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Good morning, Bow Valley!

We’re very much expecting our inbox to be flooded by “out of office” messages today. It’s a long weekend, and productivity left the chat somewhere around Wednesday afternoon.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Japan’s dual pricing tourism model has Banff watchers asking questions

• RCMP searching for wanted man last seen in Canmore

• The Last of Us filming speculation

• Plus, Easter egg hunts, comedy nights, Sunday brunch, & more!

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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FROM MT. FUJI TO MT. RUNDLE: THE RISE OF TWO-TIER TOURISM

What's Happening? Japan is rolling out major reforms to manage booming tourism, starting summer 2025, including a two-tier pricing system where foreigners pay more for ski passes. The goal? Reduce overcrowding, protect natural landmarks like Mt. Fuji, and redirect economic benefits into local communities. Sound familiar?

Parallel Peaks. Banff and Canmore face eerily similar challenges: record-breaking visitation, infrastructure strain, and debates over who benefits from tourism. Like Japan, there’s growing tension between “welcoming visitors” and “preserving ecosystems.” Also like Japan, local sentiment is shifting—from “how do we attract more tourists?” to “how do we manage them better?”

Local vs. Tourist Pricing? Japan’s tourist-specific fees might sound harsh, but they spark a question Banff and Canmore may eventually need to ask: should tourists pay more to access popular destinations or events? Parks Canada’s shuttle-only model for Moraine Lake aims to reduce congestion—but with no local pricing and rising complaints from residents, it may be doing the opposite.

LAST CHANCE: REGISTER FOR THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Time is running out to reserve your spot for one of the most exciting new developments in town! 👀 

Natures Edge is a luxury boutique complex with 3 & 4-bedroom townhomes featuring rooftop patios, attached garages, and private hot tubs! 

Enjoy unmatched luxury, a serene and scenic location, and strong revenue potential - all in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Don’t miss your chance to be one of the few to own in this short-term vacation complex. Sales are only weeks away! 

Register now and secure your spot.

For more info on floor plans, pricing, timelines, and more, contact Alex or Lori (403-678-1042) or sign up here.

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate}

THE DIGEST

• ⛔ The Banff Legacy Trail is Still Closed. A damaged pedestrian bridge means the section between the east park gate and Cascade Pond remains off-limits. With spring temps rising, it might look tempting—but ignoring the closure could cost you up to $25,000. Not exactly a budget-friendly ride (for most of us, anyways).

• 🎥 The Last of Us Renewed For Season 3—Will Alberta Make The Cut? HBO’s hit series is back and already greenlit for another round. While Season 2 mostly filmed in B.C., Alberta locations like Exshaw and Highway 1A still made the final cut. No word yet on whether Joel and Ellie will return to roam the Rockies.

• 👮 RCMP Are Searching For a Wanted Man Last Seen in Canmore. Phillip Beaumont Schantz is wanted for multiple crimes and may be in Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise. RCMP say don’t approach—just call it in. And yes, this is the same guy locals have been talking about on Facebook.

• 🚨 Alberta Launches 310-RCMP For Non-Emergencies. A new province-wide number now lets Albertans report non-urgent police issues (like petty theft or lost items) without clogging 911. No area code, no charges—just dial and report. Just don’t call because someone took “your” parking spot at Quarry Lake.

• 🧁 Fairmont’s New Desserts Come With a Side Of Dreams. In honour of World Wish Day, Fairmont chefs teamed up with Make-A-Wish alumni to bake three heartfelt desserts—now hitting menus at select Fairmont hotels, including Banff Springs. Each treat channels a child’s story, with proceeds going back to Make-A-Wish. Calories for a cause, anyone?

THE LIBRARY THAT LENDS AIR FRYERS

What's Happening? Canmore Public Library is expanding its Library of Things—a collection of borrowable household items like air fryers, sewing machines, and puzzles—to help residents save money and reduce waste.

Lending, Not Spending. Instead of buying a tool you’ll use once, why not borrow it? From breadmakers to stud sensors, the collection now includes 300+ items, thanks to community feedback and a growing partnership with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley.

Circular Thinking. The program leans into a circular economy model: fewer purchases, less waste, more sharing. It’s not just about frugality—it’s a community-based sustainability push. And yes, workshops on how to use the gear are part of the deal.

How to Borrow. All you need is a library card (free) and to be over 18. Some tools require a one-time waiver. Rentals last 1–3 weeks with renewals available.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Ski Bunny. Catch the Easter Bunny skiing around the Lake this weekend. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Lake Louise Ski Resort. Lift Tickets Apply. 

• Public Skating. Bring your own skates and helmets for an afternoon of ice skating. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. Drop-In Fees Apply. 

• All-Candidates Forum. Canmore Mayor Sean Krausart will moderate a forum with Yellowhead Candidates from the Liberal, NDP, and Conservative parties. Mix and mingle. Cash bar. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Cangolf, Canmore. Free. 

• Comedy Night. Let “Just For Laughs” veteran Tim Nutt tickle your funny bone with his smart, punchy wit. 7:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members. 

Saturday

• Kinder Cup. Watch professional and amateur skiers of all ages race head-to-head in slalom races. With $10k up for grabs and costumes. It’s no wonder it’s a cherished annual event. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Mount Norquay.

• Egg Hunt at Malcolm. Pack up the family and head down to the Malcolm Hotel for an Easter Egg Hunt around the hotel grounds. 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM. Malcolm Hotel, Canmore. Free.

