⛷️ Nakiska’s Big Expansion Plan

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Our after-work hike yesterday had us in shorts. We just weren’t prepared for how aggressively pale our legs looked. Anyone else relate?

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Madalyn Beach

NAKISKA EYES SUMMER EXPANSION WITH LIFT-ACCESS BIKING

What’s Happening? Nakiska Ski Area is pushing to launch summer operations with lift-access biking and hiking, pitching it as a way to boost tourism and ease pressure on overcrowded Kananaskis trails.

The Big Idea. The proposal focuses on year-round use of an existing resort. All activity would stay within Nakiska’s current lease area in Evan Thomas Recreation Area, using infrastructure that’s largely idle outside ski season.

“At Nakiska we have been seeking this opportunity for 20 years,” the resort told Bow Valley Insider.  “A seasonal business then becomes a year round business… adding employment and providing a new summer destination.”

Why It Matters? Nakiska is tying the plan to a bigger economic argument. The resort points to a roughly $1.7 billion tourism gap between Alberta and B.C., driven in part by riders heading west for lift-access biking.

Traffic Relief… Or More Traffic? One of the core selling points is redistribution. Nakiska says its 1,600-stall parking capacity, currently unused in summer, could pull visitors away from packed areas like Troll Falls and Ribbon Creek.

 “Rather than driving further into the Kananaskis we believe visitors will stop at Nakiska,” the resort said. The open question is whether that shifts existing demand or attracts more people into the region overall.

Wildlife and Design Changes. Environmental reviews have already altered the plan. A 2022 assessment and a second ongoing review identified grizzly bears near the Gold Chairlift, leading to trail reroutes.

“By identifying this habitat early, we were able to move biking and hiking trails away from that area,” Nakiska said.

Bighorn sheep were also considered, with access to Centennial Ridge, the alpine terrain above the resort, closed from April 1 to June 21 during lambing season under existing provincial rules.

How It Would Be Managed. Enforcement would rely on staff and education.  “The Bike Patrol will be responsible for ensuring any closures are respected. The Interpretive team will be on hand to explain why.”

What’s Next? Public feedback is open as the environmental review continues. 

Read our full story for more details on the plan and how to share your feedback. 

BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2026

Banff Centre’s Summer Arts Festival is back with over 100 events running from May through September, spanning music, dance, literary arts, film, visual arts, and more.

The lineup brings a mix of international artists and emerging talent to stages across campus, from the Jenny Belzberg Theatre to outdoor spaces like the Shaw Amphitheatre. Evenings continue at CLVB ’33, Banff Centre’s late-night venue, where performances range from live music and DJs to cabaret-style shows. 

Highlights this year include: 

• Pink Martini All-Stars, a globe-trotting “little orchestra” mixing classic pop favourites with new songs.

• Pianist Hunter Noack’s outdoor concert, where a 9-foot Steinway is set in nature and audiences listen through wireless headphones.

• Violinist James Ehnes, one of the world’s most celebrated classical musicians, performing as part of his 50th birthday tour.

The festival also features five Art of Piano concerts with internationally acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning pianists, along with opera workshops, dance performances, and more than 50 free events.

There’s something for everyone this summer. 

🎟️ View the full lineup. Tickets are now on sale. 

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• ⭐ Banff Rental Named World’s Best. It Costs $1524 a Night. A three-bedroom rental just off Banff Ave landed on Vrbo’s global “Vacation Rentals of the Year” list, putting it in rare company alongside top-tier stays worldwide. The home checks the usual Banff boxes: sleeps eight, mountain views, walkable location, and a polished, group-friendly setup. It also carries Vrbo’s “Loved by Guests” badge, which signals consistently strong reviews. The catch? It’ll run you $1,524 a night on average, with prices climbing during peak season. See the pictures.

• 🗺️ Province Hits Reset on Canmore-Banff Riding Boundaries. Alberta is hitting reset on its electoral boundaries, ditching an independent commission’s recommendations in favour of a new MLA-led process. The original plan would have kept much of the Bow Valley together in a Canmore-Banff riding, but that’s now back in flux. Critics say putting politicians in charge risks bias and cuts out public input, while the province argues it improves representation, especially in rural areas. The clock is also tight, with new boundaries needing to be finalized well before the 2027 election. Curious what this means locally? Our very own Madalyn did an excellent breakdown.

