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Banff’s New Eatery, Hotel Closing, Bear Warning

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Bow Valley Insider
May 12, 2025

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, things are about to get soggy. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Canmore, with 50–80 mm expected by tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Icefields Parkway could see up to 20 cm of snow. Backcountry skis: not shelved, just on standby. In drier news, our Burger Quest to find Bow Valley’s best burger rolls on. This week’s stop: Tavern 1883. Catch the video below.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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CANMORE’S SUMMER PEDESTRIAN ZONE KICKS OFF TODAY

What’s Happening? Starting today (May 12) through October 17, Canmore’s Main Street—from 6 Ave to 8 Ave—is once again a pedestrian and cyclist-only zone. Patios, foot traffic, and stroller caravans are back.

A Seasonal Staple. Launched to boost local businesses and community spirit, the Main Street Pedestrian Area has become a warm-weather tradition. It lets shops spill out onto the sidewalk and invites everyone to linger a little longer downtown.

Long-Term Vision. But Canmore’s got bigger plans. As we mentioned in Friday’s newsletter, the town’s 25-year redevelopment strategy includes a pedestrian-first redesign of Main Street that could make this car-free zone permanent year-round. Think wider sidewalks, more trees, and fewer parking lots—just not until the 2030s.

What Locals Think. In our poll of 535 locals:

  • 65% support the summer-only version

  • 20% want it year-round

  • 15% say scrap the pedestrian zone altogether

A Heated Debate. Many love the patios and Euro-style vibe. Others say year-round closures would hurt local businesses—especially for seniors or those with mobility issues. Click here to read the full comments and see what your neighbours had to say.

NEW PERFORMANCES AT BANFF CENTRE

Image credit: Ghostkeeper, photo by Jared Sych.

From cabaret-style readings to powerhouse performances, celebrate Indigenous and literary voices this season as part of the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival.

Decolonizing the Narrative: Through the Lens

  • May 14: 7 PM, Max Bell Auditorium & Livestreamed, Free.

  • Filmmakers Soloman Chiniquay and Nic Latulippe discuss collaboration, identity, and story. 

Literary Journalism Cabarets

  • May 15, 20 & 22: 7 PM, CLVB ‘33, Free.

  • Three evenings of readings hosted by Literary Journalism residency faculty Sarah Berman, Taras Grescoe, and Kyo Maclear, who will read alongside participants from the residency.

Ghostkeeper

  • June 27: 9 PM, CLVB ‘33, $20

  • Experience experimental blues-pop rooted in Northern Alberta memory.

  • Lipstick, their latest single, is a nostalgic ode to love and shared moments. Dedicated to all you lovers out there.

*Presented by Banff Centre.

THE DIGEST

  • 🛠️ Rimrock Hotel is Shutting Down For a Top-To-Bottom Renovation. Banff’s iconic hotel will close its doors starting Oct 1 for a full-scale makeover, aiming to reopen in spring 2026. The hotel, originally built in 1958, is calling this summer a farewell season before its “historic transformation” begins. No bookings will be taken during renovations.

  • ⛷️ Rogers Pass Had a Busy Backcountry Ski Season. Even with Mt. Fidelity’s snowpack sitting at just 85% of average (1,082 cm), Parks Canada logged 62 visitor safety incidents—21 requiring rescue, including 6 by helicopter. Thirty involved avalanches, with 12 people caught. Crews ran 12 avalanche missions and fired off 537 Howitzer rounds (aka snow bombs).

  • 🦀 A Crab From Panama Hitched a Ride to Canmore—In a Kid’s Shoe. A grade 5 student found a live crab in her Converse after returning from spring break. The crustacean survived a flight, airport security, and a washing machine. The Crab is now in Fish & Wildlife care while officials decide his fate.

PARENTING IN A TOURIST TOWN: BANFF'S CHILDCARE CHALLENGES

What’s Happening? Families in Banff are calling it what it is—a full-blown childcare crisis. With long waitlists, zero infant care options, and high costs, working parents are running out of options.

Waitlists Before the Baby’s Born. One couple brought daycare registration forms to the hospital. Another dropped from 40 to 8 work hours a week due to lack of care. And they’re not alone—Banff has just 148 licensed childcare spots for kids aged 12 months to 12 years. Waitlists? Up to 200 families long.

Big Impact, Small Kids. The 2024 childcare needs assessment confirmed what families already know: Banff doesn’t have enough spaces, especially for kids under 3. The ripple effects go beyond households—employers can’t schedule staff, and families are considering leaving town entirely.

What’s Next? The Town of Banff says an action plan is coming, with promises of short-term fixes and long-term collaboration. 

Have a Childcare Story to Share? We’re collecting stories from Bow Valley families navigating the childcare system. If you’re struggling with waitlists, costs, or just trying to make it all work—we’d love to hear from you. Click here to share your story. 

THINGS TO DO

Monday

  • Indigenous Art Takes Centre Stage At The Whyte. The Ancestors Are Talking showcases groundbreaking works by Morrisseau, Odjig, Janvier, and more. On now through Oct. 19. 10 AM – 5 PM. Whyte Museum, Banff. $10 for locals, free for members, youth under 17, and Indigenous visitors.

