✨LUXURY SPA OPENS IN LAKE LOUISE

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Here’s a fun one: The baby name “Jasper” is trending in Alberta, but “Banff”? Not a single taker.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• A family escapes the California fires to Canmore

• Chateau Lake Louise is set to launch a new luxury spa concept  

• Parks Canada campsite reservations go live this week

• Plus, ladies-only golf nights, comedy shows, and fossil presentations

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

P.S. 🍻Thanks to Karie Bell for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider! Though she now lives in Sherwood Park, Karie calls the Bow Valley her home away from home, loving its community, natural beauty, and happy hours with friends.

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REBUILDING AFTER THE CALIFORNIA FIRE: A FAMILY’S MOVE TO CANMORE

What’s happening? After losing nearly everything in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, Leigh Ann Biety and her family are finding stability in Canmore. The fire destroyed their home in just 14 minutes, leaving them with only what they could pack in a single bag during a chaotic evacuation.

From flicker to inferno. Leigh Ann, originally from Edmonton, and her husband Denton acted fast when they noticed the smallest flicker of light outside their window. Within minutes, the flames, fueled by high winds, engulfed their home. The family packed essential documents and clothes before escaping with their two young boys and their dog.

Community support. The aftermath has been challenging, with the family moving between hotels, relying on donations, and leaning on their community's kindness. Now staying with Leigh Ann’s mother in Canmore, the family feels a weight lifted as they rebuild their lives.

Fireguard for the future. Leigh Ann’s story is a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can upend lives. With Alberta’s wildfire seasons growing longer and more intense, projects like the Bow Valley Community Fireguard are critical. The province’s $750,000 initiative combines tree removal and forest thinning to protect Canmore and surrounding areas, ensuring that families here remain safe from similar devastation.

LAWYERS WHO ACTUALLY LIVE HERE

Ever dream of snapping up that perfect mountain-view condo, but the paperwork feels like climbing Ha Ling? 

Or maybe you’re juggling a budding Bow Valley startup and have more contracts than caffeine? 

That’s where Stringam comes in. 

They’re not some big-city lawyers breezing through; they actually live here, volunteer here, and know exactly how to tackle those rocky legal details so you can keep adventuring worry-free. 

Whether you’re investing in real estate, launching a business, or sorting out the family plan, Stringam’s deep local experience has your back. 

Trust us—knowing your legal team is as rooted in the community as you are makes every decision feel a little lighter. 

Ready to keep forging ahead (without tripping over the fine print)? 

Reach out to Stringam and see how local know-how can make all the difference.

_{*presented by Stringam Law}

THE DIGEST

• 🌟Alberta’s top 2024 baby names were just released, with Jasper making a strong showing (59 boys, 5 girls). Nature-inspired names like Bear, Aspen, and Trail also had their moment. But Banff? Zero takers. Looks like the Bow Valley isn’t trending in nurseries just yet.

• 💦Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is set to launch BASIN Glacial Waters. Touted as a “gorgeous spa opening in the Rockies this summer,” it will feature thermal baths, saunas, and stunning glacial views. The downside? It’s exclusive to hotel guests at first, so locals might have to admire this one from afar—at least for now.

• 🏕️Parks Canada campsite reservations open this week: Banff spots like Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Louise go live Friday at 8 a.m. Consolation Lakes Guided Hike opens Tuesday, while Jasper backcountry camping starts Jan. 27. Mark your calendar—popular sites won’t last long!

• 🫧It’s bubble season at Abraham Lake, and your social media feed is proof. Curious about those frozen methane wonders? Check out this guide to find the best spots, how those bubbles form, and why this man-made lake is unlike any other. Heads up: the wind is fierce out there.

• 📱Remember our December story about a local adventurer rigging a temporary swing under a frozen ice bridge? It sparked outrage on TikTok and Reddit, with some calling it "nature desecration" deserving jail time. This week, a copycat decided to set up another swing on the same ice bridge—but the internet was noticeably calmer this time.

TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE IN THE BOW VALLEY

What’s happening? Banff’s Re-Use It Centre is getting a refresh. Town council approved short-term improvements like better lighting, shelving, signage, and pop-up collection days, with plans for bigger changes by 2026.

Circular economy win. The centre helps residents pass on unwanted items like books, dishes, and outdoor gear, reducing landfill waste and supporting Banff’s goal to divert 70% of waste by 2028.

Plans ahead. Short-term fixes include adding staff to better organize the yard and expanding large-item pickups. Long-term ideas involve a centralized location and partnerships with groups like Habitat for Humanity.

