🌲Larch March Madness

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Larch Season is almost upon us, meaning the Bow Valley can enjoy beautiful, golden trees for just two weeks. Below, we’ve listed some of the best hikes to see the larches, but with a special local twist 😉.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Picture of crowded sidewalk went viral after ped-zone closure

• An unknown animal kills elk in the town of banff

• E-bikes are now legal on certain trails

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

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REMOVAL OF PEDESTRIAN ZONE IS STILL ON EVERYONE’S MINDS

What’s happening: Banff’s pedestrian zone was removed following Labour Day last week, and when a photograph emerged of the Banff Avenue sidewalk filled with tourists, it sparked conversations and debates online (again). 

Hot topic: This post on Reddit generated over 700 upvotes and over 200 comments from visitors and locals on the “Banff subreddit.”  The caption ‘Well, it’s back to using the alleys then’ caused emotions and opinions from many perspectives.

Comments: Reddit users shared their thoughts on the removal of the pedestrian zone, how busy it looked during September, living in a tourist town, when the best time to visit to avoid the congestion, and general overcrowding issues.

THE DIGEST

• 🍃Walking along the Bow River is one of the best ways to appreciate nature in Banff but the unique, outdoor art exhibit known as Art in Nature has enhanced the 3km trail. There are over 65, locally-made pieces carefully placed for visitors to admire including glass bats, wooden bears and metal leaves.

• 🐻A grizzly followed hikers who used bear spray to ward it off, leading to warnings for Skoki and Johnston Creek Trails. Meanwhile, Parks Canada closed the area between Bow River Trail and the Bow River, from Banff Ave Bridge to Muskrat Street Bridge, after an unknown animal killed an elk in Banff.

• 🙏Seven weeks since a wildfire forced the evacuation of Jasper, Parks Canada says the blaze is now officially listed as under control.  In the Bow Valley, Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are all stepping up their fireguard efforts, including applying for federal funding. 

• 💝Three days and 100 km later, hundreds of people raised almost $1 million to fight kidney disease as part of the 15th annual Kidney March from Kananaskis to Calgary. 

• 🛣 Canmore roads are improving by the month! Firstly, the new pathway extension on the Bow Valley trail is near completion and secondly, an update on Canada’s second turbo roundabout at the end of the Parkway.

LARCH SEASON HIKES: THE LOCAL EDITION!

What's happening: Narcity published an article about the best larch hikes this fall, but given the author isn’t a local, we thought we’d weigh in on the list from a local perspective.  Are they actually good?  Here’s what we think:

• Larch Valley Hike: While Moraine Lake is beautiful, the bus costs and heavy crowds make this hike skippable. If you do go, consider heading up to Eiffel Lake to escape some of the crowds—though no guarantees.

• O’Brien Lake: We like this one as it’s a bit of a tougher hike (18km, 1000m elevation). As such, it avoids the crowds. You also pass by the scenic Taylor Lake, making the trek even more rewarding.

• Arethusa Cirque: Often overshadowed by other larch hikes close by (like Pocaterra), Arethusa is generally quieter, has better mountain views, and is beginner-friendly. 

• Arnica Lake: The hike starts downhill, so expect an uphill return. The views along the way are average, and the trail can feel monotonous. Pass. 

• Gibbon Pass: Arnica Lake isn’t worth it alone, but going past it to Gibbon Pass makes for a longer, more rewarding hike. Few hikers make it that far, and backcountry camping back there is beautiful (if you can snag a tent pad).

• Pocaterra Ridge: Unless you arrive by 6:30 a.m., expect no parking and heavy tourist traffic from (literally) busloads of visitors. Hard pass.

• Lake Agnes: A nice walk from Lake Louise, but parking is a hassle. For fewer crowds, hike to Devil’s Thumb (a bit more advanced) for a higher view of the larches.

• Saddleback Pass: We haven’t tried this Lake Louise hike, so let us know if you do.  Same parking issues, though. 

• Chester Lake: One of the most beautiful meadows in Kananaskis awaits. It can be busy, but it can offer moments of solitude at the right times. Hike past the lake for more larches and fewer people, but watch for bears.

Did we miss any? Let us know your golden spots!  Or don’t.  Probably best to keep them a secret, anyway.

THINGS TO DO

• Are you or someone you know looking for work? The Bow Valley Winter Job Fair has arrived to network with over 25 employers at Banff Park Lodge, 1pm-3:30pm. 

• Engage with local artists and explore the open studio! Summer Banff Artist in Residence Open Studios is showcasing their artwork and art research in a space open to the public as their residency comes to an end. Glyde Hall/Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Studios, Banff Centre, from 4pm.

• Ice, Ice, Baby! Anyone who can ice skate unassisted and is at least 5 years old are welcome to join Speed Skating at Canmore Recreation Centre for free, 5:15pm-6:20pm. Coaching and speed skate rental is included. 

