🪂Guy Jumps Off Ha Ling Peak

Good morning, Bow Valley!

We got a pretty epic tale to share with you today from a Canmore local’s latest adventure. There’s also some news about Banff’s famous Grizzly, The Boss, and his latest behavior.  Plus, more holiday cheer and festive activities this weekend. 

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Parks Canada issues winter warning for popular trail 

• Update on the controversial logging bridge in Kananaskis 

• The Canmore Eagles are on a losing streak

Let’s get to it!

P.S. Last chance to VOTE on our Bow Valley Insider rankings of the 2024 Best Restaurants. Ends at midnight tonight.

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

CANMORE’S WILL GADD TAKES ADVENTURE TO NEW HEIGHTS

What's Happening: Will Gadd, Canmore's legendary extreme athlete, hiked up Ha Ling Peak, paraglided 150 km over the Rockies to Mount Assiniboine, and then solo-climbed its iconic summit. Here’s a quick video of the whole experience.  

Hike, Fly, Climb, Repeat: Starting with a trek up Ha Ling, Gadd launched his paraglider, harnessing thermals to soar at 4,500 meters. After a less-than-graceful snowy landing near Assiniboine, he set up camp for the night.

Summit and Beyond: At 4:30 a.m., fueled by coffee, he tackled the peak his dad soloed 50 years ago. "If you fall off, you die," he noted—no pressure.

Choosing the High Road: With the choice between a grueling hike out or another flight, Gadd opted for the skies, paragliding 100 km to Golden, BC.

Changing the Airspace: His efforts have helped open national parks to paragliding—Banff might be next on the fly list.

ALEX & LORI’S; LORI’S PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 204-155 CROSSBOW POINT

👆Click to check property tour video 

Move In Ready: Tastefully updated, check out the fresh floors, updated light fixtures, new paint, and shiny appliances. The current owners have taken incredible care of the unit, cultivating a cozy, prideful and welcoming atmosphere, setting the new buyers up for a smooth transition on moving day!

Amenities: Crossbow Point is one of the few residential complexes in Canmore with a full service amenities centre adding extra value to your purchase! Whether you lean towards relaxing poolside or in the outdoor hot tub, finding new reads in the community library, or catching up with neighbors over a seasonal potluck and game of pool you don’t have to stray far from home to do so!

If you’d like more information about this unit or any other property in the Bow Valley contact Lori [email protected] or Alex [email protected] or visit CanmoreAgent for a look at what’s new in the market! 

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THE DIGEST

• 🍿Did you know Hollywood loves filming in the Alberta Rockies? Think you can name all the winter blockbusters filmed here? Grab some popcorn and take a look!

• ⛔Parks Canada has issued a winter warning for the Banff Legacy Trail, cautioning that snow, ice, and highway debris make the trail risky. With no winter maintenance, conditions stay treacherous until spring. 

• ⚡AltaLink is set to begin rebuilding the aging 54L transmission line between the Canmore Substation and the Banff National Park boundary this month, with work continuing through January 2025.

• 🧱The controversial logging bridge over K-Country’s Highwood River is gone—for now. Removed by West Fraser Timber after environmental consultations, the bridge was built without proper approval by Spray Lake Sawmills. While the river flows freely again, plans for a new bridge and logging operations could restart by 2025.

• 🤵🏼Donald Trump is set to visit Alberta for the G7 summit next summer, joining world leaders in Kananaskis. While some are thrilled at the chance to see him, others are drawing historical comparisons.

THE “BOSS” IS NO LONGER THE UNDISPUTED LEADER

What’s Happening: The Boss, Bow Valley’s legendary grizzly, is showing signs of age, facing challenges from younger male grizzlies while making unusual visits to Canmore for food.

End of an Era? Known for his dominance, 26-year-old bear No. 122—aka The Boss—has spent decades ruling Banff's rugged landscape, fathering cubs, and weathering scars from battles, even surviving a train strike. But his recent injuries and ventures outside his usual territory suggest he’s no longer the undisputed leader.

