Good morning, Bow Valley!

In case you missed it on Monday, we asked over 6,000 Bow Valley Insiders to vote for the best restaurants in Canmore & Banff—and the results are in! If you’re curious about the top 10, you’ll find the link under Community Highlights today.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• An update on the whirling disease situation plaguing Yoho & Kootenay

• A study aims to clean up the Bow Valley’s landfill 

• A new mountain bike documentary focused on the life of a Canmore local

• Plus, floral workshops, community bike rides, free yoga, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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WHIRLING DISEASE BAN EXTENDED IN YOHO & KOOTENAY

What’s Happening? All lakes and rivers in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks will remain off-limits for fishing, boating, and paddling until at least March 31, 2026, as Parks Canada fights to contain the spread of whirling disease.

What’s the Concern? Whirling disease, first found in Canada at Banff’s Johnson Lake in 2016, was detected in Yoho’s Emerald Lake in 2023. It has since spread to multiple waterbodies, threatening native fish like bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.

How It Spreads. The disease is caused by a parasite that infects fish via freshwater worms, leading to deformities and erratic swimming. It’s not harmful to humans but has devastated trout populations in the U.S. before.

What’s Next? Parks Canada says reopening decisions will be based on science and standardized data across the mountain parks. For now, anglers and paddlers will need to look elsewhere.

TULIP THERAPY: A FLORAL WORKSHOP TO WELCOME SPRING

Shake off winter and step into spring with Alpenflora’s It’s a Spring Thing Tulip Workshop!

This hands-on experience is the perfect way to refresh your space—and your mood—with a simple, yet stunning floral arrangement you’ll create yourself.

Enjoy a light brunch with mimosas, fresh fruit, and Le Fournil pastries while learning expert floral styling tips from Colleen. She’ll guide you through fresh flower care and creative ways to arrange tulips.

No experience? No problem. All materials are provided, so just bring your creativity (and maybe a friend).

• Sunday, March 23 at 11 AM

• Only a few spots left

Reserve your spot now for a morning of beauty, brunch, and blooms. 

P.S. We attended Alpenflora’s last workshop, which was AWESOME. We highly recommend it. 

_{*Presented by Alpen Flora.}

THE DIGEST

• 💡Ever Thought About Packing Up And Moving To Banff? Whether you're coming from abroad or just outside the Bow Valley, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. Written by a Brit who’s done it twice, it covers visas, jobs, housing, and the little details that make settling in way easier.

• 🚴A Gripping New Mountain Biking Documentary. After a devastating accident, former elite mountain biker and Canmore local Matt Hadley fights to rebuild his life and career. Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story is a testament to grit, community, and determination. Watch the trailer now.

• 🎨Elementary Students Bring Mental Wellness To Life Through Art. Kids at Alpenglow School unveiled Our Community Garden, a mosaic art installation created through a four-week program blending creativity with mental wellness. Guided by a local artist and a wellness coach, students explored emotions, teamwork, and nature through art. 

• 🧳Canmore’s Tourism Industry Pushes For Sustainability. The Canmore Hotel & Lodging Association’s March Lunch and Learn brought industry leaders together to discuss regenerative tourism. Experts from Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, the Biosphere Institute, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council shared strategies for responsible travel and long-term ecological stewardship in the region.

• 📣Banff To Host G7 Finance Leaders. From May 20–22, Canada will welcome G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to Banff. The meeting will set the stage for economic talks ahead of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis this June. We’ll keep you updated on any road closures, security measures, and local impacts as the meeting approaches. 

BOW VALLEY’S CONSTRUCTION WASTE MAKEOVER

What’s Happening? The Bow Valley is ramping up efforts to keep construction waste out of the landfill and put it back to work. A new initiative, led by the Bow Valley Waste Management Commission, is developing a plan to boost recycling and reuse at the Francis Cooke landfill and resource recovery centre.

Waste Not, Want Not. Right now, about 60% of construction, renovation, and demolition  waste gets diverted, but that leaves 40% heading straight to the landfill. The goal? Cut that number down by finding ways to repurpose valuable materials.

More Builds, More Waste. With housing and commercial developments surging across Banff, Canmore, and MD of Bighorn, the timing couldn’t be better. From Banff’s affordable housing to Canmore’s Three Sisters project, construction waste is about to pile up.

Next Steps. A $50,000 study is in the works, with industry collaboration and new recommendations expected soon. If all goes well, Bow Valley could lead the charge in turning waste into economic opportunity.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Technology Literacy Workshop. Join Bow Valley Learning Centre’s technology specialist for a workshop on spotting and avoiding scams. Learn how to recognize phishing texts, emails, and calls so you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters! 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Canmore Provincial Building. Free. 

• Community Bike Ride. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the winter scenery, this is a great way to meet new people and explore the stunning Bow Valley. Meet at Canmore Brewing Company. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Free. 

• Intro to Taxes. Whether you're filing for the first time or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of your return, Taxes 101 is here to help! Presented by CYAN. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free. 

• Free Yoga at Patagonia. Join instructor Chie Fujimaru for an all-level class. Doors will open at 6:30, and yoga will begin at 7:00 PM. Please bring your yoga mat, as quantities in-store are limited. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Patagonia, Banff. Free. 

