🐈 Rare Lynx Spotted on Ski Run

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Most things you see on Reddit are a time sink, but not this week. A skier at Lake Louise posted a video of a lynx and her kitten standing in the middle of a run for about a minute before slipping back into the trees. We honestly thought it was AI, but it’s 100% real. The skiers gave them plenty of space while filming. Commenters called it “a once-in-twenty-five-years sighting.” No word yet from Parks Canada or Lake Louise on the footage.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

A NEW BACKCOUNTRY HUT IS COMING TO THE ROCKIES

What’s Happening? A new backcountry hut is coming to the Rockies. The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is converting the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site in Yoho National Park into a year-round, self-catered hut set to open in 2027.

Why This Matters. For decades, Twin Falls sat in a strange middle ground. It had the heritage status and the foot traffic, but no clear long-term model. The ACC first explored operating it as a functioning tea house in 2021 before deciding the hospitality model did not fit its mission. Parks Canada has now granted a licence that allows the club to fold the site into its hut network, shifting the focus from food service to outdoor access and safety.

The Upgrade List. Before anyone books a bunk, the ACC plans to overhaul the space. Upgrades include a renovated kitchen, a new greywater system, solar power for lighting and ventilation, and a new outhouse. If all goes well, the hut will sleep about 20 people and create a new anchor for multi-day trips in the Yoho Valley.

Summer and Winter Payoffs. The summer approach is an 8km walk with modest gain, already beloved for its waterfalls and glacier views. In winter, the hut fills an important safety gap between the Stanley Mitchell and Guy huts, giving ski tourers a lower risk shelter option during storms or elevated avalanche danger.

A Bigger Expansion Story. The Twin Falls project lands at the same time the ACC is finishing another major build. The Robson Pass Hut near Mount Robson is nearing completion and the club is offering naming opportunities for everything from bunk beds to a viewing deck. Each sponsor gets a plaque installed in the hut as a long-term acknowledgment.

Read more about the location, the buildout, and see photos in our full article.

A TOWNHOME DESIGNED FOR THOSE WHO EXPECT MORE

Some homes look impressive online until you walk in and realize the photos did most of the heavy lifting. This 4-bed, 4-bath penthouse in Three Sisters is the opposite. It feels even larger in person, with more natural light, more storage, and more usable space than what you normally see in attached homes.

With more than 2,800 square feet, two primary suites on the main level, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountains from every angle, it offers the kind of space and comfort that make daily living easy. The kitchen has Monogram appliances and plenty of room for cooking or hosting. Two south-facing decks give you outdoor space in every season, and the attached garage offers secure parking and extra room for gear.

Low condo fees, a quiet complex, and a layout that works for guests, family, or a home office make this a rare find in Three Sisters.

Full details and photos are here: 204, 105 Stewart Creek Rise SW.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚧 This Popular Canmore Pond Won’t Open for Skating This Winter. The Pond on 7th Avenue drained six weeks early, leaving no natural ice base for crews to build on. The Town says it is not possible to create a safe surface without that foundation. And while the notice encourages residents to “try another rink,” every other outdoor surface in town is also closed with no opening dates (yet). See all the outdoor Canmore rinks and their status here.

• 🌟 Banff Named Canada’s Number One Holiday-Movie Backdrop. A new national survey says Canadians see Banff as the “ideal holiday-movie setting,” beating Quebec City, Whistler, and Jasper. No surprise to locals, obviously.  What was surprising is Canada’s pick for the holiday movie they plan to rewatch this season: Black Christmas. We had never heard of it. Turns out it is a horror film shot in Toronto in 1974, with remakes in 2006 and 2019. 

• 🚶‍➡️ Walking and Biking Are Winning in Canmore. New transportation data shows how quickly Canmore’s travel patterns are shifting. At Benchlands Trail and Bow Valley Trail (everyone’s favourite intersection), walking jumped 51% and cycling 62% compared with last year, while vehicle traffic rose only 2%. Town officials credit years of investment in safer street design, fare-free routes, and better infrastructure. Read more about the study’s impact on Canmore streets and what happens next.

