📈 This Banff Stat = Big Yikes

Good morning, Bow Valley!

So we’re launching something fun today. Over 12,900 locals read this newsletter—so why not use it to make someone’s day? Starting now, you can book a Birthday Shout-Out. We’ll put a custom message right at the top of the newsletter for your friend or family member—like: Happy Birthday to Jill in Dead Man’s Flats! She said no gifts this year, but we’re pretty sure this doesn’t count. You can check out the details here. 

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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BANFF’S ~9% TRAFFIC SURGE SIGNALS SUMMER PARKING SQUEEZE

What’s Happening? With U.S. national parks under strain from budget cuts, The New York Times is telling Americans to look north—and judging by recent traffic and airport stats, many already are.

Banff Is Booming. Banff’s traffic is already outpacing its busiest year on record. From January through April, vehicle counts at town entrances are up 8.8% compared to the same period in 2024—which itself set the all-time annual record. Easter weekend alone saw a 17% jump.

YYC: Canada’s Newest Tourist Funnel. Calgary International Airport expects to welcome 67,000 travellers per day this summer, thanks to blockbuster events like the G7 Summit, the Rotary International Convention, and the Calgary Stampede. That’s over 5.8 million people passing through YYC by August.

Canada’s Parks Are Having a Moment. As U.S. parks face closures and crowding, The New York Times is pointing Americans north—naming Banff and Waterton as top “park dupes” for their scenery, affordability, and (yes) functioning bathrooms. But with Banff already breaking traffic records, that “fewer crowds” pitch may be more wishful thinking than hidden gem.

Bottom Line. With the glowing international press and the numbers to match, it’s shaping up to be the Bow Valley’s busiest summer yet. Plan your hikes—and your dinner reservations—accordingly.

FREE PERFORMANCES AT THE BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

The Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival is heating up with everything from intimate piano showcases to Indigenous art workshops and a new group exhibition at Walter Phillips Gallery. Explore the full lineup or check out some of the free events below (note: tickets still required).

Art of Piano Participant Showcases

• June 5 & 6 | 3 & 7 PM

• Rolston Recital Hall

Be inspired by the next generation of pianists during four concerts this week. Experience intimate, high-energy performances by emerging pianists from around the world.

Get Tickets

Visual Arts Open Lecture Series: Jason Baerg

• June 6 | 4 PM

• Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Building (Room 204)

Métis artist Jason Baerg discusses how culture and advocacy shape his multidisciplinary work.

Get Tickets

Elliptical Lineages

• June 7 – Sept 7  | Wed–Sun, 12:30–5 PM

• Walter Phillips Gallery

• Bonus: Public Reception on June 27 from 5–8 PM

This group exhibition presents work by artists who engage the creative practices of family members or those whom they consider kin.

Get Tickets

_{*Presented by Banff Centre.}

THE DIGEST

• 💥 Lightning-Sparked Wildfire in Kootenay Quickly Snuffed Out. A fire near Dog Lake was reported via an emergency phone on May 29 and extinguished two days later thanks to a fast response from Parks Canada crews and helicopter support. It was small—just 0.25 hectares—but a good reminder to report fires fast and skip the illegal campfires.

• 🐻 Bear Encounters Trigger New Trail Closures and a Fatal Decision. After a black bear tore into an unoccupied tent in Quaite Creek, Alberta Parks shut down part of the trail system and the Quaite Valley campground. Meanwhile, in Waterton, another black bear was euthanized after aggressively approaching a hiker—officials said public safety left them no choice.

• 📸 A Banff Sunrise Stuns on The World Stage. A photo snapped from Moraine Lake’s Rockpile was picked by The Guardian as one of its top reader shots. It’s a view most locals have seen before, but this version stands out—capturing the kind of calm that makes you stop scrolling.

• ✅ G7 Update. Security teams are training for wildlife run-ins using real bear traps, while protest zones will livestream directly to summit leaders—letting demonstrators be heard, even from afar. Officials have also quietly prepared for a full evacuation of the summit site, just in case wildfires make things too hot to handle. More details here. 

• 🫶🏻 Canmore Local Launching Indigenous Centres of Excellence. Tim Carwell is planning three Alberta-based Centres—including one in the Bow Valley—designed for learning, culture, and innovation. Think: galleries, museums, business incubators, tech hubs, and gathering spaces for teaching and storytelling. His goal? Real connection, not just reconciliation—built from the ground up, community by community.

WILDLIFE WARNING: DOG DIES IN ELK ENCOUNTER

What’s Happening? A dog was killed by a cow elk in Canmore last week, in what officials believe was an aggressive defense of a newborn calf. The dog was leashed at the time.

Elk Moms Don’t Mess Around. The attack occurred around 10 AM on May 25, when the elk charged the dog—likely perceiving it as a threat similar to a coyote or wolf. Elk calving season (mid-May to early July) is peak time for defensive behaviour, with mothers known to strike anything—human or canine—that gets too close. 

Not the First Time. Just five days earlier, on May 20th, another local was charged by a protective elk near Lions Park while walking his dogs—also leashed. He dodged the attack by hiding behind a tree and tossing rocks. Locals say these confrontations are becoming a regular spring fixture.

Stay Sharp Out There. Wildlife experts urge: carry bear spray (even for elk), avoid wooded trails, and never try to sneak past a cow elk. If you see one—even from 100 metres away—turn around.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Highway Litter Pick. Join Parks Canada to help clean up litter near Cascade Ponds and support local wildlife conservation. Contact [email protected] for details. 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Cascade Ponds, Banff · Free

• Banff Market Returns. Explore fresh local produce, handmade crafts, art, and more. Walk, bike, or take Roam, as parking is limited onsite. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Banff Central Park. Free to attend.

