🚦 Spray Lakes Getting Paved?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

So here’s a pro tip from our publisher Ben: he was climbing by Moraine Lake this week and when he got back to the office he shared something hard to believe. At 7 PM there were only two people at the lake, and he was completely alone in Larch Valley. Time it right on a weekday close to sunset and you might just have these “impossible” spots to yourself.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

PREMIER’S LETTER OUTLINES PARKS PRIORITIES FOR BOW VALLEY

What’s Happening? Premier Danielle Smith’s new marching orders to Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen put Bow Valley front and centre: more campsites, expanded services in Kananaskis and Canmore, and trail and highway upgrades. Read the open letter here.

Hwy 742: The Dusty Question. The letter calls for upgrades to Highway 742, covering parking, facilities, and trail infrastructure. The million-dollar question for locals: does “upgrade” mean paving the whole Smith-Dorrien? For now, no one is saying. The only work completed was fresh pavement at pull-outs like Grassi Lakes and Ha Ling to keep the dust down.

Campsites Incoming. Alberta is sticking with its pledge to add 900 new campsites by 2033, with 300 by 2027. The draft Plan for Parks also talks about expanding overnight options and infrastructure, though it leaves plenty of blanks. Over the summer, the government asked for feedback, and Bow Valley Insider published the survey multiple times, directing hundreds of local responses. That input is now under review, with a “what we heard” report expected in the coming months.

Entrepreneurs On Public Land. Smith also directed the Parks Minister to expand “public land-use opportunities” for Alberta entrepreneurs in K-Country and Canmore, which could mean upgraded services or new business models. Exactly what that looks like remains to be seen.

The Resorts Question. In the background is the All-Season Resorts Act, passed last year, which created a framework for resort development on provincial land. It allows the province to re-designate areas, including some previously protected, so private operators can propose resorts. Any proposal would still require environmental review and consultation, but critics worry it could open the door to commercial development in sensitive areas. Whether Bow Valley becomes a testing ground for this tool remains an open question.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: FRESH LISTING IN THREE SISTERS

If you’ve been eyeing Three Sisters, here’s a new spot to watch. This bright 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome now available at 202H-1101 Three Sisters Parkway. It’s single-level and move-in ready, with the bonus of a private garage, oversized storage, and extra driveway parking.

Step outside and you’re surrounded by trails, a dog park, disc golf, and of course, Stewart Creek Golf Course. Downtown and the highway are close enough for convenience, but far enough that this corner of Canmore still feels quiet.

Alex and Lori can give you the details. Reach out here for more information or set up a custom property search if you have a specific wish list in mind.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• 🔎 Banff Is The Most Searched Destination For Canadians This Fall. Airbnb says Canadians are leaning into fall escapes, with Banff ranking alongside Tofino, Halifax, and Québec City as top domestic picks. The data comes from Airbnb searches made in spring 2025 for trips between September and November. Bottom line: it may not reflect actual bookings, but it’s a clear sign Canadians have Banff on the brain.

• 🏆 ‘White Lotus’ Star Calls Banff World-Class. Some famous guy we’d never heard of, because we don’t watch TV and aren’t hip anymore, was asked what he’d do if he wasn’t acting. Walton Goggins said he’d learn to rock climb, something he’s never had the chance to try. His dream spot? Banff, which he called “world-class climbing.” He even joked about chiselling his face into the mountains (eye roll). Watch the clip.

• ⛰ Banff Book Finalists Include Strong Canadian Showing. If you’re looking to snuggle up to the fire with your next read, these Canadian picks just made the Banff Mountain Book Awards shortlist: 5.7 | Haikus for the Climber by Mike Brown and Travels Up the Creek by Lorne Fitch. In total, $29,000 in prize money is up for grabs, with winners announced in November. See all the finalists here. 

• 💰 Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Lands Major Funding. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary has scored $625,000 in grants from all levels of government to build a new day-use area, an interpretation centre, and more paved pathways. The centre will feature tactile educational items like replica skulls, paw prints, and donated artwork. 

• 🔥 Canmore Targets Canyon Ridge Wildfire Risk. Canmore has secured $154,000 from the provincial government to thin, prune, and clear 11 hectares around Canyon Ridge, the neighbourhood tucked below Grotto Mountain. Dead wood will be piled and burned once snow and cold weather arrive. Work begins in November, with residents notified beforehand. 

Step Into the Marketing Ring…

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Ready to fight smarter?
➡️ Partner with Bow Valley Insider and join the winning team

WORK PAUSED ON BANFF SIGN MOVE AFTER ARTIFACTS FOUND

What’s Happening? While we were all expecting Banff’s iconic welcome sign to shift from Mt. Norquay Road to the Train Station, the move stalled after crews uncovered 1800s-era debris that triggered an archaeological review.

Why Move the Sign? Since its installation in 2017, the sign has lured millions of visitors into traffic for the perfect selfie. After years of tweaks that never fully solved the problem, the Town opted to relocate the sign to a pedestrian-friendly location at the parking lot beside the Train Station. The move is part of a $1.2 million redevelopment that will add landscaping, benches, pathways, and improved access.

The Archaeology Pause. Parks Canada says the site may have been a railway dumping ground and is testing whether the debris has historical value, which could delay work up to six weeks. The Waterous family’s company, Liricon Capital, which leases the Railway Lands, notes similar trash surfaced when the station lot was built, since passengers once tossed garbage from trains.

Who’s Paying? The Waterous family is covering the full cost of the move as part of their long-term vision for the area. Mayor Corrie DiManno praised their support, saying the Train Station is the ideal new home for the sign and encourages visitors to park at the town’s gateway rather than add to downtown congestion.

