🔎 Lake Louise Investigation

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re honestly at a loss for words. On Monday, we shared that Heart Mountain Rescue was facing a worst-case scenario: an entire litter of puppies diagnosed with parvo, a serious and often fatal virus if not treated quickly. In just 24 hours, the BVI community stepped up in a big way. Together, we raised $8,854, and every single puppy has now been admitted to intensive care under the supervision of specialists. That funding has gone directly to IV fluids, medications, antibiotics to prevent sepsis, pain management, and for the most critical pups, feeding tubes, blood transfusions, and time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Here’s a short video showing what some of the pups are going through. We’ll keep you posted. To everyone who donated, you did something incredibly selfless for your community. Truly, thank you. 

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Sneha Kainth, Madalyn Beach

GENDER REVEAL AT LAKE LOUISE SPARKS INVESTIGATION

What’s Happening? A gender reveal at Lake Louise left pink powder and metallic confetti scattered across the ice, triggering a Parks Canada investigation and renewed debate over visitor behaviour inside Banff National Park.

How It Came To Light. The incident surfaced after a snowshoer posted on Reddit saying she encountered a large pink-stained area and “hundreds of metallic confetti pieces” on the lake on Jan. 31. She said she returned after her outing and spent about an hour collecting debris to prevent it from entering the water during spring melt. 

What Parks Canada Says. Parks Canada confirmed the incident and said it is being treated as a potential violation. “Littering is strictly prohibited within a national park,” said Annie MacNeil, communications officer with Parks Canada’s Lake Louise Field Unit. MacNeil said littering is an offence under the Canada National Parks Act and may result in a court appearance, with fines of up to $25,000. She added that charges depend on whether there is enough evidence to support a high likelihood of conviction.

Online Reaction. Reaction online was swift and largely critical, with many commenters condemning the behaviour and calling for stronger enforcement. Others cautioned against blaming only out-of-province visitors, arguing that education around park rules needs to apply to everyone.

A Recurring Cleanup Issue. Bow Valley Insider spoke with Ferrell Beleshko, a longtime Bow Valley hiking organizer who has previously led volunteer cleanups around Lake Louise. He said the incident was frustrating but familiar, noting that busy weekends routinely leave behind large volumes of garbage. Beleshko said fines alone do not reflect the true environmental and cleanup costs associated with litter entering sensitive alpine areas.

The Bigger Picture. The backlash comes as Parks Canada continues work on visitor use management planning for Lake Louise, including options such as parking restrictions, timed entry, and shuttle-only access during peak seasons.

Read our full story for details on the cleanup, investigation process, and more photos.

LAST CALL: WINEFEST CANMORE KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND

If Winefest Canmore has been sitting in your “we should probably do that” mental list, this is your nudge.

The first session pours Friday, February 13, with the second running Saturday, February 14. Both sessions are identical, and both are close to selling out. Once they are gone, that is it.

What makes this one different from a typical wine event is how intentional it is. This is not a hall full of random tables and rushed pours. The wines are curated to be experienced in sequence, and some of these bottles are not commonly poured at public tastings, period.

One of the featured tasting spaces this year is hosted by Canmore-based Epicureans Co., guiding guests through a curated journey across three European wine regions, from Spain to Italy to France, with each pour chosen to reflect the place, people, and culture behind it. It is designed to feel less like a quick sample and more like a story told through the glass.

Everything is included. Premium wine tastings, chef-driven hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Graham Smith, guided seminars, and a take-home Riedel glass. 

If you are local or coming from Calgary, this is a world-class wine festival happening unusually close to home.

Last call for tickets here. 

_{*Presented by Rocky Mountain Wine Fest.}

THE DIGEST

• 🎣 Free Fishing Weekend Hooks Family Day Plans. If you’re looking for an easy Family Day long weekend plan that doesn’t involve lift lines, Alberta is bringing back free fishing from Feb. 14-16. Residents can fish on eligible, already-open waters without a sportfishing licence. In the Bow Valley and Kananaskis, that mostly means lakes and ponds like Quarry Lake in Canmore, Mount Lorette Ponds, Ribbon Lake, and Lower Kananaskis Lake. All regulations still apply, and national park waters are not included.

