🚆 Train Kills 2 Grizzlies

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We drove down Spray Lakes Road yesterday to see what’s actually happening with the G7 chaos. The road is open, even with the summit underway—but all hikes on the east side from Driftwood Day Use are off-limits. How do we know? RCMP cruisers were parked at every trailhead. That said, classics like Tent Ridge and Smutwood are wide open—and empty. We hiked Serrail Ridge from Upper Kananaskis Lakes and were the only car in the lot (literally). Kananaskis is a ghost town right now, and if you pick the right trail, it’s pure mountain bliss.

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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TWO BEARS DEAD, ONE AT RISK: A CRITICAL WEEK IN BANFF

What’s Happening? Two female grizzlies were killed by trains near Banff, and a bold black bear is being targeted for aversive conditioning after raiding a picnic on the Icefields Parkway.

Grizzly Losses. On May 27 and 30, two female grizzlies were killed on the tracks—one believed to be mating with the legendary Bear 122 (aka The Boss), who narrowly escaped. The other, likely part of a young sibling pair, died near Bath Creek. 

Strained Stability. Female grizzlies are key to population stability, and their loss dents the slow-growing Banff population. While recent research suggests the population is holding steady at ~70 bears, Parks Canada warns that ongoing rail deaths could undo that progress.

Meanwhile, Black Bear Crashes a Picnic. Up north, a young black bear raided a picnic at Mt. Coleman, munching on sausages, chips, and cheese before bluff-charging a visitor. Officials closed the area and are working to trap and collar the bear for aversive conditioning. The goal: reverse its food-seeking behaviour before lethal options are on the table.

Big Picture. With tourists still tossing food from car windows, officials are clear: human food kills wildlife.

TURNKEY CANMORE INVESTMENT PROPERTY: 322-107 MONTANE ROAD

A prime short-term rental property offering incredible income potential and an unbeatable location! 

Just steps from walking and biking trails, shops, and stunning mountain views. Check out the home tour and see what makes this property a standout opportunity.

Property Highlights:

✔️ Fully Furnished & Recently Renovated
✔️ Heated Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub
✔️ Secure Underground Parking
✔️ 2 Minute Walk to The Shops Of Canmore
✔️ Zoned For AirBnB or VRBO Rentals

Contact Alex & Lori to schedule a private showing or follow them on Instagram for more property updates!

_{*Presented by Mitchell Kocian Real Estate.}

THE DIGEST

• ✅ Mark Carney’s Campaign Promise For Free Parks Launches Next Week. The Canada Strong Pass includes free VIA Rail for kids, free park access, and museum discounts. But 80.5% of Bow Valley Insider readers oppose the park perk—citing overcrowding, environmental strain, funding gaps, and unfairness to paying users. Many suggested discounts, but not a free-for-all in peak season.

• 🚨 Inquiry Into Columbia Icefield Crash. A fatality inquiry is moving forward nearly five years after the glacier bus rollover that killed three. It will examine possible brake failure, unclear maintenance records, and gaps in pre-trip inspections. The goal: understand what went wrong and prevent future tragedies—not assign criminal blame.

• 💆🏻‍♀️ Banff Springs Spa Adds Indigenous Wellness Touch. Fairmont Spa Banff Springs now offers treatments using custom oils by Cree-owned Mother Earth Essentials. Blending traditional plant medicine with luxury spa services, the partnership deepens guests’ connection to the land and its history—bringing long-overdue Indigenous knowledge to the forefront of Banff’s wellness culture.

• 🎬 Canmore’s Tiffany Helm Trades Hollywood Screams For Mountain Scenes. Best known for her goth-dancing demise in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, Canmore-based photographer Tiffany Helm is heading to Calgary for the film’s 40th anniversary screening. Though she left Hollywood behind years ago, Helm remains a cult favourite among horror fans—and proudly embraces her role as an icon for the genre’s misfits.

• 🚧 G7 Parking Restrictions Kick in Along Hwy 40 and Near Banff Centre. From June 14–18, roadside parking is banned along Hwy 40 for G7 security—but day-use lots outside the Controlled Access Zone (like Barrier, Wasootch, Fortress Gas Station, among others) are still fair game. In Banff, St. Julien Road is now closed to the public until the 18th, with rerouted vehicle access to Banff Centre and no trailhead parking for Tunnel Mountain.

FIRE DANGER PEAKS IN BANFF, CREWS READY TO RESPOND

What’s Happening? Banff National Park hit extreme fire danger last week, triggering Parks Canada to deploy helicopters and elite fire crews on five-minute standby. As of yesterday (June 12), rain has eased conditions to low—but crews remain on high alert.

Ready for Anything. When conditions peak, Banff’s fire crews move fast. Two four-person initial attack crews, supported by helicopters, are geared to launch within five minutes of a wildfire report—often responding to lightning strikes like the one that sparked a small fire near Lake Minnewanka on May 30.

Fire Ban? Not Yet. While Canmore, Kananaskis, and much of Alberta are under fire bans, Banff is holding off. Parks Canada says the region’s fire indices—used to trigger bans—aren’t high enough. But that could change if dry weather persists. Campfires are still allowed only in designated rings, and anything else (briquettes, rogue BBQs) is considered illegal.

Across the Province. Alberta is burning: 57 wildfires are active, 23 are out of control, and over 636,000 hectares have burned this year. Over 1,000 firefighters—including reinforcements from across Canada and the U.S.—are now battling the blazes.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Community Swap. Bring gently used clothes, gear, or small items—and take what you need, free. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Canmore Library, Canmore. Free.

