🏞️Free Parks? Banff Says “Nah”

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If your Mother’s Day plans are still MIA, don’t panic. Starting today (and continuing this week), we’re rounding up the best Bow Valley spots and events to make you look like you planned this weeks ago. From mountain brunches to bonus brownie points, we’ve got you and mom covered.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Wildfire danger climbs to high across the Bow Valley

• G7 Summit preps for one very high-profile (and high-security) guest

• Locals push back hard on the free parks plan

• Plus: Rib night, book launches, senior camping discounts, and more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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HIGH WILDFIRE DANGER DECLARED FOR BOW VALLEY

What’s Happening? Alberta Wildfire has declared a high wildfire danger across the Calgary Forest Area as hot, dry weather creates prime conditions for rapid fire spread.

Why It Matters? Stretching from the edge of Banff down to Waterton, this zone includes parts of Kananaskis and Mînî Thnî—popular for recreation. While no active fires are burning here yet, officials say all it takes is one spark. And with high temps on the horizon, that spark could come fast.

Restrictions Rolling In. Fire restrictions are now in effect across southern Alberta, including nearby towns like Strathmore and Foothills County. Farther north, full bans are in place, as rainfall remains elusive.

Do Your Part. Officials say nearly all recent fires have been human-caused—think forgotten campfires and smouldering debris piles. Before you roast a marshmallow or burn a brush pile, make sure it’s safe—and out.

P.S. Report any wildfire you spot at 310-FIRE (3473)—it’s toll-free and always open.

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Okay, Maybe Not. But You Get the Idea.

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THE DIGEST

• 🏞️Locals Overwhelmingly Oppose Free National Park Entry. Over 80% of our 514 poll respondents said “no thanks” to Mark Carney’s campaign promise for free park access this summer. The top sentiment? Locals might support it if it wasn’t free for everyone—just for Canadians or residents. Want to see what people really think? Read the full article and scroll through the unfiltered community responses.

• 🏌Golf Season Tees Off Across The Bow Valley This Week. Brewster’s Kananaskis Ranch was first out May 1, with the rest of Banff and Canmore courses following through May 9. Note: Kananaskis Country Golf Course will close June 6–20 for the G7 Summit—but we wonder if Trump will sneak in a few private rounds while he’s here.

• 🗻Why Locals Say Skip The Athabasca Glacier Tour. $116 to stand in a crowded roped-off zone on a melting glacier? Hard pass. We explain why most Banff locals would never recommend the big ice bus—and what to do instead. Way cheaper, way better. Read the full thing here.

• 🪨New Book Shines Light On Fading Indigenous Pictographs In The Bow Valley. Forgotten Dreams captures centuries-old rock art—including the Grotto Canyon pictographs—using digital enhancement and guidance from over 20 elders. The goal? Preserve cultural stories before they disappear and inspire youth to reconnect with the landscapes and teachings behind them.

• 🗑️Thousands of Kilometres Cleaned During Alberta’s Annual Highway Cleanup. On May 3, crews in bright vests fanned out along roadsides, including local teams like Friends of Kananaskis. Over 700 groups joined the 49th annual effort, cleaning 13,000+ km of highway and raising funds for community causes. A big win for both ditches and donations.

ZELENSKYY CONFIRMED FOR G7 IN KANANASKIS

What’s Happening? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Kananaskis this June for the G7 summit, per PM Mark Carney.

Diplomatic Drop-In. Carney announced the visit via social media after a call with Zelenskyy, emphasizing Ukraine’s role in seeking peace and urging Russia to negotiate “in good faith.”

Alpine Agenda. The G7 runs June 15–17, but expect global media attention (and a few extra motorcades) rolling into Kananaskis with Zelenskyy as a high-profile guest. It’s one of Canada’s biggest diplomatic moments in recent memory—and it’s happening right in our backyard.

About That Backyard. Locals, brace yourselves: a Controlled Access Zone will shut down a stretch of Highway 40 and dozens of trails from June 10–18, with some closures already in effect. The good news? Hiking’s still very much on. We put together a full guide to which trails are open during the G7—check it out here.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Red Dress Day Vigil. Gather in ceremony to honour Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirit People. All are welcome to reflect, stand in solidarity, and share a free meal at the Civic Centre. 6:00 PM, Friendship Park, Canmore. Free.

• Resilience Through Connection. Join the Biosphere Institute for a participatory workshop rooted in Climate Psychology. Process emotions, build resilience, and turn despair into action—together. All are welcome.7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Wild Flour, Banff. Free. 

• Reel Time: In The Summers. On a journey that spans the formative years of their lives, two sisters navigate their loving but volatile father during their yearly summer visits to his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Lux, Banff. $15.

Tuesday

• Rib Night at The Stirling. Tuesdays from 5:30–9 PM, enjoy a half rack of tender Canadian baby back ribs for just $30. Slow-cooked, saucy, and served with all the fixings—it’s the midweek treat you didn’t know you needed.

• Recharge Your Mind: Power Up with Movement. This motivating session will enlighten you to how movement improves mental wellness. Create habits to infuse movement into each day and boost your mood. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Banff Caribou Lodge or Online. Free. 