New Rivals in Town: Younger grizzlies like Split Lip are moving in, with fierce territory scuffles leaving The Boss bruised. Yet, he’s holding his ground, scavenging for last-minute calories before winter.

Canmore Cameos: As he roams closer to Canmore, residents are urged to remove fruit trees to keep him—and themselves—safe. Wildlife experts hope the aging Boss finds a peaceful winter den, avoiding the tragic fates that have met other Bow Valley bears.

BOW VALLEY COMMUNITY WEEK IS HERE!

Community Week 2024 kicks off on Monday, November 18, across the Bow Valley, bringing together over 35 partners for a week of connection, celebration, and learning. Whether new to the area or a longtime resident, Community Week offers opportunities to:

• Welcome newcomers and make new friends

• Connect with community services

• Explore resources and try new activities

Now in its 4th year, this free annual event for Bow Valley residents features over 30 events, from pay-what-you-can options to complimentary sessions. This year’s themes include Contribution, Cultural Sharing, Family, Mental Health & Well-being, and Recreation, each with unique activities designed to inspire and unite.

Event Highlights:

• Words to Actions (artsPlace Canmore): Monday, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm – A community conversation on building genuine, accountable land acknowledgments. Register to join!

• Banff Food and Friends (St. George in the Pines): Monday, 5 pm - 7 pm – Enjoy a free hot meal and friendly faces.

• BanffLIFE X Banff Pride Basecamp Trivia (101 Bear St., Banff): Tuesday, 5:30 pm - 7 pm – Friendly trivia with snacks and prizes!

Check out the full Calendar of Events to find events that interest you. 

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THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Drumming Fire Hike. After a short easy hike, the group will build a fire and have a Full Moon Ceremony around it, enhanced by gentle drumming. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Sheep River Provincial Park, Kananaskis. $44 non-members / $28 members of the Sheep River Ramblers.

• Free Yoga. Join Chie at the Library in person for a fun and relaxing 45-minute yoga class! 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM. Banff Library, Banff. Free.

• Do-si-do for the Biosphere. Join the Biosphere for some boot-stompin' fun at the third annual Square Dance Community Fundraiser! The most fun you can have with your boots on. 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM. Cornerstone Theatre, Canmore. $50.

• Paint Night. A colorful paint night bringing this Fall's Aurora Borealis to life on canvas. Sessions are guided with room for adding your creative flair to your work of art. All levels welcome. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Banff Legion, Banff. $40.

• Comedy. A provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, about four aspiring young novelists who sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Canmore Miners Hall, Canmore. $28.41.  

Saturday

• Scramble Competition. If you ever wanted to test your skills on brand new problems in a very chill & friendly atmosphere, this scramble-style format is perfect for those wanting to try their first comp experience. 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym. $20.

• Storytime with Santa. Storytime with Santa is a “Christmas Morning” experience where Santa and his Elf will gather around the fireplace to read two Christmas stories, play games, sing, and dance! 9:00 AM - 2:15 PM. Bear Street, Banff. Free, but tickets are required.

• Rock Cycle Open House. Drop by Rock Cycle in Canmore for free classes, discounted passes, refreshments and snacks. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Rock Cycle, Canmore.

• Santa Claus Celebration of Lights. A festive weekend of holiday activities and entertainment to kick off the quintessential Christmas season in downtown Banff. 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Downtown Banff. Free.

• Project A Turns 7! Project A Shop’s 7th annual party is all day Saturday. They’ll be giving away handmade gifts with purchases. Refreshments and yummy canapés will be served from 5 PM - 8PM. Project A, Canmore. All Day.

• Creative Combat 10.0. ArtsPlace is pulling out all the stops to deliver their most magnificent event to date. Watch as 12 local artists race to create a work of art in just 20 minutes. 6:00 PM. ArtsPlace, Canmore. $100.  

