🚗 Parking in Banff Could Change

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re a little stunned in the office this morning. On Friday, we asked the Bow Valley Insider community to help Heart Mountain Rescue, our local volunteer-run dog rescue that’s been stretched thin on resources. You answered, big time! By Friday night, their founder, Briana, messaged to say $7,795 had been raised. What we didn’t tell you on Friday is that same morning she’d been up at 3:30 a.m. taking in new pups, including Chloe, who’s missing a paw. These funds will help pups like Chloe heal and have a real chance at finding a home. Briana says Bow Valley Insiders are “full of heart, compassion, and unstoppable generosity.” We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, everyone ❤️

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

NO GREEN LIGHT YET FOR BANFF PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM

What’s Happening? Banff council isn’t ready to roll out a parking reservation system just yet, but the idea isn’t off the table. A motion to include short-term direction for such a system in the town’s new community plan failed last month, though the plan leaves room to explore it in the future. The concept would require visitors to book public parking in advance, capping the number of vehicles allowed to park in town each day.

Managing the Congestion Crunch. Coun. Hugh Pettigrew argued that restricting vehicle volumes, which can hit 27,000 to 30,000 per day during peak times, above the town’s 24,000 threshold, is becoming essential. Supporters see a parking reservation system as a first step in “human use management.” Critics say the idea is too specific for a long-term community plan, which should focus on big-picture goals, and argue it should be debated after public consultation.

Other Levers to Pull. Here’s one big-ticket solution most council members agree could move the needle: passenger rail from Calgary to Banff.  Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno, alongside the mayors of Canmore, Calgary, and Cochrane, is lobbying Ottawa and Edmonton to fast-track a conventional passenger rail line as a “project of national interest.”. The proposed hydrogen-powered train would run from Calgary International Airport to Banff, with stops in Cochrane, Mini Thni, and Canmore.

Why It Matters? Supporters say the project could cut congestion on the Trans-Canada and give local workers more commuting options. But they caution it must be paired with disincentives for driving, otherwise it risks adding visitors without reducing traffic in town.

YOU’D NEVER USE A 2005 PHONE… SO WHY WEAR 2005 CONTACT LENSES?

You wouldn't jog in sneakers from 20 years ago. Or navigate Spray Lakes with a flip phone. So why are you still wearing contact lenses from the early 2000s?

Today’s daily lenses are a whole different game: breathable, hydrating, crystal-clear, and designed to keep up with everything from trail runs to paddleboarding. No more dry eyes. No more gritty lenses. Just sharp, comfortable vision that actually works with your Bow Valley lifestyle.

If you tried contacts years ago and gave up? It’s time for a comeback.

Dr. Jo & Dr. Jared at Canmore Family Eyecare specialize in contact lens fittings for active people, whether you’re brand new or haven’t touched a contact lens case in a decade. They even offer options for 45+ wearers who want to ditch the readers and still see up close and far away.

Ready for your vision upgrade? Summer’s short. Don’t wait to see it clearly. 

Book your free 15-minute contact lens consultation with Dr. Jo & Dr. Jared today.

_{*Presented by Canmore Family Eyecare.}

THE DIGEST

• 🗺️ A One-Day Banff That’s Not the Same Old. A local reader recently wrote asking what they should do with their parents visiting from Nova Scotia. They had just one day in Banff and wanted something different. Here’s exactly what we told them: unique breakfast spots, overlooked shops, and activities for any mood. Full itinerary here.

• 🌌 Meteor Shower to Light Up Bow Valley Skies. The annual August meteor shower peaks Aug. 12–13, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour under ideal conditions. A nearly full moon will hide the faint ones, but bright streaks and slow, dramatic meteors that skim the atmosphere are still possible. Best viewing is right after sunset with the moon behind you.

• 🚁 Climber Airlifted From Mount Cory. A man in his 40s was flown to Calgary by STARS after a fall on Aug. 1, briefly closing the Bow Valley Parkway for the landing. His condition is unknown. Mount Cory has seen other serious incidents, including a 2012 rescue after a 35-metre fall on one of its steep climbing faces.

• ⛺ Guess We’re Building Forts Now. Parks Canada says they’ve been finding makeshift forts in the mountain parks, and not the fun kind from your childhood. Moving logs, rocks, or branches is illegal, harms fragile ecosystems, and keeps staff busy tearing them down. They remind visitors to take only photos, leave only footprints, and leave the fort-building at home.

• 👋 Banff Centre Opera Director Takes Final Bow. After 12 years reshaping opera in Banff, Joel Ivany has stepped down as artistic director. Known for breaking the fourth wall, like staging opera pubs at the Legion, he grew the summer program from nine to over 70 participants, with alumni now performing on stages worldwide.

Marketing That Slaps (In a Good Way)

Like a fresh baguette to the face…our ads get noticed.

They’re local, loud, and lovingly crafted to convert.

We don’t do boring banners or beige print.

We write clever mini-stories that make 15,000+ locals engage.

➡️ Fill out the form and feel the slap.

HEAVY RAIN TRIGGERS FLOODING IN CANMORE BUSINESSES

What’s Happening? Monster puddles swamped parts of Canmore over the August long weekend, flooding parking lots, intersections, and businesses. The Canmore Climbing Gym closed for three days, losing prime summer revenue.

Quick Thinking Saves $10K. Water leaked through a back garage door and, more critically, surged up through storm drains after they overflowed. Staff member Kat Dittrich’s quick action prevented what facility manager Jona Hackett estimates could have been more than $10,000 in damage to climbing mats and walls. “Wet climbing mats are prone to mould and could mean replacing them all,” Hackett said.

