⛷️Skier Hit By Ha Ling Avalanche

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Today’s agenda: Eat cookies. Save the world (or at least support some tiny humans). Grab an Okey Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie at Tim Hortons—$2 a pop, with every cent going to Banff Rundle Playschool.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Banff pushes back on RCMP’s protest plans

• Fire danger spikes early in Banff National Park

• Skier swept 600m in avalanche near Ha Ling Peak

• Plus: Pasta Monday deals, Banff Centre Summer Festival launch, and more

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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G7 PROTEST ZONE COULD TURN BANFF INTO A PARKING LOT

What’s Happening? Banff officials are pushing back against plans to set up a G7 protest zone in Central Park’s west parking lot during the June 15–17 summit in Kananaskis.

In Case You Missed It.  The G7 Summit is where the seven biggest economies get together to hash out their issues (and there are usually protestors).

Traffic Jam Incoming? Town Manager Kelly Gibson warns the protest zone could worsen summer congestion, with protestors clogging key routes like the Bow River bridge—and likely missing their intended audience, since G7 leaders will be miles away in Kananaskis.

Town vs. RCMP. While Banff lobbied for a different location, RCMP organizers say Central Park’s visibility and proximity to the media centre make it ideal for peaceful demonstrations. A fenced-off area and heavy traffic management are planned.

Still Negotiating. The Town says it’s still offering “local expertise” to minimize disruption, but hasn’t been looped into all decisions. As Gibson put it: there’s “still time” to rethink the plan—though RCMP haven’t explained why other sites weren’t considered.

OPENING WEEKEND: BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

Celebrate the start of summer in the mountains with three evenings of genre-defying music and unforgettable performances.

Nguyễn Thanh Thủy, Sandeep Bhagwati & Hand to Earth Trio
May 1 | 7:30 PM | Jenny Belzberg Theatre

Experience a striking musical exchange between Vietnamese traditions, Indigenous songlines, and experimental sound.

Search Party by Inua Ellams
May 2 | 7:30 PM | Margaret Greenham Theatre

From the creator of Barber Shop Chronicles, this interactive solo show blends poetry, plays, and real-time storytelling shaped by the audience.

Jeremy Dutcher: MOTEWOLONUWOK  ᒣᑏᐧᐁᓓᓄᐧᐁᒃ
May 3 | 7:30 PM | Jenny Belzberg Theatre

Polaris Prize-winner Jeremy Dutcher reclaims Wolastoqiyik songs through soaring vocals, opera, and pop.

And this is just the beginning…

Experience over 70 concerts, plays, talks, exhibitions, readings, and more—including 50 FREE events—all summer long.

Get Tickets & Explore All Events

_{*Presented by The Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 🔥Banff National Park Fire Danger Elevated to High. This means fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly. While no active wildfires are currently reported, residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution. Report any signs of smoke or illegal campfires to Banff Dispatch at (403) 762-1470. ​

• 🐻Bear Activity Ramping Up Across the Bow Valley. Black bears and grizzlies are on the move as they emerge from hibernation—hungry and hanging out in valley bottoms. A fresh grizzly track was spotted in Bragg Creek on Whitetail Trail, with prints tracked up Long Distance Trail. 

• 😍Someone Just Discovered Banff—And It’s Adorable. Breaking news: Banff has mountains, cute streets, and “European vibes.” Apparently, walking through town feels like Switzerland but with better poutine. Big thanks to this travel writer for bravely road-tripping from Calgary to uncover the world-famous Banff—a hidden gem known only to, checks notes, millions.

• 🚴Bow Valley Parkway Cycling Season Extended Through 2030. Parks Canada extended the seasonal Bow Valley Parkway closure for cyclists through 2030, giving riders five more years of car-free bliss. 

• 🗳️It’s Election Day—Time to Hit The Polls. Polls are open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM today. Not sure where to vote? Pop your postal code into the Voter Information Service and find your station. 

SKIER TRIGGERS MAJOR AVALANCHE IN MINER’S GULLY

What’s Happening? A solo skier triggered a massive avalanche in Miner’s Gully on Saturday (that steep chute right next to Ha Ling Peak in Canmore), getting swept 500–600m downhill. Miraculously, they walked away uninjured—minus one ski pole and probably a few nerves.

Conditions Were Rough. The avalanche, sparked by unstable snow layers near the ground and intense daytime heat (+12°C), highlights why spring skiing demands early starts. Stability can nosedive fast when the sun is out.

Real-Time Drama. Locals spotted helicopters flying rescue ops from their decks in Canmore, while Facebook groups lit up with speculation, arguments... and a few “Karen” jokes.