What’s Next? The Town had originally targeted October 2025 for the new sign to be in place, but with the archaeological review, that timeline is now uncertain.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• 20 Years of Bison Courtyard in Banff. Celebrate the 20th anniversary with highlights including the unveiling of four murals by Indigenous artist Joseph M. Sánchez, live storytelling, performances, artisan showcases, and local food. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Bison Courtyard, Banff. Free.*

• Comedy Night. Sean Lecomber is a seasoned Canadian comedian with 30 appearances on CBC Debates and a guest spot on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Winner of Just For Laughs Homegrown, he has performed at the Halifax and Winnipeg Comedy Festivals and written for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Apparently, he’s funny. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members.*

• An Evening With Adam Mertens. Hear local athlete Adam Mertens share how he became the first to complete the 146 km Bow Valley Cirque. 70 hours of running, climbing, scrambling, and paddleboarding with 11,000 metres of gain. 7:00–8:30 PM. 906 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore. Free, registration required.

Saturday

• Camp Chief Hector Homecoming. Past campers, families, and community members are invited back for a full day of activities, lunch and dinner, camp tours, and fireside chats. The night wraps up with a Coffee House of live music, storytelling, and open mic performances. Donations support the camp’s next 100 years. 10:00 AM–7:30 PM. Camp Chief Hector, Kananaskis. Suggested donation $40. Details here.*

• Blanket Exercise at Sundance Park. An immersive workshop exploring the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. A moving way to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 2:00–5:00 PM. Sundance Park, Banff. Free.

• Kendal Mountain Film Tour in Canmore. A night of award-winning adventure films showcasing daring feats, resilience, and stunning landscapes. From wild ice skating to backcountry snowboarding, this lineup will leave you inspired and ready to explore. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $20 / members $17 / youth $10.*

Sunday

• Fall Clothing Swap-O-Rama. The Canmore Public Library and Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley team up for their biannual clothing swap. Bring or pick up clothing, shoes, and accessories. 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library. Free.

LAWYERS WHO ACTUALLY LIVES HERE

Ever dream of snapping up that perfect mountain-view condo, but the paperwork feels like climbing Ha Ling?  Or maybe you’re juggling a budding Bow Valley startup and have more contracts than caffeine? 

That’s where Stringam comes in. 

They’re not some big-city lawyers breezing through; they actually live here, volunteer here, and know exactly how to tackle those rocky legal details so you can keep adventuring worry-free. 

Whether you’re investing in real estate, launching a business, or sorting out the family plan, Stringam’s deep local experience has your back. 

Trust us, knowing your legal team is as rooted in the community as you are makes every decision feel a little lighter. 

Ready to keep forging ahead without tripping over the fine print? 

Reach out to Stringam and see how local know-how can make all the difference.

_{*Presented by Stringam Law.}

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🐶 Meet Kuma. This resilient, chatty pup is full of love and energy after bravely recovering from a broken leg. Potty trained and super social, Kuma is ready to bring joy to his forever home. Looking for a loyal, fun companion? Kuma’s your guy. Apply with Heart Mountain Rescue today and give him the home he deserves.*

• 🏃 Community Spirit Shines at 45th Annual Terry Fox Run. The 45th annual Terry Fox Run in Canmore brought the community together to honour Fox’s legacy and support cancer research, raising about $20,000. Participants of all ages walked, ran, and biked through scenic routes.

• ⭐ A Cave Opera in Grotto Mountain. Well, this might be one of the strangest events we’ve ever heard: a full-on opera performance underground in Rat’s Nest Cave inside Grotto Mountain. Expect choral music, puppetry, and hand drum echoes in the dark. Here’s a little teaser.  If interested, it’s on September 28th. Click here for details.

• 🧗 Small Group Intermediate Climbing Coaching. Ready to climb harder? The Performance Climbing Series at Elevation Place offers small-group training and customized coaching for climbers consistently climbing 5.10a or higher. Learn techniques, improve strength, and take your skills to 5.11 and beyond. 

• ✒️ New Tattoo Studio Opening Soon.  Banff Ave Tattoo, a tattooer-owned and operated studio, is opening this fall in Harmony Lane Mall, Banff. After months of anticipation, the rumours are true. Stay tuned for the official opening.

CIVIC NEWS

• Bighorn Council Faces Election by Acclamation. With no challengers ahead of the Sept. 22 nomination deadline, all five incumbents may be acclaimed for the first time since 2007. Reeve Lisa Rosvold cautions that repeated acclamations weaken democracy. Priorities ahead include a trails master plan, transit study, and a land-use bylaw review on housing affordability.

• Canmore and Banff Recruiting Committee Members. Both towns are looking for residents to step up. Canmore has openings on nine committees and boards, including Housing, Library, Planning, and Culture, while Banff is seeking members for its Police Governance Committee, which helps set RCMP priorities. Applications close Monday, Sept. 22.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 19th 2025, 7:00 PM: Duff Thompson and Steph Green Live. Location: The Whyte, Banff. $30 Non-members / $25 Members.

• Friday, September 19th 2025, 7:00 PM: Gord March & Mark Eckerle. Location: Mineshaft Tavern, Canmore. No Cover.

• Sunday, September 21st, 2025, 9:30 PM: Breen Rynne Murray. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. 7:30 PM. $40 / members $34 / youth $20.

SPORTS

• Banff Bears Rugby Claim Southern Alberta Title. The Banff Bears edged the Calgary Canucks 29–23 to win the Calgary Rugby Union championship and book a spot in the provincial final. Tries came from Ian Standish, Nathan Wilson, Yentoff Wuyts, and Ethan McLaughlin, with Jack Pinker kicking the conversions. They face Edmonton’s Nor Westers this Saturday, Sept. 20, 2:00 PM at CRU field in Calgary.

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.