🏃 Protesters and Runners Collide

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Ben (our Publisher) is heading to the G7 Q&A information session on Monday to ask your questions.  If you’re wondering about road closures, noise, business disruptions, security, or anything else that might impact locals, then fill out this quick form. Ben will bring your concerns forward, then report back in next week’s newsletter.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF MOVES PROTESTERS OUT OF SIGHT

What’s Happening? Banff and Kananaskis are tightening security ahead of the G7, bracing for protests, roadblocks, and global attention.

Banff Pushes Back. After public backlash over a proposed protest zone in Central Park, officials relocated it to the Fenlands Rec Centre—right across from the iconic “Banff” sign. The move is meant to ease downtown congestion and preserve the visitor experience, but it’s not without controversy. Critics say it sidelines demonstrators, even as infrastructure is being set up to broadcast their messages to delegates in Kananaskis.

In a Somewhat Hilarious Twist. The Banff Half Marathon—our biggest road race of the season with 1500 runners—kicks off on the first day of the summit. The route? It goes right past the protest zone.

Trump’s In. With Donald Trump officially attending, media interest is set to spike. Behind the scenes, RCMP have been quietly engaging with protest organizers—many focused on Gaza—hoping to keep demonstrations peaceful and controlled.

Kananaskis Lockdown. Yes, the area’s closing down—but here’s what you didn’t know: RCMP and military won’t just be watching roads—they’ll be tracking grizzly bears, too, to avoid unexpected wildlife-human run-ins near the summit site. Roughly 5,000 Canadian Armed Forces members and 1,500 RCMP will be stationed throughout the region, forming the security wall around G7 leaders.

What Do You Think? In our last poll, 66% of you said putting the protest zone in Central Park would be a recipe for gridlock.

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THE DIGEST

• 🎬 Netflix’s Hit Teen Drama—Will K-Country Return? My Life with the Walter Boys is renewed for season three. The show has history with Cochrane and Kananaskis, where the Elbow River launch was a standout backdrop—fans are hoping the Bow Valley makes the cut again.

• 🚦 RCMP: Stoney Nakoda Roads Aren’t G7 Detours With G7 traffic expected to spike, RCMP are warning drivers not to use gravel roads on the Stoney Nakoda Nation as shortcuts. The Nation is private land, and trespassing could lead to fines. Officials suggest exploring other Alberta destinations to avoid summit congestion

• 🛰 Drone Flyers, Keep It Grounded—G7 Airspace Will Be Locked Down. Drone warnings are back. Flying near airports or G7 event zones could cost you up to $3,000—or land you in court. Kananaskis will have strict no-fly zones, so unless your drone has a summit invite, it’s staying grounded.

• 🐻 Bear Warning At K-Country Golf Course? Still Active. A fresh video shows a black bear and cub casually strolling across the green—so yes, that warning’s still in play. If you're teeing off this week, maybe keep one eye on your ball and the other on the treeline.

• 🏗 Final Lodge Breaks Ground In Long-Evolving Spring Creek. Grey Wolf Lodge has officially broken ground in Canmore’s Spring Creek, marking one of the final residential builds in a community that’s transformed from a 1920s dairy farm to a modern mountain village

LAKE AGNES TEA HOUSE? PARKS SAYS HOLD OFF

What’s Happening? Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is officially not recommended by Parks Canada due to avalanche risk, snow cover, and slippery, unmaintained conditions. That hasn’t stopped a steady stream of hikers from heading up anyway.

Trail vs. AllTrails. While Parks warns of legitimate avalanche danger as of May 14, reviews on AllTrails paint a rosier picture. The gap? Some say it’s shifting conditions; others chalk it up to overconfidence and a false sense of security. As one Redditor put it: just because someone else is “vying for a Darwin Award” doesn’t mean you should.

Hidden Risk, High Reward. The trail’s popularity isn’t surprising—3.5 km up to a historic tea house with cake and views? Tempting. But avalanche terrain exists even before Lake Agnes, especially near junctions to the Beehives, and debris often covers the trail well into spring.

Reality Check. Experienced hikers stress that AllTrails isn’t a substitute for avalanche education—or Parks Canada updates. A sunny hike can mask real danger above you. TL;DR: You might be fine, but “probably fine” isn’t how you want to bet your life.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Pay What You Can Garage Sale. Treasure hunters, rejoice because Canmore’s Kindest Garage Sale runs 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St Michael’s Church, Canmore. Free to Attend. 

• Pickup Soccer Fun. Join a friendly pickup soccer game—just show up and play! Balls, pinnies, and nets are provided. All skill levels are welcome for a fun way to stay active and meet others. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-In Fees Apply. 

• Comedy Night. Don’t miss Pete Zedlacher—award-winning comic, CBC regular, and SiriusXM’s Top Comic! With working-class wit & theatre-trained chops, this fan favourite delivers big laughs from coast to coast to coast. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members. 

Saturday

• Be a Role Model at Girls Run. Fast and Female’s Girls Run is back! The run is seeking women 21+ to cheer, lead, and inspire young participants. Share your love of movement, spark confidence, and help create an unforgettable experience. 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM. Canmore Nordic Centre. 

