🚠 Canmore’s Gondola Moves Ahead

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Last night, we updated our Banff and Canmore Halloween guide with everything worth checking out this weekend. From family-friendly trick-or-treating and giveaways to costume hikes, film screenings, and late-night parties, there's something for everyone. Our top pick for families? Head to The Shops of Canmore (map here) on Saturday from 3-5 PM. Participating businesses will be handing out candy, with some offering extra treats, raffles, and promotions. It's free, costumes are encouraged, and little legs won't have to travel far. 

Note: Our regular “Things to Do” section below covers non-Halloween activities happening this weekend. For Halloween-specific events, use the guide linked above.

-Ben S., Cassandra Stefanic, Fortune Whelan, Brendan Nogue, Alexia Chambers, Keith Fernandes

BANFF'S 55-YEAR-OLD SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG PROGRAM CUT. AN MP WANTS IT BACK.

What’s Happening? After 55 years of helping locate missing people and rescue avalanche victims, Parks Canada's search and rescue dog program in Banff National Park is being discontinued. Yellowhead MP William Stevenson is challenging the decision, launching a petition calling on Ottawa to bring the program back.

These Aren't Your Average Dogs. Specially trained search and rescue dogs can locate people buried beneath avalanche debris, track missing hikers in remote wilderness, and assist emergency crews in dangerous terrain. They can also reduce the time human rescuers spend exposed to avalanche hazards.

Take Leroy, Banff's last search and rescue dog. During seven years of service, he tracked 156 individuals and located 57 missing people. He also assisted in avalanche rescues and helped recover human remains.

Why Is The Program Being Cut? The decision comes amid nationwide Parks Canada restructuring aimed at reducing spending. As we reported earlier this week, 536 employees across Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks have received notices that their positions could change or disappear.

Nationwide, Parks Canada expects to eliminate the equivalent of approximately 500 full-time positions.

In a statement to Bow Valley Insider, Parks Canada said it's reviewing programs that are underperforming, duplicating other services, or fall outside its core responsibilities.

However, the agency hasn't explained why the dog program was selected or whether alternative canine rescue resources will be available.

The Pushback. Stevenson raised the cancellation in Parliament, pointing to Leroy's rescue record and arguing the loss could increase risks for visitors and rescue personnel.

"They are essential to the safety in our parks," he told Parliament.

The parliamentary secretary responding on behalf of the government emphasized its commitment to emergency preparedness but didn't directly explain the cancellation.

What Happens Next? Stevenson's petition calls for the immediate reversal of the decision and dedicated canine rescue capabilities across Canada's mountain national parks. Whether Parks Canada will reconsider remains unclear.

Read our full story, which has a link to the petition.

YOU TRAIN YOUR BODY. WHO HELPS YOU TRAIN YOUR MIND?

You follow a training plan. Practice your technique. Put in the hours.

But when nerves take over before a race, or one mistake shakes your confidence for the rest of a game, what do you practice for that?

That’s where mental skills coaching comes in. It helps athletes develop practical ways to manage pressure, maintain focus, and respond when things don’t go to plan.

We’re fortunate to have someone bringing that support to our community. Born and raised in Canmore, Courtney founded CS Sport Performance to offer the kind of guidance she would have valued growing up here.

She holds a psychology degree and a master’s in kinesiology. Her graduate research focused on strategies coaches can use to help athletes manage pre-performance anxiety.

So, what would you actually work on together?

It starts with your sport, your goals, and the situations you find challenging. For example:

• You feel ready in practice, but nerves take over in competition.

• You make a mistake and start second-guessing every decision.

• You’re constantly comparing yourself with other athletes.

• You’re injured, frustrated, and trying to adjust your training and expectations while you recover.

You practice these mental tools alongside your physical training, then work with Courtney to refine and build on them as you progress toward your goal. 

She works with recreational and competitive athletes, as well as teams, coaches, and parents. You don’t need to wait until something feels wrong to start.

Book a free 15-minute phone consultation to ask questions and explore whether it’s a good fit.

_{*Presented by CS Sports Performance.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐺 Wolf Pup Euthanized After Encounter With Bull Elk In Banff. A young wolf spotted lingering along the Minnewanka Loop on Oct. 9 prompted Parks Canada to intervene. Wildlife staff captured the pup, fitted it with a tracking collar, and relocated it to an area where it had the best chance of reuniting with its pack. Just two days later, on Oct. 12, the pup approached a bull elk, which defended itself and critically injured the wolf. Parks Canada euthanized the pup to prevent further suffering. It's unclear whether the wolf had reunited with its pack before the encounter.

