💸 Canmore Crowned Priciest Town

Good morning, Bow Valley!

With municipal elections coming up, several candidates (almost all) have asked if we accept “political advertising.” That means a paid spot where they introduce themselves, share their platform, and explain why you should vote for them. In the past, we’ve said no. Even with a clear “sponsored” label, we’ve worried it could look like we’re endorsing someone. That’s the last thing we want. We would never tell you who to vote for. But this year feels different. Bow Valley Insider now reaches 16,000+ locals, and we know we’re a direct line of communication to the community. Candidates will spend their ad budgets regardless, but should that include us? We’d like to hear from you on whether political ads in BVI would be a turn-off or not.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

CANMORE RANKED AS ALBERTA’S MOST EXPENSIVE TOWN

What’s Happening? Canmore has officially claimed the crown as Alberta’s most expensive place to live. The new Alberta Spatial Price Index, which compared 37 communities, found Canmore’s overall cost of living was 69% higher than Edmonton’s, the survey’s benchmark.

The Numbers Behind It. Housing did most of the damage, with mortgage payments, rents, and property taxes nearly 180% more expensive. Utilities added to the squeeze too, costing about 40% more than in the capital. By contrast, places like Athabasca and Wainwright ended up 7–8% cheaper overall than Edmonton. 

Groceries and Goods. Not everything in Canmore is sky-high. Fresh fruits and vegetables actually priced in about 4% lower than Edmonton, and household supplies came in close to par. But most other categories leaned higher. Restaurant meals cost about 8% more than in Edmonton, and recreation and leisure came in about 9% more. Add those on top of shelter costs, and it is hard to balance out the housing burden.

Who’s Next After Canmore? Jasper came in second at 23% higher than Edmonton, while Calgary ranked third at 15% higher.

Why It Matters. The report sums it up bluntly: “Canmore’s steep shelter costs are primarily driven by high costs of land or construction for new development, and strong demand for housing attributed to its popularity as a mountain town.” With an index nearly three times Edmonton’s for housing, Canmore is in a league of its own. At least no one here is bragging about West Edmonton Mall as their local landmark.

FREE FALL WILDLIFE INSPECTIONS

Squirrels are cute when they’re outside on the trail. Not so much when they’ve decided your attic is the perfect spot to settle in for winter. Once they’re in, they can chew wiring, tear insulation, and keep you awake with their midnight marathons.

That’s why Innovative Pest Solutions is offering complimentary wildlife inspections this fall. Their licensed technicians know exactly where squirrels slip in and how to keep them out before the snow flies. If they do find signs of activity, they’ll walk you through the safest, most effective ways to solve the problem without any guesswork.

A quick inspection now can save you from a long (and expensive) headache later. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is squirrel-free before winter hits.

Fill out this quick form by September 30th and mention Bow Valley Insider to receive your free inspection. 

_{*Presented by Innovative Pest Solutions.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏛️ Banff Mayor Acclaimed. If you’re like many of us who don’t follow “council lingo,” acclaimed means Corrie DiManno secured another term as mayor because no one else put their name forward. She says it reflects community confidence in her leadership. Her next term will focus on delivering the newly passed Banff Community Plan (more on that here), with mayoral pay rising to $130,000 in 2026. 

• 🐕 A Cochrane Dog Joins Canada’s Hall Of Fame. Night, a 10-year-old Doberman, was inducted into Animal Hall of Fame after saving his owner from a charging grizzly near Cochrane. In a tense standoff, he planted himself between man and bear, growling until it backed off. Is it just us, or is this the first time we’re all hearing there’s a Dog Hall of Fame?

• 🧼 Rocky Hits 25 With A New Look. The Canmore-born company, formerly known as Rocky Mountain Soap, once famous for making soap in every scent imaginable, just rebranded to Rocky because they are far more than soap now. With 350 products, 15 stores nationwide, and 100 locals on the payroll, they are marking 25 years with new packaging while still hand-pressing bath bombs.

