🚁 Skier Dies Near Moraine Lake

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We got a message this week that stopped us in our tracks—in the best way. After we featured Fletcher last week, a rescue pup from Heart Mountain Rescue, four adoption applications came in. Fletcher now has a new home. That’s the kind of impact this community makes. We’re beyond grateful.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

“I spent $1200 in the local paper, and got zero calls.”

We hear this all the time.

Bow Valley Insider reaches 12,000+ locals — and our partners actually see results.

If you’re done with outdated marketing…

➡️ Fill out this quick form and let’s talk about what works.

SWISS VILLAGE BURIED—AND WHY THE BOW VALLEY SHOULD CARE

What’s Happening? A massive glacier collapse in Switzerland has buried 90% of the alpine village of Blatten, sending a 1.5 million cubic metre deluge of ice, rock, and mud into the valley. Thankfully, the town had been evacuated days earlier.

Evacuation Saves Lives. Rising fears about a shifting mountainside led officials to evacuate Blatten’s 300 residents (and their livestock) on May 19—just ten days before the Birch Glacier above the village let loose. One man is still missing, but no deaths have been confirmed.

Scenes of Devastation. Footage shows the once-picturesque village submerged in sludge, with drones capturing the moment the glacier broke away. The avalanche also buried parts of the Lonza River, raising flooding concerns.

Echoes of Frank Slide. The disaster recalls Alberta's 1903 Frank Slide, when 110 million tonnes of limestone from Turtle Mountain buried part of the town of Frank in 90 seconds, killing over 90 people. Different cause, same destructive force.

Alberta’s Glacier Concerns. While the Bow Valley isn’t likely to face a collapse like this, melting glaciers here still matter. Glacier runoff contributes up to 20% of the Bow River’s August flow in Calgary—vital during dry spells. As glaciers retreat, river flows may shrink, straining water supplies for agriculture, ecosystems, and 1.5 million people.

Looking Ahead. Switzerland is pledging funds for recovery. Here, we’ll need resilience of our own.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 454 STEWART CREEK CLOSE

Over 3,000 square feet of mountain living in one of Canmore’s most sought-after neighborhoods. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, there's room for the whole family—and then some!

The walkout level offers a spacious bonus room that’s perfect for movie nights, games, or just unwinding. 

While multiple decks and patios invite you to soak in the alpine scenery, our favorite feature? The gorgeous, landscaped yard with a sunken patio, cozy fire pit, and BBQ deck—your own private outdoor oasis.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this exceptional home! Connect with Alex and Lori today, and follow them on Instagram to stay in the know on Canmore’s most coveted listings.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• 🚁 Tragedy at Moraine Lake: Local Skier Dies in 600m Fall. Hannah Keiver, 34, died Tuesday morning after falling 600 metres while skiing the 3/4 Couloir near Moraine Lake. A fixture in the Bow Valley backcountry scene, she was known for her photography, alpine skill, and husky, Oesa. More details here.

• 🙅 Locals Say No to Going Higher in Downtown Canmore. Canmore’s downtown redevelopment plan has reignited the height debate—so we asked Bow Valley Insiders what they think. Nearly 89% said keep it low to protect the views. Read their comments in full to see why many feel taller buildings won’t solve housing—and might ruin what makes Canmore special.

• 🤔 And Over in Exshaw... Locals Are Also Split on Density. Exshaw is weighing its own housing density debate. A plan to nearly double units in the Mountain Gateway project drew mixed reactions—some calling it smart and overdue, others warning it’ll erode Exshaw’s quiet charm and strain infrastructure in a community built for less.

• 🔥 Fire Danger Hits EXTREME in Banff. Fire risk is now extreme across the Banff Field Unit. Canmore’s under a fire advisory—campfires are still allowed for now, but restrictions may tighten soon. Ghost Wilderness Area already has a full fire ban. Report wildfires to 310-FIRE. 