• 🚌 Banff Doubles Down on Transit as Ridership Surges. Banff council has approved a new winter Roam bus route linking the Fenlands Rec Centre, the Banff Centre, and the train station. Why now? October to April ridership is up 163% over the past decade, and visitation “barely slows down” in the fall. The town is also spending $160,000 on bus stop upgrades, including benches, pads, and lighting. Bonus fact: the expansion will be funded through visitor-paid parking revenue, not local taxes.

• ⛷ McKeever Wraps Up Olympic Debut Week. After placing 13th in the skiathlon earlier this week, Canmore’s Xavier McKeever returned to the start line for the sprint, finishing 41st. We have not connected with him yet due to the time difference, but he posted on Instagram, “A tough day at the office today.” Still, a strong showing overall for the 22-year-old second-generation Olympian in his Winter Games debut. One wild detail: official cross-country start lists are usually finalized the day before competition, meaning athletes don’t know their exact situation until about 24 hours out.

• 🛣️ New Wildlife Underpass Aims to Cut Highway 3 Collisions. While this one is not in the Bow Valley, we know many locals regularly drive Highway 3 through Crowsnest Pass. A new wildlife underpass and 10 km of fencing are now complete near Rock Creek, part of a long-term effort to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. On this 10-km stretch alone, crews collect about 30 carcasses a year, with the real number likely much higher. Officials expect the $11 million investment to pay for itself within 15 years.

A Small Town Love Story

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BANFF WOMEN VOICE DATING FRUSTRATION

What’s Happening? A viral open letter addressed to “30-something men of Banff” has sparked a wide-ranging conversation about dating, commitment, and whether long-term relationship-minded partners are hard to find in the Bow Valley.

How The Debate Started. The discussion took off after a Facebook post circulated in December, written from the perspective of a woman in her 30s who argued that many women feel ready for emotional growth and long-term commitment, while perceiving men as remaining in a more party-centric phase of life. The post drew hundreds of comments and quickly became a flashpoint for broader frustrations around dating in Banff.

Where People Agree (And Don’t). Reaction was mixed. Many women echoed the sentiment, describing Banff as a “Peter Pan town” where settling down feels delayed. Others pushed back, arguing that relationship-oriented people do exist locally but are unlikely to be found in nightlife-driven spaces. While opinions varied on who bears responsibility, there was broad agreement that dating later in life in Banff can be challenging.

Why Banff Feels Different. Census data shows nearly 2,900 of Banff’s 8,305 residents identified as single in 2021. But locals say tourism, seasonal work, visas, and high turnover shrink the practical dating pool. Social life also tends to happen within tight-knit groups, making it harder for newcomers or newly single residents to meet people organically.

An Expert Perspective. Marie-Eve Boucher, owner of Bow Valley Dating, told Bow Valley Insider the issue is less about willingness to commit and more about visibility. She noted that many relationship-oriented men lead quieter lifestyles focused on work, health, or balance, and are less present in traditional meeting spaces like bars or apps.

What Comes Next. Bow Valley Dating is testing more structured, low-pressure social events for singles, including a Valentine’s Day speed dating night and themed gatherings for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. The goal is to create clearer pathways for connection in a town where dating often feels uncertain.

Read our full story for more local perspectives.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• February Snowpack Chat. Backcountry brains unite for a lively snowpack discussion. This free evening brings together guides, avalanche pros, and curious skiers to unpack current conditions. Come learn, contribute, and stay sharp for the season ahead. 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Canmore Brewing Company or online here. Free.*

• Light My Bike Is Back, Canmore. Turn your bike into a rolling light show at this playful, glow-up ride night. Deck out your wheels with LEDs and reflectors, then cruise together through town in a relaxed evening parade. Prizes for the brightest and most inventive bikes. Materials are provided. 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $10.