  • Women’s Basketball. Come solo or with friends for a casual game! Bring clean indoor shoes and show up ready to play! 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Banff Elementary School. Drop-in Rates Apply.

Tuesday

  • Drink Specials at The Malcolm. Enjoy a 25% discount on the entire drink menu and indulge in a $14 featured food menu! Whether you're craving a refreshing cocktail, a craft beer, or a delicious bite to eat, there's something for everyone. 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Stirling at the Malcolm Hotel.*

  • Taste & Learn: Olive Oil + Balsamic Night. Evoolution hosts a free tasting of fresh olive oils and balsamics, with tips on quality, flavour, and health perks. 6–7pm. Canmore Library. Registration required.

  • Documentary Movie and Panel Discussion. Delwin Vriend’s landmark case reshaped LGBTQ+ rights in Canada and beyond. This powerful story reveals how one man's fight against discrimination led to a Supreme Court decision that changed history. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace Canmore. $12 / youth $6.

LAWYERS WHO ACTUALLY LIVE HERE

Ever dream of snapping up that perfect mountain-view condo, but the paperwork feels like climbing Ha Ling? 

Or maybe you’re juggling a budding Bow Valley startup and have more contracts than caffeine? 

That’s where Stringam comes in. 

They’re not some big-city lawyers breezing through; they actually live here, volunteer here, and know exactly how to tackle those rocky legal details so you can keep adventuring worry-free. 

Whether you’re investing in real estate, launching a business, or sorting out the family plan, Stringam’s deep local experience has your back. 

Trust us—knowing your legal team is as rooted in the community as you are makes every decision feel a little lighter. 

Ready to keep forging ahead (without tripping over the fine print)? 

Reach out to Stringam and see how local know-how can make all the difference.

*Presented by Stringam Law.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • ✨ Retreats Are Cool. Banff Retreats Are Cooler. I mean, how can you beat this: mountain sauna > glacier lake dip > tea by a bonfire. Well in Banff is doing it properly. It’s all happening the weekend of May 23–25, and the Standard Pass covers a crazy amount. Might have to drag a few friends up the mountain for this.*

  • 🛎️ New Restaurant in Banff Just Opened. You might remember we mentioned Earls was closing—well, its replacement just opened. It’s called The Boss (named after the bear), and it’s locally owned, independent, and already serving up a fresh new menu. From now until May 16, they’re offering 20% off. If anyone from The Boss is reading—want to host us for a video shoot this week? We'd love to come by.

  • 🍔 Burger Quest Hits Tavern 1883. We stopped by to see how Tavern 1883 stacks up in the Bow Valley burger scene. Local chef Dallas Suttie weighs in—one bite at a time. Check out our video and the full rating. 

  • 🎤 Free Live Music. Buskers are back in Canmore, bringing live music and great vibes to summer days. Enjoy performances in spots like Elevation Place, Riverside Park, and more. Music is permitted from 10 AM – 8PM. Acts rotate every two hours.

  • 🥾 Heads Up, Hikers. Troll Falls Day Use area will be closed May 20–June 20 for security around the 2025 G7 Summit. Want to hike it before the closure? Catch our quick video. 

  • 🧗 Climbing Legend Launches Memoir in Canmore. Join Sonnie Trotter on May 15 at the Canmore Library for the launch of Uplifted, his new memoir published by Patagonia. With appearances from big names like Tommy Caldwell, Chris Sharma, and Alex Honnold, it’s a night no climber will want to miss. 6:30–8:00pm.

  • 🧐 Lost in The ‘90s, Found in The Bow. A fanny pack belonging to Michael Hurtubise—lost in the Bow River since the late 1990s—was recently found. If you know him or how to reach him, let us know! The family who found it would love to return it and hear the story behind it.

  • 👨‍🎤 Perform on Summer Saturdays. The Canmore Brewing Company is looking for local solo/duo musicians (vocals + guitar/piano) to play breezy afternoon sets from 3–5pm, June 21–Aug 16. PA provided + paid gig. Email [email protected] to apply.

Attention: Bar, Restaurant, & Cafe Owners

Got a new menu? A midweek special? A killer cocktail no one knows about?

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CIVIC NEWS

LIVE MUSIC

  • Monday, May 12th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Moonbean. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. . 

  • Tuesday, May 13th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Shameful Hussies. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

  • Three Czech Ski Mountaineers Ski Mount Robson. Terezie PatzĂĄkovĂĄ, Ferda Dvořák, and Jan Ledvinka summited and skied the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3,954m) on May 1. After battling steep bushwhacks, avy debris, and crusty snow, the team pulled off a full descent via the Kain Face and Patterson Couloir—with skis on from just below the summit. Check out their pictures on Backcountry YYC. 

  • Paralympic Champ Hosts Sunshine Fundraiser. Double amputee and gold medalist Tyler Turner launched the first-ever Leg Burner Banked Slalom at Sunshine Village to support Canada’s para snowboard team on the road to the 2026 Games. The event raises funds for training, travel, and gear—every dollar helps fuel their shot at gold.

That’s all, folks!

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We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.

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