🚗 Lake Louise Fees Quadruple

Good morning, Bow Valley!

After 80 to 103 centimetres of snow this past week between Sunshine and Lake Louise, it felt like half the Bow Valley was out skiing this weekend. But a heads up for anyone travelling between here and Jasper: winter storms are expected to continue, with up to 70 centimetres forecast for Jasper and northern Banff National Parks. The Icefields Parkway is now closed from Athabasca Falls to Lake Louise and will remain closed until Tuesday so Parks Canada can complete avalanche control work. Check 511 Alberta for the latest closures and reopening details.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

P.S. Huge thanks to Dominique Fraser for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider. Dominique earned her pilot’s licence 27 years ago, loves the Bow Valley’s active, like-minded community, and says her favourite spot is Ankor. She mentioned BVI keeps her in the loop while she travels. Thanks for the love, Dominique.

BANFF RCMP SEIZE $70,000 IN DRUGS, ALL TRAFFICKERS LOCAL

What’s Happening? Banff RCMP seized more than $70,000 worth of illicit drugs this year and laid trafficking charges against Bow Valley residents. The most striking detail is what officers did not find: confirmed fentanyl.

What RCMP Are Seeing. Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton-Carr says none of the substances seized in 2025 have tested positive for fentanyl. He notes this does not mean the drug is absent from the Bow Valley and encourages people who use drugs to avoid using alone and to access naloxone kits through Alberta Health Services. The majority of seized substances were cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin. These substances have long been tied to Banff’s nightlife economy and seasonal workforce.

Who Was Charged. Buxton-Carr says none of the trafficking files this year were linked to recognized organized crime groups. All accused traffickers were residents of Bow Valley communities and are considered small-scale actors. He adds that larger criminal networks are still expected somewhere in the supply chain between importation or production and the community level.

Why Enforcement Increased. The General Investigation Section has been operating at full strength, which Buxton-Carr says has supported targeted and methodical trafficking investigations. He believes the higher value of seizures reflects the timing and nature of recent files rather than growth in the drug market.

Crime Picture Beyond Drugs. Banff’s Municipal Crime Severity Index decreased from 65.2 to 63.5 in 2025. Break and enters declined for the second year, and both assault and sexual assault dropped compared to the same period last year. RCMP also issued 1,244 violation tickets as of November 30, which is higher than all of 2024. But drug-impaired driving did not increase. 

Read our full interview with Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton Carr. 

THE EASIEST WAY TO FIND A SKI BUDDY THIS WINTER

If you’ve ever tried organizing a ski day in the Bow Valley, you already know the struggle. Everyone has a different pass. Everyone skis different days. And everyone seems to ski a different colour of run than you.

Which is exactly why a new Facebook group just launched: Bow Valley Ski Group.

It’s built for locals, Calgary weekenders, and anyone who skis solo but wouldn’t mind meeting someone else heading to the same hill. Sunshine, Louise, Kicking Horse, Revy… even Pano if you’re feeling ambitious.

Post your plan, your level, and where you’re headed. People reply right in the comments, so you actually see the message. No lost DMs or inbox limbo.

It’s beginner-friendly, all-levels welcome, and the quickest way to make the most of your pass this season.

Join the group and jump into the conversation.

_{*Presented by Bow Valley Ski Group.}

THE DIGEST

• 🛣️ Highway 1 Took a Beating This Weekend. Heavy snow and ski traffic turned the Lake Louise to Revelstoke stretch into a stop-and-go mess, with two separate incidents on Dec 12 and 13 causing a brief full closure, long delays, and single-lane alternating traffic before reopening with warnings of slick conditions. Meanwhile in Banff, icy roads shut down Mountain Avenue on Dec 14 and caused a Roam bus incident that left service disrupted across several routes. Most routes have since resumed, but riders are still being told to expect delays and check the live tracker.

• 🚌 Alberta Floats a New Banff Jasper Riding. The province’s boundaries commission is proposing a major change that would merge Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Jasper into one mountain-focused constituency. The idea follows resident feedback and mirrors the federal map, which already groups the park towns together. Politically, it would unite areas currently represented by different parties in the next election, with Jasper held by UCP MLA Martin Long and Banff Kananaskis represented by NDP MLA Sarah Elmeligi, a shift that could subtly reshape the region’s political balance.

• 🧗‍♂️ Alpinist Just Dropped a Free Essay From Canmore’s Will Gadd. Normally a paid feature, this one is open to everyone, and it’s well worth the read. You might remember Gadd from his Banff Film Fest film Wall of Walls, where he and partner Kirk Mauthner put up four massive new ice climbing routes. Even if you never plan to swing an ice tool, the essay digs into the meaning of risk, the line between skill and luck, aging and mortality, obsession vs purpose, and the emotional endurance required to keep going. A solid dose of morning motivation. Read here. 

• 🐻 Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley Wraps Its Final Bear Report of 2025. All collared grizzlies in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis have now denned, and there were no recent sightings or wildlife issues this week. A few male bears can linger into mid-December or even January, so winter trail users are still urged to carry bear spray, stay alert, and travel in groups. The report also reminds locals to give elk plenty of space around town and keep dogs leashed. 

• 🐾 A New Pet Store Lands in Canmore’s Three Sisters. Pet Valu has officially opened at 320 Cascade Dr, and we stopped by to check it out. The shop has a full self-serve dog wash, supplies for every kind of pet (including live feeders like crickets), and a strong focus on giving back through local rescues, fundraisers, and community events. It’s aiming to feel more “neighbourhood hub” than big-box chain. You can see our walk-through and first impressions here. The owner’s name is Sylvia; go say hello!

