🐻 Man Mauled

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Got some good and bad news for you this morning.  The good: on Sunday, if you wake up feeling a bit more refreshed than usual, it’s because you gained an extra hour of sleep. Clocks are rolling back for daylight saving time.  The bad: your after-work mental health walk now comes with a headlamp.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

BANFF TEEN HELPS RALLY WALKOUT IN SUPPORT OF ALBERTA TEACHERS

What’s Happening? About 50 students at Banff Community High School walked out of class Thursday morning, joining a provincewide protest over Alberta’s Back to School Act. The law ended the teachers’ strike by invoking the notwithstanding clause and suspending teachers’ right to strike for up to five years.

One Teen Led the Charge. Sixteen-year-old Julianne Martinez, a Grade 11 student, helped organize the Banff walkout through the Alberta Students Association. For her, it wasn’t about politics. “The teachers who showed me grace and understanding are ones I’ll forever be thankful for,” she said. “If they can fight for us, it’s only fair that I fight for them.” Students gathered outside the Banff IGA, chanting “Be fair, we care” and “Our education is how we grow” before marching through downtown for about 40 minutes.

A Provincewide Movement. Similar scenes played out across Alberta as thousands of students protested what they saw as government overreach. Premier Danielle Smith defended the legislation as necessary to prevent “irreparable harm” to students and pledged to hire 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants, boost teacher pay by up to 17 percent, and fast-track 130 new schools by 2030. But organizers say those promises don’t address classroom overcrowding, learning conditions, or the loss of teachers’ rights.

Why It Matters? For many students, the protest was as much about identity as policy. “Some adults say kids shouldn’t get involved in this kind of protest,” Julianne said. “But it’s our future, and the future of generations to come.”

What’s Next? Julianne doesn’t expect more walkouts soon but says students will keep speaking out online. Thursday’s march may have been brief, but it showed that even in a small town like Banff, young people aren’t afraid to stand up.

👉 Read our full interview with Julianne and see pictures of the walkout.

JUST LISTED IN STEWART CREEK

Built in 2022, this 4-bed, 4-bath half duplex packs 1,850 sq. ft. of bright, functional space with thoughtful upgrades throughout.

The south-facing living room nails the mountain vibe with custom wood details, triple-pane windows, and a gas fireplace that makes winter feel a little less harsh. The kitchen opens onto a wraparound deck with a BBQ hookup and big east-to-west mountain views.

A few things worth bragging about:

 • Wood ceiling with exposed beams

 • Built-in sound system for game days or playlists that slap

 • Heated double garage with EV rough-in, epoxy flooring, and tidy wall storage

 • Built-in cabinetry in the living room, closets, and pantry

 • Premium stainless appliances, including a 6-burner gas cooktop

 • Hot tub rough-in, because it’s not really mountain living without one

Low-maintenance yard. No condo fees. Just a smart, well-built home tucked into one of Canmore’s quietest corners.

Take an early look at the property here or reach out to Alex & Lori for more details.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• 🐻 Hunter Mauled by Grizzly Near Cochrane. A hunter in his 30s was airlifted Thursday after being mauled by a grizzly south of Cochrane. His current condition hasn’t been released. Alberta Fish and Wildlife says the bear was shot by the man’s hunting partner and is believed dead, while a second bear fled. 

• 🐻 Province Confirms First Grizzly Killed Under New Program. Staying on the topic of bear encounters, Alberta has confirmed the first grizzly was killed through its new Wildlife Management Responder Network near Pincher Creek. The program allows trained hunters to shoot “problem” bears linked to livestock deaths. 

• 🎥 The Local’s Guide to the 2025 Banff Film Festival. Banff Film Fest kicks off tomorrow, and we did the hard work so you don’t have to. Out of 87 films showing between November 1 and 9, only a handful actually feature Bow Valley stories or talent. So here’s the insider guide to when and where to catch the ones made by us, about us. 

• ⛰️ Filipino Mountaineers Rise in New Film. If you want to dive deeper into one of those locally made films, check out Ahon (“to rise”), premiering Nov. 9. The documentary follows Calgary’s K8 Mountaineering Club, a Filipino-Canadian group bringing culture and connection to the Rockies. Read our full interview with the crew.

