⛈️ Flood Evacuation Alert

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If you live in Canmore, chances are you either woke up to another emergency alert overnight or you're catching up on a rapidly changing situation this morning. Heavy rain has caused water levels to rise, prompting the Town of Canmore to expand its emergency response. Multiple neighbourhoods are now under evacuation alert, more roads have been closed, and officials are urging everyone to stay away from all creeks as fast-moving water and debris create dangerous conditions. The storm has also triggered two mudslides on Highway 40 in Kananaskis, leaving sections of the highway impassable in both directions. Several social media posts also suggest campers at Mount Kidd RV Park are unable to leave as the only alternate route via Spray Lakes Road remains closed at the Canmore Hill following the June 1 rockslide. We've compiled the latest evacuation alerts and road closures in this article and will continue updating it as conditions change. Our team is heading out this morning to report on the closures firsthand, so keep an eye on our Instagram for footage.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

GLAMPING DEVELOPERS FACE A TOUGH CROWD IN CANMORE

What’s Happening? The developers behind a proposed 74-site glamping campground east of Canmore’s Quarry Lake hosted their first public open house last week, but opponents say it did little to ease concerns about a project they believe is incompatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Developers Want Dialogue. Zak Richardson, founder of Trailhaus, the company behind the proposed glamping campground, said the June 24 open house was intended to engage directly with residents and build trust through transparency rather than "exist in the background." 

"We are committed to listening, learning, and working alongside the community," Richardson wrote ahead of the event.

The proposed seasonal campground would include 74 furnished wall tents, an administration building, washroom facilities, and a communal fire pit. The tents would be removed each winter.

Residents Remain Unconvinced. Wendy Walker, a member of Protect the Staircase Lands, said the group's opposition isn't to glamping itself, but to the proposed location beside an established residential neighbourhood.

"In a separate location, I think it would be divine," Walker told Bow Valley Insider.

She said the open house ultimately did little to change residents' views.

"It was put on by the developers to engage the community, but it really just ended up infuriating the community because it was pretty obvious they still don't really know what they're doing," she said.

Residents continue to raise concerns about wildfire risk, wildlife movement, traffic, evacuation routes, Quarry Lake recreation impacts and the site's historic coal mine workings.

What The Developer Says. On its website, Trailhaus describes the proposal as a professionally managed, low-impact outdoor hospitality experience backed by wildlife, traffic and geotechnical studies.

The company says it hopes to create "a more thoughtful and elevated way to experience the outdoors" while respecting the landscape and surrounding community.

Bow Valley Insider contacted the development team for additional comment and scheduled a phone interview, but the team did not attend the agreed-upon meeting before publication.

What's Next? The application remains under review after Town staff requested revisions following an initial assessment. There is currently no timeline for when those revisions will be submitted or when a decision will be made.

Mayor Sean Krausert says the application will be decided through the Town's administrative development permit process, not by council.

Read our full story

WHY MOVING QUOTES ARE SO UNPREDICTABLE

Ben here. I didn’t realize this until I went through a recent move.

Most moving companies don’t actually know what your move will cost when they give you a quote. Some don’t do walkthroughs. Some price based on truck weight. Others just send a crew and figure it out as they go.

That’s how you end up with a number that looks reasonable upfront… and a final bill that’s not even close.

I hired Grizzly Moving at full price. No special treatment just because I’m Ben from Bow Valley Insider.

Before anything started, Joel did a full walkthrough with me over FaceTime. We went room by room, he asked detailed questions, and gave a realistic estimate based on what he saw.

No guesswork. No vague ranges.

And when the move was done, the price landed where he said it would.

If you’re planning a move, it’s worth reaching out to Joel and getting a free quote.

P.S. Our editor, Fortune, just hired him for a move last week and here’s what she said: 

_{*Presented by Grizzly Moving.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Bear Encounter Near Mount Engadine Goes Viral. Remember on Friday when we told you about the bear warning in Kananaskis near Mount Engadine after a grizzly approached a hiker? Video of that encounter has now exploded online, racking up more than 30 million views. The footage shows a woman walking her leashed dog when the grizzly repeatedly bluff-charged to within just a few feet of them. She wasn't carrying bear spray, but managed to stay calm before escaping safely back to camp. A sobering reminder that even a quick walk can become a bear encounter. 