• Movie Night. French-language documentary, On the Adamant, follows patients and caregivers at a psychiatric centre with a unique floating structure located on the banks of the Seine in Paris.7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

Thursday

• Strides Speaker Series. Join Canadian Para Nordic team members Christina Picton & Collin Cameron as they speak about Resilience in Sport. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free entry. Donations are welcome to support the Canadian Para Nordic Team.

• Mountain Meditation. The 90-minute session will include a 20-minute guided meditation, a 30-minute Dharma talk related to climate change, plus discussion time with tea and treats! 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Community Hub. 105-717 9th Ave, Canmore. Free. 

• Drop-In Badminton. Play a game of pick-up or bring a friend. For ages 16+.  8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Lawrence Grassi Middle School. $5.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 😋Best Food In The Bow Valley. In case you missed it, we surveyed 6000+ Bow Valley Insiders, and the votes are in on the BEST restaurants in Canmore and Banff—chosen by you!  Check out the top 10 spots here. 

• 💨Avalanche Bombing. Avalanche control will take place today on Mt. Stephen, Mt. Field, and Mt. Dennis in Field, BC. These areas, including all trailheads and ice climbs, will be closed for safety.

• 🖤Community Mourns Loss of Manetta Nori. Beloved teacher and outdoor enthusiast Manetta Nori was killed in an avalanche near Mount Black Prince in Kananaskis on Friday. Known for her adventurous spirit and generosity, she is remembered fondly by friends, family, and students. 

• 📚Spring Book Sale. Browse through thousands of hardcover and softcover books for all ages at incredible prices - all in support of your local library. Open to the general public from Friday, March 21st - Sunday, March 23rd. 

• 💼Summer Job Fairs. There are more than one, and they are coming up. Today, meet recruiters from Parks Canada at the Banff Job Resource Centre from 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM. Bookmark this event page for more dates.

• 🙋🏻‍♂️Volunteer Opportunities. Cheer on the Canmore Eagles during the playoffs while being part of the actions. They are looking for timekeepers, scorekeepers, 50/50 ticket sellers, and more. 

• 🪵Free Firewood for Banff Residents. Residents are invited to collect free firewood from the piles created this week by crews involved in wildfire mitigation. Wood is available in the evening after the crew opens the sites at the Middle Springs Cabin parking lot, which is accessed from Fairholme Place. 

• 🙌2nd Annual Canmore Fun Spiel. Massive congratulations to the 44 kids who came out from all around Alberta to participate in Canmore’s 2nd Annual Fun Spiel. This event is 100% volunteer-run by Kim Sanford, Janelle, Mikiko, and Lawrence. 

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: YELLOWSTONE TO YUKON

Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative is a collaborative effort between a U.S. non-profit organization and a Canadian public charity that together connects and protects habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive. As the only organization dedicated to securing the long-term ecological health of this entire region, their work addresses the needs of wildlife and people, giving animals the freedom to roam and protecting the habitat for grizzly bears, caribou, wolverines, wolves, and more.

CIVIC NEWS

• Rental Statistics. Canmore Community Housing has published their February Update. They’re reporting that rental inventory remains low compared to previous years, putting upward pressure on rental rates, especially for 1- and 2-bedroom units. Though looking ahead, more 2- and 3-bedroom units are expected to hit the market in the coming months. 

• Proposed Dog Park Now Up to Council. The proposed dog park at Marmot Crescent in Banff goes before council this coming Monday. There have been a number of opportunities for public feedback, and the online survey results have been collected here. If you missed your chance, Banff residents and organizations also have an opportunity to speak or submit comments directly to Council at this meeting.

• Md Of Bighorn Tests Wildfire Detection. On Monday, MD of Bighorn Emergency Services began piloting the FireSafe A.I. mobile tower, testing its ability to detect smoke and ignition early. The unit will move to different locations throughout the MD until October, aiming to improve wildfire response with real-time alerts for firefighters.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Wednesday, March 19th, 7:30 PM: The Three Sisters.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. regular $20 / members $18 / youth $10

• Thursday, March 20th, 10:00 PM: MARK WOODYARD ft CHIMP IT. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Canmore. $10.50 

• Thursday, March 20th, 10:00 PM: RadioActive. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• XC Skiing. Olympian and Canmore local Jesse Cockney takes you through the 5km course at the 2025 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals at the Canmore Nordic Center (happening this week). Watch the full course preview.

• Hockey. The Jills dominated Banff’s women’s hockey league playoffs, defeating the Minks 5-1 in the finals. Jamie Martin led with two goals, while goalie Larissa Dingwell made 13 saves. With strong teamwork and an undefeated playoff run, the Jills claimed the Rundle Women’s Hockey League title in style.

• More Hockey.  Canmore Minor Hockey president, Michael Hay, is on a mission to make hockey more accessible and welcoming for kids in Canmore. As president of Canmore Minor Hockey, he emphasizes fun, teamwork, and lifelong lessons. His efforts helped the association earn Hockey Alberta’s 2023-24 Minor Hockey Association of the Year award.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, same time, same place!