• 🚌 Can Roam Transit Balance Tourist Volume With the Needs of Local Riders? Roam’s new rider satisfaction survey shows locals love the drivers but not the wait times. Buses were often full during summer peaks. Residents say the real frustration is being passed by when buses fill with tourists headed to attractions. Visitors, meanwhile, praised operators for being friendly and helpful. Overall, the survey shows strong satisfaction. See full results.

• 🔒 Canmore’s Childminding Facility Closes This Sunday. A quick reminder that the child-minding room at Elevation Place shuts down December 21. Many parents see the closure as a loss for local families. Council has since acknowledged that the debate exposed bigger gaps in local child care. As a result, the Town will revisit the issue during its 2026 strategic planning session and consider whether it should play a larger role in child care options across the community.

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.

ALBERTA’S NEW FIRE WEATHER REPORT WARNS OF RISING PRESSURE ON METEOROLOGISTS

What’s Happening? Alberta’s newly released 2024 Fire Weather Report, published this November, reveals that last year’s fire season was quieter overall but still overwhelming for meteorologists. Fewer “extreme days” did not prevent rapid fire growth and heavy forecasting demands across all 18 fire weather zones.

Workload Up, Staff Flat. The report explains the strain bluntly. Only three full-time fire weather meteorologists were available to cover the entire province. Peak conditions in July and August triggered a surge in daily forecasts, rapid spot forecasts for crews on the ground, and repeated briefings for fires that escalated with little warning. Alberta even brought in a meteorologist from Quebec to keep up. The authors warn that fatigue is becoming an operational risk and say Alberta needs more permanent staff to maintain a reliable forecasting program.

Province Says It Is Ready for 2026. The Office of the Minister of Forestry and Parks told Bow Valley Insider that it sees the situation differently. Press Secretary Michael Plenits acknowledged the strain created by high fire danger and record lightning but said Alberta’s meteorology team is fully staffed for 2026. He highlighted $1.9 million in network upgrades and seasonal hires that support the team during the busiest periods. The report, however, frames the issue as structural rather than seasonal. It calls for more full-time forecasters to ensure quality, reduce fatigue, and handle simultaneous incidents.

Why It Matters Here. Communities in the Bow Valley and Jasper depend on this system for evacuation decisions, closure planning, and day-to-day awareness during fire season. The July 2024 Jasper wildfire is highlighted as an example of how quickly conditions can shift when heat, dryness, and wind collide. Forecasts for Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Jasper all originate from the same small team.

Read more about the staffing gaps and the tactical forecast recommendations in our full article.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Local Legend Performs at Canmore Brewing. Settle into the weekend with Community Friday, featuring happy hour pints and Ted Woodhouse. With 35-plus years of groove-rich country-blues and pop, the multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter brings a sound that fits the taproom perfectly. 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free. *

• Family Christmas Movie. Gather the family for a cozy holiday classic with A Christmas Carol (1984). This made-for-TV adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns the true spirit of Christmas. RSVP recommended and popcorn-level nostalgia guaranteed. 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.*

Saturday

• Holiday Party at the New Holistic Health Clinic on Main Street. Meet the team over a cup of house-made medicinal mulled wine or spiced apple cider. Stop by Saturday to book a 1.5-hour consultation with Registered Herbalist and Naturopath Caroline, valid for appointments between January and March, and get 50% off. Clement, Registered Osteopath, will be offering free check-ups, and all herbal remedies and gift boxes are 10% off. 10 AM to 8 PM. 1A 713 Main Street, Canmore. More details.*

• A Stoney Christmas. Experience a heartfelt holiday tradition with the Smalleyes Family of Stoney Nakoda. This multi-generational performance blends traditional Indigenous dance, song, and storytelling into a reimagined Christmas tale. Perfect for the whole family. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $10-20. Can’t make Saturday? There’s a Sunday performance too. *

