🚧 Your Trails Are Off Limits

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It seems like all at once, a bunch of hiking, climbing, and riding trails are closing. Some planned, some not so much. A few are immediate, others will be around for a while. Best to make note. These closures will likely cut into your mountain play time. Details below.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

FIREGUARD CONSTRUCTION SHUTS DOWN CANMORE TRAILS

What’s Happening? Starting today (August 18), wildfire protection work will close big chunks of the Canmore Nordic Centre until at least mid-September, with some closures lasting through October and even into spring 2026. The closures are part of Phase 2 of the Bow Valley Community Fireguard, a multi-year effort to fortify the valley against wildfires.

What’s Closed? The disc golf course (holes 2-15 only), bike jump park, and roller ski track are closed, along with 21 full or partial trail closures. Click here for the complete list of closures and timelines.  

Why It Matters? Crews will harvest about 82 hectares of lodgepole and spruce while thinning another 35 hectares, leaving more fire-resistant Douglas fir and deciduous trees. The project creates a 30–40 km “fuel break” across the valley, linking past work in Harvie Heights, Stoneworks Creek, and Banff’s Carrot Creek.

Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain. Yes, it’ll sting for bikers, hikers, and disc golfers who rely on the Nordic Centre through fall. But officials say the fireguard is essential to protect Canmore, Harvie Heights, Dead Man’s Flats, and the Nordic Centre itself from the kind of wildfire devastation seen last year in Jasper.

The Bigger Picture. Fire scientists note the Bow Valley’s forests have grown unnaturally dense after a century of fire suppression. Clearing fuel not only slows wildfire spread but also mimics natural fire cycles, opening the canopy for regrowth and new wildlife habitat.

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THE DIGEST

• 🚧 Bugaboos Area Closed After Flooding. Columbia Valley Search and Rescue evacuated all hikers and climbers from Bugaboo Provincial Park’s core yesterday. Many Bow Valley locals travel to this remote mountain range in southeastern B.C. near Radium, which is world-renowned among climbers and hikers for its giant granite towers. BC Parks has closed the entire area until flooding subsides and damage can be assessed. See the views from the chopper here. 

• 🚧 Yamnuska Closed Starting August 20th. Yamnuska’s day use, trails, climbing, and bouldering areas will be closed for quarry blasting. Yup…not fires, not floods, not bears, but good old-fashioned explosives. The closure is expected to last 1–2 days, with site staff securing the area. Access will reopen once blasting is complete.

• 🎪 Tipi Stolen From Bearspaw Land. One of four tipis erected in June along Hwy 1 near Calaway Park was stripped of its canvas on August 13, prompting outrage from Bearspaw First Nation. The tipis were painted in Nation colours as symbols of culture and future growth. The Nation has taken down the remaining three out of caution. RCMP and Tribal Security are investigating. See the tipi pictures and community comments here. 

• 😺 Gary the Adventure Cat Still Stealing the Show. Canmore’s own Instagram-famous Gary is back in the spotlight, nearly 600,000 followers strong and more famous than Banff Lake Louise Tourism. From pow laps perched on his owner’s shoulders to packrafting naps in the sun, the 11-year-old rescue cat has become a global poster child for fluffy, feel-good adventure. If you’re not following Gary, you’re missing out. Here’s his page. 

• 🏚️ Castle Mountain Gets a Cabin Upgrade. After 58 years, the tiny climbers’ hut perched on Castle’s Goat Plateau has been swapped for a modern replacement. The new Castle Mountain (Currie) Cabin has bunks, a kitchen, solar power, and a new name, thanks to Gord Currie’s support. Bookings are open through the Alpine Club of Canada, but ropes and climbing skills required.

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CANMORE’S SECOND HOME VACANCY TAX DEBATE CONTINUES

What’s Happening? The Town of Canmore and second-homeowners continue their advocacy over the vacancy (Livability) tax. Town officials argue it’s needed to address a long-standing housing crunch, while opponents say it unfairly targets part-time residents.

How the Tax Works. Beginning in 2026, homeowners not residing in their property for at least 183 days (with 60 consecutive) will pay an extra 0.40% on assessed value, about a 300% jump in municipal tax. Renting to a full-time resident avoids the surcharge. All proceeds go toward non-market housing (homes offered at reduced prices for local residents, managed by Canmore Community Housing).

Town’s Case. Mayor Sean Krausert says every residence must contribute, either by housing locals or funding affordability. Council projects the community will need 2,000 non-market units. 

Pushback from Owners. Opponents argue the tax disproportionately affects part-time owners, roughly a quarter of taxpayers, and risks dividing the community. They suggest broader tools, such as seeking “resort-municipality status” to add a hotel-room tax.

Legal Action Ahead. Second homeowners have appealed the tax, with a hearing set for December. Both sides expect it may take time to see whether the policy meaningfully improves affordability.

Non-Market Housing in Motion. The town is expanding below-cost housing for locals. A new policy lets developers either build these units or contribute funds the Town can use elsewhere. Projects like Palliser Lane (~144 units, expected to begin construction in late 2025) and a feasibility study for the Moustache Lands (250–350 potential units) are moving forward. Canmore Community Housing, now 25 years old, has already supported 275 households.