• 👨🏻‍⚕️ New Funding Could Help Recruit More Bow Valley Doctors. Alberta's new physician compensation agreement includes up to $39 million a year to recruit and retain doctors in rural communities, with Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Exshaw all eligible for incentive programs. The funding comes as the Bow Valley continues to face physician shortages despite strong interest from medical trainees. Local health leaders say expanding rural training and recruitment is key because doctors who train in rural communities are more likely to stay and practice there.

• 📊 Canmore Legion Faces Financial Crossroads. As the Canmore Legion celebrates its 100th anniversary, it's also warning that its aging building and rising operating costs are putting the organization under increasing financial pressure. Leaders say a recent $66,000 kitchen upgrade was a major setback and that another unexpected repair could leave the volunteer-run non-profit in trouble. Members are now exploring long-term redevelopment options, including adding housing above the Legion 

• 🐻 How Should We Handle Bear Jams? If you haven't seen our bear jam video yet, it happened about a week ago as we were driving back to Canmore from Lake Louise. People had stopped on both sides of the highway and were running across the road to snap photos of a bear walking alongside the wildlife fence. It was a pretty dangerous situation for everyone involved. We're curious to hear your thoughts in today's poll on what, if anything, should be done to reduce situations like this. 

The local paper has newspaper stands around Canmore and Banff

They’ve been there forever. You’ve seen them.

When a new storefront opens, maybe they add another stand. That’s how they grow.

Our distribution is different. It’s email and social media.

20,000+ locals get Bow Valley Insider in their inbox. And we add another 1,000 every month.

That’s not more “stands.” That’s more people. And we’re not limited by physical distribution.

One video on social media can reach 50,000… 100,000+ people in a matter of days.

No new stands required.

➡️ Want that kind of reach? Let’s talk

CANMORE WOMAN DIES IN HIGHWAY 1 COLLISION NEAR BANFF

What’s Happening? If you travelled into or out of the Bow Valley on Sunday, chances are you experienced the unusually heavy traffic. The delays followed a fatal single-vehicle collision west of Banff that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Canmore woman.

Investigation Closed A Lane For Hours. Banff RCMP said officers responded around 5:30 AM. A collision reconstructionist examined the scene to determine what happened, requiring westbound traffic to be reduced to a single lane for much of the day.

Police urged motorists to avoid the area while emergency crews worked.

Traffic Snarled Well Beyond Banff. Although Alberta 511 reported all westbound lanes had reopened by 3:09 PM, delays continued for several hours afterward.

Drivers posting in the Bow Valley Road Conditions Facebook group described traffic backing up well beyond the Three Sisters overpass and into Canmore. Several reported it took roughly two hours to travel from Canmore to Banff during the height of the congestion.

By around 5 PM, motorists said traffic had largely returned to normal.

Investigation Continues. RCMP said the cause of the collision remains under investigation and no further information had been released as of publication.

We extend our sincere condolences to the young woman's family, friends and loved ones. 

Our full story will be updated as RCMP release additional information. 

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Roller Disco Returns To Banff. Swap your hiking boots for roller skates at this family-friendly afternoon of music, disco lights, and skating. Skate and helmet rentals are available, though sizes are limited. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

Tuesday

• Cheap Movie Night In Banff. Four new films hit the big screen this week, including Supergirl, Toy Story 5, Backrooms, and Obsession. Afternoon, evening, and late-night showtimes are available for each. Showtimes from 3:15 PM - 9:45 PM. Lux Theatre, Banff. $8.99. 

• Live Folk & Bluegrass At The Drake. Twilight Troubadours bring acoustic folk, country, and bluegrass to Canmore with singer-songwriter Jolie Anastasia and guitarist Braden Mahon. Expect thoughtful songwriting, warm acoustic melodies, and a laid-back atmosphere. 10:00 PM. The Drake, Canmore. Free.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚧 Canada Day Road Closures Coming To Banff And Canmore. If you're planning to drive anywhere near downtown on Wednesday, leave yourself extra time. Parade-related road closures will significantly limit vehicle access in both communities, with Banff affected from roughly 9 AM to 1 PM and Canmore from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Both towns are encouraging people to walk, bike, or take Roam Transit where possible. We've put together a full breakdown of closures, detours, and the best alternate routes before you head out. 

• 🎰 Dirty Bingo Night. Looking for a bingo night that's a little less... wholesome? The Exshaw Legion is hosting an adults-only evening of classic bingo, with cheeky prizes, plenty of laughs, and food and drinks available throughout the night. Games are traditional bingo, just with prizes you probably won't find at your local supermarket. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jily 4 at 7:00 PM at the Exshaw Legion. 18+.*

• 📝 Help Pick Canmore's Next Play. Have a play in mind that you’d love to see on a local stage? Our local theatre organization, Pine Tree Players, is accepting submissions for 2027 productions. Directors and theatre lovers are encouraged to submit up to three plays for consideration. The group is looking for productions that can grow audiences and create rewarding experiences for volunteers. Submissions are due August 15.*

• 🌭 Martinis And Hot Dogs? It Works. The Fat Ox is hosting a one-day-only Tini's & Weenies pop-up on July 15, pairing gourmet hot dogs with martinis and patio season. Expect creative dogs like The Dipper with Swiss cheese and au jus, chili cheese fries, watermelon salad, and enough Pepperoncini Martinis and Martini Towers to keep the afternoon interesting. If you've been looking for an excuse to gather a few friends for lunch, this might be it. Reservations are recommended. More details.*

• 🥾 Winter Conditions Persist In Banff's Backcountry. Planning a backcountry trip soon? Banff National Park says this year's record snowfall means many alpine areas are still more like winter than summer. Expect snow-covered trails, ongoing avalanche risk, unsafe river crossings, buried trail markers, and travel times up to three times longer than usual. Some campsites may also be inaccessible. You can check Banff’s official trail conditions here.

• ✅ Chester Lake Trail Reopens Tomorrow. One of Kananaskis' most popular hikes reopens Tuesday after its annual spring closure, which helps protect the trail during muddy conditions. If you're planning to go from Canmore or Banff, remember Spray Lakes Road remains closed between Grassi Lakes and Ha Ling Peak because of the June 1 rockslide. You'll need to detour via Highway 40, adding roughly 45 minutes each way. Coming from Calgary? Your drive is largely unchanged. 

• ☕ Your Pre-Ride Coffee Stop. Mountain bike season is in full swing, and here's a reminder that Cornerstone Café at the Canmore Nordic Centre proudly serves Eclipse Coffee. That means lattes, iced coffees, and specialty drips are waiting just steps from the trails, so there's no need to detour into town before or after your ride. It's one of the best spots to fuel up before a big day or recharge between laps.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Rejects Bid To Delay Workforce Reporting. Banff businesses will now be required to report their workforce size each year when renewing business licences after council voted 4-3 against delaying the new requirement. The town says the data will help better understand future workforce housing needs as Banff reaches commercial buildout. The Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association had urged council to wait until its destination-wide workforce study is complete and has previously warned the data could eventually be used to support future workforce housing requirements or fees, though the town says no such changes are currently planned. 

• Road Repaving Begins In Exshaw And Lac des Arcs. Drivers in Exshaw and Lac des Arcs should expect minor delays and temporary parking restrictions over the next month as the MD of Bighorn begins road rehabilitation work. Construction will take place between June 30 and July 29. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, June 29, 10:00 PM: Andrew Staygold. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 PM: Doug Robb. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore-Born Hockey Player Drafted By Vegas. Big congratulations to Canmore's Will McLaughlin, who was selected 159th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old defenceman spent last season with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, recording nine goals and 30 points in 68 games.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.