💸 Tourism Tax Jumping 50%

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If you’re planning a drive up the Icefields Parkway this week, take note. Parks Canada says the stretch between Saskatchewan Crossing and Parker Ridge will close starting at 4 PM today and remain closed until the afternoon of March 12 for avalanche control work. Check 511 Alberta for real-time road updates.

— Fortune Whelan, Ben S., Sneha Kainth, Madalyn Beach

ALBERTA RAISING TOURISM TAX ON HOTELS AND SHORT-TERM RENTALS BY 50%

What’s Happening: Alberta will increase the tourism tax on hotels and short-term rentals from 4% to 6% starting April 1, a 50% jump expected to generate about $66 million in additional provincial revenue next year.

A Bigger Tourism Tax. The levy applies to temporary accommodations such as hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. With the increase, annual tourism levy revenue is projected to reach roughly $200 million in 2026-27 and rise to about $214 million by 2028-29.

Where the Money Goes. Despite its name, not all of the revenue supports tourism promotion. Tracy Douglas, president and CEO of the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association, told Bow Valley Insider the levy functions more like a hotel sales tax. Only about 40% of the funds are directed to Travel Alberta for tourism marketing, with the rest going into the province’s general revenue.

Who’s Actually Paying. The province says the levy helps ensure visitors contribute to infrastructure and services they use while travelling, such as highways, emergency services, and provincial parks.

But industry groups say many of the people paying the tax are Albertans themselves. Douglas said Travel Alberta data suggests roughly 80% of trips within the province are made by Alberta residents travelling for sporting events, family visits, or work. Provincial officials dispute that figure, saying more than 55% of levy payments come from non-residents.

Mountain Town Concerns. Leaders in tourism-heavy communities say the bigger question is where the revenue ultimately ends up.

“None of this is allocated to municipalities for tourism. The Town of Banff does not get any of this revenue,” said Jason Darrah, communications director for the Town of Banff.

Banff receives roughly four million visitors each year, and Darrah noted that nearly half the town’s municipal budget supports services used by visitors.

Will It Change Travel? Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert said the increase itself is unlikely to meaningfully affect visitation. Tourism levies, he noted, are common in many destinations and typically seen by travellers as part of the cost of lodging.

Another Tourism Tax Coming. Alberta’s budget also introduces a 6% tax on passenger vehicle rentals beginning Jan. 1, 2027, expected to generate about $36 million annually once fully implemented.

Read our full story, including interviews with industry leaders and local officials.

BANFF GONDOLA’S NIGHTRISE ENTERS ITS FINAL SEASON

What’s Happening? After five winters lighting up Sulphur Mountain, Nightrise at the Banff Gondola is entering its final season, wrapping up March 29.

More Than Just Lights. Created by Moment Factory in partnership with Pursuit and the Stoney Nakoda Nation, Nightrise blended projections, soundscapes, and storytelling into an after-dark mountain experience. But for many locals, it became something deeper: a rare space where Indigenous language and stories were front and centre in one of Banff’s most iconic tourism settings.

Travis Rider of the Stoney Nakoda Nation said hearing his community’s language on the ride up was what stood out most. “You don’t hear our language anywhere else,” he said, adding that it shows visitors “we’re still here… living, thriving people.”

A Space for Reconciliation. Rider described the project as an example of reconciliation in action. By collaborating across Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews, he said, “something good can come out of it.” For visitors from around the world, it offered a cultural perspective often missing from traditional sightseeing.

Not the End, But a Beginning. While this is the final winter run, Rider framed it differently: in an Indigenous worldview, “the circle… never ends.” He sees Nightrise less as a closing chapter and more as the start of future collaborations.

Plan Your Final Visit. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, the message is simple: it’s not something you’ll find anywhere else. Check event dates for skygazing and the closing celebration, and see full details on packages here.