• ⛰️ Will Gadd Opens Up About Grief And Loss In The Mountains. Canmore ice climber and alpine guide Will Gadd has written a deeply personal piece for Climbing magazine about the emotional toll of losing friends in the mountains. He recounts how fellow climber Ken Wallator struggled for decades after watching his girlfriend die in a mountaineering accident, before dying by suicide in 2019. He also reflects on the death of professional climber Will Stanhope, who struggled with addiction and trauma before a fatal climbing fall earlier this year. Gadd challenges the mountain community's culture of suffering silently and urges climbers to seek help.

• 🗺️ Google Removes Controversial Three Sisters Viewpoint From Maps. Remember the popular photo spot that was sending tourists to Canmore's off-leash dog park near Cougar Creek? Residents complained about overcrowded parking, visitors entering the fenced dog area, and people dangerously crossing Bow Valley Trail. The Town of Canmore had repeatedly asked Google to remove the viewpoint pin, but it kept reappearing. Well, Google confirmed it’s been removed. Searching for “Three Sisters Viewpoint” no longer directs visitors to the dog park. The Town also installed a new “Dog Park Users Only” sign. 

• 🦉 Injured Owl Sparks Community Rescue Effort In Canmore. When Exshaw resident Mico Flores spotted an injured owl near Canmore's Silvertip Golf Course, he stopped to help. His wife, Iryna, turned to local Facebook groups, where residents rallied to arrange transportation to a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Sadly, the owl died several days later. But the rescue brought attention to the family's own struggle. Mico's 14-year-old son, Neyo, has a serious lung condition and may need a double lung transplant in Toronto. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover travel, accommodation, and other expenses.

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SILVERTIP GONDOLA MOVES FORWARD IN PROVINCIAL REVIEW. RESIDENTS HAVE 30 DAYS TO WEIGH IN.

What's Happening? The proposed Silvertip Gondola on Canmore's Mount Lady MacDonald has reached another milestone. Stone Creek Resorts has formally submitted its application to the Alberta government, opening a public comment period that runs until Nov. 26. But the province is clear: the project has not been approved.

What's Being Proposed? A 3.2-kilometre gondola running from near Palliser Trail, north of the Trans-Canada Highway, through Silvertip Village to a summit lodge on Mount Lady MacDonald. Plans include three stations, viewing platforms, restaurants, and managed alpine trails.

The project has been discussed since 2017, but gained momentum in September when Alberta designated part of Mount Lady MacDonald as an All-Season Resort Area, allowing Stone Creek to pursue provincial approvals.

What About Wildlife? The gondola would cross two important wildlife corridors used by grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, elk, and bighorn sheep.

An environmental assessment submitted by Stone Creek identifies increased human activity, rather than the gondola infrastructure itself, as the primary long-term concern.

The report concludes significant environmental effects are unlikely if measures such as wildlife monitoring, managed trails, and restrictions in sensitive areas are implemented.

However, conservation groups, including Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society of Southern Alberta and the Wild Sheep Foundation of Alberta, have previously raised concerns about habitat disruption and increased human activity (read our interviews with these organizations here and here). 

The assessment's conclusions still require provincial review.

What Does Stone Creek Say? President Shauna Dudding says the project would make alpine experiences accessible to people who can't hike up themselves, including older residents, families with young children, and people with mobility challenges.

"The concept and alignment haven't changed, while years of environmental and technical work have further informed the application," she told Bow Valley Insider.

What Happens Next? Alberta says Stone Creek must demonstrate how it will address concerns raised during public consultation.

Once feedback closes, the province has up to 30 days to assess whether the application is complete, followed by 150 days to decide on the development plan. A land lease could take longer.

Read our full story and have your say.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Live Music And Dancing At The Rose & Crown. Dean Lonsdale & The Ramifications are bringing their high-energy five-piece band to Banff for a night of crowd favourites, big vocals, and plenty of dancing. With over a decade of live performance experience, they know how to keep the dance floor moving. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Rose & Crown in Banff, 10 PM. $5 cover.*

Saturday

• Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival Kicks Off Today. Nine days of adventure films, inspiring stories, guest speakers, mountain art, and events celebrating mountain culture. The 51st annual festival features filmmakers, athletes, and authors from around the world, plus a marketplace and plenty of free activities. Saturday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 8, at Banff Centre, with additional screenings at Lux Cinema in Banff and artsPlace in Canmore.