• 🔌Banff’s Fast EV Charging Plans Hit a Delay. Banff still has no fast EV chargers, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Plans to install high-speed charging stations near the train station and Fenlands Rec Centre are on hold, as the private landowner pauses talks until a broader redevelopment plan for the railway lands is approved. In the meantime, the town is adding six slower chargers at the Bear Street parkade. Officials say putting fast chargers downtown could worsen traffic, leaving Canmore as the nearest quick-charge option for now.

• 🎙️ Banff Growth Debate Hits Popular Radio Station. Not sure how many of you tune into CBC Radio. But, this week on the Calgary Eyeopener, the hosts spent about eight minutes unpacking how growing demand is reshaping Alberta’s busiest tourism spots, with a focus on Banff. They spoke with Harvey Locke, a longtime Banff resident. Some of you might recognize him as the co-founder of the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, a wildlife conservation organization headquartered in Canmore.

Traditional Media Called. It Wants Its Budget Back.

We get it. You’ve “always done” print.

But your customers are in their inbox, not your neighbor’s recycling.

We deliver clicks and sales, not column inches.

➡️ Stop funding nostalgia. Start driving results.

BANFF RETHINKS CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS AS CROWD PRESSURES MOUNT

What’s Happening? Banff is scaling back Canada Day, opting for a smaller, earlier celebration as officials try to avoid the kind of crowd surges that have strained the town in the past.

A Split Decision. Council rejected a bigger event, voting down an extra $33K that would have kept the traditional afternoon parade. Instead, they unanimously approved a pared-down version, capped at $25K, with a 10 AM parade and reduced programming.

Why the Pullback? The shift is largely driven by lessons from January’s skijoring event, where sharp spikes in traffic, not total volume, caused gridlock and raised safety concerns.

 “Our recent experience with skijoring… raised the need for us to check in,” said communications director Jason Darrah.

Canada Day brings similar risks, with 30,000 to 40,000 people expected and a parade route that effectively splits the town in half, limiting vehicle and emergency access.

 “It would be very hard… to say that we didn’t expect this if something goes sideways,” said Coun. Marc Ledwidge.

Why Earlier Matters. Moving the parade to 10 AM is meant to spread arrivals out.

“You have to leave Calgary pretty early to get to a 10 AM parade,” Ledwidge said.

The hope is fewer midday surges, less pressure on roads, and better emergency access.

Transit Isn’t a Silver Bullet. Even record-breaking Roam Transit use during skijoring, including a 71% spike between Canmore and Banff, didn’t prevent congestion. Fixed capacity and shared roads mean transit can’t fully absorb sudden demand spikes.

Balancing Tradition and Reality. Not everyone wanted to scale back. Councillors emphasized the parade’s importance to locals, especially after pandemic cancellations.

 “I want to… make it as safe as possible so that we can continue to have it,” said Mayor Corrie DiManno.

What’s Next? This year’s event will act as a trial, with council planning to reassess the format in future years. Read our full story for more on what changed and why.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Donuts & Conversation: Climate Action Talk. An Earth Day gathering with donuts and conversation about the emotional side of climate change. Hosted by Frankie D’s Donuts and the Biosphere Institute, the evening explores climate grief, local responsibility, youth perspectives, and practical ways to move from worry into action. 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Canmore Library. Free with registration.*

• Stoney Beading Classes. This two-week class, starting tonight, offers an introduction to beadwork with Stoney Nakoda artist Michelle Wesley. Participants will create a simple project that can become a necklace, keychain, or brooch while learning about beading and regalia traditions. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Cost is $100 or $85 for members, with materials included.*

• Bear Aware Safety Session. This free webinar is a seasonal refresher for anyone hiking, biking, or spending time outdoors. Hosted by the Town of Banff, the 75-minute session covers bear identification, common behaviours, and practical ways to avoid encounters. It’s led by Parks Canada wildlife specialists. 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM. Online. Free to attend with registration.

