🛩️Busted: Flying Drone in Banff

Good morning, Bow Valley!

A really cool event is coming to Canmore at the end of this month, and the deadline to register is Saturday at midnight.  It’s a triathlon of sorts, but instead of the traditional disciplines, you run, fat bike, and XC ski.  You can be a total noob–it’s just for fun. We’re all stoked that this event is coming to the Bow Valley, so we wanted to give it some extra love to start things off today. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• New fireguard planned for Canmore Nordic Centre

• A tourist pays for 200 customers' orders at a local bakery 

• A head-to-head comparison of Banff’s two most popular hikes

• Plus, Salsa social, St Paddy’s live music, avalanche awareness, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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NEW FIREGUARD PLANNED FOR CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE THIS SUMMER

What’s Happening? Canmore is expanding its wildfire protection efforts with a new fireguard at the Canmore Nordic Centre, set for construction this summer. The town is applying for funding to support the project as part of its ongoing FireSmart strategy.

Guarding Against the Blaze. Canmore is highly wildfire-prone, and this fireguard builds on work done in Stoneworks Creek, Harvie Heights, and the Banff east gates. The west section, within the provincial park, aims to stop fires from the west, while the east section will protect the Nordic Centre and Spray Valley.

More Funding, More FireSmarting. The town is seeking $200,000 for vegetation management in Canyon Ridge, thinning trees and removing deadwood to reduce fire risk. Meanwhile, the Bow Valley fireguard just secured an extra $580,000, bringing total project funding to $1.7 million.

A Smarter Way to Burn? Officials tested an air curtain incinerator, which burns wood in a controlled, smokeless way, but it was costly and slow. Biochar, which turns wood into soil-enhancing charcoal, was also considered but lacked demand. For now, controlled pile burning remains the best option.

ALEX & LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 1117 14^TH STREET

Take a virtual tour of this stunning custom-built home and discover a property like no other!

The location is unbeatable, offering breathtaking mountain views and just steps away from an abundance of amenities—tennis courts, walking trails, the Bow River, outdoor skating rink, and the vibrant shops and restaurants of Main Street Canmore. However, it’s the incredible attention to detail and mountain-modern design that truly makes this home stand out. 

✔️ Rock & Timber Exterior Features
✔️ Large Butlers Pantry
✔️ Glass Enclosed Office
✔️ Wood Paneled Fulgor Milano Appliances
✔️ Two Gas Fireplaces
✔️ Wood Paneled Ceiling
✔️ Custom Wet Bar

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

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛩️Drone Drama in Banff. A California tourist learned the hard way that flying drones in Banff National Park isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal. Spotted near Minnewanka Loop, he cooperated fully but still landed a $500 fine. Parks Canada urges visitors to report drone use, with fines reaching up to $25,000.

• ❄️Snow Dump & Trail Check. In case you stayed inside yesterday, the Bow Valley got hit with up to 20 cm of snow. Roads are slick, and Parks Canada is doing avalanche control on the Icefields Parkway today north of Saskatchewan Crossing, with delays of up to an hour. Heading out? Check Parks Canada’s site for updated hiking, fat biking, and XC ski conditions first. 

• ⛰️Tunnel vs. Sulphur: Which Hike Is Best? Banff’s two most popular hikes offer very different experiences—Tunnel is quick and central, while Sulphur is longer with panoramic views (and a gondola option). Bow Valley Insider breaks down distance, difficulty, and crowds so you can choose the best trek for you. Read our full guide here.

• 💕A Heartfelt Gesture at JK Bakery. In a quiet but powerful act of kindness, an American woman—ashamed of the US trade war—covered the bill for over 200 customers at JK Bakery in Canmore. Locals were stunned, some moved to tears. Whether political or just generous, one thing’s clear: good food and goodwill cross borders.

• 🎞️Stories We Have Earned: One-Night Only. Cody Lefthand’s documentary on Stoney Nakoda’s film legacy screens March 19 at 7 PM., featuring Hollywood productions shot on the Nation and firsthand stories from elders. A deep dive into history, resilience, and representation—don’t miss it. Tickets available at the Cochrane Movie House box office.

NORDIC SPA DRAMA: CANMORE BOARD SIDES WITH BASECAMP

What’s Happening? In the latest round of Canmore’s developer showdown, Stone Creek Resorts tried (and failed) to halt Basecamp Resorts’ Nordic spa project at Silvertip Trail. Canmore’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) dismissed Stone Creek’s appeal, meaning Basecamp’s spa is full steam ahead.

Spa Wars: Silvertip Edition. Stone Creek, which owns Silvertip, argued that Basecamp’s development sidestepped key requirements, including pathway construction and infrastructure cost-sharing. But SDAB ruled Basecamp and the town played by the book, and minor changes didn’t warrant a total project overhaul.

Courtroom Cliffhanger? This isn’t over yet—Stone Creek has a pending case at Alberta’s Court of Appeal, but there’s no set date. For now, Basecamp gets to keep building.

Pathway Problems & Peace Talks? The real tension? A multi-use pathway near Silvertip. Stone Creek feared road lane closures, while Basecamp insists they’ll fund a path. Both sides claim they’re "close" to resolving it, but we’ll believe it when we see it.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Home Grown Art Show. The community exhibition showcases the work of young, new, and emerging artists in a variety of art mediums, including original paintings, photographs, sculptures, fashion, and more. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Banff Town Hall. Free. 

