🥾 Latest on Missing Hiker

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We're kind of sitting here in awe this morning. Since Monday’s call to action for Heart Mountain Rescue's summer fundraiser, the Bow Valley Insider community has raised more than $6,300 to help provide lifesaving care for dogs across the Bow Valley. Seriously, thank you to everyone who donated. We'll give Heart Mountain Rescue another mention in a few weeks ahead of their in-person fundraiser at the end of August. If you picked up a raffle ticket this week, that's where the winners will be announced.

- Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

65-YEAR-OLD CALGARY MAN DIES AFTER FALL ON MOUNT TEMPLE

What's Happening? A 65-year-old Calgary man has died after falling while scrambling Mount Temple in Banff National Park. Parks Canada says the man was hiking with a group on Saturday when he slipped and fell. Visitor safety specialists responded by helicopter, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

A Mountain That Commands Respect. Standing 3,543 metres above sea level, Mount Temple is the highest peak in the Lake Louise area that can be reached without technical climbing equipment. But Canmore alpine guide Will Gadd told Bow Valley Insider that distinction can give people a false sense of security.

"Mt. Temple is often viewed and talked about as a steep hike, but it clearly has some potentially lethal hazards from falls to snow avalanches to rockfall," Gadd said. He noted the route can quickly change from an "easy" scramble to a serious mountaineering objective when weather deteriorates or fresh snow arrives.

Popularity Doesn't Mean Safety. Gadd said one of the biggest misconceptions is assuming a route is safe simply because so many people complete it. The climb's greatest dangers aren't technical climbing moves, but the consequences of a mistake on steep, exposed terrain.

"I think people may read the many reports on AllTrails or other sites and think, 'This must be easy, so many people do it!'" he said. "And it is easy when it goes well, but it's always high consequence."

He summed it up in four words: "Easy is not safe."

A Familiar Tragedy. Mount Temple has been the site of multiple fatal accidents over the years, including the death of a 32-year-old climber in 2022 who slipped on snow and ice and fell approximately 1,000 metres. While this latest incident remains under investigation, Gadd urged hikers without extensive alpine experience to build skills on less committing objectives or hire a guide before attempting the mountain. 

Read our full story 

WE TRIED RUSTICA'S NEW MENU AT SILVERTIP RESORT. HERE’S OUR TAKE.

What's Happening? Rustica, the signature restaurant at Silvertip Resort, has a new Executive Chef, a new menu and, after spending an evening there ourselves, we'd argue it's become one of Canmore's most interesting places to eat. Executive Chef Kevin Bourdages, formerly of the Post Hotel and Fairmont properties, has quietly transformed the restaurant into a destination where the food is every bit as memorable as the view.

So... Is It Worth Going? We went to find out.

The biggest surprise wasn't a single dish. It was the consistency. From the first bite of house-made focaccia to the final spoonful of chocolate lava cake, every course felt thoughtful without trying too hard.

The Radish & Crab Ravioli and Black Cod were standouts, but honestly, what stuck with us most were the dishes that usually get overlooked. The market vegetables, wild mushrooms, and Chällerhocker mashed potatoes were some of the best we've had, proving this menu isn’t about showing off.  It’s about making every ingredient shine. 

The Philosophy Shows. Chef Kevin told us the best food should "taste exactly like where you are," building his menus around seasonal Alberta ingredients, local producers and modern Canadian cuisine. That philosophy extends beyond Rustica to Silvertip's other dining venues, including Stoney's Grill and Silvertip Market. 

Our Take. As locals, we've eaten at a lot of restaurants around the Bow Valley. We left thinking Rustica is absolutely worth the drive up the hill. Between the thoughtful cooking, attentive service and incredible setting, it delivered one of our favourite dining experiences in Canmore this year. 

📝 Read our full review and see pictures
🍽️ Check out the menu
 📅 Book a reservation

_{*Presented by Silvertip Resort.}

THE DIGEST

• 🥾 Search Continues for Missing Great Divide Trail Hiker. An extensive search remains underway in and around Waterton Lakes National Park for 81-year-old Bob Toothill of Golden, B.C., who failed to complete Section A of the Great Divide Trail. Parks Canada says crews have narrowed the search area and is urging the public not to organize independent searches in the rugged backcountry. Toothill's daughter says his backpack has been found in Tamarack Basin, though Parks Canada has not confirmed that information. Anyone who saw him after July 19 is asked to contact Parks Canada. Here’s everything we know.

