📉 Canmore’s Hospitality in Trouble

Good morning, Bow Valley!

You know it’s summer when the farmers’ markets return to the Bow Valley. Banff kicks things off today, with Canmore close behind tomorrow. Fresh produce, local goods, and probably someone selling sourdough. Our publisher Ben makes a mean loaf, so who knows—maybe next year he’ll have a midlife crisis and chase his true calling as a crusty artisan. Full market details below

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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CANMORE’S STAFFING HUNGER GAMES

What’s happening? Alberta’s hospitality sector is bouncing back from its post-pandemic staffing woes—but not all regions are feeling the love. While Calgary’s outlook is improving, Canmore is still struggling to fill restaurant and hotel jobs ahead of summer.

Better, but not fixed. Across Alberta, hospitality employment rose by 8,500 jobs over the past year, driven in part by returning students and better wages. But there are still 11,000 restaurant roles unfilled, and youth unemployment is hovering at a stubborn 17.2%.

Canmore’s double bind. In the Bow Valley, it's a numbers game—and they're losing. Local employers report getting 100 resumes for 200 jobs. The jump from winter quiet to summer madness doesn’t help, nor does the brutal rental market. A one-bedroom in Canmore now averages $2,401/month, and the shortage of housing is a major roadblock to hiring.

Silver lining? Between high rents, few applicants, and operators doing double shifts, it’s not exactly smooth sailing into summer.

THE MIDLIFE TUNE-UP

You take your car in for regular servicing—but when was the last time you did a tune-up for your body?

Banff Sport Medicine’s Performance & Physiology Assessments check your strength, balance, and endurance to catch wear and tear before it slows you down. 

With force plate testing, dynamometer testing, and blood lactate analysis, you’ll get the data to train efficiently, avoid injuries, and stay road-trip-ready for hiking, biking, and running season.

🎥 Curious what it actually looks like? We recently went through the full assessment ourselves—watch the video here for a behind-the-scenes look.

Because just like your car, you perform better when everything’s running smoothly.

Book your assessment and keep running like new (just click on an available time to schedule).

_{*Presented by Banff Sports Medicine.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚦Long Weekend Traffic, Visualized. We posted a video of the eastbound Highway 1 exodus on Monday night—and let’s just say, if you weren’t in it, you’ll laugh. If you were, it might still be too soon. Classic Bow Valley bottleneck. Watch the full clip here.

• 🚧 Ribbon Creek Closed—But Alberta Parks Didn’t Get the Memo. One of our readers got turned around at Ribbon Creek on May 20 after being told the day-use area is now closed due to the G7. Alberta Parks still lists it as open. If you're heading into K-Country, even to an “open” spot, bring a backup plan—you might get redirected. More closures are coming June 1. Full details here.

• 🎓 Social Work Diploma Now in Mînî Thnî. This fall, members of the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation can earn a university-accredited Diploma of Indigenous Social Work—without leaving the community. It's a first-of-its-kind local offering through First Nations University of Canada, aimed at training future leaders in child, family, and community care.

• 🕵🏻‍♀️ G7 Organizers Want Your Eyes—And Your Questions. The RCMP are urging locals to report anything suspicious—like extremist language or odd drone use—to 1-833-341-4464. Want to know more? There’s a public info session for Banff residents on Monday, May 26 from 6:30–7:30pm at the Catharine Robb Whyte Building.

• 🚗 Caught on Camera: SUV Barrels Down Banff Pathway. A viral Instagram video shows a driver cruising down a pedestrian path in Banff National Park, sparking outrage. Locals and visitors alike were baffled: “I still don’t understand.”  Turns out the real wildlife hazard is a confused SUV.

BOW VALLEY BRACES FOR FIRE SEASON

What’s happening? Banff and Canmore are racing to thin forests, prep homes, and calm nerves—before fire season gets serious.

Logs, axes, and urgency. Parks Canada hired loggers—including Indigenous crews—to clear fire breaks near Banff, hoping to stop future wildfires before they hit town. These areas strip trees to create buffers, starving fires of fuel. But experts warn it's only the beginning: “We can’t just let nature do its thing,” says fire specialist Jane Park.

Anxiety in the air. Drought, low snowpack, and early melt have experts like Canmore hydrologist John Pomeroy sounding the alarm. Fire Chief Keri Martens says her department is fielding more calls than ever from residents wanting to fireproof their homes—many still clad in cedar shake, which looks nice and rustic but is highly flammable.

A community divided. Some residents are stepping up—cutting brush, installing sprinklers, and prepping their homes. But others, especially part-time homeowners, are harder to reach.

Bottom line: Fire season is here, and the Bow Valley isn’t taking chances.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Banff Farmer’s Market Returns. Shop fresh and local. Discover handmade goods, produce, art & more! Walk, bike, or Roam—limited parking onsite. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Banff Central Park. Free to Attend.

• Wine Down Midweek! Enjoy Half-Price Wine Wednesdays—perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or treating yourself. Cheers to good company and great deals! 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Stirling at The Malcolm, Canmore.* 

• Crochet Night. Join fellow crochet lovers for a cozy evening of crafting and connection. All levels welcome—bring your project. No formal instruction, just good vibes & yarn. 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. Communitea, Canmore. Free or $10+gst if you’re new to crochet! 