• Celebrate Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, with a 14 course meal! Yes, fourteen courses of vegetarian meals at Bankhead Restaurant to celebrate the harvest festival at 7pm. Tickets are $25.

• Dance however you want to dance! Ecstatic Dance Banff-Canmore is back for you to let yourself go in a safe space. Location: The Yoga Lounge, Canmore, 7:30pm. This is a dance by donation event. 

Thursday

• Need some help with applying for grants or funding? Bow Valley Non-Profits are holding funding information meetings for free at Canmore Public Library, 10:15am-12:15pm. 

• Interested in the construction world? Join the BOWDA monthly luncheon with Calgary Construction Association’s CEO, Bill Black, to discuss trends, issues and important factors of the construction industry. Silvertip Resort, Canmore, 11:30am-1pm for free.  

• Who doesn’t love a garage sale? This garage sale is donating all funds to Jasper Community Team Society! From 3pm at 100B 56 Lincoln Park, Canmore. 

• Witness the launch of Banff’s new public art! Tiffany Shaw, ask the water 2024 is being celebrated by the Town of Banff starting with a presentation by the artist followed by an informal discussion. Banff Town Hall, 5pm-7pm. Register here. 

• Fancy a conversation with Canmore’s Mayor about housing? Spilling the Brews with the Mayor is a chance to hear from Mayor Sean Krausert about housing affordability over a brew at Canmore Brewing from 5:30pm. This is a free event but you need to reserve a spot here. 

• Attend a book premiere in Canmore! Stephen Legault is an author and photographer who will be discussing his latest book, High Cols and Deep Canyons. This is a free event at artsPlace from 7pm and you can register via Facebook. 

• Become a better leader and communicator! Mountain Mumblers Toastmakers Club is held most Thursdays at 7pm to help members reach their leadership and communication goals, learn confidence and comfortably public speak. This week it’s being held at Suite 4, 614 3st, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🏐The Rocky Mountain Volleyball Club Tryouts for 2024-25 are being held in September and October for girls in various age brackets for a tryout fee of $25. Tryouts for boys will be later in the year. 

• 🍎If you want delicious, autumn apples and pears from an Okanagan family farm then place your order with Davison Orchards by September 25th to get them delivered to Canmore on October 7th. You’ll also be helping raise funds for Bow Valley Riptides Swim Club as part of the annual fall fundraiser. 

• ⚱️Ever wanted to make pottery? Well now you can by joining a 6-week Beginner Wheel Throwing Class on Monday or Wednesday nights starting next week at Haley Potter Studio.

• 🚴‍♀️Mind your e-bikes! Alberta Parks have issued information on e-bike etiquette when using trails for everyone’s safety and enjoyment as they’re now allowed on mountain biking trails in Canmore Nordic Centre. 

• ❄️Registration is open for the fall/winter Banff programs including drop-in classes for swimming, skating and fitness, first aid courses, Try-it sessions like netball and pickleball, MountainLIFE sessions like avalanche training and ice climbing. 

• 🌈It’s Pride Week in Canmore! Check out all the activities happening including Queer Prom on September 15th, featuring DJs and drag. Use the code CANMORELOCAL for 10% off your tickets.

• 📀Canmore musician and author, Jeremy Kroeker, who wrote Motorcycle Therapy about motorbiking through Central America has a new music video having the best day of his life on the job!

• 🍕Half-priced bowling AND half-priced pizza at High Rollers all day and night on Perfect Split Thursdays.

• 😋Now the kids are back to school, head to Boston Pizza afterwards where kids eat for free all through September! 

• 🫶🏻The CBC Short Story Prize 2024 is open! Two local authors, Carol Thornton (2018) and Lauren Hawkeye (2022), were long-listed after working with the Canmore Library. So much talent in the Bow Valley!

CIVIC NEWS

• The Muskrat Street Pedestrian Bridge Painting of the Pride Flag was due Sept 11th - 13th but has been pushed back to Sept 16th - 17th due to weather. 

• There will be a rail crossing closure in Canmore between Sept 12th and 14th on the rail crossings at Boston Pizza /17 st and pedestrian crossing at Spice Hut /Save-on-Foods for rail repair. There will be no walking, cycling or driving in these areas.

LIVE MUSIC

• Wednesday, September 11th, 7pm-11pm: Queer Open Mic Night. Location: artsPlace (Theatre room), Canmore. No cover.

• Wednesday, September 11th, 6pm-9pm: Steph O’dette at Farm and Fire.

• Wednesday, September 11th: Wednesday Jam Night. Location: Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub. No cover.

• Wednesday, September 11th, 10pm: Vibes with DJ Bunny Hops. Location: High Rollers, Banff. 

• Thursday, September 12th, 7:30pm: Guitarist Leeroy Stagger. