🏢 Skyscrapers in Canmore?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We mentioned this on Friday, but it didn’t get nearly enough love—so we’re putting it right at the top. It’s called Art in Nature, and you basically take yourself on a walk through Banff, spotting over 65 pieces by local artists along the way. It’s free, self-guided, and winds from the Park Museum to Bow Falls and back through Central Park. A pretty cool way to see some art. It goes until Sept 30th, so you still got time. Details here.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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VIEWS VS. GROWTH: WHO GETS TO SHAPE CANMORE’S SKYLINE?

What’s Happening? Canmore council is taking steps to cap building heights on Main and 10th streets at 2.5 storeys. The move follows heated debate about views, sunlight, and downtown’s future character.

Why It Matters? For many locals, Canmore’s charm lives in its sightlines. “Without the scenic views, we’re just another small town,” said Gradey McMahon, executive director of the Downtown Canmore Business Improvement Area. Others warned that taller buildings could cast shadows on pedestrian zones and parks like Eklof and Riverside. The tipping point? A new building on the old Settler’s Cabin site that exceeded the usual height limit—thanks to a rooftop patio.

The Counterpoint. Developers and some councillors argue that slightly taller buildings (3–5 storeys) could help address Canmore’s housing crunch, support downtown businesses, and reduce car reliance. Bow Valley Builders Association called the plan a “missed opportunity” for sustainable infill.

Locals Weigh In. We ran a poll, and out of 392 responses, 88.78% said to keep height limits low. The comments were even louder—many arguing that added density won’t make housing affordable and could accelerate the “Calgarification” of downtown.

Speaking of Calgary…Developers there just announced a $1.2B hotel-and-residential project featuring two 60+ storey towers—set to become the tallest skyscrapers in Western Canada. Their message? “To be great, you’ve got to be bold.” Canmore’s message? Maybe not that bold.

What’s Next? Council revisits the issue tomorrow (July 8), when staff return with a full slate of amendments. Expect more pushback—and more packed council chambers.

THREE PEST NERDS WALK INTO CANMORE… AND WIPE OUT AN INFESTATION.

You wouldn’t guess it, but some of the most fascinating minds in insect biology and rodent behavior now call Canmore home.

Meet Tadek, Milos, and Nick—three former Calgary pest control pros who ditched the big company playbook and built something better: Innovative Pest Solutions.

Their specialty? Using eco-friendly, pet-safe, science-backed methods to actually get rid of pests—without harsh chemicals, overkill, or sketchy sales tactics.

Rodents? Covered year-round.

Wasps, ants, spiders? Seasonal protection from May to September.

Bed bugs? They’ll have your sheets safe again within 48 hours.

Birds in the vents? Bats in the attic? They’ve got humane wildlife exclusion, too.

Their residential plans are flexible, affordable, and built around prevention—not just extermination.

They already work with big names like PEKA, but this summer, they’re focusing right here: on local homes that want proactive pest control without the nonsense.

🐜 Learn more or get a free quote today.

_{*Presented by Innovative Pest Solutions.}

THE DIGEST

• 🐕‍🦺 The Banff Restaurants That Actually Allow Dogs. We got tired of outdated lists on Google, so we called every single restaurant in Banff (yes, really) to confirm their dog policies. Only 11 made the cut. If you’re looking for patios that truly welcome pups—think treats, water bowls, and no side-eyes—then check out our latest guide.

• 🏞️ Jen Selter Brings The “Belfie” To Banff. The OG Instagram fitness influencer is in town—famous for popularizing the “belfie” (a bum-focused selfie).  And yes, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake have already got the belfie treatment, sharing scenic snaps with her 13M+ followers. No bears spotted, just buns.

• 🚶 Ukrainian Man With Cerebral Palsy Walking From Calgary to Banff. Oleksandr Kyianytsia is covering 200 km in 20 days to raise $20K for Ukrainian hospitals impacted by war. Despite frequent falls, he's determined to finish the journey—his third fundraiser of this kind—with help from local volunteers along the way.

• 🏞 Free Alberta Parks Programs Roll Out For Summer. Alberta Parks is offering free drop-in programs all summer, and several are happening right here at Bow Valley and Peter Lougheed. Look out for kid-friendly fun like Finding Fawn, theatre-style Rock Horror Picture Show, and survival games like The Fellowship of the Risk. No sign-up needed. Learn more here. 

• 👩🏻‍💻 Banff Students' G7 Song Caught The PM’s Attention. Banff Elementary students teamed up with the town’s poet laureate to write a song for G7 leaders. It didn’t make the summit agenda—but it did earn them a signed letter from Prime Minister Carney. Not bad for a Grade 5 choir.

TRAIL RUNNERS ARE REWRITING THE BOW VALLEY MAP

What’s Happening? Trail runners in the Bow Valley are quietly logging some jaw-dropping times on local peaks. The latest standout? Adam Mertens just set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Rundle Traverse, finishing the rugged 11-peak route in 4:49:13—nearly 45 minutes faster than his previous best.

Not Your Average Trail Run. Many locals know East End of Rundle (EEOR) as a popular day hike. The full traverse, however, continues west for 24km across 2,500m of elevation gain, ending at the Fairmont Banff Springs. It's a serious mountain outing with exposed ridge walks, tricky downclimbs, and even some 5th-class climbing. Most people take 12-18 hours. Mertens did it in under five.

About the Runner. This was Mertens’ 10th time doing the Rundle Traverse. He has a track record of long, creative mountain days. Last fall, he attempted the Bow Valley Cirque—a 127km loop around the entire valley that involved climbing, scrambling, and even a paddleboard section. He also mapped out the Bow Tie, a 64-hour effort that links many of the region’s best-known peaks into one continuous route.