• 🚧 Lake Minnewanka Backcountry Campgrounds Closes… Again. Parks Canada has closed all backcountry campgrounds along the Lake Minnewanka Trail after a bear investigated the outside of an occupied tent on July 26. No one was injured, but the incident marks the latest in a series of food-seeking bear encounters in the area. Earlier this summer, black bears made contact with multiple tents, including one that was torn apart while campers were away despite food being properly stored. The closure remains in effect until further notice while wildlife staff monitor bear activity. If you’re hiking around the Lake, don't forget the minimum four hiker rule.

• 🔥Fire Restrictions Now in Effect. Alberta has issued a fire restriction for the Calgary Forest Area, which covers Canmore and Kananaskis, as hot, dry and windy conditions push wildfire danger to very high. Wood fires are now prohibited on public land, although campfires in designated campground fire rings are still allowed. Despite the elevated risk, Alberta Wildfire says there are currently no active wildfires in the region after a small lightning-caused fire near Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park was extinguished. Residents west of Ghost Lake may notice smoke Friday as officials conduct a planned controlled burn. 

• 🏃 A Mountain Town Debate That Might Sound Familiar. While this story comes from Chamonix, France, many Bow Valley locals may relate. Chamonix's new mayor says the iconic UTMB, one of the world’s largest trail running festivals, has grown so large that residents feel pushed out of their own community during race week, citing congestion, noise and pressure on local infrastructure. He isn't calling for the event to end, but wants a smaller footprint and fewer impacts on both residents and wildlife in the years ahead. Our friends at Running Magazine break down the growing debate. 

Need to get the word out for an upcoming event or initiative?

Here’s what one of our current partners, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, had to say:

➡️ Want results like this? Let’s see if it’s a fit

PARKS CANADA SAYS MORE BEARS ARE SPENDING TIME IN JASPER'S TOWNSITE

What's Happening? Parks Canada says more bears are spending time in and around Jasper's townsite than in years past, and the trend didn't begin with the 2024 wildfire. In a statement to Bow Valley Insider, the agency said bear activity around town had already been increasing before the fire, driven in large part by an unlikely culprit.

It's Not The Garbage. While overflowing garbage often gets blamed for attracting bears, Parks Canada says that's no longer the primary issue. Wildlife-proof bins and secure waste facilities have largely addressed that problem. Instead, agency records from 2010 to 2024 show fruit trees, shrubs and gardens were documented as bear attractants far more often than garbage or compost.

Since 2024, Jasper and Parks Canada have removed more than 300 fruit trees through the Fruit Tree Replacement Program, but more than 400 still remain. Officials say once bears discover fruit in town, they repeatedly return while it's available, making them increasingly difficult to keep out of residential neighbourhoods.

More Bears, More Conflicts. Jasper National Park is home to an estimated 100 to 120 grizzly bears and about 90 black bears, and Parks Canada says both species are increasingly using the valley bottom near town. The agency responded to more than 400 bear-related incidents in the Jasper townsite in 2023 alone, before the wildfire.

Agency records show habituation is now the most common factor behind encounters, with bears increasingly appearing in campgrounds, picnic areas, golf courses and residential neighbourhoods.

Tracking Bears Before Problems Escalate. To better understand those movements, Parks Canada launched a proactive GPS-collaring program this year, fitting seven grizzly bears and two black bears that were regularly spending time near people. Officials say the collars provide real-time movement data, helping staff identify individual bears, guide habitat protection and intervene earlier when conflicts arise.

Read our full story

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Easy-Paced Banff Run Returns. Looking for a relaxed way to meet new people? Gentle Jog Club is back with a free weekly run that puts conversation ahead of pace. Whether you're a casual runner or just want to get outside, everyone is welcome. 6:30-8:00 PM Central Park Gazebo, Banff. Free. 