• 🤍 Mountain Biking Community Mourns Phil Goheen. The Alberta mountain biking scene is grieving after Jordan “Phil” Goheen, 40, was struck and killed while cycling in Calgary on Sept. 12. A trail builder, advocate, and YouTuber, his channel featured rides from Bragg Creek to the Canmore Nordic Centre. Friends are planning a Moose Mountain memorial ride (date TBD).

• 🏕️ More Campsites Incoming. A new letter from Premier Danielle Smith to Alberta’s forestry and parks minister confirms the pledge to add 900 new campsites by 2033, with 300 ready by 2027. While the province points to more overnight options and upgrades in busy areas like Kananaskis and Canmore, the details remain thin.

A Small Town Love Story

You: A great local business.

Us: A newsletter with 16,000+ locals who love supporting local.

We keep bumping into each other… but you’ve never said hi.

Let’s stop pretending this isn’t a thing.

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s finally connect

ARC’TERYX CRITICIZED FOR FIREWORKS, BOW VALLEY PRAISED FOR RESTRAINT

What’s Happening? Here in the Bow Valley, fireworks are gone from New Year's and Canada Day celebrations. But one of the biggest names in mountain gear just did the opposite overseas. Arc’teryx is apologizing for a fireworks stunt in Tibet that critics say clashed with its environmental values of “protecting the wild spaces where customers ski, climb, and hike.”.

Why the Arc’teryx Stunt Backfired? The Tibetan display featured colourful dragon-shaped pyrotechnics across the Himalayas (watch the video here). Organizers say the fireworks were made from biodegradable materials. Critics countered that even “eco-friendly” fireworks emit heavy metals, sulfur, and fine particulates that can damage air quality, soil, and water, especially in fragile, high-alpine terrain. The online backlash was swift, with 3,500+ comments accusing the brand of hypocrisy (perfect toilet reading, if you’re bored).

Banff and Canmore Take the Opposite Path. Both towns have cancelled Canada Day and New Year’s Eve fireworks in recent years, responding to similar concerns raised about Arc’teryx’s stunt but with the added weight of wildfire and wildlife risk. Canmore has tried alternatives like light shows and expanded live music to keep celebrations festive without the fallout.

A Contrast That Speaks Volumes. A global brand is scrambling to explain how fireworks fit its environmental message. The Bow Valley’s choice, by contrast, is being praised. Parks Canada and Alberta wildfire officials have backed the move as common-sense safety. Tourism boards highlight it as a model of responsible celebration. And many residents say it reflects mountain values. 

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Future of Fenlands Open House. See how community input shaped the next design phase, including expanded fitness and arts spaces, indoor bouldering, and upgraded team rooms. Learn how your ideas are guiding Banff’s recreation future. 3:00–7:00 PM. Banff Town Hall. Free.

• Coaster Making Workshop. A creative evening just for women to make resin coasters, enjoy light snacks, and meet new friends. All materials are provided. 6:00–8:00 PM. YWCA Banff. Free, but registration required.

Thursday

• 50+ Fitness. A fun fitness class that will have you focused on cardiovascular and muscular strengthening, core and balance, and ends with a nice stretch. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

• Canmore Farmer’s Market. The second-last market of the season is your chance to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, artisan treats, and handcrafted gifts. 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to attend.

PRIDE MARKETS: CELEBRATE WITH LOCAL MAKERS

Pride is more than parades. It’s about celebrating creativity and community, and this year’s Pride Markets make that easy. Over two weekends, three unique markets will showcase artists from the Bow Valley and Calgary, each with its own flavour.

Start at the Mountaintop Pride Mini Market on Saturday, October 4, at the Banff Gondola, where the views compete with the art for attention. Down in the heart of Banff, the Bison Courtyard Market runs the same day, with handmade jewelry, pottery, and one-of-a-kind fashion. 