One More for the Books. Also worth noting: Squamish’s Karl Augsten just set a new Canmore Quad FKT—7h13m to tag Grotto, Lady Mac, EEOR, and Ha Ling on foot.

Full list of local FKTs can be found on Ski Uphill. You’ll be quickly humbled. 

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Pick-Up Ultimate Frisbee. Looking to get outside, get moving, and meet great people? Check out free pick-up Ultimate Frisbee games every Monday. All skill levels welcome—no experience needed. 6:00 PM. Elizabeth Rummel Field, Canmore. Free. 

• Slack Jams. Hang out, learn to slackline or highline, or just enjoy the vibe. No experience needed—just show up. Weather permitting. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Riverside Park, Canmore · No cost to join.

• Yoga in the Park. Breathe deep, stretch it out, and flow by the river. All levels welcome, by donation. Sign up at Eventbrite. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free. 

Tuesday

• Breakfast in Banff. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the patio with friends or need a hearty start to your day, the Fat Ox has everything you’re looking for first thing in the morning. 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Daily. Fat Ox, Banff.*

• Permanent Resident’s Lunch. Connect with other PRs at this free lunch, trivia games, and a settlement services worker on-site to answer any of your questions. 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Catherine Robb Whyte Building, Banff. Free. 

• Sisterhood Circle.. Through guided meditation, breathwork, and gentle embodiment, this women’s circle offers a supportive place to reconnect with yourself and others. All are welcome. 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Creekside Villa, Canmore. Free. 

CANMORE FOLK FEST IS ALMOST HERE

Mark your calendars: August 2–4 is about to be your favourite weekend of the summer.

The 48th annual Canmore Folk Festival is bringing three full days of live music, mountain views, and that one-of-a-kind community vibe that only Canmore can pull off.

This year’s lineup? Stacked.

Corb Lund, Frazey Ford, Aysanabee, Basia Bulat, Donovan Woods—plus a bunch of rising stars you’ll be bragging about discovering.

It’s kid-friendly (hello, craft zone), food-truck-fuelled, beer-garden-approved, and packed with local makers.

🎟️ Tickets are flying—grab yours now.

Coming from Calgary?

Hop on the Folk Fest Express: just $40 round trip, and it drops you right at the gate. No traffic. No parking drama. Just more time for music and mountains.

_{*Presented by Canmore Folk Fest.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥞 Your Wallet’s Favourite Cafe in Canmore. Owned and operated by Canmore locals, the Cornerstone Cafe knows how hard it is to balance great food with a valley budget—so they’ve made it their mission to serve up both. Follow their Instagram for menu updates and specials.*

• 🎭 Theatre Under the Trees. It’s not Broadway, it’s better. The Canmore Summer Theatre Festival runs July 9–20 at Centennial Park, with The Wizard of Oz at 1 PM and Treasure Island at 7 PM. The performances on July 9 are pay-what-you-can. Mountain views, live theatre, and blankets under the stars—attend one or both shows, just bring your own seating and settle in. Get tickets here (before they sell out).*

• 🍻 Happy Hour in Banff? Stop by The Boss. From 3-6 PM daily, head to the main level lounge for a family-friendly happy hour. Specials include $6 mini Margherita pizzas, and for the adults, $5 house beers and vodka lemonade on tap, and $10 cocktails.*

• 🍰 There’s a Gelato Cart in Banff. Wild Flour Bakery has rolled out an Italian gelato cart with rotating flavours (two vegan!) served daily on their sunny patio. It’s the perfect mid-day cool-down or post-hike reward. It’s located at the Bison Courtyard. Here’s the exact spot.*

• 🐻 Bear Warning Issued For Rampart Creek. A curious black bear is getting a little too close for comfort near Rampart Creek Campground and Hostel. Check the advisory map here. If you see a bear, report it to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.

• 🎬 Pitch Your Film Idea for a Chance at $25K. To mark its 50th, the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival is launching BanffPitch—a live pitch event for emerging filmmakers aged 18–35. If your project explores mountain culture, adventure, sport, or the environment, you could win $25K (or score runner-up cash and gear). Submissions open August 11..

• 🎒 Back to School Support for Bow Valley Families. Crossway Community Thrift Store is once again offering school supply vouchers to families in need. Vouchers can be used at Bow Valley Basics in Canmore.

CIVIC NEWS

• Harvie Heights Road Paving Notice. The MD will be paving sections of Harvie Heights Road between July 2 and July 30. Access to Blue Jay Drive and all local businesses will remain open throughout the project. Allow extra time and expect minor delays during construction.

• Public Hearing: Banff Community Plan. Banffites! This is your final input opportunity on Banff’s 2025 Community Plan, aka how you want the town to be reimaged over the next decade. Speak or submit feedback by July 11 for the July 14 hearing at Town Hall. Full details. 

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, July 7th,  2025, 6:00 PM: Sunset Festival: Steph O'Dette. Location: Banff Gondola. Note: The show is technically free, but you must make it to the top of the mountain, either by purchasing a gondola ticket or hiking to the top.

• Tuesday, July 8th,  2025, 10:00 PM: Black Tie Flannel. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Banff’s New Rowing Club Makes a Splash at Alberta Open. The freshly formed Canadian Rockies Rowing Club hit the water last weekend at the Alberta Open, with Banff local Chrissy Nickerson placing third in the Masters Women’s Single. Racing on a glassy Glenmore Reservoir, she clocked 7:00.45 over 1500m. Not bad for the club’s debut.

• Canmore Eagles Trade For Veteran Defenceman Ahead of Season Start. The Eagles swapped blueliners with Drayton Valley, picking up 20-year-old Reid Larson in exchange for Keston Beagle. Larson brings WHL and AJHL experience and is expected to join the top pairing. The team’s home opener is Sept. 27, with two bonus games scheduled in Banff this season.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.