• Mountain Bike Ride & Pint. Join Canmore Brewing Company for an evening ride on one of Canmore's trails before heading back to the brewery for a post-ride pint. The weekly group ride is geared toward intermediate and advanced riders looking to explore new trails and meet fellow mountain bikers. 6-8 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

Thursday

• Canmore Mountain Market Returns. We met Alex, the owner of Al's Chimney Cakes, yesterday afternoon and got to chatting about his traditional Hungarian chimney cakes. If you're heading to the market, check out his booth. While you're there, take a lap and support the dozens of other local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. 10 AM - 6 PM. Elevation Place. Free. 

• Tour Canmore's Expanded Health Centre. Canmore Collaborative Health is inviting the community to an open house to celebrate its newly expanded clinic. Stop by to tour the new space, meet the healthcare team, enjoy complimentary hot dogs and refreshments, and learn more about the clinic's vision for collaborative, community-focused care in the Bow Valley. Visitors can also meet family physician Dr. Tenley Noone and nurse practitioner Bekki Hammill, both of whom are currently accepting new patients. 4:30–6:30 PM (ribbon cutting at 4:30 PM). 209-710 Main Street, Canmore. Free.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 📲 Canmore Resident Parking App Running Slow. If you've had trouble starting a resident parking session in downtown Canmore lately, you're not the only one. The Town says heavy summer demand is slowing the cellular network, making the PayByPhone app and website slower than usual. Officials recommend allowing extra time, connecting to Wi-Fi when possible, or starting your parking session before arriving downtown. One important reminder: parking enforcement is continuing as usual, even if the app is slow.

• 🚗 Brace for a Busy Long Weekend in Banff. Expect heavy traffic, full parking lots and longer travel times as one of the busiest weekends of the summer gets underway. Last year's August long weekend saw more than 30,000 vehicles enter Banff each day, well above the level where congestion becomes common. Parking at popular attractions is expected to fill by 10 AM, so officials recommend arriving early, using transit, or waiting until after 5 PM to avoid the worst of the crowds. 

• 🎬 Jasper's Amazing Race Episode Is Now Streaming. If you missed it on TV, Season 12, Episode 3 of The Amazing Race Canada is now available on Crave. The episode takes teams from British Columbia into Jasper National Park, where challenges highlight the community's wildfire recovery efforts, including stops at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Pine Bungalows. We’re not big reality TV people, but it’s a fun watch.

• 🐻 Bear Warning Issued for Popular Lake Louise Backcountry Area. Parks Canada is warning hikers and campers to use extra caution in the Skoki backcountry, northeast of Lake Louise, after a grizzly bear displaying bold and curious behaviour made several close approaches to people and campsites. The warning covers Skoki Lodge, Hidden Lake, Baker Lake and several surrounding trails. 

• ✨ Canmore Folk Fest Starts Friday. If you're heading to Folk Fest this weekend, we've put together a local's guide with everything from first-timer tips and insider advice to transportation, food and how to make the most of the weekend. And while you're there, be sure to support the local food, artisan and community vendors that help make the festival what it is. Read our full local's guide. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Tries New Approach to Ease Child-Care Shortage. The Town of Banff is launching a two-year pilot program that will offer $5,000 grants to help up to 10 people open licensed home daycares. The move aims to reduce a waitlist of more than 200 families, but local child-care leaders say funding is only part of the solution. They argue landlord and condo board restrictions remain the biggest hurdle, with Banff currently home to just one licensed home daycare.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, July 29th, 9:00 PM: Noche Caliente. Location: Sizzlers, Banff. $10.

• Thursday, July 30th, 8:00 PM: Aladean Kheroufi & Cave Arcade. Location: Core Values, Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Eagles Name Captain. Returning defenceman Aidan Tkachuk will wear the "C" for the Canmore Eagles this season as the team looks to defend its 2025–26 AJHL championship. Head coach and general manager Andrew Milne said Tkachuk earned the role through his leadership, work ethic and commitment both on and off the ice. He'll lead a veteran group featuring several returning players from last season's championship roster. 

• Canmore Biathletes Hit the International Stage. Canmore’s Biathlon Alberta Training Centre athletes are launching a busy summer. Justin Konoff, Gavin Burke, Carmen McArthur and Ava Heie recently attended an international youth camp in Antholz, Italy, host of the 2026 Olympic biathlon events. The team also welcomes six new athletes, including Olympian Pascale Paradis, before heading to Prince George for training and summer races.

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.