Thursday

• Only 3 Shows Left: The Importance of Being Earnest. If this Canmore comedy has been on your maybe-list, the window is closing fast. Pine Tree Players’ production of Oscar Wilde’s sharp and delightfully absurd classic now has just three performances remaining. Expect mistaken identities, satire, and plenty of laughs. Tickets are available while remaining seats last. 7:30 PM. Canmore’s Miners’ Union Hall. $30.*

A FAMILIAR FACE IS BEHIND BANFF’S NEW PHARMACY

If Varun looks familiar, you’re not imagining it. From 2016 to 2022, he was a trusted face at the Safeway/IGA pharmacy in Banff. Now, he’s back. This time, with a place of his own. You’ll find him at Banff Value Drug Mart, across from Lux Cinema. The focus is simple: locals first. That shows up in small ways, like a daily 15% locals discount. But more importantly, in how the pharmacy operates. More time to ask questions. More flexibility with prescriptions. And help with things like travel consults, vaccinations, and common issues like UTIs, cold sores, strep, and the flu. The goal is simple: make care easier when you need it. Stop by and say hello.

_{*Presented by Banff Value Drug Mart.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏕️ A Different Kind of Summer Camp in Kananaskis. This August, teens at Camp Chief Hector will spend nearly two weeks exploring Kananaskis, staying in yurts, contributing to community projects, and learning about the region’s landscapes and cultures. The HOWL Discovery program blends outdoor adventure with leadership development, offering mentorship from scientists, educators, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Designed for youth aged 14-15, the camp focuses on curiosity, teamwork, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Registration for the August 9-21 session closes June 1.*

• 🍢 Valbella BBQ Box Delivers Weekend Ready Grilling. If this week’s weather has you thinking about firing up the grill, Valbella’s BBQ Box gives you everything you need. It’s a $100 bundle packed with crowd-pleasers like striploin steaks, smokies, chicken burgers, and skewers, all prepped and ready to go whether you’re grilling or keeping it simple indoors. Delivered every Friday across the Bow Valley, plus Calgary and Cochrane. Order by Thursday at 10 AM and you’re set for the weekend.* 

• 🚧 Yamnuska Trails Closed for Blasting. If you’re planning to head up Yam this week, plan around a closure. Several routes, including the scramble, East Ridge, and climbers’ access, will be shut down starting today due to quarry blasting near the Lafarge site. The closure covers a 600-metre area and is expected to last until 3 PM, or longer if needed. Check for updates.

• ✍️ How One Canmore CEO Uses Journaling to Stay Clear-Headed. A Bow Valley-based writing workshop series from Grassroots Gratitude has drawn interest from local leaders looking for a more consistent way to reset and refocus. Steve Ashton, founder of Ashton Construction Services, says the practice has helped him “rebound and recalibrate with greater clarity, even when facing significant challenges.” Founder Lorraine Widmer-Carson works with participants to build simple habits around gratitude, reflection, and free writing, especially for those juggling high-pressure roles. The next four-part series starts this Saturday. Learn more.*

• 🧹 Street Sweeping Season Has Begun. One of Canmore’s truest signs of spring is back: crews are out clearing winter sand from local streets through May. Expect slow-moving sweepers, sudden stops, and temporary no-parking zones in neighbourhoods while crews work. Residents are asked to move vehicles, remove driveway mats, and keep items like basketball nets off the street until signs are removed. Check street sweeping zones.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Banks Small Surplus, Looks Ahead to Big Infrastructure Costs. Banff is setting aside a modest $73K surplus into reserves rather than spending it. It’s a small figure in an $80M budget, but part of a broader shift as the town prepares for rising infrastructure costs. Council is also applying for provincial funding to replace a key piece of its wastewater system. The move signals a stronger focus on long-term planning, with reserves and grants expected to carry more of the load as assets age.  Read our full story.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, 9:00 PM: Banffchella. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $16.50.

• Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, 10:00 PM: Pocket Dial. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Eagles Look to Bounce Back in Game 4 Tonight. The Canmore Eagles are back on home ice tonight after a tight 3-2 loss to Whitecourt in Game 3, trimming their series lead to 2-1 in the AJHL final. Expect the Rec Centre to be packed. There was just one ticket left as of last check. If you can’t get in, the game’s available to stream online. Puck drops at 7 PM.

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.