• Daily Happy Hour. With $10 burgers, appies, and salads; and drinks starting at $5, what are you waiting for?  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The Bankhead, Canmore.* 

• Indigenous Perspectives Art Exhibit Opening. Celebrate National Indigenous History Month with an evening of smudge, blessing, drumming, and dance featuring guests from the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Three Sisters Gallery, Canmore · Free

• Beers For Queers. This is a chill evening to grab a drink and chat with local queer folk. Visitors and sober folk are welcome too. 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Banff Ave Brewery. 

Thursday

• Customer Appreciation Breakfast. Help Valbella celebrate 47 years in the Bow Valley by enjoying breakfast by donation in support of the Bow Valley Food Bank. 7:30 AM –11:00 AM. Valbella, 104 Elk Run Blvd, Canmore. By Donation.*

• Local Flavors & Finds. Canmore’s Mountain Market is the perfect spot to discover local produce, meats, baked treats, and more. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Elevation Place, Canmore. Free to attend. 

• Make Macramé Bracelets. Learn basic knotting techniques and design your own unique bracelet in this hands-on session. All materials provided. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

• Trail Running Film Festival. A night of inspiring trail running films, community vibes, and giveaways. Celebrate adventure, inclusivity, and wild places. 7:00 PM · artsPlace, Canmore · Tickets available in advance or at the door.

SHE’LL JUDGE YOUR DIRT, NOT YOUR LIFE

You don’t need to clean before the cleaner comes—Zoe’s seen worse (trust us, she cleaned our publisher Ben’s place). Whether it’s a post-reno disaster or just a month of life piling up, she shows up with zero judgment and maximum elbow grease. Born and raised in the Bow Valley, she’s now taking on new clients. Book a quick chat to see if her no-nonsense style is the right fit for your mess.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🌌 Unlock the Night Sky. Ever wonder why the Northern Lights dance? In this June 16 Zoom workshop hosted by the Interpretive Guides Association, astrophotographer Monika Deviat breaks down the solar science behind aurora, how to read forecasts, and where to find the darkest skies. You’ll also learn how to capture the show with your phone—no fancy gear required. Register here.*

• 🏌 Golf, Goodies & Giving Back: Final Call. Registration closes this Friday. Rotary’s Charity Golf Classic tees off June 13 with a 10 AM shotgun start, prizes, a silent auction, and a full day of food, drinks, and fundraising. It’s fun, friendly, and fuels community impact. Register here.*

• 🍟 The Valbella Food Truck Opens Tomorrow. This summer, head over to Valbella every Thursday and Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. With mountain views, picnic tables, and a fresh rotating menu, it’s your new favourite summer lunch spot.*

• 🥂 Celebrate Pride Month at The Prow. Enjoy their featured Pride cocktail and mocktail all June long—50% of proceeds support Canmore Pride. Sip with purpose and join us in raising a glass to love, inclusion, and community.*

• 🍔 The Burger Quest Continues. Our resident burger expert, Dallas Suttie, takes the Burger Quest show to Three Bears Banff. Check out what he thinks about the Three Bears Double Burger and let us know in the comments where we should go next.  

• 🏊 Private Swimming Lessons. The Town of Banff offers private swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, with a focus on personalized skill development. Residents: $25/lesson. Non-residents: $30. Banff Access Cardholder discounts available.

• 🐶 Longtime Shelter Pups. The Bow Valley SPCA has five very special dogs who have been at the shelter for more than a year. They are amazing pups of all breeds, sizes, and personalities waiting to meet you.

• 👣 Love the Trails? Give Back to the Places You Play. Join a Trail Care Volunteer Day in Kananaskis Country and help maintain the paths you love. No experience needed—just a passion for nature and community.

• 👩🏻‍🦰 Bow Valley Chamber: Women Who Lead Speaker Series Continues. In “Born to Lead Differently,” Mary Tidlund shares her path from oil and gas entrepreneur to global philanthropist. Hear how she unlearned old advice, embraced authenticity, and forged a heart-led leadership style that creates real impact. 

• 💡 Indigenous Cultural Learning: Stoney Beaded Tipi Workshop. Join Iyethka Stoney Nakoda artists Kyle Kaquitts and Jarron Poucette this Friday for a hands-on, traditional beaded tipi-making. All supplies are provided, and participation is free.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Dock Access. The Banff canoe dock has a temporary floating dock this summer after a retaining wall failure made the original dock unsafe. Access is still open, though capacity is reduced. The Town is working on a long-term solution for 2026. 

• Agreement Reached. CUPE 4306 and Canadian Rockies Public Schools have reached a new deal after mediation, including retroactive pay and annual wage increases of 3% or $1.25/hour, whichever is greater. The agreement aims to improve retention and reduce financial strain for staff.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, 9:00 PM. Open Mic Night. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No Cover. 

• Thursday, June 5th, 2025, 6:00 PM. Sun.Set.Sesh Rooftop Party. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover

• Thursday, June 5th, 2025, 6:30 PM. Andrew Staygold. Location: Rimrock Hotel, Banff. No Cover

SPORTS

• Canmore’s NHL Hopeful Eyes What’s Next. After a comeback season with the Hershey Bears, Luke Philp is an unrestricted free agent heading into NHL free agency on July 1. The 29-year-old Canmore native is recovering from injury, nearing 100 career AHL goals—and getting married in the Bow Valley this summer.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Friday, 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.