Sunday

• Canmore Christmas Artisan’s Market. Meet 75 artisans and makers from Canmore and surrounding areas, for the Bow Valley's premier market of handcrafted items. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre, Canmore. $5 Admission 13+.

• Fill-A-Bag! Stop by the Canmore Library for the last (best) day of the Fall Book Sale. Fill any size bag full of books for only $10! 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Canmore Library. Free to attend. 

• Banff’s Festive Pooch Parade. Bring your furry friends and join the Banff’s Festive Pooch Parade, a fun-filled dog walk through the heart of Banff! 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM. Meet at Bear Street by the Fire Pit. Free.

• Y2Y Wild Film Fest: The Rockies' Wild Corridor. Explore four amazing films about iconic wildlife and landscapes in the Yellowstone to Yukon region and hear from Y2Y and special guests. 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Online. Free.

• Heritage Playday: Family Fun in Old Canmore. Explore what it was like to grow up in Canmore in the past through retro crafts, storytelling, games, and hands-on experiences like butter-making. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.  NWMP Barracks, Canmore. $5-10.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🎸Battle of the Bands. Enter Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub's 12th Annual Battle of the Bands. Competition starts Wednesday! 

• 📞Pitch-Call! The editors of Mountain Life Rocky Mountains are fielding pitches for their Summer 2025 issue. Send your pitches to [email protected]. Please check out mountainlifemedia.ca to read back issues. 

• 🥌Curling Instructor Clinic. Interested in becoming a curling instructor? Join Curling Alberta at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club for a 2-day clinic on November 23 & 24, 2024.

• 🧺Banff Christmas Market. With over 150 artisanal vendors, 13 days of magic, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House & Workshop, Christmas treats & warm drinks! November 14 - December 8. 

• 🩺Walk-In Medical Clinic. Spring Creek Integrated Health Clinic offers WALK-IN appointments every week. Monday to Thursday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

• 🍻Join the Banff Legion. Here are six reasons to join, including $4.75 drink specials during Happy Hour!

• 🎤Open Auditions! Pine Tree Players is casting a One Act Play Festival and the spring production Drinking Habits by Tom Smith. In-person auditions will take place November 26 and 27, and December 1.

CIVIC NEWS

• Help spark benefits for Banff residents! The Town of Banff Community Grants Committee is seeking a public member to help decide how to hand out thousands of dollars in support of fun activities, neighborhood programs, special events, support services, family programs, environmental protection or special places.

• Join Mayor Krausert on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a Housing Action update. Mayor Krausert will speak to the Livability Tax Program and changes to Tourist Homes and then we will have time for questions on those or any topic you like.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, November 15, 9:00 PM. Ramblin Hey Ho Ha’s. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. No Cover. 

• Friday, November 15, 10:00 PM. T & The Wild Spirit. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Saturday, November 16, 3:00 PM. Mari Rosehill. Location: Waldhaus Pub, Banff. No Cover.

• Saturday, November 16, 9:30 PM. Season Opener Party: White Out Ft. Kendoll and DJ Bowie Jane. Location: Lodge of Ten Peaks, Lake Louise Ski Resort. $30.

• Saturday, November 16, 10:00 PM. T & The Wild Spirit. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No Cover. 

• Sunday November 17, 11:00 AM. Mari Rosehill. Location: Canmore Christmas Artisans Market, Canmore. No Cover.

SPORTS

• The Canmore Eagles have slipped to second in the AJHL South Division following a tough week with three losses, extending their losing streak to five games. Injuries and suspensions have impacted key players, while power play struggles continue. They face Calgary next before a crucial doubleheader against Camrose at home.

• The Canmore Golf & Curling Club is hosting its first adult bonspiel of the season, the Mixed Wine-Spiel, from November 15 to 17, 2024.

That’s all, folks!

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