🎥 Elk Goes Viral in Banff

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Well, the last sunset at 8 PM has passed. Everything here forward is trending into the 7s. Time to dig out the headlamp if you’re still chasing after-work laps on Ha Ling.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

VIRAL ELK VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FALL WILDLIFE RISKS

What’s Happening? Across the Bow Valley, wildlife is reminding us who really owns the trails and townsites. 

Bears in Feeding Frenzy. Both Banff and Kananaskis have advisories as bears enter hyperphagia, the late-season stage when they eat nonstop to bulk up for winter. Buffalo berries still line trails, keeping grizzlies laser-focused on food. That has already led to bluff charges on the Burstall Pass trail and near Kananaskis Village, where one hiker used bear spray to stop an advancing bear.

Moose on the Move. On the Upper Kananaskis Lake circuit, Alberta Parks has posted a warning after an aggressive moose blocked hikers. Unlike with bears, the advice if charged is to run for cover behind a tree or vehicle. Fall is when moose are at their most aggressive, making them especially unpredictable.

Elk in the Spotlight. In Banff, a viral video racking up 1.8m views (watch here) shows a skateboarder landing tricks just metres from a bull elk. While some viewers called it a nod of approval, experts say the “head bob” was more likely a warning. With bulls in their mating season until late October, Parks Canada advises staying 30 metres away. That warning carries weight: a recent report found elk are the most likely animal to attack in Alberta, linked to more incidents than grizzlies or black bears.

The Bottom Line. For every hiker chasing golden larch views this fall, there is a bear chasing calories or a bull elk chasing rivals. The overlap makes September and October the most volatile months on the trails.

IF YOUR KNEES HAD A VOICE, THEY’D BE SCREAMING

Your knees have carried you through decades of adventures, from hikes and bike rides to ski days and maybe a few questionable decisions. But now they are making some noise. Sharp twinges, morning stiffness, that “uh-oh” feeling on the stairs are all red flags.

The good news is you do not have to live with knee pain. At Banff Sport Medicine, physiotherapists help restore strength, improve mobility, and prevent further wear and tear. Whether it is chronic stiffness or a recent injury, they create a personalized rehab plan to get you moving pain-free without the endless cycle of rest and ice packs.

Your knees still have plenty of miles left in them. They just need the right care.

Book a physiotherapy session today and keep moving with confidence.

_{*Presented by Banff Sports Medicine.}

THE DIGEST

• ✨ Lake Louise’s Luxury New Spa Opens. We’ve been teasing this one for a while, but the BASIN Glacial Waters spa at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise finally opened this week. Think Nordic-inspired saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and pools overlooking the lake. We called, and for now it’s hotel guests only ($275 for 3 hours), but Fairmont says non-guest access should come in the new year. With mid-week rooms running $875, that’s $1,150 all-in. We’ll stick to river dips for now. 

• 📌 Is Jasper’s New Sign Cooler Than Banff’s? Jasper’s giant new sign outside the Visitor Centre is drawing nonstop selfies, with colour-changing lights for holidays and events. Meanwhile, Banff’s iconic sign is relocating to the Train Station this October, where a $1.2M parkette promises a whole new “visitor experience.” What that will look like is still under wraps.

• 👩‍🏫 Teachers File Strike Notice, What It Means for the Bow Valley. The Canadian Rockies Public Schools division says the Alberta Teachers’ Association has filed a strike notice, with a walkout possible October 6 if no deal is reached. Classes continue for now, but parents are urged to plan childcare. Canmore Community Daycare Society will stay open. Town of Banff Childcare programming remains unclear.

• 🌧️ La Niña Could Shape This Winter. Forecasters say a La Niña pattern is brewing for the 2025-26 season, which often means colder temps and more snow in the Rockies. But this one looks weak and short-lived, so don’t bank on powder all season. Past weak La Niñas brought everything from Sunshine’s dreamy 300 inches (2017-18) to a meagre 161 (2022-23). Could be face shots, could be dust on crust. Time will tell.

• 🧗 A Century of Climbing Stories. Founded in 1916, the American Alpine Club Library is one of the oldest alpine libraries in the U.S., with over 20,000 books and films on mountaineering, climbing, and alpinism. Its rare collections include gems from Banff National Park. Check out these vintage Banff photos for a glimpse into mountain life a century ago.

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CANADA’S HOTEL PRICES OUTPACING THE U.S., WITH BANFF AS EXHIBIT A

What’s Happening? Hotel rooms in Canada are getting pricey, faster than almost anywhere else. A new report from American Express Global Business Travel projects Canadian hotel rates will rise more steeply than those in the U.S. or Mexico. And if you have tried to book Banff lately, you already know the forecast is reality.

Canada’s Rising Rates. The travel forecast points to steep increases for the coming year in Toronto (about 6%) and Vancouver (just over 6%), compared with smaller jumps in New York (4%) and Miami (3%). Globally, only a few places are climbing as fast, such as Madrid in Spain or Bengaluru in India. Luxury hotels are especially driving the trend, as high-end leisure travellers keep spending.

Banff’s Sticker Shock. On the ground, Banff has become a case study in how rates outstrip inflation. The average nightly price hit $414 in 2024, up 79% from pre-COVID years. Peak summer weekends topped $525. Yet hotels are filling fewer rooms than they used to. How? By charging more for less. Revenue climbed to $588 million in 2024, a 42% jump from 2019, even as occupancy fell.

Why It’s Happening? Staffing shortages meant some properties never reopened all their rooms, keeping supply tight. At the same time, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism shifted toward “high-value guests,” preferring fewer travellers who spend more. The math works: fewer beds sold, but at premium prices.