Thursday

• Book Swap Night. Bring gently used books you’re ready to part with, labelled by genre for easy sorting. The swap uses a simple ticket system: each book earns one ticket. Bring one, take one, or bring six and leave with six new reads. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

• Poetry Slam Night. Words fly fast and feelings hit hard at this high-octane poetry slam. Expect three-minute original poems, fierce scoring, enthusiastic heckling, and serious fun. Perform or just soak it in. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. By donation.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎗 Free Mental Health Gathering at Banff Public Library. Frankie D’s Donuts is hosting a gentle community event focused on connection and mental well-being. It’s open to anyone who could use a little extra support, or simply wants to spend time in a thoughtful, low-pressure space. Participants will create comfort tote bags and “hope jars” filled with grounding items and supportive notes, for themselves or someone else. Expect donuts, relaxed conversation, and an inclusive environment where sharing is always optional.*

• 🚧 Ottawa Takes Street Closures to New Heights. We aren’t sure if enough time has passed to joke about what should or should not fly down Banff Avenue after skijor weekend, but Ottawa just offered a bold example. The capital shut down a main street and sent people and machinery soaring off massive jumps between downtown buildings. Here’s the video. Is Ottawa trying to taunt us? 

• 🥾 Lake O’Hara Reservations Are Live. Overnight camping reservations for Lake O’Hara are now open. Planning a day trip instead? Shuttle access is by random draw, with applications accepted March 2-23. Get familiar with the Lake O’Hara rules here, then book your campsite here (if there’s still space). In 2023, Lake O’Hara ranked among the top five highest-rated destinations worldwide on AllTrails.  

• 🥂 Olympic Watch Parties at Blacktail Bar. Blacktail Bar at Kananaskis Lodge has turned itself into an Olympics hub for the duration of the Games. They’re serving game-day specials, featuring cocktails like the Gold Medal Spritz, and sharing bites like parmesan dough knots and arancini (crispy fried rice balls stuffed with cheese). If you’re looking for a spot to catch the competition, this is it, especially after a day of hiking or skiing on Highway 40.*

• 🐻 Bear Closures Remain in Peter Lougheed. With warmer weather bringing more people outside, a heads-up that bear closures are still in effect. Kent Ridge North and the James Walker Drainage (off Spray Lakes Road) remain closed due to a grizzly bear denning. The closures have been in place since November 30, 2025, and will stay until further notice.

• 🥏 Ultimate Frisbee for Kids. The 2026 Canmore Youth Spring Ultimate League is back with eight weeks of Ultimate Frisbee fun for ages 8-11. The program blends skill-building with lots of game play in a positive, welcoming environment. No experience needed, just curiosity and sneakers. Runs Tuesday evenings, May 5 to June 23, at Three Sisters Sports Field. Spots limited.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Backs 90 Affordable Housing Units With $26.1M Loan. The Town of Banff has approved $26.1 million in borrowing to advance the Wolf Street Housing Project, adding 90 below-market homes as vacancy rates remain below 1%. The development at 50 Wolf Street will include 75 rental units, 15 ownership homes, and community space, with construction expected to begin in spring 2026 and occupancy in summer 2027.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Bunny Hops. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, February 12th, 2026, 4:00 PM: Steph O'dette. Location: The Bison, Banff. Free. 

SPORTS

• Eagles Slip, Division Lead Tightens. The Canmore Eagles’ grip on first in the AJHL South got shakier after a weekend sweep in Fort McMurray. The Oil Barons took both games, 7-3 and 4-3 in a shootout, pulling Canmore into a 50-point tie with Camrose. The Eagles still hold the tiebreaker on regulation wins, but momentum has shifted. Canmore gets a chance to reset at home with three games this week at the Rec Centre.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.