🧻 Poop Alert in Kananaskis

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re really looking forward to all the “out of office” replies after we hit send on this. Hopefully, you’re nowhere near a screen and fully inhaling that sweet, sweet Bow Valley air. Quick heads-up: if you’re thinking, “Can’t wait for the Canada Day fireworks,” both Canmore and Banff have sunset that tradition. No town fireworks, no backyard sparklers. The goal? Reduce wildfire risk and spare pets, wildlife, and anyone who’s not a fan of surprise explosions.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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ROGERS PASS SKIERS: NEW PERMITS, NEW RULES NEXT WINTER

What’s Happening? Glacier National Park is tightening its rules for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Starting winter 2025/26, everyone heading into Rogers Pass—including unrestricted zones—will need a winter permit and must complete a safety quiz.

New Rules, Who Dis? Historically, only annual permit holders had to take an hour-long online quiz to skip the Discovery Centre and head straight into the mountains. Day-use visitors, on the other hand, could drop in and obtain a single-day permit with minimal fuss. That’s changing. Come next season, even day-use visitors will need to complete a quiz—making a “quick lap” more of a scheduled lesson.

Why the Shift? The update comes after 738 public submissions pushed for greater safety and consistency. And the risks are real—Parks Canada logged 62 visitor safety incidents last winter, 21 requiring rescue (including 6 helicopter extractions). Thirty of those involved avalanches, with 12 people caught. While most users follow the rules, even a single misstep—like the skier who entered a prohibited zone on Feb 12, triggering a wider closure—puts the entire Winter Permit System at risk.

From ‘Grey Area’ to Clear-Cut. Officials hope the new rules will eliminate confusion, improve compliance, and keep avalanche terrain safer for everyone. 

LATE NIGHTS JUST GOT LOUDER AT BANFF CENTRE’S CLVB ’33

Funky beats. Cabaret drama. Piano solos that turn into singalongs. If you’ve ever wished Banff had more nightlife with actual vibes—this is it.

CLVB ’33 is Banff Centre’s bold new answer to “What should we do tonight?” It’s where jazz musicians show up to jam unannounced, DJs bring the heat, and every night feels like it could go off-script (in the best way).

Here’s what’s coming up:

• July 4 – Timothonius

• July 5 – Kenna Burima

• July 11 – Spencer Britten’s Who Am I?

• July 12 – Piano Bar Night (Free)

• July 19 – Diva Cabaret w/ John Alcorn & Guests ($35)

• July 26 – DJ Rob Faust (Calgary / Sweet Loretta) (Free)

• Jazz Jams – Aug 1, 2, 8, 9, 13 & 15
  

🎟 $20 at the door unless noted. Free entry if you’ve got a ticket to another Banff Centre show that night. 

🍸18+, cash bar. Set times vary. Check the full lineup.

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 🧻 High Poop Levels Prompt Pond Warning in K-Country. Alberta Health Services has issued a health advisory for the swim pond at Tim Horton Children’s Ranch in Kananaskis due to high fecal bacteria levels. Swimming or wading could lead to gastrointestinal illness or infections. Signs are posted, and the advisory stays in effect until further notice.

• ✅ Most Kananaskis Sites Reopen Post-G7. Day use areas and campgrounds in Kananaskis have mostly reopened, with Mount Kidd RV Park set to follow tomorrow. But Nakiska Ski Resort remains shut until July 30—including Hidden Trail, which is closed for G7 demobilization work.

• 🏃 New Fastest Known Time (FKT) Crowned on the Canmore Quad. Squamish runner Karl Augsten just smashed the Canmore Quad FKT in 7 hours, 13 minutes—covering 54.48 km and 4,797m of gain. Starting downtown, he tagged Grotto, Lady Mac, East End of Rundle, and Ha Ling—all on foot. A legendary local feat, now with a new name at the top.

• 🏨 Canada’s Best Luxury Hotels? Banff’s In. Not sure how many of you are collecting “luxury hotel stays” like trail badges—but if you are, Banff Springs just made the cut. It landed a spot on the 23 best luxury hotels in Canada. We’re not saying we’re surprised. Just a fun lil’ FYI. Also repping Alberta: The Dorian (Calgary) and The Post Hotel (Lake Louise). Want the full list to fuel your travel daydreams? Click here.

• 🤍 Honouring Canmore Library Founders. Merilyn Adler, co-founder of Friends of the Canmore Library, passed away this year at 91. She and her husband John helped launch the society over 30 years ago—a group that’s since raised $600K for the library. 

90 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES COMING TO BANFF—$660/MONTH STUDIOS

What’s Happening? Banff’s housing crunch is getting a major relief valve: a 90-unit below-market development is moving forward on Wolf Street—and local officials are calling it a “game-changer.”

Homes, Not Parking Lots. The project will replace a surface parking lot with 15 ownership units and 75 rentals, including 32 studios. Eight of those will rent at just 60% of median market rent—as low as $660/month—thanks to a $6.4M provincial boost. 

Led by the Town, Managed by BHC. The Town of Banff is spearheading the project’s design and construction, but once complete, below-market rentals and price-restricted ownership units will be managed through the Banff Housing Corporation (BHC)—a non-profit with a long history of helping locals secure housing. BHC currently oversees 216 homes for purchase and 133 rentals.

More Than Just Roofs. A $5M Pauw Foundation grant adds 8,000 sq ft of community space: kitchen, food centre, family resource rooms, and public washrooms. Expect 190 secure bike stalls, minimal car parking, and universal design in every unit.

