🚁 Deadly Rockslide: Footage

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Before we get into our top story on the fatal slide near Bow Lake, a quick note on why we’re seeing so much rockfall right now. Spring and early summer are peak times for slides in the Bow Valley, thanks to freeze-thaw cycles and snowmelt. Water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes overnight, expands, and weakens the structure. Add in heavy rain, melting snow, and the usual mountain erosion, and it doesn’t take much to trigger a slide—especially on steep alpine terrain. Our hearts go out to the person who lost their life, and gratitude to the first responders who continue to navigate these difficult rescues.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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EMERGENCY CREWS RESPOND TO FATAL SLIDE NEAR BOW LAKE

What’s Happening? A deadly rockslide hit Bow Glacier Falls Trail in Banff National Park on Thursday afternoon, leaving multiple hikers seriously injured and at least one confirmed dead. The area—37 km north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway—remains closed as emergency crews continue to respond. View footage here (viewer discretion: it contains distressing images).

Coordinated Rescue Effort. STARS air ambulances from Calgary and Edmonton transported two patients to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. Parks Canada, RCMP, local fire crews, and visitor safety teams from Banff and Jasper are leading the ongoing response. Officials haven’t released full details on the number of victims or the severity of injuries.

No Reception, No Warning. The trail has no cellphone reception and is known for its accessibility and popularity—factors that complicate rescues. A smaller rockfall occurred in the same area in 2023.

Leaders Respond. Premier Danielle Smith issued a statement expressing condolences and thanking first responders. Temporary highway closures were in effect as of last night, but up-to-date information can be found on Alberta 511.

The Trail. Bow Glacier Falls is a 9 km out-and-back hike that starts at Bow Lake. It offers turquoise waters, wildlife sightings, and ends with a rocky scramble to view the 154-metre falls—the headwaters of the Bow River. It’s considered moderate and attracts families and tourists year-round.

More Rockfall Reports. Thursday also saw a large rockfall event on The Orphan near Spray Lakes. And last Saturday, a climber was seriously injured after triggering a major rockfall on Kid Goat (East Face of Loder Peak near Exshaw).

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THE DIGEST

• 🛡️ G7 Summit Ends Quietly—With 200 Wildlife Incidents, Not Arrests. Despite the heavy security and international spotlight, the G7 in Kananaskis wrapped with zero tickets or arrests. Protest zones in Banff and Calgary stayed calm. The real action? Over 200 wildlife calls, including grizzlies and cougars, handled by a multi-agency task force working across airspace, trails, and townsites.

• ✅ Banff’s Iconic Sign is Back. After vanishing ahead of the G7 to prevent traffic mayhem near protest zones, the Banff entrance sign has officially returned as of Wednesday afternoon. It’ll stay put—for now. A permanent move to the train station entrance is still on track for this fall.

• 🏨 New Luxury Spa Hotel Coming to Spring Creek. Set to open in 2027, The Alexander Spa Hotel will bring 44 adults-only suites, a full spa, and wellness-focused experiences like yoga and guided hikes. It will run on renewable geo-exchange power—plus create 100+ new full-time jobs. The countdown is on: They’ve got two years to send Bow Valley Insider an invite for massages, pedicures, and whatever else involves cucumber water.

• 🏞️ Have Your Say on The Future of Alberta Parks. The province is rewriting its Plan for Parks, and now’s your chance to shape what that looks like. From conservation to recreation, this plan will guide how parks are managed for years to come. If you're anything like us, you'll forget later—so just do it now and avoid the “oops, I meant to” spiral. Survey closes July 26.

• 🏄 Heads Up, Paddle Boarders: Rundle Forebay Access Limited. From July 28–Sept 26, repairs to the Spray Canal mean low water levels and stagnant sections in the Forebay. TransAlta doesn’t ban recreation, but strongly advises against it. So maybe if your board's scraping bottom, that’s your cue to turn around.

G7 WRAPS, CLOSURES LINGER, AND HIGHWOOD REOPENS (SORT OF)

What’s Happening? The G7 summit wrapped up Tuesday in Kananaskis, and while most security measures are lifting, some trails and day-use areas remain closed for days—or even weeks. One big reopening? Highwood Pass, Canada’s highest paved road, officially opens to vehicles tomorrow (Saturday, June 21).

But You Might Want to Hold Off. Before you rush to soak in the Mist Mountain hot springs or bag Pocaterra Ridge, here’s the forecast: up to 200 mm of rain and potential snow at higher elevations, including Highwood Pass. Environment Canada is calling for strong winds and wet, heavy snow over the weekend. Translation: scenic drive meets slush-fest.

Closures Still in Effect. While Highway 40 will reopen, nearby Day Use Areas like Evan Thomas, Galatea, and Ribbon Creek will remain closed into late June. AlbertaParks.ca has the full list, neatly tabled for your scrolling pleasure. 

When Summer Actually Arrives…Save the Highwood trip for a sunnier stretch. From ridge hikes to waterfalls to alpine fishing, we’ve rounded up everything you need for a proper Highwood Pass bucket list. Just maybe don’t start this weekend—unless your idea of summer involves snow tires.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Solstice Patio Party. Spend the longest day of the year sipping signature drinks, playing lawn games with friends, all while bobbing to tunes. 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Fat Ox, Banff. Free to attend, though a table reservation is recommended.*

• Free Yoga. All-levels class to move, connect, and unwind. Bring a mat if you have one—no sign-up needed. 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Banff Library, Free.