• 🍽️ Canmore Chef Tracy Little Exits Top Chef Canada. Head Chef of Sauvage, Tracy Little, was competing in Top Chef Canada. After three intense weeks, Little has been eliminated. Reflecting on the experience, she shared that the competition was “an introspective exercise like no other,” teaching her about her strengths, humility, and her love for the intentional, slow process of dish creation. 

Dear Fellow Local Business Owner,

From one local biz to another: you’ve got a lot of ways to market yourself. But before you spend another dollar, ask this: “How do I know if it’s actually working?” If they can’t answer that, maybe it’s not where your money belongs. Truthfully, we know Bow Valley Insider isn’t the right fit for everyone. And that’s okay. We’re honest about it. We care more about results than selling ad space. If it is a fit, we’ll show you exactly how we can help your business grow. If it’s not, we’ll tell you that too.

➡️ Reach out and let’s see if working together makes sense.

ACTIVISTS BLOCK LOGGING ROUTE IN KANANASKIS

What’s Happening? Environmental activists have blockaded an access road near the Highwood River in south Kananaskis to stop West Fraser from reinstalling a bridge and beginning winter logging operations. The effort is led by Defenders of the Eastern Slopes, a grassroots group founded by Nanton resident Mike Sawyer, who says members will “man” the barrier if heavy equipment moves in.

The Backstory. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recently approved West Fraser to rebuild the bridge and clear vegetation near streams to access timber. DFO says the permit meets federal standards, but critics argue it violates those same rules since the Highwood River is vital bull trout spawning habitat, a Threatened species.

Company’s Position. West Fraser says the harvest area is under 1,000 hectares and fully compliant with regulations. The company calls its forestry practices sustainable and says it engages the public before work begins.

The Bigger Picture. The dispute ties into a wider debate over logging on Alberta’s Eastern Slopes, which supply much of the province’s drinking water. West Fraser wants to raise its annual harvest by 32 percent, from 157,800 to about 208,000 cubic metres, within the Crowsnest Forest Management Area (public land already designated for logging). The plan is still under review, and conservation groups are calling for a pause until stronger watershed and habitat protections are in place.

What’s Next? Activists are preparing a court injunction and maintaining a 24-hour presence at the site.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Community Fridays Return at Canmore Brewing Company. Kick off the weekend with live music and $6 pints. Enjoy Andrew Staygold’s soulful folk from 5–7 PM, then stick around for The Brews at 7:30 PM for the Halloween Bash. Free entry, good vibes, and a Canmore tradition that continues every Friday through April. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

• Halloween Party in Banff. Head to the Banff Legion for a night of funky beats with DJ Taxi Mike starting at 7 PM. Enjoy free entry, free pool on new tables, great food and drink specials, and prizes for the best costumes. Everyone’s welcome. No membership needed and family-friendly fun all night. Free.*

Saturday

• The Mighty Quay Premieres at the Film Fest. Mount Norquay’s 100-year journey from a humble ski hill to a cornerstone of Rockies tourism. 9 AM.  Jenny Belzberg Theatre, Banff Centre. Tickets required. 

• Meat Draw with Live Entertainment. Join the fun from 3–6 PM at the Exshaw Legion with live music by singer-songwriter Liz Lauer, known for her powerful folk-rock sound and heartfelt storytelling. Enjoy cold drinks, great tunes, and your chance to win big with $1 meat draw tickets and prizes every half hour. Free.*

Sunday

• Get Ready for the Canmore Nordic Annual Ski Swap. This is your chance to sell old gear or pick up Nordic skis, boots, poles, and clothing at great prices. 9 AM - 12 PM. Bill Warren Training Centre. 

• Cinema Days. Experience a powerful documentary by Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi, following British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah through his work in Gaza’s emergency rooms. Viewer discretion is advised. 1:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

• Last Chance to See Into the Woods. The hit musical Into the Woods closes tonight at Carter-Ryan Gallery in Canmore. This clever mashup of Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel, and more has been winning over audiences with sharp humor and unexpected twists. Tickets here. Use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15% off.*

SLOPE READY (FOR REAL THIS TIME)

Listen up, ski season’s coming and we’re actually training for it this year.