_{*Presented by Banff Jasper Collections.}

THE DIGEST

• 🚙 Poll Shows 64% Support Paid Parking at Sulphur Mountain. Most Bow Valley Insider readers support the new paid parking pilot at Sulphur Mountain, though many say locals should get a break. In a poll of 300 readers, 64% supported the $17.50 daily fee launching May 15 at the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs lots. Supporters say pricing parking could ease congestion and encourage visitors to use transit instead of driving across the Bow River Bridge. But critics argue locals already pay enough through park passes and other fees, with many calling for exemptions or discounts for Banff and Canmore residents. Read everything your neighbours had to say.

• 🧼 Canmore’s Rocky Skincare Brand Marks 25 Years of Growth. What started as a small Canmore soap shop has grown into a national skincare brand. Rocky, formerly Rocky Mountain Soap Company, now employs about 300 people, operates 15 stores, and supplies more than 90 retailers across Canada. Founders Karina Birch and Cam Baty purchased the company in 2000 and helped pioneer natural ingredient formulations long before they were mainstream. The company recently marked its 25th anniversary with a rebrand, shortening its name to Rocky and introducing more sustainable packaging while keeping production in Canmore.

• 🏥 Canmore Hospital Foundation Names New Executive Director. The nonprofit that supports Canmore General Hospital has a new leader at the helm. Renée Krysko stepped into the executive director role in December, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. The foundation raises money for medical equipment and projects that fall outside standard health-care funding. Since 2003, it has raised about $8 million, helping fund upgrades to medical technology, patient spaces, and services such as women’s health care. Krysko says her focus will be strengthening donor relationships.

• 🚉Alberta’s Passenger Rail Plan Nears Release. Alberta says its long-awaited Passenger Rail Master Plan is complete and expected to be released within weeks. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the vision includes a high-speed rail corridor along the Highway 2 corridor linking Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary, with connections to local LRT systems and both international airports. The concept also includes regional rail to the Rocky Mountain parks, potentially linking Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff. For now, it remains a long-term vision, and the upcoming plan should show how much is actually moving toward construction.

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BANFF CONSIDERING BUSINESS LICENCE FEES TO ADDRESS STAFF HOUSING SHORTAGE

What’s Happening: Banff is exploring whether business licence fees could help tackle the town’s long-standing staff housing shortage by linking fees to how much employee housing a business provides.

A New Tool on the Table. The idea surfaced during a review of Banff’s business licence bylaw at a recent meeting. No changes are currently proposed, but officials say the licensing system could potentially support broader policy goals, including housing.

The Philosophy Behind It. Town officials say the concept aligns with Banff’s long-standing view that employers should play a role in housing their workforce.

 “The business licensing process may help close the gap on housing in our community,” said Jason Darrah, the town’s communications director. “The Town’s philosophy is that employers should play a central role in providing adequate housing in the community, equivalent to their staffing needs.”

Why Housing Remains Tight. Banff’s rental vacancy rate sits below 1%, and the town estimates it is short between 700 and 1,000 homes. About 40% of the population is made up of short-term workers, a dynamic that has strained housing supply for decades.

Where the Current System Falls Short. Right now, housing requirements mainly arise during the development approval process. When businesses build or expand facilities, the town may require them to build staff housing or contribute funds toward future housing projects.

But that system only captures employment growth tied to new construction. Businesses that increase staffing without expanding their buildings can add housing demand without triggering a review.

How Licensing Could Change That. Because business licences are renewed annually, they could provide a regular check-in on workforce housing. One idea is to vary licence fees depending on how much housing a company provides for employees.

