🦌 Elk Tangled in Xmas Lights

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We don’t know about you, but once the winter road closures start rolling in, it finally feels like the season has arrived. Highway 40 shuts down on Monday just passed King Creek, which makes this the last weekend to hike or backcountry ski in the Highwood. Locals on Facebook report all the parking lots have been plowed. Highway 66 west of Elbow Falls is also closing, so it is the final chance for Elbow Valley hikes, too.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

MISSING HIKER FOUND NEAR HA LING, FAMILY SHARES HE HAS PASSED

What’s Happening? A search for 37-year-old Andrew Truch, who was reported missing in the Canmore area on November 26, concluded Thursday morning after his wife confirmed he had been found and had passed away. The report prompted a large multi-agency search focused on the Ha Ling and Goat Creek area.

How the Search Unfolded. Andrew was last seen Wednesday just before 1 PM, according to a Find My iPhone location ping. When his wife could not reach him, a missing persons report was filed with Canmore RCMP. Andrew was driving his wife’s vehicle, a white 2017 Honda HR-V, which was located later that night at the Goat Creek Trailhead, triggering an overnight search involving RCMP, Search and Rescue crews, and canine units.

Focus on Ha Ling. Shortly after midnight, family and search teams believed Andrew had taken the Ha Ling Peak trail. The search zone expanded through steep technical terrain commonly used by experienced hikers and scramblers. Conditions on the mountain were cold and dark, a combination that often complicates rescue efforts.

Tragic Outcome. Just after 10 AM Thursday, November 27, Andrew’s wife, Aileen Truch, shared that he had been located and had passed away. She thanked the community for their support. RCMP have not released further details, and no cause of death has been announced.

Community Response. Canmore residents had circulated the missing person notice widely overnight, with hundreds sharing updates from both RCMP and Andrew’s family. Many expressed gratitude to the search teams who worked through the night and offered condolences to the Truch family.

A FIRST LOOK AT TANYA TAGAQ’S NEW PERFORMANCE

December 16 | 7:30 PM | Jenny Belzberg Theatre (Banff Centre) | From $25

If you have ever wondered how a major performance is built before it reaches a big stage, this night gives you that behind the scenes look.

You will be watching an open rehearsal and work-in-progress showing of Split Tooth: Saputjiji. It is a new piece created by Inuk artist Tanya Tagaq, based on the themes and stories in her acclaimed book Split Tooth. Tagaq is known for her incredibly powerful vocal style. Rolling Stone calls her one of the avant garde’s most dynamic performers. This show places her voice at the centre.

What to expect:

• Live performance from Tagaq that uses voice, sound, and movement

• Early stage scenes that blend music, storytelling, and strong imagery

• A focus on memory, land, identity, and emotional intensity

• A chance to see how performers and directors shape a piece in real time

• A post show Q&A where you can ask the creative team about the process

The piece is directed by Kaneza Schaal, who is known for inventive and creative theatre. Together, the team is experimenting, testing ideas, and building the world of the final show. You get to watch that creative process unfold.

🎟️ Get Tickets 

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 💸 Most Locals Want Higher Fees For International Visitors. After our story about top U.S. national parks charging international tourists $100 per person starting in January, we ran a poll that drew more than 1,000 responses. 78% said Canada should charge non-residents more too, citing overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and taxpayers carrying the load while visitors enter free during Canada Strong Pass windows.  Read all the community comments here. 

• 🤵 A Netflix Star’s Banff Wedding Just Made Vogue. Johnny Link from My Life with the Walter Boys and his partner Matthew Davies tied the knot in Banff, landing a full Vogue feature that reads like a love letter to the Bow Valley. The couple celebrated with canoeing, hikes, afternoon tea at the Banff Springs, dinner at Bluebird, and drinks and games at The Fat Ox. The Vogue article is light on photos, but a bit of digging on our end uncovered all the goodies on Instagram, featuring plenty of familiar Bow Valley landmarks.

• 🦌 Elk Tangled In Christmas Lights In Canmore. WildSmart shared a photo of a bull elk in Benchlands Terrace with a full string of Christmas lights wrapped around its antlers, a sharp reminder that our holiday décor can create real hazards for wildlife. Simple fixes help, like hanging lights higher, avoiding low shrubs, and securing cords tightly. See the elk’s photo. 

• 📣 Alberta Wants Your Input on Canmore’s Trail Future. The province is collecting feedback on the draft Canmore Area Trails Master Plan, which outlines new routes, upgrades, and the removal of unsustainable paths. These decisions directly shape our day to day trail life here, so take five minutes and fill it out now. The survey is now open. 

• ⛔ Gas Leaks Trigger Evacuation In Banff And Restrictions In Canmore. A contractor struck a gas line on Otter Street in Banff on Nov. 26, forcing an evacuation of two residential blocks and cutting service to about 200 homes. The leak was contained within two hours, but restoring gas required ATCO crews to visit each home individually. Later that evening, a separate leak on Palliser Trail in Canmore prompted traffic restrictions, though no evacuation was ordered. Read the full timeline. 

Traditional Media Called. It Wants Its Budget Back.

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➡️ Stop funding nostalgia. Start driving results.

GRIZZLY CHARGES TRAIL RUNNER NEAR FIELD BC, AREA NOW CLOSED

What’s Happening? A trail runner was charged and knocked down by a grizzly bear on the Tally Ho trail near Yoho’s Natural Bridge Day Use Area on November 24. The individual sustained minor injuries, drove themselves to the Golden hospital, and was released shortly after.

A Defensive Encounter, Says Parks Canada. According to officials, the incident “appears consistent with a defensive response by a grizzly bear during a surprise encounter.” Wildlife specialists reached the scene immediately and continue to investigate the area. 

