🦅 Eagles Flood Kananaskis Sky

Good morning, Bow Valley!

As a reminder, we’ve put together a running list of strike-day activities for kids and teens. Since Monday, a few more have been added, and a coupe of local businesses say they’re finalizing plans and will share details with us soon. We’ll keep the page updated as new activities roll in.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

BANFF PREPARES TO CONFRONT VEHICLE OVERLOAD

What’s Happening? The Town of Banff is preparing to meet with Parks Canada Superintendent Sal Rasheed, the top boss for Banff National Park. The meeting, set for after the municipal election, will focus on congestion, overcrowding, and how far the town’s authority stretches when it comes to limiting private vehicles. It follows new traffic data showing 1.76 million vehicles entered Banff this July and August, 47,000 more than last year.

The Growing Pains. Council is developing what it calls a Human Use Management Framework, a phrase that sounds like it was written by a robot but really means a plan to manage people, traffic, and space. The goal is to define what a livable Banff actually looks like before choosing tactics like paid parking, timed entry, or vehicle restrictions. Mayor Corrie DiManno said the framework will help clarify whether Banff’s main issue is too many vehicles, too many people, or both.

What’s on the Table? At the recent all-candidates environment forum, contenders for council agreed the congestion problem can’t be solved by adding parking or infrastructure. 

• Coun. Chip Olver reminded residents that Banff’s physical footprint is capped by an act of Parliament, meaning the focus must shift toward moving people more efficiently. 

• Marc Ledwidge said transit is “the only way we’re going to manage” rising visitation, while Les Young argued Banff may eventually need to set limits on access. Olver noted that someone at a council meeting recently even suggested a highway sign reading “Town is full.”

• Coun. Hugh Pettigrew offered a regional angle, suggesting Banff work with Stoney Nakoda on intercept parking or shuttle options outside town boundaries.

The Big Picture. Whether the solution is better transit, intercept lots, or timed entry, the next council will inherit a traffic problem.

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN RIDES INTO BANFF

Oct 11, 14, 15 & 17 | Jenny Belzberg Theatre | 7:30 PM | From $20 | Ages 12+

Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman take the stage at Banff Centre in a spine-tingling new adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 

Known for their darkly imaginative puppetry and striking visuals, Calgary’s Old Trout Puppet Workshop brings this haunting tale to life in a world premiere that opens in Banff before moving on to Calgary for its full theatrical run.

Ten years after the American Revolutionary War, schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in a quiet, superstitious hamlet north of the Hudson River. He tries to bring reason to Sleepy Hollow, but the village and its secrets are still haunted by the past.

• Based on the story by Washington Irving

• Written by Anna Cummer and Judd Palmer

• Directed by Craig Hall

👉 Get Tickets 

(We already got ours for Oct 17th, so maybe we’ll see you there!)

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 🦅 Hundreds of Eagles in Kananaskis. The fall eagle migration hit records this weekend, with 178 golden eagles soaring past the Fisher Range in Kananskis on Saturday and an eye-popping 335 on Sunday. The count continues daily at Mount Lorette until November 15. Binoculars recommended, neck strain guaranteed. Details here. 

• 🐈 Gary the Cat joins Alberta’s “Most Famous Pets.”  If you’ve never heard of Gary, do you even live here? Canmore’s adventure cat, followed by nearly 600,000 fans, has officially made the list of Alberta’s most famous pets. Known for his harnessed hikes, canoe rides, and unbothered mountain attitude, Gary’s Instagram shows off the Rockies from a cat’s-eye view.

• 🚧 Panther River Wildfire Backcountry Closure. The Panther River wildfire in Banff National Park has been ongoing for a month; however, the area is now closed until further notice. Parks Canada continues to monitor the 11-hectare fire, allowing it to burn slowly to support ecological restoration. Low fire behaviour poses no risk to visitors or infrastructure. Here’s the closure map.

• 🐻 Bear Warning at Mist Mountain Hot Springs. A hiker was bluff charged by a bear near Mount Lipsett and Mist Mountain, prompting a warning. If you’re planning a soak, remember the only thing hotter than the springs right now is the bear’s temper. Actually, that’s a bad joke because if you’ve ever been to the hot springs, you know it’s lukewarm at best. 

• 🤵🏻 Where Canmore’s Candidates Stand On The Environment. We broke down what each of Canmore’s 13 candidates said at last week’s environmental forum, from wildfire management and climate planning to growth and waste. With 13 people sharing a two-hour window, most kept their answers brief, but we pulled together the key takeaways and quotes. Read the summary.

Local Ads That Actually Work

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$3000 BENCHES RETURN TO CANMORE PARKS

What’s Happening? The Town of Canmore has reopened applications for its Memorial Plaque Program, a way to honor loved ones on local benches or picnic tables. But a seat with a view doesn’t come cheap.

A Bit of History. The program lets residents dedicate a bench or picnic table in memory of a loved one, complete with a small plaque installed by the Town. Benches are placed in parks and along trails around Canmore, offering families a lasting place to reflect.

This Isn’t a New Idea. The original program began in the 1990s but was suspended in 2015 after confusion over ownership. Many believed they owned the benches and sometimes left flowers or requested repairs. In reality, the Town owns and maintains them, and personal decorations aren’t permitted.

The Price of Remembrance. In 2020, benches cost $3,050 for 10 years or $5,500 for 20. Today, a 10-year term costs $3,203 and a 20-year term $5,775. Picnic tables run higher at $3,833 for 10 years or $7,088 for 20. Each extra plaque (up to two per bench or table) adds $525.