• Inflatable Obstacle Pool Course. The WIBIT, an inflatable family-friendly course, will be set up and available for wet and wild fun. 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Elevation Place. Drop-In Fees Apply.

Sunday

• Art for the Whole Family. Enjoy free, family-friendly art activities every Sunday at artsPlace Canmore. Two sessions: 10:00–10:45 AM and 11:15 AM–12:00 PM. Free.

• Egg Hunt at Sunshine. Hidden throughout Strawberry Chair are five eggs. See how many you can find and visit the bunny at the base of the lift to get your prize. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Sunshine Village. Lift Tickets Apply. Children Only. 

• Spring Yoga in Canmore. Donation-based yoga classes to stretch, breathe, and connect. All are welcome. 8:15 PM - 9:15 PM. Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Free. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 💐 Upgrade Your Hanging Game! Wendy’s Garden Centre's big, lush baskets are now available for pre-booking! Just remember—these beauties need a 24”-26” hook and room to grow. Arriving in June—reserve yours now by calling Wendy at 403-493-5308 or email [email protected].  They’re grown fresh as soon as you order!

• 🌸 Easter Brunch at Table Food + Drink.  Hop into the holiday spirit with a delicious Easter Brunch at Coast Canmore Hotel. Sunday, April 20th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. $49.00 per person | $25.00 for kids 12 & under. Spaces are limited – book today! 

• 🍳 Easter Sunday Brunch at The Prow. Celebrate Easter with a delicious breakfast buffet! Enjoy eggs Benedict, crispy bacon, fluffy waffles, and a decadent chocolate fountain, $32 for Adults and $20 for kids under 12. 7 AM - 12:30 PM. Bring your appetite and celebrate the holiday with great food!

• ☕ Cozy Coffee Vibes in Banff. Most people visiting Banff walk right past this spot, but locals know it’s one of the best places in town for a great cup of coffee. Check out our visit to this local fav. 

• 🎵 Local Musician Interview. Phil Nugent is a longtime member of the local music community. He plays lead in Northern Quarter, performs solo shows, and is currently paying tribute to Paul Simon in the Carter-Ryan Gallery production of Hazy Shade of Winter. Check out his interview with Rocky Mountain Live. 

• 🛖 ACC April Pub Night. Join the Alpine Club of Canada’s Tom Fransham in Banff for an update on the new Castle hut, Robson Pass Cabin, future ACC hut projects, and booking procedures.

• 🐦 Eshaw’s Resident Ospreys Return. Ospreys love nesting on the large platforms atop electrical poles. Louise and Harvey are two who have made their spring home in Exshaw, and their personal live YouTube channel run by Fortis Alberta is back.

• ⛷️ Last Chance for XC Ski. Machine-made snow trails are still being groomed and remain in the best condition, but warming conditions might make this the last weekend for a ski at the Nordic Centre.

• 🐻 Updated Weekly Bear Reports. Bear Day is over, but bear season is just starting. Bookmark this link to keep updated on all bear activities.

• 🗳️ Advance Voting Is Now Open. Skip the Election Day scramble—early voting runs all weekend long, today through Monday. Find your polling station by postal code.

CIVIC NEWS

• Community-Led FireSmart Initiatives. Peaks of Grassi is looking to become the first FireSmart-recognized neighbourhood in Canmore. They aren’t the first in the Bow Valley though, joining Valleyview and Sundance Court in Banff. Want to get information about or start a FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program, check out this website. 

• Vacancy Tax Showdown. Canmore’s vacancy tax is now in the hands of the courts after a legal challenge was heard April 15. Critics say the Town overstepped provincial authority; the Town argues it’s a legal response to housing needs. A decision is expected by early June.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, April 18th, 2025,  5:00 PM: Sof and Ben.  Location: Canmore Brewing Company. No Cover.

• Friday, April 18th, 2025, 9:00 PM: Dr. Z Duo.  Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Friday, April 18th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Greg Doucette. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

• Friday, April 18th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Cornstarr. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, April 19th, 2025,  8:00 PM: Elk Run + Riot with Sully's Garage. Location: Canmore Legion. $22.63.

• Saturday, April 19th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Dr. Z Duo. Location: Tavern 1883. $5 Cover.

• Saturday, April 19th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Quantum Monastery. Location: The Canmore Hotel. No Cover.

• Saturday, April 19th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Reed Alton. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, April 19th, 2025,  10:00 PM: Cornstarr. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $5 Cover.

• Sunday, April 20th, 2025, 3:00 PM: Sunday Sessions with Reverend Rodger Retzer. Location: Core Values, Canmore.  No Cover.

• Sunday, April 20th, 2025, 7:00 PM: WiL & Co. Location: Canmore Brewing Company. 

SPORTS

• Three Americans And One Lake Louise Skier Are FWT-Bound. The Freeride World Tour’s newest recruits include skiers from Glenwood Springs, Edwards, Ogden—and Lake Louise’s own Jack Kolesch. Next stop: Alaska’s iconic spines in March. Olympic recognition for freeride is also on the horizon, with 2030 and 2034 games eyeing inclusion.

• Banff Bears Claim Alberta’s First-Ever Indoor Aussie Footy Title. The hometown squad beat the Edmonton Wombats 44–26 to win the inaugural Alberta 9s Cup at the Fenlands. Next up: Battle of Alberta, May 24.

That’s all, folks!

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