Heads Up for Spring. Avalanche Canada just wrapped up their winter forecasts, warning that spring melt cycles can still trigger serious slides—especially in shallow snowpack zones like the Rockies. Translation: start early, end early, and watch out for wet slabs and weakening snow layers.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Smile Cookie Campaign. Tim Horton’s has partnered with Banff Rundle Playschool for this year’s campaign. 100% of proceeds from the Okey Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie will be donated to the Playschool. All Day. $2 per cookie.

• 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.

• Blood on the Clocktower. Test your wits in a game of cunning and deception. All skill levels are welcome. 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

Tuesday

• Film Screening and Panel Discussion. The Test is a documentary about Logan Lake, BC’s innovative wildfire preparedness approach. After the film, fire professionals from Logan Lake, Jasper, and Canmore will join a panel discussion to share their experiences. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. The Gem, 900A Harvie Heights Road or Online. Free. 

• Movie Night. ANORA is a thrilling, comedic modern-day Cinderella story. Ani is a young sex worker who marries the son of a Russian billionaire, sparking a wild chase through New York City. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. artsPlace Canmore. $12 / youth $6.

• Book Release. Celebrate the release of Shawayne’s latest poetry collection, Nova, and delve into the themes of struggle and affirmation in his powerful work. 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🍔One of Canmore’s Best Burger Spots. We hit Fergus & Bix Friday night and wow—the burgers, bowls, desserts, and craft beers seriously delivered. Check out our video for a peek at what we devoured (including their massive beer board).

• 🎤Grand Finale Concert. Canmore Brewing's "Community Fridays" 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 5:00 to 10:00 PM, featuring three live bands, food trucks, and happy hour pricing!

• 🙋🏻‍♂️Canmore Folk Fest Still Needs a Few Good Volunteers. Want to be part of the behind-the-scenes magic at the Canmore Folk Festival?  They are still looking for Volunteer Coordinators for this summer. Big thanks to everyone who already signed up last week—if you’re thinking about it, now’s the time to jump in. 

• 🧗🏼‍♀️Spring Scramble Hits Canmore Climbing May 9. Climbers of all levels can test their winter gains on 40+ new boulders at CCG’s laid-back comp night. Doors at 7, climbs at 7:30. Prizes, happy hour, and good vibes—only 40 spots, so register fast or come cheer from the sidelines.

• 👨🏼‍🎤Help shape Canmore’s first Japanese pop culture event. Otaku in the Rockies is planning a cosplay, anime, and street food fest—and they want your input. If you’ve got opinions (or just want to see more taiko drumming in town), fill out their quick survey and help make it happen.

• 🍁Canada Day in Banff (Yes, We’re Talking About It Already). Be part of Banff’s iconic Canada Day parade on July 1st! Non-motorized entries encouraged—bikes, walking performances, and more. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Apply Now.

• 🐕Happy Endings for Abandoned Dogs. Back in March, two pups in two separate incidents were picked up by Canmore Bylaw. We’re happy to report that both were adopted by new families. 

• 💎Expert Appraisals Coming to Canmore. Harrington’s is hosting a complimentary Evaluation & Buying event in Canmore on May 10, 2025, at the Coast Hotel. Bring your fine jewelry, gemstones, watches, coins, and collectibles for expert appraisals.. By Appointment. 

• Same Location, Same Artists. New Ownership. The tattoo shop located at 226 Bear Street in Banff is now known as Steel N Ink Banff. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Council Conflict Rules. Canmore council is updating its conflict of interest process following changes to the Municipal Government Act. Elected officials can now discuss conflicts directly in council chambers. Notable past conflicts include Couns. Marra, McCallum, and Hilstad who recused themselves from the Three Sisters Village plans vote.

• Support for Services. Banff is pushing for the province to increase Family and Community Support Services funding, which has not kept pace with inflation or population growth. Without more support, the cost of vital social programs shifts to local taxpayers.

• Workload Under Review. The Town of Banff is launching a $160K organizational assessment to review staffing, workloads, and efficiency. A consultant will deliver recommendations by fall 2026, aiming to reduce burnout and better align resources with priorities.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, April 28th,  2025,  10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, April 29th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Andy Loops. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Gymnastics. After a top-seven finish at provincials, Canmore’s Kanako Okuma is off to Saskatoon for the Western Canadian Championships. She’s aiming for a top-8 all-around and a team podium spot—repping Canmore Illusions and showing big-stage talent comes from small towns too.

• MMA. After months of training at Dark Horse Martial Arts, Jonah Ellis stepped into the cage Saturday for his first MMA fight—and came up short. He lost to Calgary’s Ali Karout but showed serious heart and grit. Expect to see him back stronger.

• Ultra Running. Battling rain, mud, and 3,750m of elevation, Canmore’s Arden Young powered to a 7th-place finish at the Canyons 100K in California. In a stacked international field, Young crossed the line in 10:51:56—capping off what's already shaping up to be a breakout season.

That’s all, folks!

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