• Cribbage Social. Play single, head-to-head games in a round robin format to rack up points. All skill levels are welcome, so bring your love of the game and meet fellow crib fans in a relaxed, social setting. 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Cangolf, Canmore. Free to play.

• Movie Night. When pro skier Nikolai Schirmer discovers his reclusive friend is planning an epic, secretive ski tour, he sets out to share it with the world. The Greatest Ski Tour of All Time explores purity vs. publicity in the world of freeride skiing. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace Canmore. $20 / members $17/ youth $10.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🙎‍♀️Treat Mom to an Alpine Italian Brunch. Celebrate Mother's Day May 11 with brunch at The Fat Ox in Banff—seasonal dishes, a DIY hot chocolate station for kids, and white tulips for moms. Family-friendly and full of thoughtful touches.

• ✨One Pass. Unlimited Ways to Recharge. We were just looking at the Well in Banff schedule and it’s honestly packed. Yoga, art therapy, glacier dips, mountain hikes—you can bounce around to anything you want. Standard passes get you access to all the good stuff, so you don’t have to overthink it. Just show up and pick whatever sounds good that day. Runs from May 23-25.

• 🥶Bow Valley Insider Takes the Cold Plunge. We don’t just cover the Bow Valley—we dive in. Literally. Watch as we join CYAN’s community cold plunge, embracing the chill and the challenge. 

• 🦌Tunnel Mountain Wildlife Closure. To protect elk during calving season, the west slope of Tunnel Mountain (south of Tunnel Mountain Trail) is closed to all travel from May 15–June 30. Climbing access to Black Band & Gonda Roof remains open via a specific descent route.

• 👴Senior Camping Discount. Alberta seniors (65+) get 25% off camping fees at 140+ front country sites. Book online or by phone, show ID at check-in, and enjoy hidden gem campgrounds across the province—power, sewer, and water hookups included if part of the fee. Details are here. 

• 🌱May at the Canmore Library. Swap, share & repair at their Flower Moon weekend, get growing with the Seed Exchange, learn about AI images at Tech Studio, and join Sonnie Trotter for the launch of Uplifted. Explore, connect, and grow this May!

• 🤝Join the Folk Fest Crew. The Canmore Folk Fest is still looking for Volunteer Coordinators to help bring the event to life! A big shoutout to those who’ve already signed up—if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to get involved and support one of Canmore’s most beloved summer events. 

• 🧗Spring Send-Off at CCG. The Spring Scramble returns to Canmore Climbing Gym on May 9! With 40+ new problems and a chill comp vibe, it’s a great night for climbers of all levels. Doors at 7, climbing at 7:30. Prizes, happy hour, and fun guaranteed. Just 40 spots—register early or come cheer!

• 🚌Car-Free Commute. On-It Transit’s affordable service from Calgary to Banff returns May 16. With $12.50 one-way fares and weekend + holiday departures, it’s an easy, low-impact way to reach the mountains—no car required. Travel smart, skip the traffic. 

• 🏘️Q1 Affordable Housing Update. Canmore Community Housing’s April update shows strong demand in both ownership and rental programs. With rising lease rates and long wait times, the need for affordable housing remains high. 2025 is pacing for record applications.

• 🏅Banff’s Emergency Director Honoured For Lifetime Of Service. Katherine Severson, Banff’s emergency management lead and former Calgary police sergeant, just received the 2025 Lifetime of Distinguished Service Award. From active shooter protocols to flood response plans, her 26-year career shaped emergency response across Alberta—and now she’s bringing that leadership to the Bow Valley.

CIVIC NEWS

• Tax Hike Breakdown. Banff council passed a tax bylaw with a 12.73% overall levy hike. Driven by a 29.4% spike in provincial school tax, the average residential increase is 9.3%, while non-residential sees 14.24%. New tax bills will clearly show the province’s growing share.

• Public Hearings. Canmore’s Area Redevelopment Plan goes in front of Town Council tomorrow for public debate and bylaw approval. Tune in online or attend the session in person. See the full meeting’s agenda.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, May 5th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Monday, May 5th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Cinco de Mayo with DJ Bunny Hops. Location: Magpie & Stump,  Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, May 6th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Banff Punk Night Vol V - Random Killing, Reiger Madness, Terrible People and The JRATS. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, May 6th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Jesse Peters. Location: Pump & Tap, Banff. No Cover

SPORTS

• Canmore Hockey Standout Beth Milke Hits The Ice For Team South Green. The 15-year-old defender is the only Bow Valley athlete skating in this year’s Alberta Challenge—a top-tier girls’ hockey tournament. With tournament experience and serious blueline skills, Milke’s aiming for gold and a shot at Team Alberta.

• Canada’s Top Para Nordic Skiers Gear Up For The 2026 Paralympics. With Canmore hosting a World Cup this December, the national team—stacked with Paralympic medallists like Brittany Hudak and Mark Arendz—is prepping for a huge season leading into the Milano-Cortina Games. Hudak, despite a nagging knee, says she’s chasing gold and personal bests. 

That’s all, folks!

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