Coach Frieda (some of you know her already) is one of the best local strength coaches, and has built a Slope Ready Program. 

We’ll meet at Excel Fitness in Canmore twice a week for six weeks (Wed & Fri, 6:30 - 7:30 PM) for ski specific strength, balance, and power. 

After the six weeks is complete, you get access to every workout and video so you have it forever.  Plus, Coach Frieda is giving us a pre-ski warm-up and recovery plan for on the slopes. 

Only 12 spots. Starts Nov 12. Click here to join.

Want to chat with Coach Frieda first before joining? Book a 15-min chat here.

_{*Presented by Onward Coaching}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎃 Join Bow Valley Insider for a Halloween Adventure. Tonight’s the night. We’re hosting a Halloween-themed Cluesolver adventure in Canmore, part scavenger hunt, part escape room, and part mystery, all played outdoors through a mobile app. It’s free to play. Grab a team of up to five and start anytime between 12 PM and 7 PM from downtown. Solve clues, explore landmarks, and race the clock. The fastest team wins bragging rights and a Bow Valley Insider shout-out. Details here.*

• 🎄 Apply for Holiday Support. Bow Valley Christmas Spirit helps local families and individuals in Canmore and the MD of Bighorn celebrate the holidays with grocery and toy gift cards. Applications for 2025 open November 1–30. Approved applicants will receive cards for food and gifts from local stores to brighten the season. Details on eligibility here.*

• 👨‍🍳 Chef Table Experience Returns Nov 6. Dine in the Summit Room at the Kananaskis Lodge for an unforgettable evening curated by Chef Sebastien Roelly. Each course of this exquisite meal is perfectly paired with a wine selected by Head Sommelier Carlos Correa. Only 35 seats available. Don’t miss this intimate night of fine food and wine in one of our favourite restaurants.*

• 🍬 Eagles on Safe Walk Duty This Halloween. The Canmore Eagles will once again patrol the community on Halloween night, offering Safe Walk assistance. Look for players in their jerseys if you need help. They’ll be out ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and spooky night of tricks and treats across the Bow Valley.

• 🏠 Emergency Winter Shelter Reopens. The Emergency Winter Shelter is reopening for its 6th season on November 1 at Scout Hall in Canmore. Check-in runs from 9:30–11:30 PM. Thanks to funders, donors, and the Town of Canmore, the shelter offers warmth, safety, and connection to those in need all winter long.

• 🚧 Cornerstone Café Closed for Renovation. The Cornerstone Café at the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge will be closed for renovations from now until Friday, November 7. Those re-heat and eat meals we all love will have to wait a week. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Race Traffic Will Cause Road Closures This Weekend. Banff welcomes 1,200 runners for the annual WinterStart 5-Mile Night Run Saturday, November 1, beginning at 7 PM on Banff Avenue. Expect traffic detours and temporary closures between 6 and 7:30 p.m. to ensure a safe race for participants and volunteers. Full access will resume after 9:30 PM.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 31st, 2025, 7:30 PM: Steve Dawson. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.

• Friday, October 31st, 2025, 9:00 PM: The Raveyard.  Location: Canmore Hotel. No Cover.

• Friday, October 31st, 2025, 9:30 PM: A Nightmare on Banff Ave  Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover.

• Friday, October 31st, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Feel0 Green.  Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, November 1st, 2025, 8:30 PM: Grant Kanigan. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, November 1st, 2025, 10:00 PM: Jesse Roads.. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

• Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, 7:30 PM: Marten Borch. Location: Mount Engadine Lodge. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore Defenceman Lands on NHL Scouts’ Radar. It was only a matter of time before NHL scouts took notice of Canmore’s own Will McLaughlin. The 17-year-old Portland Winterhawks defenceman was listed in NHL Central Scouting’s latest report with a “C” rating, projecting him as a fourth or fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft. McLaughlin, who scored his first WHL goal at the Saddledome last month, says he’s staying focused on improving his game rather than the hype.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, 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.