• Comedy Night. With 35+ years in stand-up, Lori is a seasoned comedy pro with a knack for finding the funny in everyday life. A true Canadian comedy vet, she's a must-see when she's in town. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members.*

Saturday

• National Indigenous Peoples Day. Live music, artisan markets, cultural demos, and storytelling to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis heritage. All are welcome. 12:00 PM – 6:05 PM. Central Park, Banff. Free.

• National Indigenous Peoples Day Film Night. An evening of short films on Indigenous voices, activism, and the land—featuring Meddle, Gyaangee, War for the Woods, and more. 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $12 / youth $6.

Sunday

• Métis Plant Identification Walk. Join a slow-paced, family-friendly walk to learn about local plants and their traditional uses, guided by a Métis herbalist. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Welcome Building, Cave & Basin, Banff. Free.

• All-Levels Sweat45 Class. Join a 45-min cardio and core workout using equipment and bodyweight movements. Limited spots available, so don’t wait to sign up. 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM. Summit Lifestyle & Performance (220 Bear St, Banff). Pay what you can.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌺 Make Your Patio Pop. Summer is here, and so is your excuse to refresh your outdoor space. From vibrant flowers to balcony veggie plants, Wendy’s Garden Centre has what you need to make the most of the season. Find them at Roosters Corner (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore).*

• 🎭 Green Gables, Maritime Mayhem. OH, ANNE! is a laugh-out-loud musical reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, bursting with East Coast tunes, quick-change characters, and chaotic charm. Four performers, one wild ride through Avonlea—now at Carter-Ryan Theatre in Canmore. Use BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15%. Get tickets here.*

• 😋 True Mountain Dining with a Cozy Vibe. We just checked out a new-to-us spot, and it might be one of our favourites now. The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge has stunning Three Sisters views, locally inspired dishes (the Bison Ravioli = must try), and a warm, welcoming vibe. Watch our latest video to see everything we ate.*

• 🍻 Background Beats & Patio Pints. Free Live Music Every Saturday from June 21-August 16, 3-5 PM. Just getting off the trail and sweaty? No worries.  Swing by The Canmore Brewing Company for some of our favorite artisan nachos, a Ten Peaks Pale Ale, and live music.*

• 🍁 Canada Day at Kananaskis Lodge. From building your own Dessert Wand to sipping G7-inspired cocktails and digging into BBQ on the Rockies patio—Kananaskis Lodge is serving up all the good stuff this Canada Day weekend. Click for full dates and times. Open to everyone (not just hotel guests).*

• 🔒 Craig’s Official Closing. It’s Facebook official. After over four decades of serving Canmore and the Bow Valley, Craig’s Way Station will be closing its doors permanently on Sunday, June 22nd, at close. 

• 🤝 Guide Leaders Wanted. Girl Guides of Canmore and Banff are looking for enthusiastic female volunteers to help lead weekly meetings, camps, and activities—and help build confidence, leadership, and fun for local girls and teens. Interested? Send a DM to this gal on Facebook.

• 🚆 Help Shape Alberta’s Passenger Rail Future. Alberta is exploring regional, commuter, and high-speed rail—and they want your input. Join a virtual info session to learn what’s on the tracks for the Passenger Rail Master Plan and share your feedback. Sessions run June 24–26. Click to register for the Calgary and area session.

• 💡 Don’t Shelf Your Avy Gear Without Doing This. Before summer hits full stride, Avalanche Canada urges you to pull the batteries from your transceiver to avoid corrosion. Check for damage, wipe contacts with alcohol if needed, and test it early. Dry and lube metal gear like shovels and probes. Airbag? Follow manufacturer storage tips.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore’s Sustainability Screening Report Officially Repealed.  After years of industry pushback, Canmore council has officially repealed its Sustainability Screening Policy. First introduced in 2007, the policy aimed to assess community benefit but was seen as too subjective. Council will now rely on clearer, targeted tools to support green development.

• Downtown Won’t Lose Any Parking Stalls. Canmore council has confirmed that existing downtown parking will be maintained. No net loss of stalls on Town-owned surface lots will occur, following strong feedback from local businesses and residents. Staff will return July 8 with updates to the downtown redevelopment plan.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, June 20th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Friday Happy Hour featuring Bunny Hops! Location: Lupo Restaurant, Banff. No Cover.

• Friday, June 20th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Let's Get Back to Dancing by Tangerine Dance & Break A Sweat. Location: Banff Ave Brewing Co. $10 Cover.

• Saturday, June 21st, 2025, 3:00 PM. The Calum & Park Show.. Location: Canmore Brewing Company.  No Cover.

• Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, 7:30 PM. Jeremy Fisher.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore.  $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Own Heading to South Africa with Team Canada. Two Bow Valley players—Krissy Scurfield and Holly Phillips—are among the 38 athletes named to Canada’s women’s rugby camp ahead of their South Africa tour. The squad trains in Ontario June 20–27 before narrowing to 32 players. Test matches kick off July 5 and 12.

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.