Sunday

• Last Chance To Catch This Musical Comedy In Canmore. Ain't We Got Fun? wraps up its run at Carter-Ryan Theatre today. This original Canadian musical follows a rising star searching for a new leading man, while her overprotective grandmother tries to sabotage every audition. Expect vintage songs, tap dancing, plenty of laughs, and a four-person cast bringing old-fashioned Broadway charm to the stage. Carter-Ryan Theatre in downtown Canmore, 3 PM. $40. Use Code: BowValleyInsider for 15% off.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎃 Halloween Treats Have Arrived At JK Bakery In Canmore. Looking for something sweet for Halloween? JK Bakery has two festive options available at both Canmore cafés. Their Halloween sugar cookies ($1.95 each) come decorated as ghosts, black cats, or pumpkins, while their Monster Cupcakes ($3.95 each) feature colourful icing, google eyes,a nd come in chocolate or vanilla.  They're great for anyone with a sweet tooth, but if you're looking to earn some extra points with the kids this Halloween, showing up with a box of these should do the trick. Pick them up in-store.* 

• 🚲 Now’s The Time To Shop Bike Deals In Canmore. Rebound Cycle is selling its rental fleet, with kids’ bikes, commuters, road, gravel, mountain and e-bikes available in various sizes. An Orbea Occam SL mountain bike is $2,100, down from $3,999, and a Trek Rail + 5 electric mountain bike is $5,000, down from $6,999. Child trailers are also $150, down from $600. It’s one of the Bow Valley’s best bike sales of the year. Stop by, call or email [email protected] while inventory lasts.* 

• 🐆 Cougar Kills Deer Near Popular Kananaskis Trail. Alberta Parks has issued a cougar warning for a section of the Bill Milne Trail near the Evan-Thomas Day Use Area after a cougar killed a deer nearby. Cougars often cover their kills with vegetation and return to feed over several days, so the animal could still be nearby. The advisory remains in effect until further notice. There's also construction in the area until Nov. 20, with crews removing two abandoned bridges at Evan Thomas Creek and Ribbon Creek.

• 🔌 Thinking About Installing EV Chargers At Your Business? With more electric vehicles visiting the Bow Valley, hotels and other accommodation providers may want to consider offering charging stations. But what does installation actually involve, and how much does it cost? Next Tuesday (Nov. 3), a free workshop with local EV expert Edmund Ong will cover charger types, electrical requirements, installation costs, and practical next steps. No previous EV knowledge required. It will be hosted at Fenlands Recreation Centre in Banff, from 12-1 PM. Free, but registration is required.*

• ⛷️ Sign Up For A Free Ski Fitness Program. Ski season is almost here, and if your knees aren't quite ready, the Banff Sport Medicine Foundation wants to help. Its free eight-week Ski Fit Ready program focuses on building strength and reducing the risk of knee and ACL injuries. You'll receive a physiotherapist-designed exercise plan delivered to your inbox every two weeks, complete with video demonstrations and exercises that get progressively harder. No gym membership required. Registration closes tomorrow, Oct. 31. Sign up for free.*

• 🙋 Last Call For Bow Valley Locals To Join The Biosphere Institute's Board. We mentioned this earlier in the week, but it's worth another reminder. If you've got experience in finance, fundraising, non-profit management, or board leadership, the Biosphere Institute could use your expertise. The local charity runs programs focused on wildlife coexistence, climate action, and environmental education. This is a volunteer board position and an opportunity to help guide that work. The deadline to express interest is Monday. Learn more.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Residents Can Now Recycle More Everyday Items. That empty chip bag, coffee cup, or Styrofoam takeout container? It can now go in the recycling bin. Thanks to expanded provincial recycling rules, Banff residents can also recycle plastic wrappers, bread bags, toothpaste tubes, aerosol cans, and laminated paper products. The changes support Banff's goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfills by 2028. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 30th, 10:00 PM: PowerHouze. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, October 30th, 9:00 PM: The 40 Watts. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, October 31st, 9:30 PM: Slay or Be Slain: Ghostface Drag Rave. Location: Banff Sizzlers, Banff. $20.

• Saturday, October 31st, 6:30 PM: Halloween Hoedown (Hannah Malayko, Ron McNeill & Georgie Lyons). Location: The Dusty Boot, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• A 24-Hour Halloween Race, If You're Feeling Sinister Enough. Forget running through the woods at night. Sinister Sports is hosting The Dark, an underground endurance race inside the Bellevue Mine in Crowsnest Pass. Runners have 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours to complete as many 500-metre loops as possible through a mine shaft that stays between 0°C and 2°C year-round. Good luck to all racers this weekend! 

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, 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.