• Cacao Tasting.  Learn about ethical sourcing, fine chocolate-making, and taste profiles like you’ve never experienced. All hosted by a master chocolatier in the heart of the Rockies. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Le Chocolatier, Canmore. $20. 

• Book “Tasting”. Pull up a chair & sample some great reads! Kids & teens are invited to a fun, café-style book tasting. Discover new books, enjoy snacks, and maybe find your next fave! Register now. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free.

• Climb Night. Drop in, climb, connect. The event is open to all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks & allies. $15 for non-members, free for members. Free gear & no-questions-asked passes available. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym. 

Sunday

• Burger & Beer Deal. Wrap up your weekend right with this $22 Burger & Beer Special. Juicy burgers, cold beer, zero dishes, what more could you ask for? 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge, Banff.*

• Sunday Yoga. A gentle vinyasa flow to reconnect breath, body & mind. Mats & props provided—just bring yourself and settle in. All are welcome! 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. By Donation.

TESTED ON BEN’S DIRT

Meet Zoe—easily the best cleaning lady in the Bow Valley (we don’t say that lightly). Before we recommended her, she tackled our publisher Ben’s place—which was leaning more “wildlife habitat” than “home.” She crushed it. Now she’s taking on new clients for everything from regular cleans to move-outs to the deep stuff. Book a quick chat to see if she’s the right fit for your space.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌱 It’s Officially Planting Season! The end of May marks the green light for gardeners, and Wendy’s Garden Centre has everything you need—bedding flats, perennials, veggie starts, and more. Stop by Roosters Corner (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore) and get growing!*

• 🥂 You're Invited to the Ultimate Patio Party! Join in at Table Food + Drink on Sunday, June 8th, 2025 from 2–5 PM for an unforgettable afternoon of sunshine, great food, refreshing drinks, + live music! Adults $29, kids $15 - all you can eat + drink! Click to book!*

• 🥞 Enjoy Breakfast By Donation. On Thursday, June 5th from 7:30–11:00 AM, join the crew at Valbella for their Customer Appreciation Breakfast as they celebrate 47 years in the Bow Valley. Donations support the Bow Valley Food Bank.*

• 🙋 Soap Run Volunteers Needed. All volunteers will receive a fabulous swag bag, and Race Day volunteers will also receive a t-shirt and lunch. To sign up as a volunteer visit https://volunteersignup.org/3Q9CM.

• 🚐 Parks Canada Shuttle to Lake Louise Now Running. Seats open for booking 48 hours in advance at 8 AM MT. Moraine Lake shuttle service starts June 1. Both routes run until Oct 13 (weather permitting). Info & bookings: parks.canada.ca/lakelouise-transit

• 🚲 Volunteer with Market Bike Parking. This Summer Canmore Mountain Market is back and so is Community Cruisers' Market Bike Parking! Volunteers are needed for flexible shifts throughout spring, summer & fall. Help out before or after your market stroll! 

• 🌟 Congrats to the 2025 Change Makers Awards Nominees! YWCA Banff proudly honours women & gender diverse leaders making a lasting impact in the Bow Valley. Check out this year’s nominees and the positive changes they are leading in the  community.

• ✨ Mount Slushmore Vibes Recap. Relive the energy of Banff’s DJ Hops’ headline set from Mount Slushmore at Lake Louise Ski Resort! A high-vibe, genre-blending dance mix to cap off the season in true après-ski style. Hit play and bring the mountain party back to life!

• ♻️ Find It Free at the Re-Use It Centre. Banff’s Re-Use It Centre is your go-to free store for books, toys, furniture & more! Drop off gently used items or discover new-to-you treasures—completely free. Open daily 7:30 AM –3 PM at 160 Hawk Ave.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore Budget update. Canmore okays $105K boost for Stewart Creek sidewalk project, bringing the total to $590K. Meanwhile, a $1.4M reclamation budget for South Millennium is taken off the official books because it’s already been funded. 

• Banff Waives Subdivision Fees to Boost Home Ownership. In a “game-changing” move, Banff and Parks Canada have waived subdivision fees until 2027 to spark more for-purchase housing. Officials hope the cut will shift the dial on ownership in a town where 60% of homes are rentals. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, May 23rd, 2025,  7:30 PM: Amy Nelson. Location:artsPlace, Canmore. $30 / members $25.50 / youth $15.

• Friday, May 23rd, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mo' Marley.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, May 25th, 2025, 9:00 PM. J-Rat.. Location: Canmore Hotel, Canmore. No Cover. 

• Saturday, May 24th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Mo' Marley.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

SPORTS

• Nordiq Canada Overhauls Leadership Before 2026 Games. Big shake-up in Canmore: five leaders—including high performance director Chris Jeffries—are out as Nordiq Canada restructures under new CEO Beckie Scott. Former Hockey Canada exec Shawn Bullock steps in as interim high performance director, just months ahead of the Olympics. Funding pressure and culture shifts are driving the changes.

• The Bears Show Grit at Rugby 7s. Shoutout to the Sr Boys and Sr Girls rugby teams from Banff High for showing up with heart at the Calgary Clearwater Cup Rugby 7s! While the scoreboard wasn’t in their favour, their grit, teamwork, and determination were on full display.

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.