Sunday

• Pop-Up Pub Choir Christmas Singalong. Shake off the winter chill and sing your way into the season at this relaxed, feel-good Christmas singalong. Led by local choir director Sue Chick Denton, this pub choir focuses on simple songs, positive energy, and shared smiles. No experience needed. 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

• Winter Solstice Lantern Skate. Celebrate the longest night of the year with a Winter Solstice Community Lantern Skate. Make a lantern, light it up on the ice, and enjoy live music, cozy fires, and hot tea. 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Pavilion, Sundance Park, Banff. Bow Valley residents $10; Banff residents free.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ✨ Last Chance for A Christmas Carol in Banff. The final performance is Dec. 28 at the Banff Springs, and audiences have been raving. “Funny, moving, and heartfelt” is how one local put it. Others call it “the perfect family Christmas outing.” Between the music, the puppets, and a cast that keeps the story fresh, Carter-Ryan’s version of Scrooge is as warm as it is unforgettable. Get tickets. Use code BOWVALLEYINSIDER for 15% off.*

• 👉 Patio Party Après Ski This Monday. If you’re in Banff on Monday, swing by The Fat Ox from 2 to 5 PM for an outdoor après made for locals. Fire pits will be going, the satellite bar will be pouring, and DJ PF3D is spinning a laid-back set to ease everyone into the holiday week.*

• 🧿 Pendulum Workshop with Natacha Kruger. Learn the basics of using a pendulum for self-reflection and intuitive insight in this introductory workshop. Participants will explore how pendulums are used, practice simple techniques, and discuss ways to build trust in personal intuition. The $40 fee includes the one-hour workshop on January 16th, and a pendulum to take home.* 

• 🍹 $12 Cocktails of Christmas. Banff Social is spreading holiday cheer with six festive, Christmas-inspired cocktails, each just $12, served over 12 merry days. Drop in for one or make it a seasonal mission to try them all. Complete the full cocktail lineup and you’ll receive a $50 bonus gift card as a warm holiday thank-you. Cheers to sipping local and celebrating together.*

• 🍔 Stocking Stuffer Idea. Need a last-minute Christmas idea for the perpetually hungry athlete in your life? Cornerstone Cafe is now offering gift cards to buy their delicious and healthy grab-and-go meals, like the butter chicken, bison stew, and more. Perfect stocking stuffer for anyone active in the Bow Valley. (Bonus: The gift cards can be used to order ahead online, too!).*

• 🍰 Last Chance for Christmas Pre-Orders. Still need something sweet for the holiday table? Pre-order handmade festive bakes, from classic Yule logs to pies, buns, and muffins, starting at $27 from Wild Flour Bakery in Banff. Orders close December 22 at 4 PM, or sooner if the bakers hit capacity. A delicious way to check dessert off the list.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Extends Basement Suite Incentive Program. Banff is putting more funding behind its push for new and legal secondary suites. The initiative aims to create safe, legal housing and support local affordability.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, December 19th, 2025, 9:30 PM: Country Night with Double Suede. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. No Cover. 

• Saturday, December 20th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Andrew Staygold. Location: Lake Louise Ski Hill. No Cover. 

• Saturday, December 20th, 2025, 5:00 PM: Live Music with Mike Petroff. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. Free.

• Saturday, December 20th, 2025, 7:30 PM: Christmas Candle Light Concert. Location: Rundle United Church, Banff. $40.

• Sunday, December 21st, 2025, 6:00 PM: Christmas Live Music. Location: Grizzly Paw Brewing Company, Canmore. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Benjamin Brousseau Delivers Strong Biathlon Results. Competing at the International Biathlon Union Junior Cup, Brousseau cracked the top twenty-five in the Junior Men’s 12k mass start and finished inside the top fifteen in the Junior Men’s 10k sprint.

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.