Meanwhile on Cougar Street…We’re still watching another housing play: Canalta Hotels’ proposed 19-unit, 39-bedroom staff accommodation complex at 448 Cougar Street. Parks Canada is seeking public input until July 2 on potential environmental impacts.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Trail Running 101 Workshop. Learn navigation, gear, fueling, and technique to confidently explore Banff’s trails on foot. Suitable for all levels. Transportation included. 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Banff. $200 +GST or Banff Resident $45 +GST.

• Monday Slack Jams. Hang out, learn to slackline or highline, or just enjoy the vibe. No experience needed—just show up. Weather permitting. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Riverside Park, Canmore · No cost to join.

• Yoga in the Park. Breathe deep, stretch it out, and flow by the river. All levels welcome, by donation. Sign up at Eventbrite. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free. 

• Clocktower Club at the Brew Pub. A thrilling social game of murder, mystery, deduction, and deception, hosted by storyteller, Mark Walker. Uncover the demon—before it's too late. Fun starts at 7:30 PM. Banff Brewing Company. Free to Play.

Tuesday

• Free Canada Day Breakfast. Join the Rotary Club for their annual free breakfast. You bring a plate and utensils and they will bring fluffy pancakes and community cheer. 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Centennial Park, Canmore. Free while quantities last.

• Yoga in the Rockies. Start Canada Day with mountain views and movement. Join instructor Chloe on the Daylodge Deck. Arrive by 9:45 to secure your spot. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Banff Sunshine Village. $20 or free for lodge guests. BYO mat—gondola pass not included. 

• Canada Day Festivities in Banff. The Town of Banff is hosting an entire day of family-friendly fun. The farmer’s market runs from 10 AM - 8 AM, and the stage at Central Park has live entertainment all day long. Check the full schedule here. Various Locations. Free

• Canada Day BBQ at Kananaskis Lodge. Head out to the lodge for an outdoor patio BBQ, Sweet Treat Bar (think pastries and fruits on a skewer you build yourself), and Cake Cutting! 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Open to everyone. Kananaskis Lodge. Free.*

• Canmore Canada Day Parade. Join the fun and dress to impress. This year’s Canada Day parade theme is Wild and Free—celebrating the incredible plants and animals of the Rockies that make Canmore so unique. 12:00 PM. Route: Fairholme Drive – Main Street – Railway Avenue – 10 Street. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌷 Red And White, But Make It Floral. Celebrate Canada Day with bold blooms and lush greenery from Wendy’s Garden Centre. Whether you need patriotic planters or a backyard refresh, they’ve got you covered. Visit Wendy at Roosters Corner (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore) and make your garden as stunning as Canmore.*

• 🎭 Live Theatre in the Park. Follow the yellow brick road at 1PM, then walk the plank at 7PM. The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival runs July 9–20 at Centennial Park, featuring The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island daily on the Stan Rogers Stage. Attend one or both—just bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the show. Check the events page for details and tickets.*

• 🎙️ Live Music July 4th at Table Food + Drink. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and soulful live music by Riley Ruby at Table Food + Drink. Indoors or on the patio—perfect summer vibes all night. Music starts at 7 PM. Reservations recommended. Our publisher Ben says, “Her voice is beautiful… BEAUTIFUL.” So take that for what it’s worth.*

• 🥙 We Bet You Don’t Go Here for Lunch—But You Should. Check out Cornerstone Cafe's new summer menu, featuring new items like smashed avocado toast, crispy falafel wrap, and apple and brie grilled cheese. Open daily from 9-5 PM in the day lodge at the Canmore Nordic Centre.*

• 🍰 New Gelato Cart Hits the Bison Courtyard in Banff. Wild Flour Bakery just rolled out an Italian gelato cart. Four rotating flavours (two vegan!) served daily on the sunny patio. It’s the perfect mid-day cool-down or post-hike reward. Bonus: it’s local, it’s creamy, and it’s calling your name. Here’s the exact spot.*

• 🎥 Got a Film Idea? Pitch It in Banff for $25K. To mark its 50th, the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival is launching BanffPitch—a live pitch event for emerging filmmakers aged 18–35. If your project explores mountain culture, adventure, sport, or the environment, you could win $25K (or score runner-up cash and gear). Submissions open August 11. Info session drops July 30.

CIVIC NEWS

• Public Hearing: Banff Community Plan. Banffites! This is your final input opportunity on Banff’s 2025 Community Plan, aka how you want the town to be reimaged over the next decade. Speak or submit feedback by July 11 for the July 14 hearing at Town Hall. Full details.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, June 30th,  2025, 6:00 PM: Sunset Festival: Bob Hughes. Location: Banff Gondola. Note: The show is technically free, but you must make it to the top of the mountain, either by purchasing a gondola ticket or hiking to the top.

• Monday, June 30th,  2025, 6:00 PM: REWD. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, July 1st,  2025, 2:00 PM: Steven Klevsky. Location: Canmore Hotel. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, July 1st,  2025, 2:00 PM: Mister Bird Summer Tour. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Para Biathlon World Cup Returns to Canmore This December. The Para Biathlon World Cup kicks off its 2025–26 season at the Canmore Nordic Centre on Dec. 11, 13, and 14. With sprint, pursuit, and individual races on deck, it’s a key lead-up to the 2026 Paralympics. Canada’s powerhouse team includes medal favourites like Brittany Hudak and Mark Arendz. We’ll be watching.

• Canmore Swimmers Chase Provincials at Weekend Trials. Four Riptides athletes—Luna Shrestha, Dylan Lamarche, Danae Labonte, and Abby Williams—competed this weekend at Swim Alberta’s provincial trials in Medicine Hat. Each brought strong momentum: Williams entered top-ranked in the 800m freestyle, Shrestha was targeting a PB in breaststroke, and Lamarche returned from injury with something to prove. We’ll keep you posted on the results once they hit the internet.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.