Drainage Woes. A plumber later found the drainage pipes badly blocked, making matters worse in what Hackett calls “a low point in town with poor drainage during heavy rain.” The gym is adding weatherproofing and considering a backflow preventer, but Hackett hopes the town will address larger drainage issues. (Read full interview). 

Not Alone in the Flood. Core Values also closed temporarily, while Crazyweed Kitchen staff waded barefoot through a flooded parking lot. That lot, and the corner of 17th Street and 8th Avenue, are long-time trouble spots locals say have flooded for more than a decade.

The Bigger Picture. It’s been a soggy summer in the Bow Valley. Banff recorded nearly 100 mm of rain in July (about 150% of its average). The sudden saturation triggered mudslides in Kananaskis and along the Trans-Canada, showing how heavy rain can overwhelm both mountain slopes and aging drainage systems.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Summer Drop-In Programming. Bow Valley youth in grades 5–8 can join a leader for sports, free play, arts, crafts, and more. 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Rundle Cabin, Sundance Park. Free.

• Canmore Community Dinner. Every Monday, enjoy a healthy meal and good company. Today’s menu: Spaghetti Bolognese or Vegetarian Potato Frittata. Eat in or take out (bring containers). 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. St. Michael’s Church, Canmore. Free.

Tuesday

• Wolf Street Housing Development Open House. Learn about Banff’s new 50 Wolf Street development, 90 below-market homes + 8,000 sq ft community space. Drop in to see plans, ask questions, and find out how to apply to rent or buy. 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Banff Scout Hall (226 Lynx Street). Free.

• Tuesday Movie Night at The Lux.Catch $7.99 tickets every Tuesday at Banff’s historic Lux Cinema. This week’s lineup: Freakier Friday, Weapons, The Bad Guys 2, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Multiple showtimes from 3:15 PM to 10:15 PM. Lux Cinema, Banff.

FREE ART EVENTS AT BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

August is stacked with free shows, open studios, and thought-provoking talks, and every one of them is worth the short trip up Tunnel Mountain.

Visual Arts Talk: Tak Pham
Aug 11 | 4 PM | Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Building, Room 204

• Curator, writer, and editor Tak Pham shares insights on contemporary curating and the power of cultural storytelling. Ideal for artists, designers, and anyone curious about the thinking behind the gallery wall.

Jazz & Sonic Arts Concerts
Aug 13 & 15 | 7:30 PM | Margaret Greenham Theatre

• Resident artists from Banff Centre’s acclaimed jazz and sonic arts program take the stage for two nights of bold, experimental performances. Expect improvisation, genre mashups, and boundary-pushing sounds from some of the most promising new voices in jazz.

Open Studios + Elliptical Lineages Tour
Aug 20 | 4–7 PM | Glyde Hall

• Meet early-career artists, explore their workspaces, and join a guided tour of Elliptical Lineages—a powerful exhibit on artistic lineage, kinship, and generational storytelling.

Literary Cabarets at CLVB ’33
Aug 21, 26, 28 | Doors at 6:15 PM, Readings at 7 PM

• Catch world-class authors reading new poetry and prose in an intimate, lounge-style setting. Drinks available. Vibes guaranteed.

🎟️ Check out the full schedule

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🖼️ Traditional Dene Art Exhibit. Mountain Creations, the new art store we’ve been telling you about, is hosting a special exhibit for Dene artist Kim Lea Aug. 20–23. Showcasing work from three generations of artists, her stunning traditional beadwork will be on display and available for purchase. Free entry, 10 AM–5 PM daily. Mark your calendars and learn more about Kim Lea here.*

• 🎤 Musicians and Musical Wannabees Needed. Valley Winds Music Association is signing up members for the 2025–26 season. Whether you sing, play an instrument, or just want to try, there are no auditions and no need to read music. Dust off that guitar, flute, or trumpet and make some friends while making music. Learn more.*

• 🐕‍🦺 Where to Eat in Banff With Your Dog. In case you missed it, we called every restaurant in Banff to ask about their dog policies because most online lists are outdated. Only 11 made the cut for our 2025 guide to dog-friendly patios. Before summer’s over, bookmark the list and plan a meal with your four-legged plus-one.

• ✍ Writing Competition. Sharpen your pencils and let your imagination soar. Enter the Oesa Writing Competition for a chance to share your story and win prizes. Open to all ages, skill levels, and genres. Submit your work by October. A wide range of categories with no fixed themes. Submission guidelines here.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Council In Session. Town council is in session today (Monday), which includes a recommendation for a three-year carsharing pilot program in Banff. Tune in online this afternoon at 2:00 PM, or attend in person. The full agenda can be read here. 

• New Buses. The Town of Banff has increased transit services on key routes due to six new buses being added to the fleet. Banff boasts the third-largest transit system in Alberta, only behind Calgary and Edmonton. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, August 11th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Ahi. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $35 / members $29.75 / youth $17.50.*

• Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, 5:00 PM: Mister Bird Summer 2025 Tour. Location: Canmore Rose and Crown. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore to Host FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup. The Canmore Nordic Centre has earned approval to host the world’s top Para cross-country skiers Dec. 4, 6–7, ahead of the 2026 Paralympics. New courses and an expanded biathlon stadium will also support the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup Dec. 11–14. Both events serve as final team selections for Canada.

• Canmore to Also Host 2029 Masters World Cup for Cross-Country Skiing. Canmore will welcome top skiers aged 30+ to the Nordic Centre in 2029. The Alberta World Cup Society calls it a win for the town’s world-class facilities and community spirit. Canmore last hosted in 2022 with over 700 athletes from 18 countries.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wedneday, 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.