Why It Matters. Together, the vacancy tax and housing projects illustrate a layered approach to affordability. Whether it’s enough to shift Canmore’s housing crunch remains an open question.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Canmore Community Dinner. Every Monday, enjoy chicken or veggie curry with coconut rice. Eat in or bring your own containers for takeout. 5–7 PM. St. Michael’s, Canmore. Free.

• Riverside Park Hang. Evening hangout to learn or practice slackline, highline, circus, flow, and general fun. Join in or just watch—everyone’s welcome. 6–9 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Free.

• Dodgeball. Join the fun with a game of pickup dodgeball. Dodge, duck, and throw as a team. Balls and pinnies are provided. Age 16+. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-In Fees Apply.

Tuesday

• Women’s Indoor Soccer. All skill levels are welcome. Just show up and play. A casual way to stay active and meet others. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in fees apply.

• Wing Night in Banff. Dive into mouthwatering chicken wings and bold flavours for $13 per pound. The perfect après adventure treat in the heart of Banff. 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Evergreen Lounge, Banff.*

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎨 Let’s Support Canmore’s Newest Art Store. After 25 years of painting in the North, the co-founders of Healing Mountain Creations (Natacha & Les) have brought their art to Canmore. This intimate store features original works, prints, and jewelry infused with real NWT diamond dust. We visited the store over the weekend. Check out our video. Address: 1 Industrial Pl, Unit 101B, Canmore, AB.*

• 🛎️ New Menus at Blacktail Bar. Just back from a Kananaskis hike, or maybe a spa day? Blacktail’s new menu is worth a stop. Locals are loving the Niçoise salad, salmon burger rosti, and lobster shepherd’s pie. If you’re after something lighter, go for the cheese board, shishito peppers, or oysters. Check out the full menu and make sure to give it a try at least once while you’re driving down Hwy 40.*

• 🙋 Festival Volunteers Needed. artsPlace is hosting its 10th anniversary party next month and needs to fill volunteer spots for guest services, workshop support, event setup, and more. If you want to support local arts and culture, this is how to do it.  Please consider volunteering. Check roles, times, and dates.*

• 🍔 Valbella’s August Specials. Too tired to cook after a long day? Valbella’s got two ready-to-heat dinners this month that make it easy. You can grab a pulled pork dinner for three (comes with coleslaw) or go for sausages with rosti and baked beans, big enough for four. Stop by the shop to pick one up, or order online and they’ll deliver it straight to your door. The Bow Valley Insider team can confirm… these specials are always a hit.*

• 🦵🏼 Leglock Tutorial. Yes, really. Canmore’s Dark Horse Martial Arts posts free how-to videos like this, and they also run a free women’s-only jiu-jitsu (self-defence) class on Sundays at 7:00 PM. Show up, learn the basics, and leave a little tougher.

• 🚧 Area Closure Near Peyto Pit Road. This one’s much smaller than the big closures we mentioned earlier, but still worth flagging. Parks Canada has closed an 8,100 m² area north of Peyto Pit Road until August 22 due to a sewage spill. It’s a health risk and wildlife attractant.

• 🛶 Canoe for a Cause. It’s more than just paddling. This Banff Canoe Club event raises funds for two incredible local organizations. Proceeds support the Banff Canmore Foundation’s community projects and Rocky Mountain Adaptive’s work making mountain sports accessible to people with disabilities. Add live music, big canoe races, a silent auction, and a BBQ feast. August 27, 10 AM–7 PM. More information here.

• 🐕‍🦺 Jade’s Fairytale Ending. Sweet and spunky Jade came to the Bow Valley SPCA with a badly damaged leg that caused years of pain. Thanks to $7,000 raised by the community, she got the surgery she needed and never stopped wagging through recovery. One of the SPCA’s volunteers has now adopted her, renaming her Roo for her three-legged bunny hop.

CIVIC NEWS

• Canmore’s Back In Session. Canmore council is back in session today after their summer break. On the agenda are bylaw readings and approvals related to Tourist Home Enforcement. Attend online or in-person.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, August 18th, 2025, 6:00 PM: Sunset Festival: Irene Poole. Location: Banff Gondola. 

• Monday, August 18th, 2025, 8:00 PM: Miles Burn. Location: Canmore Rose and Crown. No Cover. 

• Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM: Phillip Alexander Nugent. Location: Banff Gondola. 

• Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, 10:00 PM: Dean Lonsdale. Location: Banff Rose and Crown. No Cover.

SPORTS

• Canmore’s Will McLaughlin Wins Gold at Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is the top U18 hockey tournament where NHL scouts flock each summer. Playing for Team USA, Canmore’s Will McLaughlin helped beat Sweden 5–3 in the final.

• Banff Bears Bring Home Bears Cup. Banff’s men’s rugby team beat the Bow Valley Grizzlies 37–20 on Aug. 9, reclaiming the Bears Cup and clinching top spot in the Calgary Rugby Union standings. Playoff run kicks off Aug. 23 in Banff.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Wednesday, 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.