• Casual Craft Night. Make & Mingle is a drop-in evening for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks of all ages to connect, craft, and hang out. Bring your own project (or board game!) and snacks. No registration needed. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. CanMore Together. Free. 

• Group Bike Rides. Meet up at the brewery, head out for a ride, and then back for a pint. 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free to ride.

Thursday

• Canmore’s Mountain Market. A beloved summer tradition for 25+ years to shop fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, coffee, and artisan-made treasures. A must-visit for locals and visitors alike! 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to Attend. 

• Poetry Slam. Get ready for high-octane, crowd-powered spoken word! Whether you're spitting three original poems or cheering from the crowd, this is poetry with punch. Featuring guest artist Shafraz Ladak and hosted by Canmore Poet Laureate Tim Murphy. 6:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free. 

• Group Ride. Meet the Dirt Queens—a women’s mountain bike crew in partnership with Bicycle Cafe Canmore. Build skills, boost confidence, and connect with fellow riders while sharing the stoke on the trails. Fun, friendship, and fresh air guaranteed. 6:30 PM. Cougar Creek, Canmore. Sign Up to Ride. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐶 Is Your Dog Missing From The Family Wall? We’ve all got the family gallery wall—the kids, the grandkids, even that one uncle who only visits for ski season. So why not the one who actually greets you at the door? Canmore artist Toni Lopes creates custom hand-painted dog portraits that belong right next to your proudest memories. Shoot Toni a message to learn more.*

• 🍹 Early Mornings & Cool Sips. Whitebark is now open at 6:00 AM to help you kick-start your day even earlier! Also, just in time for the warmer weather — cold press drinks and lemonades are back!*

• ✨ Mountain Air > Office Air. There’s still time to swap emails and meetings for fresh air and glacier lakes. Well in Banff kicks off this weekend, and it’s packed with yoga, hikes, saunas, and art therapy. Standard passes are almost gone—grab yours now and start summer right.*

• 🙋🏻‍♂️ Volunteer Opportunities With CYAN. The Canadian Young Adult Network is seeking passionate Outreach Coordinators, Event Volunteers, and a Media Coordinator to help make a difference in the community. Email [email protected] with your interest.

• 🧺 Calling All Makers. Vendor applications are now open for the 30th annual Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market, happening Nov 22–23. Join 75+ vendors in this beloved holiday tradition. Deadline to apply: July 15. Hosted by Canmore Preschool Society.

• 🐕 Find Fletcher a Family. Meet Fletcher: a three‑legged survivor whose gentle spirit never dimmed after a gunshot wound cost him a hind leg. Now fully healed, this cuddle‑loving pup is ready for a calm, caring forever home. Adopt through Heart Mount Rescue. 

• 🚧 Loon Nesting Closure. The north end of Third Vermilion Lake is closed to all traffic due to loon nesting. Please respect the area to protect wildlife. Violators may face fines up to $25,000.

• 📣 Craig’s Way Station Gets a Reprieve. While details are still a bit unclear, the Canmore staple announced it will stay open through June 22. We previously reported a Monday closure, but there’s now a few more weeks to grab breakfast or lunch and show some love to this longtime local favourite.

• 🏆 Tara-Lyn Westlake Wins Big. The Our Lady of the Snows Vice Principal just earned Alberta’s Distinguished Leadership Award for turning hallway high-fives and staff support into a full-blown school transformation. Her community’s known it for years—now the province does too.

• 👏 Alpenglow Kids Raise Over $5k. Grade 5/6 students ran the show (and the trail) for their annual Earth Day Run, collecting $5,300 for Guardians of the Ice. Costumes, skits, signs—they did it all. Even a Kindergarten hero raised $880 solo and took home top costume honours.

• 🚶 Why Banff Has Scramble Crosswalks. With 1,000 to 3,000+ people walking Banff Ave every hour, scramble crossings improve flow and safety—letting pedestrians cross in any direction, including diagonally. They reduce conflicts with vehicles, and the wait time? Just 30–37 seconds longer per cycle in summer.  Have no idea what we’re talking about? Watch our quick video.

CIVIC NEWS

• Downtown Canmore May Get A Conference Centre. Tourism Canmore Kananaskis and developer Frank Kernick pitched the idea as a long-term boost to downtown businesses, especially during slow seasons. Council hasn’t committed, but could approve it as a permitted use—keeping the door open for a 1,000-person venue in the future. Decision comes May 27.

• Sundance Park Update. Several Sundance Park trails will be paved starting May 20 to improve accessibility for all. Expect intermittent tennis court and washroom closures plus some noise. Weather-dependent and part of Banff’s 10-year Recreational Grounds Renewal project.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Hops. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, 6:00 PM: Steph Odette. Location: The Bison, Banff. No Cover

• Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, 10:00 PM: Mo' Marley. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Banff’s Basketball Court Debate Is Over—For Now. Council voted 3–3 on whether to pause a planned 3-on-3 court in Middle Springs, meaning the project moves ahead. Some residents are still concerned about noise, but the Town’s adding sound-dampening features and may limit hours. Expect hoops by summer—just not full-court press at midnight.

• Soap Run Hits Canmore Nordic Centre This Weekend. The Rocky Mountain Soap Women’s Run & Walk returns May 23–25, with 1,500+ runners across multiple distances. A Conservation Pass is required if you’re racing or spectating.  Check the full schedule here. 

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.