Then, on the following weekend, the flagship Pride Market takes over Scout-Guide Hall on Saturday, October 11, with indoor and outdoor vendors offering a mix of visual art, clothing, home décor, stickers, beadwork, and more. 

Each market is free to attend, family-friendly, and designed to spotlight queer and Two-Spirit voices.

See the full schedule of events at Banffpride.ca.

_{*Presented by Banff Pride.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💡 Think You Know Canmore? Cluesolvers turns the town into your personal puzzle board. Armed with just your phone, you and your crew follow a mystery storyline, cracking clues that lead you past murals, benches, and shop windows. It’s a 2-4 km walk that feels part scavenger hunt, part escape room, and all fun, whether you’re out with friends or hanging with the family. We played, and it’s awesome (watch the video). Go to Cluesolvers, select Canmore, and book your game.*

• 🥂 National Legion Week Brings A Big Weekend Lineup. The Exshaw Legion is serving up plenty to do this weekend. Friday night kicks off at 6PM with free poker along with $10 loaded nachos and drink specials. Saturday starts with a 3PM meat draw. Tickets are $1, prizes are drawn every half hour, and you could literally win your supper. Things wrap up at 7PM with Dirty Bingo, where the prizes are “sexy romantic goodies.”*

• 🎨 Bow Valley’s Best-Kept Furry Secret. Canmore artist Toni Lopes has been painting local pets for years, and his portraits feel more like family heirlooms than art. He captures the quirks, like muddy paws and sideways stares, that make your dog uniquely yours. If you have ever thought about getting real photos done, a painting might be another option to consider. They make a great gift, too. See Toni’s work.*

• 🍖 Thanksgiving Pre-Orders at Valbella. We’re 100% doing this for our own Thanksgiving this year, so we figured we’d share it with you, too. From golden roast turkey and glazed ham to all the trimmings, Valbella has everything you need for a stress-free feast. Orders close Monday, Oct. 6, at 10 AM, so get yours in now. Order here.*

• 🐻 Grizzly Bear Advisory: Mt. Shark & Watridge Lake. Parks officials have issued a bear advisory after close encounters with a grizzly on the Mt. Shark cross-country ski and bike trails and the Watridge Lake Trail. For those unfamiliar, the trails are located near Mount Engadine Lodge and the popular Tent Ridge area. 

• 🚧 Safeway Lot Maintenance. If you’ve done your weekly grocery run in Canmore, you’ve likely already felt the frustration. The Safeway parking lot is being resurfaced to improve safety and access. Expect temporary closures and reduced parking while work is underway. No timeline on work completion yet. 

• 🍱 Bow Valley Fresh Food Box. This monthly program makes fresh produce cheaper to access. For $35, you get a box of 15 seasonal fruits and veggies, available for pick-up in Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, and Lake Louise. Partnering with Odd Bunch, the program rescues “odd” or surplus produce. Order by Monday, Sept 29.

CIVIC NEWS

• MD of Bighorn Election: Ward 1 Votes Oct 20. Three councillors: Lisa Rosvold (Ward 2), Alice James (Ward 3), and Rick Tuza (Ward 4) have been acclaimed for the next MD of Bighorn term. Ward 1 (Exshaw, Lac Des Arcs, Kananaskis, Seebe), however, will elect two councillors. Vote at Exshaw Community Hall. Details here.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, 9:30 PM: Elevate 360. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $11.30.

• Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Michael Charles. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, September 25th, 2025, 7:30 PM: ES:MO. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.

SPORTS

• Canmore Athlete Takes On World’s Toughest Race. Local racer Deb Harksen and Team Rocky Mountain AR are in Penticton for the 2025 Adventure Racing World Championship. Over 10 grueling days, 65 international teams will navigate by map and compass through rugged terrain by bike, foot, and paddle. For Harksen’s team, the race is as much about mentoring athletes and building community as chasing podiums.

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.