🙅 Stop Going to Johnston Canyon

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Everyone flocks to Johnston Canyon—but honestly, you can do better. We’ve hiked a ton of waterfalls around Banff, and picked five that are actually worth your time (and don’t come with a parking lot full of tour buses). One of them? Even longtime locals don’t know it. First link in today’s Digest.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Film tariffs threaten Alberta shoots, including in the Bow Valley  

• Fire advisory for Canmore means restrictions are now in place 

• Fishing season kicks off–see which local lakes are stocked

• Plus: Mother’s Day brunch, paint & sips, charity golf, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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WHAT TARIFFS MEAN FOR THE BOW VALLEY’S BIG SCREEN MOMENTS

What’s Happening? The Alberta film industry is on edge after Donald Trump floated a 100% tariff on foreign-made films—raising big questions about what that could mean for Alberta-based productions, including in the Bow Valley.

Banff-to-Hollywood Pipeline. This matters locally. The Bow Valley—home to cinematic landscapes that have stood in for everything from frontier epics like The Revenant to fantasy thrillers such as Jumanji and The Last of Us—has increasingly attracted big-name productions. But if U.S. studios pull back due to tariffs, projects that rely on American funding or distribution could stall.

Still a Lot of ‘Ifs’. Industry groups like the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) are in damage-control mode, briefing government leaders and calling in trade lawyers. The details are fuzzy, but the fear is clear: this could disrupt the delicate balance of cross-border collaboration that powers Canada’s film sector.

Not Just About Tax Credits. While Alberta’s competitive incentives are key, it’s also about crews, scenery, and location access. Trump’s tariff could upend that mix. One thing’s for sure—Banff looks great on screen. Let’s hope it still gets the chance.

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH AT VISTAS DINING ROOM

May 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 1 PM

Make this Mother’s Day one to remember with a decadent brunch buffet at Vistas Dining Room, where every detail is designed to make moms feel celebrated. 

Enjoy a chef-curated spread featuring fresh oysters, cedar-planked trout, slow-roasted beef, and elegant French toast—all served alongside sweeping mountain views. 

Little ones can enjoy comforting classics, while everyone ends on a sweet note with handcrafted desserts from their pastry team. 

Celebrate with warm hospitality and flavours as memorable as the moment.

$69 per adult | $25 per child aged 6 - 12 | Complimentary for children 5 and under

Reserve Now

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_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 🏞 Banff’s Best Waterfalls (That Aren’t Johnston Canyon). There are 500+ waterfalls in Alberta, but in Banff, just five are worth your summer list—and none are Johnston Canyon. We picked the ones with big payoff and fewer crowds. A couple are easy walks. One doesn’t even have a real trail, and most locals haven’t heard of it. Check out the complete list here. 

• 🐟 Alberta’s Dropping 2 Million Trout Into Local Waters. The province’s fish stocking program is back, and Bow Valley’s on the list. With rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger trout being released into ponds and lakes, this helps boost angling options and protect native species. Check out our article on which Bow Valley lakes are getting stocked—and when.

• 🔥 Fire Advisory Issued for Canmore. Hot, dry weather has pushed wildfire risk to “high” around Canmore, Kananaskis, and the MD of Bighorn. A fire advisory is now in place—open burns are restricted, but backyard fire pits and campfires in safe fire rings are still allowed. No fireworks or exploding targets until conditions improve.

• 💝 Canmore Rotary Steps In After Holiday Vandalism. After last year’s Christmas display in Canmore was slashed by vandals, the Rotary Club of Canmore has donated new inflatables and candy canes to help rebuild the cheer. It’s a heartwarming follow-up to a story that saw locals rally to save the display just hours after the damage was discovered.

• 👇 Federal Funding Uncertainty Hits Stoney Nakoda Students. Stoney Nakoda students are losing 150 school placements this fall after Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) said federal funding promises were too vague to rely on. Despite public reassurances from Indigenous Services Canada, CRPS says millions were unpaid last year—and they still don’t have written guarantees.

FIELD, BC FIRE DEPT’S HOT NEW PROPOSAL

What’s Happening? Field, B.C. could soon see its fire department shift from Parks Canada control to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD)—no tax hike required.

Why the Switch? Parks Canada asked CSRD to take over due to struggles keeping up with modern standards. CSRD, which already oversees 14 volunteer departments, says it’s well-equipped to handle the job.

Same Service, New Management. Residents would see no change in structure fire coverage—and still no road rescue. But the hope is CSRD could eventually help bring that back.

The Fine Print. Instead of a referendum, an “alternative approval process” means the switch goes ahead unless 10% of eligible voters submit opposition forms.

Backstory. Field Fire’s rocky relationship with Parks Canada dates back to a fiery highway crash in 2013, and tensions grew during a 2020 contract standoff. Road rescue was dropped soon after. The proposed transition aims to finally stabilize service in this high-risk area.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Coffee Connector. Network, talk shop, or spark new ideas over coffee at this casual business meet-up—only 14 spots available, with 4 reserved for non-members.. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Eclipse Coffee, Dead Man’s Flats. Free.  