Stuff overload. Despite these efforts, Environmental Coordinator Carla Bitz highlights a global issue: there’s more stuff than people need. Banff’s upgrades aim to tackle this problem locally, showing how a small mountain town can lead in sustainability.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• 50+ Yoga. This class is for adults who want to explore movement in the body. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

• Business Networking Event. Bevvies & Business is a networking event to connect and collaborate with other businesses. 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Tank 310, Canmore. $10. 

• Movie Night. Bring a pillow and a friend or two. The Wild Robert based on the book of the same name by Peter Brown plays tonight. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

Thursday

• Mobility exercises. Learn how to optimize posture and body movement strategies to reduce muscle tension and prevent injuries. This session focuses on stretches and mobility exercises for desk workers. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Virtual. Free.  

• Ladies-Only Golf Night. Ladies, this night is all about you! A fun, relaxed evening dedicated to women who want to play, practice, or just enjoy a night out with friends. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Cangolf, Canmore. $33.28 per person.

• Poker Night. Come play Thursday night poker at the Canmore Legion with a fun group of regulars. Enjoy great eats from Avi's Kitchen and refreshing beverages. New players are welcome. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Canmore Legion.

• Comedy Night. No cover charge, no excuses—just great drinks, big laughs, and good vibes from comedian Sterling Scott. 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Explorer’s Lounge, Lake Louise. Free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💨Avalanche Awareness Days. Avalanche Safety professionals will be on hand at various locations throughout the weekend to provide general and Lake Louise-specific information on avalanche safety. 

• 🏃Banff Half Marathon. Register soon if you want to participate. As of Monday, there were 500 spots still available. 

• 🧯New Fire Prevention Group. Established by a group of residents of Canmore's Peaks of Grassi neighborhood, FireSmartPeaks is working with the Town of Canmore, Canmore Fire Rescue, and FireSmart Alberta to empower Peaks' residents to take steps to increase the resilience of their homes. 

• 🔒Restaurant Closure. Lovely Canmore is closed from Jan 20 - Feb 5th for a “winter break”. They will reopen with some tasty new desserts for Valentine’s Day.

• 🎉Birthday Bash. Canmore Brewing Company is turning 8! They are throwing themselves a huge birthday bash complete with live bands, food trucks, and great beer deals. January 25. Free admission and family-friendly. 

• 🎨Call for Artists. The Homegrown Art Show in Banff Town Hall features and celebrates the amazing work of local artists from the Bow Valley. Apply online before February 14th. 

• 🦖Burgess Shale Lecture. Guide David Moore will uncover the secrets of these exquisite fossils, explore the strange and wonderful beginnings of animal life, and marvel at the oddities that shaped the history of life on Earth. 

• 💃Salsa Class and Social. This Saturday, join the dance class at 8 PM for fun tips and to meet new partners. Afterward, party with a DJ, do some social dancing, and have snacks! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experts and everything in between.

• 🧊Photo Essay. Check out Mike Drew’s icy adventure around the Bow Valley. 

• 🍽️3 Courses Meal for $39. After a snowy day of skiing or exploring Banff, nothing hits the spot like The Maple Leaf’s steakhouse classics. Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins welcome. 

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: PALLIATIVE CARE SOCIETY OF THE BOW VALLEY

The Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley provides palliative and grief support in a neutral, barrier-free space for all. With programs like walking groups, yoga, and extensive video and literary resources, they ensure compassionate care and support for clients, caregivers, volunteers, and the community.  Learn about more ways to support.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff has frozen prime-time ice fees at Fenlands rec centre for residents, nixing a 3% hike to keep things affordable. Curling rates weren’t so lucky, jumping 38% for locals and 33% for visitors. While most fees rose with inflation, residents can enjoy ice time without breaking the bank—at least for now.

• Two developers in Canmore, Stone Creek Resorts and Basecamp, are in a dispute over amendments to a development permit for a Nordic spa at 1 Silvertip Trail, with concerns about parking, access, and infrastructure costs. A hearing to resolve the appeal has been delayed after Stone Creek requested more time to review documents, with a new date expected within 30 days.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, 6:00 PM: Open Mic Nights. Location:Wildlife Distillery. Free.

• Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, 9:30 PM: 360° of House, Techno, Garage, DnB, . Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $15.74. 

• Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, 10:00 PM: Adequate Band.. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, January 23rd, 2025,  7:30 PM: Madison Violet.. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50

• Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, 10:00 PM: The Party Darts.. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Skiing. Canmore’s Britt Richardson snagged a career-best seventh place at the World Cup giant slalom in Italy, with Valérie Grenier close behind in eighth. Richardson’s top-10 finish marks a big milestone, proving her training is paying off against the world’s best. A proud day for Canadian skiing on the global stage!

That’s all, folks!

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