Step Into the Marketing Ring…

In this corner:
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And in the other:
🛑 Print ads your customers flip past with their morning coffee

Ready to fight smarter?
➡️ Partner with Bow Valley Insider and join the winning team

LAKE LOUISE PARKING RISING TO $42 NEXT SUMMER, NEARLY QUADRUPLE SINCE 2021

What’s Happening? Parking at Lake Louise Lakeshore is set to rise from $36.75 to $42 starting in May 2026. The 10.7% jump comes from a federally mandated fee update, not a local policy change.

A Rapid Climb Since 2021. Paid parking at the Lakeshore is still fairly new. It debuted in 2021 at $11.70 per day. By 2023 it rose to $21, and by 2024 it reached $36.75. The move to $42 continues a sharp upward trend as visitation grows and federal rules require adjustments. The fee only applies during the shuttle season from May to October, which means winter remains free.

Why Prices Keep Rising. Parks Canada told Bow Valley Insider that the increase is driven by the Service Fees Act.  “Through the Service Fees Act, all federal departments are required to adjust service fees based on the Consumer Price Index annually,” wrote Maureen McLaughlin, senior communications advisor. “Parks Canada is permitted to adjust its fees every two years using the cumulative percentage.” This cycle results in a 10.7% increase for 2026. McLaughlin says the adjustments help the agency keep pace with rising operating costs.

What About the Shuttles. Shuttle prices do not follow the same legislation because they depend on costs set by the third party that operates the system. McLaughlin said there is no set schedule for future increases and that information for 2026 will be released when available.

Where the Money Goes. Parking fees help pay for trail work, visitor safety and emergency response, interpretive programs, and facility upkeep. McLaughlin said these services are part of ensuring every visit remains memorable and meaningful.

The Bottom Line. Park before May if you want to avoid paying. Once the 2026 shuttle season begins, Lakeshore parking will cost $42 per day, nearly four times the original 2021 rate.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Smash Burger Tacos. Every Monday, you’ll get two 3 oz burger patties smashed into soft shell tortillas with cheddar, house burger sauce, and lettuce, plus your choice of side. It’s messy, satisfying, and exactly the kind of Monday energy we can get behind. 11:00 AM - Close. Sandtraps, Canmore. $19.*

• A Christmas Party You’ll Actually Want to Attend. Break out your loudest ugly sweater for one of Banff’s most reliably fun nights. Expect great music, festive drink samples, and professional Santa photos that are far better than they need to be. 9:00 PM. Elk and Oarsman, Banff. Free.

Tuesday

• Climbing Film Tour. The Climbing Film Tour returns for its sixth season, featuring a night of short films celebrating climbing, community, and big human stories. Expect powerful Canadian voices, global adventures, and jaw-dropping visuals. A great excuse to swap the couch for something inspiring. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15-$30.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

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• 🥓 Festive Turkey To-Go. If you want the holiday meal without the marathon kitchen session, the Festive Boneless Turkey To-Go from Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge might save the day. It comes with a sous-vide turkey roulade and all the classic trimmings, fully prepped and ready to heat and enjoy. Pre-order by December 18 and pick up on December 24 or 25.*

• 🎭 Laugh Your Way Into Christmas. Joy to the World is running now at Carter-Ryan Gallery in Canmore for one more week. This hilarious holiday cabaret mixes music, stories, and laugh-out-loud comedy with sing-alongs and surprise guests. It is the kind of night that guarantees festive cheer. Tickets are almost sold out. Use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15% off.*

• 🖼️ Last Chance to Own a Piece of the West. Toni’s newest originals are almost gone. His striking bison and Canmore sunrise capture the strength, stillness, and spirit of the Canadian West in every brushstroke. Rich earth tones, bold texture, and deep heritage come alive on canvas. This is not only a unique decoration. Give your home the spark it deserves. This is the perfect gift for art lovers in your family. Claim one before they are gone.*

• ♨️ Steak Week Has Arrived at Bankhead. If a proper steak dinner has been calling your name, this is your sign. From now to December 20th , enjoy a no-fuss, two-course Steak Week special for $30, starting with a fresh mixed green salad and finishing with a juicy 6oz Alberta beef striploin. Easy, classic, and very satisfying. Reserve today.*

• 🙋 Canmore Nordic Ski Club Needs Volunteers. The Canmore Nordic Ski Club is still looking for a few more volunteers to help out at the Alberta Cup on December 19–21. Most roles don’t require experience, and volunteers get treated to fresh baking from EpiCanmore. If you want to be part of the action (and snag a croissant or two), you can sign up here.

• 🐕 Banff National Park Dog Restrictions. From now until April 15, 2026, dogs are prohibited on select cross-country ski trails in Banff National Park. Trails affected include Cascade Valley, Goat Creek, Spray Quarry, Spray River Connector, Spray River East & West, and Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court. See full closure details here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Council Approves Rezoning on Three Sisters Drive. Council voted to rezone 111 Three Sisters Drive to allow townhomes and employee housing. Neighbours raised concerns about height, parking, and traffic, but council backed the project, saying it fits the Town's policy. Zoning now permits taller buildings and higher density. The decision signals more infill coming to the area.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, December 15th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Tunes with Tenax Location: High Rollers, Banff.  No cover.

• Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Jesse Peters. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

SPORTS

• Canada Closed Out the Para Biathlon World Cup With a Medal Surge. Mark Arendz and Natalie Wilkie each struck gold on Sunday in the standing individual races. Collin Cameron added a silver in the men’s sitting, his second medal of the event. Full results are available online.

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.