🖌️ Canmore’s Mystery Mural

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Here’s a message for the kids this weekend: enjoy it. Sleep in. Stay outside too long. Eat an unreasonable amount of ice cream. Do whatever it is you need to do to squeeze the last little bit out of summer.

Because on Monday, it’s back to school.

Parents, we assume you’re handling this news slightly better.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Brendan Nogue, Alexia Chambers

CANMORE HAS A NEW DOWNTOWN MURAL. NOBODY COMMISSIONED IT

What's Happening? There's a new mural in downtown Canmore, but unlike most public art, nobody commissioned local artist Pat Jakubiec to paint it. He paid for much of it himself, got some help from friends and family, and spent about five weeks creating something entirely on his own terms.

Where Can You Find It? The mural faces the parking lot between 9th and 10th streets, just west of 7th Avenue behind JK Bakery Cafe (map here). It depicts a cougar stalking a hare, a CP Rail train heading toward the mountains and Yamnuska glowing in the distance.

The landscape was inspired by Jakubiec's memories of driving from Calgary toward Canmore.

"It's one of the most epic parts of driving to Canmore," he told Bow Valley Insider. "That area where the prairies meet the mountains...I think, [is] a special place in Alberta."

He Actually Painted Over His Own Mural. Jakubiec, who creates art under the name Tower, had another mural on the wall since 2023. When nearby trees were removed and exposed more blank wall, he decided to start over rather than simply extend the original.

And he doesn't seem too sentimental about it.

"I'm very rarely attached to anything I paint," he said. "It's just a step in the journey of being an artist."

This One Was Different. Jakubiec has spent more than two decades making art and has murals throughout the Bow Valley and beyond. But he's intentionally stepping back from commissioned work in 2026 to experiment and develop his style without client expectations or deadlines.

That made this mural unusually relaxed. He worked on it a little at a time in the mornings, describing the process as "therapeutic."

It Won't Last Forever. There's no timeline for how long the mural will stay. Canmore weather will eventually take its toll, and Jakubiec may someday paint over it again.

For now, though, he says it's "too fresh to even think of changing it."

Read our full story and see more pictures of the new mural

THE 2026 BOW VALLEY INSIDER AWARDS

The Bow Valley Insider Awards are your chance to recognize the local businesses that make Banff and Canmore such incredible places to live.

These awards aren't based on advertising dollars. They aren't chosen by our editorial team. And they certainly aren't one person's opinion.

They're decided by the people who know these businesses best: the locals who actually use them.

This is the Bow Valley community saying:

"We've been here. We've spent our money here. We trust this business. We'd recommend it to our friends."

Voting is now open across 85 different award categories, covering everything from the best burger and bakery to lawyers, fitness studios, hotels, outdoor adventure companies, and more.

Don't see your favourite business listed? No problem. Every category includes an open nomination field, so you can still vote for the business you believe deserves to win.

Voting will remain open until September 15, 2026.

Winners will be featured in Bow Valley Insider, receive a custom Readers’ Choice Award trophy to display at their business, and earn a permanent spot in our online directory of 2026 winners. 

Head to awards.bowvalleyinsider.com to cast your votes.

THE DIGEST

• 🔥 Lake Louise Wildfire Brought Under Control. Parks Canada says a small wildfire on Whitehorn Mountain, home to the Lake Louise Ski Resort, is now under control and poses no threat to public safety or infrastructure. The roughly 0.1-hectare fire was first reported Wednesday, with a helicopter and initial attack crew responding. Crews continued working Thursday, and some helicopter activity may continue until it’s fully extinguished. The cause remains undetermined. It’s Banff National Park’s first reported wildfire of 2026, with fire danger currently rated extreme.

• 🚗 More Than 300 Quarry Lake Tickets Still Outstanding. Last week, we reported that 741 parking tickets had been issued at Quarry Lake this summer. Many of you wrote in asking how many were actually paid, where ticketed vehicles were from and whether Canmore has considered a seasonal parking pass. We went back to the Town for answers. At least 305 tickets were still outstanding when the Town compiled its latest figures, though some are still within the payment period. Most tickets went to Alberta-plated vehicles, and no seasonal pass is currently being considered. Here’s our complete follow-up.