• Salsa Social. Join the dance class at 8 PM for some fun tips and to meet new partners. Stay to party with a DJ, social dancing and snacks! 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $18 / members $15.30.

Saturday

• Avy Awareness Day. Swing by the village for some snow safety fun! Learn cool tips and test your knowledge! 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Banff Sunshine Village.

• Opera Live in HD. Fidelio tells of how Leonore, disguised as a prison guard called "Fidelio", rescues her husband Florestan from death in a political prison. 10:55 AM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members / $12.50 youth.

• Community Swap. This weekend, celebrate the season of renewal by swapping gently used items! Bring clothing, décor, books, and more to trade for something new. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Adoptable Puppies Open House. Visit adoptable dogs at the Bow Valley SPCA, including this guy who was taken in by bylaw last week. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Bow Valley SPCA, Canmore. Free.

• Final Screening Date. Last chance to enter the Reel Rock Universe featuring Death of Villans, The Cobra and the Heart and Riders on the Storm 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50.

Sunday

• Morning Yoga in Banff. Enjoy a 45-minute yoga session led by resident instructor Chie Fujimaru. This class is open to all levels of yoga practitioners and book lovers. Children are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Winter Yoga in Canmore. Join CYAN for drop-in, by-donation yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect in the cozy Yoga Lounge. All are welcome. 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚴‍♀️Three Sports, One Epic Race. Lace up, clip in, and strap on your skis—Canmore’s Spring Equinox Triathlon is the ultimate multi-sport adventure. Run 5km, fat bike 10km, and ski 15km through breathtaking mountain trails. Go solo or rally a team, but don’t miss out! March 29, 2025, at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Sign up today!

• 🦴Getting Older Doesn’t Mean You Have To Slow Down. If stiffness, aches, or old injuries are creeping in, osteopathy can help keep you moving and feeling good. Osteopathy For All is offering a free assessment to help figure out what’s holding you back and how to fix it for the long run. Might be worth a look!

• 🎙️Live Irish Music on St. Paddy's Day. The Canmore Celtic Trio, featuring Ted Woodhouse (guitar, vocal), Sonya Freebold (fiddle) & Chris Fast (mandolin). Drink specials, too! Canmore Brewing. 5-8 PM.  

• ⛔Swim Meet at Elevation Place. The aquatics centre will be closing from 12:45 PM Saturday to host a Rip Tides Swim Meet. They will re-open Sunday at 8:00 AM to the public. 

• 🧐Wondering What All The Smoke Is About? Smoke may be visible over the next two weeks as burning takes place for FireSmart work in the Larch area.

• 💨Bombs Away! Actually. It’s avalanche control season around Canmore. Check out this great capture. 

• 🥇Bow Valley Little League. This year’s league is in need of more players and registration has been extended until tomorrow. 

• 💚Ayurvedic Workshop. Simmi and Joan dig deep into imbalances experienced in the menopausal journey while learning how to use food as medicine, practicing unique yoga techniques, and finding the power in the breath. 

• 📝Business Survey. Your voice and perspective is crucial! The Alberta Chamber of Commerce has created a brief survey to gather your insights. It will only take 1-3 minutes of your time, and your input is essential for our advocacy efforts.

• ✅Wilderness Wednesdays. Usually you need a pass to head out to K-Country, but visitors can enjoy Kananaskis without a conservation pass on the first Wednesday of each month.

• 🧺Mountain Made Market. Vendors interested in joining the Mountain Made Market can email mountainmademarket@gmail.com for an application form. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Adjusts Development Rules for Flood Risk. Canmore has updated its regulations to address steep creek flood risks, particularly in Cougar Creek. While a development hold zone is being lifted, new restrictions limit added density until further flood risk assessments are completed. With major mitigation projects underway, future development in high-risk areas remains uncertain.

• Canmore Cracks Down on Tourist Homes. Last Tuesday, after hearing from the public, Canmore Council moved forward with removing "Tourist Homes" from several land use districts including Bow Valley Trail and TeePee Town.  Existing tourist homes will still be able to operate as a non-confirming use. 

• MD of Bighorn Seeks Feedback. Reminder to the residents living northeast of Exshaw. The MD of Bighorn is requesting your feedback on the potential upgrading of Mount Fable Drive within the Hamlet of Exshaw. Please check your mailboxes for a survey and additional information. The survey closes on Friday, March 21, 2025. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, March 14th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Carlyn Patricia Reilly. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, March 14th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Amy Weymes and The Atta Boys. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, March 15th, 2025,  7:30 PM: Men of the Mountains Choir. Location: Silvertip Resort. $33.28.

• Saturday, March 15th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Retrograde By Unconditional Wub. Location:Canmore Hotel.

• Saturday, March 15th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Amy Weymes and The Atta Boys. Location:Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, March 16th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

• Sunday March 16th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Prairie Sons.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.  $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50

SPORTS

• Hockey. The AJHL has revealed its top contenders for league awards, including MVP, Top Forward, and Coach of the Year. Canmore Eagles’ Alex Scheiwiller, Rhett Dekowny, and Andrew Milne are among the finalists. Winners will be announced after the regular season. Full details on nominees and awards here.

• XC Ski. The 97th Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals will take place from March 17-23, 2025 at the Canmore Nordic Centre. More than 800 senior, junior, and para-nordic skiers will compete in sprints, distance races, and team events.

That’s all, folks!

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