• Free Yoga. All-levels class to move, connect, and unwind. Bring a mat if you have one—no sign-up needed. 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Banff Library, Free.

Saturday

• Kids Run. Ages 3–12 can join this fun run with age-based distances, warm-up, goodie bag, and finishers award. Part of Banff Half weekend. Registration 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Run 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM. Central Park, Banff. Free.

• National Indigenous History Month Cultural Celebration. Enjoy a tipi raising, drumming, dancing, a feast, workshops, and an Indigenous Market. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Civic Centre. Free to Attend. 

• Met Opera Live in HD. Aigul Akhmetshina stars as Rosina in Rossini’s fast-paced, laugh-filled classic The Barber of Seville. Stunning vocals, big laughs, and world-class production on the big screen. 10:55 AM. artsPlace, Canmore. $25 / $21.25 members / $12.50 youth.

Sunday

• Father’s Day at Juniper. Treat Dad to Father’s Day on the patio with live music from Andrew Staygold, sweeping valley views, and brunch including one choice of entrée, a Wild Life cocktail or mocktail, and coffee or tea. 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Juniper, Banff. $39 Adults / $16 Kids.*

• Father’s Day at Banff Legion. Celebrate Dad on Banff’s Best Patio and treat him to a Burger and a pint of Legion Beer for $18. Free pool all day long. 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Banff Legion. $18.*

• Music Bingo with Sam. Grab your friends for a fun night of bingo, drinks, and snacks! Sangria pitchers are $25, Wildlife cocktails $11, poutine $12, pickles $8, and double highballs just $8. Specials start at 7:30 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

THE DIRT WHISPERER

Some say Zoe once made a bachelor pad in Dead Man’s Flats smell like eucalyptus and hope. Others claim she exorcised a fridge demon using only vinegar and a glare. We just know she cleaned our publisher Ben’s place—and lived to tell the tale. She’s now accepting brave new clients across the Bow Valley. Book her before your dust bunnies unionize.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥾 We Just Dropped Episode 3 of Roast My Trip—our series where we take a real traveller’s itinerary and make it better by cutting the fluff and adding stops locals actually swear by. This one’s a 6-day Banff-to-Jasper sprint that had us shaking our heads. We gave it a glow-up. You be the judge. Read it here.

• 🍔 Happy Hour Every Day. You read that right, happy hour is every day from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at The Bankhead in Canmore. Enjoy a $10 burger, appies, and salads with drinks starting at $5.*

• 🚧 Banff Half Marathon Road & Trail Closures: Sunday, June 15. Expect closures and delays from 6 AM to 1:30 PM for the Banff Half. Bow Ave, Buffalo St, and Norquay Rd impacted early. Vermilion Lakes Rd & Legacy Trail (west) closed to traffic and cyclists. Plan ahead and avoid Norquay Rd 8:45–10 AM for safety.

• 🐶 Shelter Dog’s 2-Year Anniversary. Hope has spent 730 days at the BVSPCA—most of her life—in search of a forever home. She’s sweet, goofy, loyal, and ready to love. Do you know someone who could be her perfect person?

• 🧺 Indigenous Vendor Opportunity. Indigenous artists & makers are invited to apply for the Indigenous Art Market in Banff on June 21, curated by Authentically Indigenous Inc. Celebrate culture through creativity in the heart of Banff. Apply by June 15: space is limited. 

• 🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Cory Pass/Edith Mountain Run. Join the Strides crew for a challenging 13km loop with 1,179m of elevation—expect steep hiking, stunning summit views, and a fun downhill with some technical sections. Meet at Strides Canmore at 7:30 AM to carpool. Bring bear spray, fuel, layers & water.

• 🎗 Upcoming Community Helpers Wellness Program. This one-day workshop builds mental health awareness and suicide prevention skills, and connects participants to free local resources in the Bow Valley. Funded by Alberta Health Services.

• 🍁 Canada Day Volunteers. The Town of Canmore and the Town of Banff are looking for volunteers to help make Canada Day a success! Join the fun, meet new people, and support your community. Various roles available. Sign up by June 16. 

• 🏆 Congratulations to Peter O’Brien of Canmore. One of just three recipients of Direct Energy’s 2025 Volunteer Citizen of the Year award! Peter’s tireless work with the Bow Valley SPCA and other local non-profits shows how one person’s passion can uplift an entire community.

CIVIC NEWS

• MD of Bighorn Public Hearing Notice: The temporary lease of municipal reserve land hearing is rescheduled to Tuesday, June 24 at 6 PM. Share your feedback on a proposed lease in Dead Man’s Flat by submitting comments to [email protected] by Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 12:00PM

• Delayed Decision on Silvertip Development.A proposed land use bylaw change to allow five-storey buildings and more density in Silvertip was delayed until July 8. Canmore council approved ASP and MDP amendments but held off on the height/density vote due to a potential split decision and one councillor absent.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, June 13th, 2025,  9:00 PM: Arn Smit.  Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

• Saturday, June 14th, 2025, 6:00 PM. Liam M. Daisley.. Location:HI Banff.  No Cover.

• Saturday, June 14th, 2025, 7:00 PM. The Bulldogs. Location:Sheepdog, Canmore.  No Cover.

• Saturday, June 14th, 2025, 9:00 PM. Andy Curtis. Location:Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canada Cup Riders Battle Canmore Dust and Wildfire Smoke. The UCI Continental Series kicked off at the Canmore Nordic Centre, with top junior and U17 riders grinding through steep climbs, wildfire haze, and dry, dusty trails. Quebec’s Rafaelle Carrier led the junior women’s race. Races continue through Saturday—full schedule at racecanmore.com.

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.