• 🐕‍🦺 Parks Canada Service Dog Leroy Retires After Seven Years. After quite the career, Leroy is officially hanging up the harness. The Parks Canada service dog tracked 156 people, located 57 lost individuals and helped solve two homicides alongside his handler, Logan Bennett. His resume also includes one nine-hour, 22-kilometre track. Bennett became emotional reflecting on their years together, saying simply, “He did a good job for us. I’m really proud of him.” Now, hopefully, Leroy’s toughest assignment is deciding where to nap. Watch his retirement video.

• ⚖️ Remember That Illegal Lake Louise Canoe Rental? Here’s the Update. Last summer, we reported on an unlicensed operator who allegedly rented a canoe to an American family at Lake Louise before they capsized and needed rescuing. More than a year later, the case has finally wrapped up. David Daviau pleaded guilty to operating a business without a licence, was fined $3,000 and banned from Banff National Park for one year. The family told court the incident was terrifying, with one member nearly becoming hypothermic in the frigid water. 

Here’s What Banff Sport Medicine Said About Working With Us

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s see if your business is a good fit.

BLACK BEAR SPOTTED MOVING THROUGH CANMORE BACKYARDS 

What's Happening? A black bear was spotted moving through multiple backyards near Eagle Terrace Park on Aug. 25, with video posted by a local resident to a community Facebook page. The sighting comes as WildSmart warns that dogwood berries are drawing black bears into and around Canmore.

Wildlife Officers Didn't Attend. Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services told Bow Valley Insider it was notified of the sighting but didn't respond in person. Officials said the bear wasn't displaying concerning behaviour and relocation isn't being considered.

They also received no information suggesting a specific attractant brought the bear into the neighbourhood.

Why Are We Seeing More Bears? WildSmart, a wildlife safety program run by the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, says there's significant bear activity across the Bow Valley and Kananaskis right now, including increased black bear sightings near Canmore's Engine Bridge.

One big reason is dogwood berries. Fresh bear scat packed with the berries was found along Canmore's river trails Thursday morning, and dogwood grows along trails, in campgrounds and residential areas.

WildSmart's advice is pretty memorable: "If you see berries, think bears!"

Check Your Yard. WildSmart is asking residents to pay particular attention to fruit and berry-producing plants, including dogwood, crabapples, cherries and mountain ash. Bears are entering their late-summer feeding period, and food from residential yards can create a public safety risk and put bears at risk.

And There Can Be A Hefty Fine. Canmore residents can't leave wildlife attractants outside where they draw dangerous wildlife. WildSmart says a first offence involving a bear feeding from a fruit tree can result in a $1,000 fine.

Why Not Just Relocate The Bear? Wildlife officials say relocation isn't necessarily safer for bears and isn't a long-term solution for animals that learn to seek food around people. For now, officials say there's no indication the Eagle Terrace bear has reached that point.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Matt Beatty Plays The Drake. Calgary singer-songwriter Matt Beatty brings 20 years of performing experience to Canmore, mixing folk, rock and country with plenty of familiar covers. He’s an award-winning musician and the frontman of YYC Music Award-nominated group DoubleSuede. Expect everything from acoustic originals to Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. 10 PM - 2 AM. The Drake Pub, Canmore. No cover.*

Saturday

• Beer, Dogs & a Very Good Cause. Heart Mountain Rescue is taking over Sheepdog Brewing this Saturday for an afternoon of beer, music, games and fundraising for dogs in need. There’s also a raffle featuring round-trip WestJet flights for two, with the winner drawn at the event. Come for a pint, stay for the dogs. 1 PM - 4 PM. Sheepdog Brewing, Canmore. No cover.*

• Author Signing at Cafe Books. Author Ellen Anderson Penno will be signing copies of her latest memoir, Counting Bones. The book follows Penno after losing her partner in a climbing accident on Mount Baker at age 24, just weeks before she was set to begin medical school. 12-4 PM. 826 8 St, Canmore. Free.

• BMX Show & Shine Rolls Into Canmore. Dozens of vintage BMX bikes are expected on display Saturday, with riders invited to bring their own sweet ride and show it off. The afternoon also includes live music, bike demos and stunts, plus giveaways from The Grizzly Paw and Canmore Climbing Gym. 1-5 PM. 1402 Railway Ave, Canmore. Free. 

• Canmore Brewing Hosts All-Day Backlot Bash. Canmore Brewing is closing out August with its annual Backlot Bash. The outdoor party features 7.5 hours of live music from four bands, including Northern Quarter and The Brews, along with local food trucks and plenty of patio time. It runs from 2:30-10 PM at Canmore Brewing Company. No cover.*

Sunday

• Chamber Music Comes to Banff. Windwood Music Festival brings Mountain Meditations to Banff for an afternoon of chamber music inspired by the Rockies. The festival’s young professional musicians take classical music beyond the traditional concert hall for a more intimate performance. 12:30 PM - 2 PM. St. George's in the Pines Anglican Church. Suggested donation: $15. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🛼 Learn to Skate This Fall. Registration is open for Canmore Skating Club’s fall CanSkate program, designed for beginner skaters ages four and up, whether they’re learning for hockey, figure skating or just for fun. Monday and Thursday programs start Oct. 5 and 8 at the Canmore Rec Centre, with 10 sessions for $155. Register for both days and get 10% off, while families registering multiple skaters receive 5% off. The season wraps with a Winter Gala on Dec. 17.*

• 🐻 Bear Warning Issued on Popular Kootenay Trail. Parks Canada is urging extra caution around Floe Lake Trail, Floe Lake Campground and Numa Pass after a female grizzly with young was reported frequenting the area. The bears have investigated food lockers, and Parks Canada says the adult female bluff charged a solo hiker. Visitors should travel in groups of four or more, carry bear spray, make noise and properly store food. The Floe Lake Trail is one of Kootenay National Park’s popular hiking routes. 

• 👩🏻 Bow Valley Women Asked to Weigh In on Health Priorities. The Canmore Hospital Foundation is asking local women to share what matters most to them through a short, anonymous Women’s Health Survey. The feedback will help shape the Foundation’s Women’s Health Circle and upcoming Sisterhood Summit, including what topics and issues should be part of the conversation. All responses are confidential.*

• 🏀 Banff Pickup Hosts Basketball Tournament. Banff Pickup is putting a little something on the line with a basketball tournament Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 11 AM at the Central Park courts. Players register individually before teams are randomly drawn to keep things fair. It’s open to players 16+, although 18+ is preferred since the winning haul may include a 24-pack of beer. 

• ⛑️ Banff Offers Online First Aid Courses. The Town of Banff is offering several self-paced online courses that go beyond traditional first aid. Residents can learn how to respond to pet emergencies, recognize and respond to opioid poisoning, or provide support during a mental health crisis. Courses start at $20, making it a relatively inexpensive way to pick up some practical emergency skills.

• 🙋 The ReUse Hub Needs Volunteers. The Canmore hub helps keep reusable construction and household materials out of the landfill by connecting them with people who can use them, all for free. Right now, a volunteer shortage is making it harder to keep regular hours, including a closure this Saturday. It’ll reopen Sunday from 10 AM-noon. If you have a couple of hours to spare, reach out to [email protected].*

CIVIC NEWS

• 154 New Housing Units Approved in Banff. Banff’s Municipal Planning Commission has approved three apartment developments from Caribou Properties, including projects on Lynx and Marten streets. Together, they would add 154 units, primarily rented to the company’s employees at below-market rates, with remaining units potentially available to other Banff residents. The approvals came with some changes, including rejecting proposed balcony and patio variances. Several neighbours also raised concerns about noise, privacy and the scale of the developments. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, August 28th, 2026, 6:00 PM: DJ Tenax.  Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Friday, August 28th, 2026, 9:00 PM: Brett Down.  Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, August 29th, 2026, 8:00 PM: Banff Pride Launch Party.  Location: TRose and Crown, Banff. $16.55.

• Saturday, August 29th, 2026, 9:30 PM: Five N' Dime.  Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Para World Cup Generated $3.2M Locally. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation says last season’s Para Cross-Country and Biathlon World Cup events delivered a major boost for Canmore, generating $4.9 million in total economic impact, including $3.2 million directly in the community. More than 1,500 out-of-town visitors came for the events, while 353 volunteers helped make them happen. Canmore also earned strong reviews from athletes, who ranked the Nordic Centre as their favourite stop of the season. 

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.