• Chilean Cultural Lunch. Join the Chilean community as they prepare and serve a traditional Chilean meal, (vegetarian option available) while listening to Chilean music and joining in some Zumba fun.. 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. 101 Bear St, Banff. $3 Suggested Donation. 

• Pasta Night with CYAN. Pasta Night is back—with catering by Mountain Fire Foods, complete with vegan & GF options, games for all ages, and community connections. Bring your own tupperware & come as you are—everyone’s welcome at the table! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Rec Centre. By Donation. 

• Group Bike Rides. Starting today and every Wednesday this summer, meet up at the brewery, head out for a ride and then back for a pint. 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free to ride. 

• Trivia Night. Show off your pub trivia knowledge for cash prizes. 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore. $2.    

Thursday

• Panel Discussion. Canada’s vast freshwater systems face growing threats from climate change, development, and shifting priorities. Join a cross-disciplinary panel discussion on protecting and sustaining vital water resources for generations to come. 6:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. RSVP for this free event.

• BYO Book Club. No assigned reading—just great book chat! Bring a title to share at this casual meet-up for readers. Discover new recommendations, swap ideas, or just come to listen and grow your TBR list. All welcome, even if you don’t bring a book. 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free. 

• Slow Down with Forest Bathing. Slow down and reconnect with nature through Forest Bathing, a Japanese mindfulness practice. Guided by certified expert Scott Berry, this peaceful outdoor session supports mental well-being, calm, and connection with the natural world. 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM. 100 Mount Norquay Road, Banff. Free with Registration.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• ⛳32nd Annual Rotary Charity Golf Classic. Tee off for a good cause! The Rotary Club of Canmore is back on Friday, June 13th—and it’s almost sold out. This is your chance to make a real difference while enjoying a day on the course with fellow community supporters. Grab your spot or learn more.

• 🌺Mom Deserves The Best Blooms! Wendy’s Garden Centre reopens May 10 with stunning hanging baskets, planters, and perennials. Whether she loves bright florals or a lush patio setup, they’ve got the perfect gift. Stop by Roosters Corner (13 Industrial Pl, Canmore) and make Mother’s Day bloom!

• 👩🏻‍🎨Mother’s Day Paint & Sip. Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Rose & Crown with a family-friendly Paint & Sip event! Enjoy pottery painting with Crock A Doodle, a drink, and creative fun from 2–4pm. Tickets $45/person, all ages welcome. 

• 🧘🏻‍♀️Recharge Your Mind. Torch Your To-Do List. If your brain’s been running in a hundred directions lately, Well In: Banff will be a serious reset. Three days of yoga, mindfulness, and outdoor stuff in the Rockies—no deadlines, no errands, no endless to-do lists. Grab a Standard Pass and check it out from May 23-25.

• 🚐Roam Transit Update. Roam’s summer schedule starts May 16. Expect increased service on Routes 1 & 2, daily returns of Routes 4 & 6, and updates to Routes 3, 5C & 5T. Route 12 now serves Palliser Trail instead of Spring Creek, and 5T moves to 10th Street — saving time per trip. 

• 📝Vendor Applications Now Open. Banff Pride has a spot at Banff’s weekly farmer’s markets and is looking to partner with local 2SLGBTQIA+ artists each week to showcase the best of Banff, with all proceeds going directly to the artists. Space is limited, sign up today!

• 🤝Helping Hands from Local Student Athletes. Canmore Eagles billet Ethan Look and teammate Alex Scheiwiller are offering window washing and seasonal services this spring/summer to help fund their university goals. They’ve already impressed local families—reach out directly for a quote and show your support.

• 🔆Students Spread Mental Health Messages Through Art. Look out for decorated bags around Banff this week! In honour of Banff Mental Health Week, students at Banff Elementary added messages of kindness and mental health awareness to paper bags. A simple, powerful reminder to care for ourselves and each other. 

• 📷Model Call! Carmella is casting 3 couples (ages 35–50) for a lifestyle shoot at a Canmore hotel on May 12 from 2–5 PM. Local talent only. Send a recent photo to [email protected] for details + compensation info!

CIVIC NEWS

• Three Sisters Reserve Policy Repealed. As development advances in Three Sisters Village, town council repealed a 2007 municipal reserve policy deemed redundant. The area will now follow updated plans aiming to house up to 30,000 with parks, trails, and no single-family homes.

• Low Uptake Spurs Review of Housing Loan Program. The Town of Banff is boosting its housing loan program for staff, but uptake remains low. Council suspects the HIPP's $39K–$52K interest-free loan isn’t enough given Bow Valley prices. They’ve asked staff to explore alternative housing supports and survey employees.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Banffchella. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Canmore. $16.50 / $21.69.

• Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, 10:00 PM: DJ Nazo. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 8th, 2025, 9:00 PM: 2000s Throwback Party with DJ Raven. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Thursday, May 8th, 2025, 10:00 PM: JG n’ The District. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore Studio Drops Free Leg Lock Video. Dark Horse Martial Arts just released a free BJJ tutorial covering leg lock fundamentals—perfect for mountain athletes or anyone looking to sharpen their ground game.  Great prep in case you ever have to wrestle a bear. (Just kidding. Please don’t wrestle bears.)

That’s all, folks!

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