• 🚿 Banff Hospital Installs Sprinklers to Guard Against Wildfires. Banff Mineral Springs just became Alberta’s first hospital with its own wildfire sprinkler system. With 14 rotating units covering up to 46m each, the system boosts self-protection—freeing up firefighters to defend other areas if a blaze hits. Locals can get similar roof kits via Banff’s FireSmart program.

• 🚨 RCMP Issues Warning for Wanted Woman with Ties to Exshaw. Kayla Jennifer Penny is wanted by RCMP. While her last known location was Fort McMurray, one area of activity includes Exshaw. If seen, do not approach. Call local authorities

LAKE MINNEWANKA’S CENTURY-OLD MYSTERY UNEARTHED

What’s Happening? A century-old local legend has been confirmed: scuba divers just found a 1928 Essex sedan at the bottom of Lake Minnewanka.

Found in Minutes. Airdrie diver John Ryan and his team located the vintage car—believed to have plunged through the ice in the 1930s—just seven minutes into their dive, using sonar data and some local lore.

Vintage Time Capsule. Sitting 60 metres deep, the car still holds its 1940 Saskatchewan plate and a metal buffalo park pass from the same era. A shovel rests in the front seat, and the vehicle is visibly weathered but eerily intact (see all the pictures on Facebook here).

Lake of Secrets. Lake Minnewanka has a reputation for hiding history. Divers have already explored the submerged ruins of Minnewanka Landing, flooded in 1941. Now, Ryan believes up to two more cars may still rest in the lake’s glacial depths.

Leave Only Bubbles. Under Parks Canada rules, artifacts must stay put—so no souvenirs, but the photos belong to all of us. As Ryan puts it, “The lake is slowly giving up its secrets—and we’re determined to get there.”

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• New Exhibit. We Are Immigrants shares the stories of early Chinese Canadians—their hardships, impact, and the racism they endured—through powerful art and history. 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

• Hangout Party. Celebrate summer with the Canmore Climbing Gym and Core Values. Expect a DJ, happy hour, and sweet prizes. 6:00 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym. $15 non-members / Free for members. 

Saturday

• Share the Trails. Meet horses and local rec groups at this fun, educational event focused on trail safety and stewardship. Learn how to be a thoughtful visitor in the Bow Valley’s wildlife corridors and shared outdoor spaces. Put on by the Bow Valley Riding Association. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  Cougar Creek Parking Lot, Canmore. Free.

• Cross-Cultural Powwow. The 6th Annual Iiniskim Powwow brings a full day of Indigenous dancing, drumming, singing, and market. Hosted by Buffalo Nations Museum. 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Free.

• Concert in the Park. Enjoy free outdoor music by local concert & jazz bands, plus BBQ & beer garden. Bring a blanket or chair & soak up the tunes. Hosted by Valley Winds Music Assoc. No tickets needed—just show up! 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Stan Rogers Stage, Canmore. Free.*

Sunday

• Big News from Bankhead Restaurant. Starting today, they’re open straight through from 7 AM to 10 PM daily! Enjoy your favourite breakfast dishes until 4 PM, then slide into Happy Hour from 2–5 PM with tasty bites and great drink specials.*

• Free Morning Yoga. Join a chill yoga class at the Library with Chie Fujimaru. Kick off with a fun book-sharing icebreaker, then unwind with a 45-min yoga session. All levels welcome. Kids, too (with an adult). Mats provided. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Banff Pride’s Poolside Party & Fundraiser. Kick off Pride Month with dazzling drag, DJs, raffles, and a silent auction poolside. This high-energy celebration welcomes everyone under the rainbow. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Moxy, Banff. Tickets $25, with all proceeds supporting Banff Pride.

• Family Bear Aware Program. Learn bear habits, try bear spray, and get trail safety tips for the whole family. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Okâch Pavilion, Sundance Park, Banff. Free for Banff residents / $10 for non-residents.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🖼️ When A Photo Isn’t Enough. Photos catch a moment. Paintings capture a soul. Canmore artist Toni Lopes turns your pet’s personality—right down to the tail twitch—into a hand-painted portrait that lasts a lifetime. Don’t let the memories fade—commission yours today.*

• 🚵 We Can’t Run This Without You. The 2025 Canmore Continental Series & Canada Cup needs volunteers to make it happen. Help keep Canada’s biggest MTB event rolling. Free lunch, swag, party access, and big prize draws. Sign up today—every shift counts.