Worth Knowing. Only 15 new spots are available each year. It’s unclear whether today’s fees cover only installation and maintenance or also support trail or park improvements.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Acrylics Class. Join Canmore artist Patti Dyment for a fun, step-by-step introduction to acrylic painting. Starting today, and running over four weeks, you’ll create two original paintings. Materials included. 2:00 PM – 4:15 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $165 ($140.25 members).*

• Banff Candidates Forum. Hosted by the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association, this forum invites mayoral and council candidates to share priorities ahead of the Oct. 20 election. 5:00 PM–8:00 PM. Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff, or online. Free.

• Being Safe at Home Workshop for Kids. A fun, hands-on session teaching kids key home safety skills like testing alarms, spotting mould, improving air quality, and preparing emergency kits. 5:30 PM–8:30 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free.

Thursday

• Canmore Candidates Forum. Hear from municipal candidates as they discuss key issues for the development community. Hosted by the Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association. 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Silvertip Resort, Canmore. Free.

• Find Your Rhythm with African Drumming. A hands-on workshop where participants learn basic African drumming techniques, explore rhythm patterns, and make music together. No experience needed. Instruments provided. 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Scout Hall, Canmore. $25 drop-in.

FREE FALL WILDLIFE INSPECTIONS

Squirrels are cute when they’re outside on the trail. Not so much when they’ve decided your attic is the perfect spot to settle in for winter. Once they’re in, they can chew wiring, tear insulation, and keep you awake with their midnight marathons. Same with mice. 

That’s why Innovative Pest Solutions is offering complimentary wildlife inspections this fall. 

Their licensed technicians know exactly where squirrels and mice slip in and how to keep them out before the snow flies. If they do find signs of activity, they’ll walk you through the safest, most effective ways to solve the problem without any guesswork.

A quick inspection now can save you from a long (and expensive) headache later. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is wildlife-free before winter hits.

Complete this quick form by Oct 12 and mention Bow Valley Insider to receive your free inspection.

_{*Presented by Innovative Pest Solutions.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🛎️ A Buffet You’ll Actually Be Thankful For.  Stirling Grill at the Malcolm Hotel is doing a full Thanksgiving buffet on Oct 12-13, from 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM.  Think all of the classics, plus a few chef surprises. The best part? Zero clean-up. Adults $70. Kids $25. Under six free. Reservations here. (Our Publishers Ben will be there on Sunday. If you see him stuffing his face say hello).*

• 🏟 Affordable Venue for Your Next Event. Canmore Miners’ Union Hall just got a glow up with new floors, fresh paint, better sound, and a slicker kitchen. Perfect for arts groups, fundraisers, weddings, or that club that has outgrown your living room. With a 20% local discount, it is one of the most affordable venues in town. Swing by the open house Oct 16, 5–7 PM to see how it fits your next event.*

• 🐶ྀི The Gift Every Dog Lover Secretly Wants. Your friend’s camera roll is already full of dog photos. But those photos just sit there. Canmore artist Toni Lopes hand-paints portraits that capture more than a picture ever could. For the dog lover in your life, it is the gift that actually lasts. If you’re looking for something unique this Christmas, consider reaching out to Toni to inquire about commissioning one.*

• 🌿 Design Your Own Wellness Retreat. The Women’s Rockies Restorative Retreat comes to Canmore Oct 17–19, offering 30+ practitioners across three rooms: movement and mindfulness, ceremonies and workshops, and inspiring lectures. Build your own experience with yoga, breathwork, acupuncture, and more. Psychic medium Dan King headlines Saturday. Weekend and single-day passes available. More details.*

• 📢 Woodpecker Timber Frame is hiring a Shop Hand. This full-time role in Exshaw offers consistent work year-round. You’ll prep timbers, learn shop equipment with training, and help with warehouse and shipping tasks. It’s not seasonal, not short-term, just steady. Pay is $22–24/hr for 44 hours a week, plus 3 weeks vacation and benefits after 6 months. Apply here.*

• ✨ Celebrate Banff Pride at Juniper Bistro. Soak up some of the best restaurant views in Banff on Oct 11–12 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, featuring live music and Pride-themed treats. Enjoy a Peaches n’ Cream cocktail (with or without alcohol) and a Taste the Rainbow Crème Brûlée, both crafted in support of Banff Pride. Check out the teaser video.*

• 🕵️‍♂️ Murder Mystery at The Rose & Crown Banff. Step into Banff’s oldest (and most haunted) pub for a night of suspense and sleuthing on October 21 from 7 to 9:30 PM. Enjoy a three-course evening of food, drinks, and deadly drama as a murder unfolds around you. Tickets are $89 and include a buffet spread of hand-tossed pizzas, pulled pork crostini, goat cheese bruschetta, and more.*

• ✍🏻 Emerging Artist Grant. Are you an emerging Bow Valley artist ready to take the next step in your creative journey? The Lamphouse Endowment for the Arts supports local artists through funding for education, materials, residencies, and more. Applications open until Friday.

CIVIC NEWS

• Council Expands Commercial Uses. Canmore council approved six new commercial uses for the Three Sisters Gateway district, adding more flexibility for future tenants. Pet care, storage, and veterinary clinics are now permitted, while care facilities, kennels, and laboratories require approval. Mayor Sean Krausert called it a “housekeeping matter,” noting the changes align with the Stewart Creek plan.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, 7:00 PM: Frequencies. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, October 9th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Fierbois. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members, $29.75 / youth, $ 17.50.

SPORTS

• Mixed Results for Bow Valley Fighters in Lethbridge. Banff’s Jonah Ellis walked away with a disqualification win after an illegal knee ended his first-round bout at Rumble in the Cage 70, while Canmore’s Travis Erlam suffered a third-round TKO loss.

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.