Drive along where the new Alexander Hotel & Spa is being constructed (next to The Malcolm Hotel) will be closed for approximately two years to facilitate the construction.

• 🐎Horse Lovers Volunteer Call. The Bow Valley Equine Adaptive is looking for volunteer horse leaders, side walkers, and board members.  

• 🧰Home Energy Evaluation Toolkit. Did you know you can borrow a Home Energy Evaluation Toolkit (HEET) from the Biosphere Institute for free? Determine how energy is used in the home and learn how to improve your home’s energy efficiency. 

• 🥌The Crokicurl Rink Open. Located in the Meadow behind The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, Crokicurl is free and fun for all ages. Curling Stones and rules are available from the front desk during the Fenlands open hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• ☀Time to Turn off Your Holiday Lights. In Banff, Town Bylaw permits holiday lighting only between November 15 and January 31.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Province plans to transfer the Moustache Lands, a 20-acre parcel in Canmore's Palliser area, to the Town for affordable housing. The site could accommodate up to 330 units and commercial space, with work required to begin by March 2026. A feasibility study is underway to determine development possibilities. 

• Canmore council is considering adding $3,500 to its budget to support the Indigenous market at the annual National Indigenous Peoples Day event, starting in 2025. The event, held on June 21, celebrates Indigenous culture with dancing, education, and a market, aligning with the town’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, January 24th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Mari Rosehill Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, January 24th, 2025,  8:30 PM: DJ Mike Webb Location: Banff Social. No Cover. 

• Friday, January 24th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Tyler Wood. Location:Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, January 24th, 2025,  10:00 PM: The Party Darts. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, January 25th, 2025,  8:30 PM: Country Music Night. Location: Banff Social. No Cover. 

• Saturday, January 25th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Jamie Allanach. Location:Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover. 

• Saturday, January 25th, 2025,  10:00 PM: The Party Darts. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

SPORTS

• Bike Fest. Fat bikers, gear up! The Campabalooza Fat Bike Festival returns to Canmore on February 22 at the Nordic Centre. Enjoy races, skills sessions, group rides, SnowDog demos, fires, and hot chocolate. With over 20 km of trails and family-friendly vibes, it’s a winter event you don’t want to miss.

• Ice Climbing. Looking to try ice climbing? The Scottish Gully at Canmore’s Junkyards is a beginner-friendly classic. First climbed in 1975, this three-pitch WI2 route offers a fun, non-exposed ascent with stunning views. With no avalanche hazard and a 15-minute approach, it’s perfect for newbies and a slice of Rockies history.

That’s all, folks!

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