• 🎙️ Behind the Inbox: BVI Featured on Canmoreite Podcast. The Bow Valley Insider has quickly grown into a trusted local media source. In this interview, our Publisher, Ben, shares the story behind the newsletter, its mission, and how it’s helping businesses while staying refreshingly real. 

• 🎸 Calling all Bow Valley Music Lovers. A music teacher at Exshaw School is starting an instrument library to help students practice at home. If you have a guitar, ukulele, or small instrument to donate, your gift could inspire a young musician. Contact [email protected]. 

• 🎗 Free Walk-In Mental Health Support Available Daily. Grief, anxiety, homesickness, or sadness—whatever you're feeling, you’re not alone. Visit the free walk-in mental health clinics at Banff or Canmore hospitals, daily from 2–9 PM. No appointment needed—just check in at the front desk.

• 👨‍🍳 Local Chef Judges Top Chef. Did you catch Sauvage’s Head Chef Tracy Little at the judging table on this week’s episode of Top Chef?  

• 👩🏻 Celebrating Bow Valley's Change Makers. Each year, YWCA Banff honours women and gender-diverse locals driving real impact in our community. The 2025 Change Makers: Aimee Cutknife – Business Innovation; Colleen Crawler – Pursuit Community Champion; and Jessica Klaric – Emerging Leader. These awards spotlight those creating lasting change in line with YWCA Banff’s values.

• 🏞️ Moraine Lake Road Opens To Licensed Commercial Operators On Sunday. If you’re planning on heading out to film your auntie’s Instagram-worthy moment, remember that public transit or a Parks Canada shuttle is the best way to go.

CIVIC NEWS

• Trails Master Plan Adopted. The MD of Bighorn has officially adopted a revised Trails Master Plan to guide future trail development. The plan, shaped by community input and council workshops, reflects strong public support and sets the stage for 2025 planning and 2026 budget proposals.

• Canmore’s Upcoming Council Meeting. Tuesday’s meeting, key topics include the Moustache Lands bylaw amendment, updates to the Vital Homes program, and new rules for tourist home enforcement. Council will also consider a new Sister City agreement with Sedona and apply for FireSmart grant funding.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, May 30th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Tyler Wood. Location:Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, May 30th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Garrett Barbuto.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, May 31st, 2025, 7:00 PM. Jam for Jasper. Banff Springs Hotel: Conference Centre Theatre. $20-100.

• Saturday, May 31st, 2025, 10:00 PM. Sunday Session with DJ Tenax. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover. 

• Saturday, May 31st, 2025,  10:00 PM: Garrett Barbuto.. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

SPORTS

• Para Snowboard Takes the Spotlight at Sunshine. On May 9, coaches from six provinces gathered at Sunshine Village for Canada’s first Beyond Adaptive camp—an intro to Para snowboarding led by national athletes and Alberta Snowboard. Backed by a $15K Paralympic grant, the event fostered learning, inclusion, and future growth for adaptive sport.

• Canada’s Top Disc Golfers Hit the Course This Weekend. The 25th Big Bear Classic lands at the Canmore Nordic Centre May 31–June 1, featuring some of the country’s best disc golfers. Expect course closures, including Toboggan Hill and Top Gun trail. Kananaskis Conservation Pass required. Full weekend schedule.

• Fast Bikes and Sharp Turns in Canmore. The RMCC Criterium is a high-speed road cycling race where riders loop a short, technical course—think Tour de France meets street circuit. Sunday’s event saw crashes, sirens, and sprint finishes on Canmore pavement, with local teen Yien Feng winning U15 and streets briefly turning into a pro-level race track.

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.