Council is expected to revisit the concept later this year. Read our full story.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Fat Bike Ride. Trade the couch for studded tires and a winter trail. Led by local riders, the ride is geared toward intermediate to advanced riders looking to stretch their legs, discover new trails, and maybe meet a new riding buddy. Snow, bikes, and post-ride beers. 6:00 PM. Canmore Brewing Company. Free.*

Thursday

• A Golden Hour Experience in Banff. Unwind at Fireside Sunset, Banff’s coziest golden hour ritual. Relax by glowing firepits with cocktails or mocktails and sunset views just one minute off the highway. Happening Thursdays and Fridays at 4 PM, this laid-back après escape has only 25 tickets per evening, so grab yours early. 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Juniper, Banff. $33.*

• HD Theatre Screening of Othello. Watch a filmed stage production of Othello from London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring David Harewood and Toby Jones. The acclaimed production explores jealousy, manipulation, and power, with music by PJ Harvey. 7:00 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $10-$20.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💡 St. Paddy’s Trivia Night Hits Mainspace. If your St. Patrick’s Day plans currently involve “maybe a quiet pint,” consider upgrading. Mainspace is hosting a trivia night with drinks, snacks, and a little friendly competition. For $10, you get trivia entry plus a tall can or a green signature cocktail. Doors open at 6:00 PM, trivia runs 7:00 to 9:30 PM, and the bar stays open until 11:00 PM. Winning team scores a grand prize, plus there’s a stacked giveaway featuring local gems like Blake, Eclipse, The Gem Stays, and Canmore Brewing.*

• 🌿 Herbalist Hosts Full-Day Immune Workshop in Canmore. If you’re stuck on the cough-and-cold carousel, a full-day “Boost Your Immune System” workshop lands in Canmore on Saturday, March 21. Led by UK-trained Master Herbalist Caroline Evans, the in-person session breaks down how your immune system actually works, which herbs are safe and effective, what foods help or hinder immunity, and how to make simple remedies at home using everyday ingredients. Expect practical protocols, clear supplement guidance, and hands-on learning. Register here.*

• 🏕️ A Unique Summer Camp for Teens in Kananaskis. Looking for something a little different than the typical summer camp? Camp Chief Hector is hosting a 13-day overnight program this August designed for teens aged 14-15 who want to spend serious time outdoors while learning about conservation, leadership, and community. Campers stay in yurts, explore sites across the Kananaskis region, and work alongside outdoor educators, scientists, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. Registration closes June 1.*

• ❄️ Canmore Ice Show Brings Olympian to the Rink. The Canmore Recreation Centre rink transforms into a theatre for this unique on-ice production featuring local Bow Valley skaters and special guest Keegan Messing, Canadian champion and Olympian. Presented by the Canmore Skating Club, the show combines professional lighting, music, and close-up rinkside seating for an immersive experience. It only happens every two years, making this a rare local event. Tickets here.*

• 🌍 Support Local Climate Action. Did you know the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is an official environmental partner of 1% for the Planet? Through this program, local businesses can commit 1% of annual sales to environmental causes and support climate action right here in the Bow Valley. Partnering with the Biosphere helps fund local work. Want to know more? Click here.*

• 🎭 Comedy Night. Catch Canadian comedian Henry Sir live at the Rose & Crown in Banff on April 23. Sir, who performs regularly at New York clubs like The Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club, is known for his dry wit and sharp takes on current events. He’s appeared on Comedy Central, Just For Laughs, and CBC’s New Wave of Stand Up. A few of us at Bow Valley Insider already grabbed tickets, and they’re selling fast.*

CIVIC NEWS

• Residents Challenge Banff Housing Project. Some Banff residents have hired a lawyer to try to halt a proposed housing development in their neighbourhood. The group says the project violates existing property agreements, including restrictive covenants and a shared wall agreement, and has issued a legal demand asking the owners to stop construction.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, March 11th, 2026, 10:00 PM: Bunny Hops. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, March 11th, 2026, 10:00 PM: No Trust Tour ft. Rumpus & Burchill. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $25.10.

SPORTS

• Canmore Skier Podiums at Sleeping Giant Loppet. Canmore’s Amanda Butler finished second in the women’s 50-kilometre skate race at the Sleeping Giant Loppet, crossing the line in 2:39:26. Held near Thunder Bay, the event draws more than 650 cross-country skiers each year, with the 50-km race as its marquee distance. Challenging conditions this year made for a true endurance test on the trails.

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.