Ripple Effects. Locals are noticing. Calgarians who once booked four or five weekends a year now say Banff is out of reach, opting for day trips or alternatives. That leaves more of Banff’s economy riding on international visitors willing to pay $500 a night. 

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Free Suicide Prevention Training. Take part in the Community Helpers Wellness Program, a workshop on suicide prevention and mental health awareness for ages 12+. Learn skills in communication, crisis response, and referral to professional support. 9:30 AM–4:30 PM. The Fenlands, Banff. Free.

• Walk for Bow Valley’s Filipino Community. Join Sama-Sama Bow Valley for a 2.5 km Bow River walk. Created to welcome Filipino newcomers and friends, with free Roam bus tickets from Canmore. 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. Central Park Gazebo, Banff. Free.

Thursday

• Bow Valley Winter Hiring Event. Meet major Bow Valley employers hiring for the winter season. Need a refresh? Stop by the Canmore or Banff Job Resource Centre offices to update your resume. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Moose Inn and Suites, Banff. Free. 

• Comedy Show. Get ready for an offbeat 90-minute stand-up show with the Comedy Misfits. Expect awkward overshares, unique voices, and plenty of laughs, perfect for the proudly weird. 7:30 PM. Rose and Crown, Canmore. $20. 

TASTE THE RAINBOW: THE BOW VALLEY FOOD CRAWL

From October 3 to 13, Banff Pride spills out of the venues and onto the menus with Taste The Rainbow, a festival-long food crawl featuring more than 40 restaurants, cafés, and bars across Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise.

Each venue has created a Pride-inspired special. Think dazzling cocktails, colourful desserts, and bold dishes that celebrate inclusivity while giving back to the community. Featured stops include Sky Bistro, Nourish Bistro, Hello Sunshine, Wildflower Café, Anejo, The Fat Ox, plus plenty more local favourites to add to your list.

Venues are competing for Best Overall creation and the title of Pride Champion, awarded to the spot that drives the most donations. A portion of proceeds supports Banff Pride, Canmore Pride, Banff Meals on Wheels, Bow Valley Food Alliance, and Calgary Meals on Wheels.

No tickets and no wristbands are needed. Pick your stops, and start crawling. Share your favourites with #TasteTheRainbow2025 for a chance to win prizes throughout the week.

See the full schedule of events at Banffpride.ca.

_{*Presented by Banff Pride.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐾 Urgent Help Needed. One of the puppies Heart Mountain Rescue took in this week has tested positive for parvo, and two more are showing symptoms. Parvo is a deadly and highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. There’s no cure, but with fluids, medication, and supportive care, survival is possible. Heart Mountain Rescue is nearly halfway to their $5,000 goal to cover treatment. Every donation helps keep these little ones fighting.*

• 🎉 Celebrate 20 Years of Art & Community. Banff’s Bison Courtyard, a hub for local shops, food, and public art, turns 20 on Friday, Sept. 19 (2–5 PM) with Unveiling the Spirit of the Bison. Expect storytelling, live music, Indigenous performances, artisan showcases, and complimentary food, plus new murals, a beaded tipi workshop, and free films at Lux Cinema.*

• 🎤 Farewell Summer Patio Concert. Say goodbye to summer in style at Fat Ox Banff on Sunday, Sept. 22, 5–7 PM Enjoy live highland-inspired music from Steph Odette on the patio (or indoors if it rains). It’s one last chance to soak up a Banff evening before fall sets in. Reserve your spot.*

• 🎨 Call for Emerging Artists. Are you within the first 5 years of your fine arts career and ready to grow? The RISE Emerging Artist Program offers Alberta visual artists (individuals or collectives) an exhibition, professional mentorship, and skills development in installation, marketing, and business. Apply by Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.*

• 🤔 Mysterious Device on Bow River Bridge. Locals spotted a new gadget on the Bow River bridge and sparked a Facebook debate: camera, sensor, or something else? Banff already uses Traffax sensors to track travel times and congestion, so traffic monitoring seems most likely. The town hasn’t confirmed yet. Comment if you’ve got a theory.

• 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 Couples Needed for Styled Shoot. A local photographer is looking for a few couples to model for a styled elopement and couple shoot in Canmore and Banff. This is a paid gig, and you’ll also get a full gallery of professional photos. Dates are Sept. 26–29, including a sunrise elopement shoot. DM Amelie Sarauer if interested.

• 🍱 Bow Valley Fresh Food Box Delivers Big Savings. The Bow Valley Fresh Food Box offers locals a monthly haul of fruits and veggies for just $35 (or $30 with subsidy). September’s box would have cost about $81 at a grocery store. It’s part of a wider network of food supports in the valley. See the full list here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Next Steps on Wastewater Odour Fix. Canmore Council received an update on the persistent wastewater treatment plant odour affecting downwind neighbourhoods. The smell comes from two open-air digesters. Engineers propose capping the tanks and adding an emissions-treatment system. Design work is underway, and a full project plan will be presented to council once finalized.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, 8:00 PM: DUNE RATS ft A Wilhelm Scream, Brain Bent. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $30.64.

• Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, September 18th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Chick and Chang. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50/ youth $15

SPORTS

• Queen of the Valley SUP Race. Mark your calendars for Sept. 20 at Ghost Lake Marina, where women from across Alberta will hit the water for the Queen of the Valley SUP Race. Choose the 1000m technical sprint, the 5km “Tour de Ghost,” or both to vie for the Queen title. First-time paddlers welcome. Watch a quick video of the event (it looks awesome). Registration is open.

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.