📈 U.S. Hikes Fees, Banff Doesn’t

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Remember that strange metal object found in Kananaskis a few days ago? Well, a few local experts in our community cracked the mystery: it’s a rainwater collection system. Specifically, a T-2000B precipitation gauge. Yep, some smarty-pants even knew the model number. Gotta love the internet.  Anyways, mystery solved. Onward.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

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U.S. HIKES FEES FOR TOURISTS, WHILE CANADA DOES THE OPPOSITE

What’s Happening? The U.S. and Japan are making foreigners pay more to visit their national parks and main attractions. Canada? It made them free.

Trump’s Move. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to raise national park fees for foreign visitors. The policy also prioritizes American residents in reservation systems. The White House says it’ll help fund conservation efforts and address a major staff shortage while offsetting proposed budget cuts to the National Park Service.

Japan’s Plan. This year, Japan introduced two-tier pricing at major attractions and implemented crowd controls on Mt. Fuji. The goal: reduce overtourism, protect landmarks, and ensure tourism dollars stay in local communities.

Meanwhile in Canada…With the new Canada Strong Pass, national parks are now free for everyone, including international tourists, until September 2nd. That’s a sharp contrast to the approach embraced by the U.S and Japan.

Bow Valley Backlash. Local sentiment isn’t sold. In a Bow Valley Insider poll of 514 readers, 80.25% opposed free parks, citing concerns over staff funding and trail upkeep. In a separate poll of 743 readers, 85.73% supported a two-tier pricing model for Banff. 

Comments rolled in: “A two-tiered system may give locals an opportunity to actually enjoy where they live.” one reader wrote. Another added, “Canadians pay taxes to maintain the parks and pay again to use them. Tourists pay once. Locals pay twice.” Some even proposed fixes: “Locals need a break… maybe we need separate shuttles.”

Bottom line: Canada’s free-pass experiment is facing growing resistance from the Bow Valley community.

THE CANMORE STARTER PACK (LOCAL EDITION)

Forget the “mountains & mimosas” version.

Here’s the real Canmore starter pack:

• Your favourite mug is from Eclipse Coffee. It’s chipped, and you won’t replace it.
  

• A Banff Park pass that lives permanently in your glovebox.
  

• Half your closet is layers. None of them match. All of them Merino.
  

• And a floor plan at Altitude by Logel Homes…

This new condo and townhome development in Three Sisters Mountain Village is made for people who actually live here. Starting from $399,900, Altitude offers 239 new homes with quartz countertops, 9-foot ceilings, soundproofing, and smart storage for all your mountain gear.

Step outside and you’ve got access to protected reserves, endless trails, and the future Gateway retail hub. Everything you need to build a real life in the Bow Valley.

Phase 1 is almost sold out. 

Book a quick, no-pressure call with our girl Lauren at Altitude for more info. (Our Publisher, Ben, already has).

_{*Presented by Logel Homes.}

THE DIGEST

• 🍗 Canmore’s New KFC Is Now Open…And, Surprisingly Slick. We swung by yesterday (Day 2 of the grand opening), and let’s just say it wasn’t your average fried chicken run. Giant windows, robot-powered ordering, and a very Canadian vibe. The owner eventually chatted with us after watching us snap 100 photos like we were reviewing a Michelin spot. Pics + full scoop here.

• 🏞️ Lake Louise Is Booked. Try These Underrated Lakes Instead. We’re not here to blow up anyone’s secret spot. So don’t come for us. We’re just trying to share a few places locals can actually enjoy when the big names get too chaotic. No 3am alarms, no tour bus stampedes. Some are roadside, some take work. But all are peaceful, photogenic, and worth exploring this summer. Full list here.

• 🧻 Speaking of Lakes, Here’s an Update on the Poop Advisory.  AHS has lifted the advisory at the Tim Horton Children’s Ranch pond after bacteria levels dropped back to safe levels. Last week’s swim ban was due to high fecal counts. The water’s now safe, but maybe keep your mouth closed just in case.

• 🚠 Remember That Gondola That Fell in Golden? Back in March, a gondola cabin with eight passengers crashed to the ground at Kicking Horse. Thankfully, no serious injuries. The investigation’s still ongoing, but here’s the latest: the issue was traced to a broken hanger-arm, and as a precaution, all hanger-arms on the Golden Eagle Express are being replaced. Parts are on order and expected to arrive later this month. No reopening date yet.

• 💍 Banff Wedding Gets a Plot Twist (and a Happy Ending). Over the weekend, a visiting dog named Pepper slipped his collar and went missing near the Bow River, right before his family’s wedding at Norquay. After a tense night, he was found lounging on the Cave and Basin pool deck. Cue tears, relief, and a wedding story the newlyweds will be telling for decades.

NEED A FAST CHARGE IN BANFF? GOOD LUCK

What’s Happening? Banff wants to fast-track its EV infrastructure and finally add a Level 3 charger.

Juice Me Faster. Right now, Banff only has Level 2 chargers, most of which are tied to hotels. That’s fine if you’re grabbing dinner, not so much if you're halfway to Jasper with 12% battery. Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, is like espresso for your EV: quick, powerful, but a little pricey to install.

Why It Matters? Transportation accounts for nearly half of Banff’s emissions. The town’s climate plan aims to cut that by 30 percent by 2030. Officials say the best solution is getting people out of cars entirely, but if they're going to drive, those cars need to be electric.

