⛷️ Skier Falls 20m Inside Glacier

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If your pup walks you more than you walk them, the Bow Valley SPCA has something worth checking out. They’re hosting a leash walking clinic to help turn tug-of-war strolls into calm, controlled outings. You’ll learn legit K9 communication techniques, walk styles, and even some fun games. Want to be that neighbour with the perfectly behaved dog? First link under Community Highlights.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Domestic travel surge could strain Banff this summer

• Canmore garbageman wins Canada’s Ultimate Challenge

• Wildfire near Vermilion Lakes likely caused by tossed cigarette

• Plus: Pasta Monday, new Canmore concert, Lake Louise bus bookings, & more

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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DOMESTIC TRAVEL SURGE EXPECTED TO HIT THE ROCKIES THIS SUMMER

What’s Happening? Amid a global trade war and colder U.S. relations, Canada has turned inward—fueling a domestic tourism boom that’s reshaping how Canadians explore their own country.

From Trade Fallout to Travel Windfall. Provinces have doubled down on “vacation here” campaigns. The result? A renaissance in local travel, from PEI’s seafood trails to Rocky Mountain hikes in Banff.

Programs That Move People. The newly launched Canada Strong Pass teases discounts on parks, trains, and hotels this summer.

Backyard Is the New Bucket List. TikTok trends featuring Canadian travel are racking up millions of views, showcasing local creators as leaders in highlighting lesser-known escapes.

But What About Banff? While domestic tourism brings economic resilience, some worry it could worsen overtourism in hotspots like Banff, already grappling with capacity issues, infrastructure strain, and rising pressure on natural ecosystems. Leslie Bruce, CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, emphasizes the need for sustainable tourism practices to balance visitor growth with environmental preservation.

Bottom Line. Domestic tourism is proving to be more than a backup plan—it’s becoming the backbone of a resilient, sustainable, and proudly local industry. The challenge? Promoting regional travel without loving the Rockies to death.

YOUR BODY’S CRYSTAL BALL

Ever wish you could predict your next injury before it happens? We can’t read your palm, but we can read force plates—and they reveal everything.

Banff Sport Medicine’s Performance & Physiology Assessments use cutting-edge technology to analyze your balance, strength, and endurance, pinpointing weaknesses before they turn into setbacks. Think of it as your personalized cheat sheet for staying strong and injury-free.

🎥 Curious what it actually looks like? We recently went through the full assessment ourselves—watch the video here for a behind-the-scenes look.

Don’t wait for pain to tell you what’s wrong—get the data now, so you can train smarter and stay active longer.

Book your session today and see what your future holds.

_{*Presented by Banff Sport Medicine}

THE DIGEST

• ⛷️ Crevasse Fall on Athabasca Glacier. A skier fell 20 metres into a crevasse on Athabasca Glacier April 18, prompting a complex rescue by Parks Canada and Alpine Helicopters. With weak spring snow bridges and hidden crevasses, officials warn glacier travel demands expert skills, roped teams, and proper gear—or the risks quickly outweigh the rewards.

• 💰 Survey Says: Locals Want Two-Tiered Pricing. After Japan’s new tourist pricing made headlines, we asked if Banff should follow suit. Of the 701 people who responded, 85.1% said yes—tourists should pay more than locals for popular attractions. Locals cited crowding, affordability, and fairness—though a few worried it could make the park feel elitist. The common thread? “We just want to enjoy our backyard again.”

• 🚬 Cigarette Likely Sparked Banff Fire Near Vermilion Lake. A fast-moving wildfire near Vermilion Lakes on Friday is believed to have been sparked by a tossed cigarette. Crews doused the blaze within an hour, but Parks Canada is warning visitors: dry spring grass means even a small flame can escalate fast. Campfires? Keep ’em contained and attended.

• 🏆 Canmore’s Mark Manysiak Wins Canada’s Ultimate Challenge. From hauling cannonballs to conquering ropes and cold water, Canmore’s own Mark Manysiak helped Team Red dominate the Canada’s Ultimate Challenge finale. “I wanted to represent the average Joe,” said the local garbageman-turned-champion. His grit, teamwork, and no-nonsense drive helped clinch the win—and made Canmore proud.

• 🥾 $295K Boost for Banff Recreation. The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation just dropped $295,000 into Banff’s community wellness pot. The funds will support programs like BanffLIFE and MountainLIFE—making it easier for locals to get moving, get connected, and get outside. 

NEW BANFF PLAN COULD TRIGGER NATIONAL PARKS ACT DEBATE

What’s Happening? The Town of Banff is eyeing a bold move: opening up federal legislation to allow rezoning within the townsite. The goal? Make space for new housing and potentially an east entrance intercept parking lot—all without touching the town’s hard limits on size and commercial growth.

Why It Matters? Changing zoning rules in Banff requires amending the Canada National Parks Act, a move critics warn could unleash a national tug-of-war. Conservationist Harvey Locke told Rocky Mountain Outlook the move is a “Trojan horse,” fearing it could erode long-standing protections like the town boundary and commercial cap.