Closures Now in Effect. Parks Canada has closed the Tally Ho Trail and the surrounding Natural Bridge Day Use Area while specialists assess bear behaviour and confirm the area is safe for visitors. The Tally Ho Trail is a 3.2 kilometre forested route accessed from the Natural Bridge parking lot, often used as a quick two hour out and back in the shoulder season. A closure map shows a wide restricted zone covering both the trail and the Natural Bridge.

A Reminder for Cooler Seasons. Winter may be settling in, but bears in Yoho are not necessarily asleep yet. Parks Canada emphasized that “Yoho National Park is bear country” and that encounters can happen anywhere, “from busy trails near town to remote backcountry sites.”

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Community Friday At Canmore Brewing. Come for live local music and happy hour pint specials from 4 to 7 PM. This week features Sue Chick Denton, a seasoned singer songwriter, choir director, and community musician known for her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics.*

• Free Family Movie. Join this PG-rated screening as Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) leads the Smurfs into the real world to rescue Papa Smurf from evil wizards. Fun, colourful, and family-friendly. 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

• 80’s Movember Party. Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Mo’s in The Bow 80s Party. Expect no cover, drink specials, a live auction, and all the retro vibes. Come out for a fun night that supports men’s health. 7:00 PM - Late. Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. Free. 

Saturday

• Heart Mountain Rescue Fundraiser. Help celebrate three years of finding deserving pups their forever homes. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a scoop-your-own ice cream bar, crafted drinks, live music, walk-around magic, and a photobooth. Bring friends, family, and plenty of cheer for an unforgettable night supporting our community. Raffle tickets can be purchased here. Winners announced at the event.  6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The Gem, Harvie Heights. Free.*

Sunday

• Watercolours & Live Music Afternoon. Over 20 local watercolour artists and four musicians are teaming up. Browse original $35 artworks from 1–2:30 PM, then enjoy a 3–6 PM concert for $25. All proceeds support individuals and families fleeing violence in the Bow Valley. 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 from 3:00 PM. 

• Holiday Concert at the Malcolm Hotel. Valley Winds Music Association hosts its winter concert in the Edinburgh Ballroom, featuring four of its signature ensembles with a mix of choral and band performances. Expect a festive, family-friendly afternoon of holiday music to kick off the season. 2:00 PM. Malcolm Hotel, Canmore. $38.71.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🤝 Your Community Needs You Right Now. Bow Valley Christmas Spirit is facing its highest need yet, with a 25% jump in applications and only $36,466 raised toward their $105,000 goal. It is rarely this underfunded at this point in the season.  Donations fund essential grocery and gift cards for neighbours. If you can, please consider donating.*

• 🥂 A Western Dinner Theatre Rides Into Banff Social. From December 3 to 7, Banff Social is rolling out a western-themed dinner theatre where actors wander the room, stories unfold around your table, and every scene feels like it was pulled straight from an old mountain saloon. A chef prepared menu anchors the night, with plenty of laughs, twists, and toe tappin moments between courses. Tickets here. *

• 🤓 The Perfect Gift for Little Banff Adventurers. Looking for something more meaningful than another toy? The Little Grizzly Who Walked Like a Boss is the perfect holiday gift for kids who love Banff and its wild residents. Inspired by the real-life legend Bear 122, it blends heartwarming storytelling with stunning Rocky Mountain illustrations and gentle lessons on bravery and nature. Wrap up a piece of Banff magic and share The Boss’s story this Christmas. Available on Amazon now.*

• 🎤 A Festive Dinner And Concert At Sandtraps. Sandtraps at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club is hosting a Christmas concert and buffet on Saturday, December 6. The evening features a deluxe holiday spread with butternut squash soup to start and sticky toffee pudding for dessert, followed by a performance from the Tracey Wilkins Quintet. Dinner runs from 5 to 7 PM. Concert from 7 to 9 PM. Tickets are only $60.*

• 🚧 Lake Louise Area Closure. Phase 2 of the Lake Louise Community Fire Guard project is now under an area closure, with access prohibited until further notice. Smoke may be visible during pile burning. The Pipestone trails and parking lot are closed for the season, while the Great Divide Trail stays open and will be track set when conditions allow.

• 🥘 Festive Boneless Turkey To-Go. Take the stress out of your holiday meal by putting in your order to The Evergreen by December 18th. Enjoy a sous-vide turkey roulade with gourmet trimmings. We’re talking Herb-roasted baby potatoes, sourdough with whipped butter, and more. Ready to heat and serve yourself and three of your favorite people. Check out the full menu here.*

• 🚌 FlixBus Adds Calgary-Kananaskis Route. Starting November 29, FlixBus will run a new daily route with stops at Kananaskis Village, Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino, and Nakiska. Two trips per day, free Wi Fi, power outlets, and low fares make it an easy winter travel option.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Planning Requests Extra Staff. Banff’s planning team is asking for added staffing to handle a surge in housing applications, with more than 500 units expected over the next three years. The request includes a new permanent planner, two contract extensions, and more funding for secondary suites. Council will review it in the 2026 budget.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, November 28th, 2025, 7:00 PM: Craig Cardiff.  Location: Communitea, Canmore. $20.

• Saturday, November 29th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $50 / members $42.50 / youth $25.

• Saturday, November 29th, 2025, 9:30 PM: Craig Cardiff.  Location: Communitea, Canmore. $23.76.

• Saturday, November 29th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Deejayzorrow.  Location: Banff Sizzlers. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Britt Richardson Opens Her World Cup Season. Britt Richardson starts her World Cup campaign this Saturday in the women’s giant slalom at Copper Mountain. She joins a deep Canadian women’s tech squad racing again next week at Mont Tremblant. It is an important early season tune up and a chance for Richardson to build confidence heading into an Olympic year.

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.