What's Next? The town is exploring sites near the Fenlands and train station, along with potential partnerships where private operators handle the install. EV-only parking, more public chargers, and bylaw updates are also on the table.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday

• Banff Farmer’s Market. A Bow Valley staple since 2011, this market features local produce, art, jewelry, coffee, pottery, and handmade goods. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Banff Central Park. Free to attend.

• Candy Sushi Workshop. Using rice treats, gummy candy, and other fun sweets, craft different sushi rolls and nigiri sushi. From this activity, you will have a collection of sweet treats to take home. All materials for this activity are provided. 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

Thursday

• Get Your Nacho Fix Every Thursday at Evergreen. Piled-high, cheesy, fully-loaded nachos for just $18. Perfect for sharing, or if you just hiked Sulphur, probably not for sharing. Better than whatever you were planning for dinner. 459 Banff Ave.*

• Play Pickleball. Drop in for a fast-paced game that blends badminton, tennis, and ping pong. No partner needed. Paddles and balls provided. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

• Cave Arcade EP Release Party. Cave Arcade is dropping their hotly anticipated EP, and they're bringing along the talented The Nico Tobias Band to amp up the energy. Get ready to groove, dance, and have a blast. 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM. Drake, Canmore. $12.06. 

Our Boss’ Mom Approves

Zoe just cleaned our publisher Ben’s mom’s place…and she was blown away. “Friendly, efficient, everything I hoped for,” she said. “She finished in a third of the time it would've taken me.” Whether it’s a regular clean, a deep reset, or a move-out, Zoe gets it done with zero fuss and zero judgment. Born and raised in the Bow Valley, she’s now taking on new clients. If she’s good enough for Ben’s mom… you know the rest. Book a quick chat.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎤 Ready To Sing? Valley Winds Music Association is now registering for the 2025–26 season! No auditions or sight-reading required. Choirs, bands & good times await. New friends guaranteed, and yes, singing in the shower totally counts as experience. Learn more & register.*

• 🧗🏻‍♀️ Hike Banff, Get a Charcuterie Board. Start your hike right from Buffalo Mountain Lodge and earn a delicious post-trail reward at The Prow. Choose one of three scenic routes, snap a photo at the lookout, post it with #peakstoprow, and show your post to enjoy a complimentary upgrade on your charcuterie board from 4 to 7 items.*

• 💸 Teen Financial Literacy Series: Savings. Students in Grades 10–12 are invited to join ATB Financial for a 5-part series on financial literacy and starting a business. The series runs on Thursdays 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM from July 17th - August 14th. Space is limited.

• 🥾 Youth Hiking Week Is On (July 28–Aug 1). Kids aged 10–15 will explore new trails daily around Canmore, learn trip planning, wildlife safety, & more. Flexible pricing allows kids to join for a day or the full week. Email [email protected] for everything. 

• 💰 Fundraising Director Wanted. Bow Valley Christmas Spirit is looking for a passionate volunteer to join their board as Fundraising Director to lead fundraising efforts through grant writing, donor engagement, and local business partnerships. Email [email protected] to learn more.

• 🐻 Berry Season = Bear Season. Parks Canada has issued a reminder: black and grizzly bears are actively feeding near trails, roads, and campgrounds until mid-September. Make noise, hike in groups, skip the earbuds, and carry bear spray. Spot a bear or fresh signs? Stay calm, back away slowly and call 403.762.1470 to report it.

• 🛍️ Rundle United Thrift Shop Adds Saturday Hours. The Banff staple is now open Tuesdays & Thursdays 2–5 PM, Wednesdays & Fridays 5–8 PM, and Saturdays 2–5 PM.

CIVIC NEWS

• Banff Housing Corporation Properties Increase in Value. BHC’s portfolio rose to $176.3M in value, driven by 33 new Aster units. Despite rising assessments, BHC continues offering homes 20–30% below market and rents 24–32% under market, supporting residents with more affordable housing options.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, 6:00 PM. Joal Kamps.. Location: Banff, Gondola. The show is technically free, but you must make it to the top of the mountain, either by purchasing a gondola ticket or hiking to the top the hard way.

• Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, 8:00 PM. Mike Lynch.. Location: Canmore Miner’s Hall. $20. 

• Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, 9:00 PM. Elevate 360. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $11-22.. 

• Thursday, July 10th, 2025, 6:30 PM. Mari Rosehill at the Larkspur Lounge. Location: Rimrock, Banff. No Cover.

• Thursday, July 10th, 2025, 10:00 PM. Karaoke Thursdays. Location: Canmore Hotel. No Cover

SPORTS

• Two 30-Pitch Climbs for the Bold (and Bolted). Gripped just featured Guaranteed Rugged and Goliath—two massive, bolted multi-pitch routes in B.C. and near Canmore, each over 30 pitches. Both require solid route-finding skills, comfort with loose rock, and a full-day effort. Not for the faint of foot (or fingers). 

• Canmore Skating Club Celebrates 50 Years and a National Award. What started as a small-town figure skating club in the 1970s nearly folded in the 90s until a former national skater helped turn things around. Now 50 years strong, the Canmore Skating Club has over 160 members and was just awarded Skate Canada’s National Club Award for its impact, inclusivity, and lasting legacy on ice.

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.