The Town’s Take. Officials stress this isn’t about expansion, but flexibility. They argue some zoning just doesn’t make sense—and that small changes could unlock big community benefits, like housing and better transit.

What’s Next? Puclic Consultation, Parks Canada approval, and one very delicate political dance before anything moves forward.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Pasta Monday. Reserve now to enjoy 50% off handcrafted pastas, $7 build your own negronis, $6 glasses of wine, and $5 pints of beer. GF and kid-friendly options available. 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Prow, Banff.

• Midnight Release Party. Book Lovers are invited to this exclusive and exciting event featuring Emily Henry-themed trivia, scavenger hunts, photo stations, drinks, snacks, and more! 10:30 PM - 12:30 PM. Cafe Books, Canmore. Free.

Tuesday

• Earth Day Networking Event. Here’s your chance to get involved, find volunteer or job opportunities, or connect with local changemakers. 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Earth Day Yoga. Grab your mat and join Alyssa Caron as she guides you through a beginner-friendly yoga practice. 6:00 PM, 310 Old Canmore Road. Pay What You Can.

• Documentary Movie Night. Dry Horizons explores the threats posed to them, and our regional water quality and quantity, by overuse and abuse, industrial resource extraction. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace Canmore. $12 / youth $6.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐶 Leash Walking Course. Tired of tug-of-war walks? The Bow Valley SPCA’s Leash Walking course kicks off this Sunday and covers everything from gear to real-world practice downtown. Spots are limited and filling fast—sign up ASAP to turn leash chaos into calm strolls. All proceeds support the SPCA’s rescue work.

• 🍺 Grand Finale Concert. Canmore Brewing's Community Friday music nights will pause for the summer, but not before one big, final blowout! The free concert is at the brewery on Friday, May 2 from 5-10 PM featuring 3 live bands, food trucks, and happy hour pricing!

• 🎶 Canmore Folk Fest Volunteers. Want to be part of the behind-the-scenes magic at the Canmore Folk Festival? They are seeking passionate and organized individuals to fill Volunteer Coordinator roles for the 2025 festival.  

• 👣 Easy 3km Out-and-Back Hike. Troll Falls is one of the best short hikes in Kananaskis that ANYONE can do. It offers plenty of parking, scenic routes, and, of course, falls at the top. Watch our video of the hike.

• 🚌 ROAM Transit Reservations For Lake Louise Open Today. Reservations for route 8X, AKA the bus to Lake Louise. First up, reservations for travel between May 16th and June 30th will open to the public on today, Monday, April 21, at 9:00 AM.

• ⛰️ Nakiska Ski Resort Closure. Starting tomorrow, the resort, located in the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, is closed for the season for the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit. Closure details are here. 

• 🌱 Free Seed Exchange Coming Soon. The Canmore Library is bringing back its seed exchange. Weed out your personal garden, drop those leftover seeds to the library, and when the seed library is ready, come browse and take any seeds you’d like. 

• 🎙️ CBC Digs Local Musician. Canmore’s Nurdjana de Rijcke’s new single, Wonderful Home, was spotlighted on CBC Radio show Daybreak last Friday. Listen to Mackenzie Mayer’s favorite new music out of Alberta.

• 🗳️ Last Chances to Advance Vote. Today is the last chance to vote in the advance polling in the Federal Election before April 28th. Here’s all the details you need.

• 🥁 AmpFest Drops a 14-Band Lineup For July 20. Canmore’s heavy music festival returns with Cabrakaän headlining, plus local faves like Regal Foul and Soggy Moccasins. Expect punk, metal, and guttural folklore—all in one loud, sweaty day at artsPlace.

CIVIC NEWS

• Silvertip Zoning Changes. A public hearing on proposed zoning changes for 300 Mountain Tranquility Gate (Silvertip Block 9) is set for May 6 at 9 AM at the Canmore Civic Centre. Changes include increased building heights. Submit feedback by May 2. Details here.

• Proposed Recovery Plan. Banff is developing a wildfire recovery plan to prepare for the aftermath of future emergencies. Prompted by Jasper’s devastating 2024 wildfire, the draft Banff Community Plan emphasizes re-entry, continuity, and rebuilding. Public feedback is open, with an open house on this Wednesday, April 23.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, April 21st,  2025,  ALL DAY: DJ LeChiffre. Location: Nakiska Base Area. Lift Tickets Apply. 

• Monday, April 21st,  2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025,  10:00 PM: Jesse Peters. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore Fighter Lands Win—and Love—from Afar. Fighting 4,400 km away in New Brunswick, Charles Gallagher still had Canmore in his corner. Dark Horse Martial Arts packed the mats to watch their teammate dominate his bout. Gallagher got the win—and a wave of support that brought him to tears. 

• Canmore Goalie Named All-Star, Local Prospect Joins WHL Team.  Eagles netminder Alex Scheiwiller capped off a dominant season with an AJHL All-Star nod after going 22-6-6. Meanwhile, hometown defenceman Will McLaughlin is now skating with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks after a standout playoff run with Drumheller. Two Canmore talents making waves on ice—just in different leagues.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, same time, same place!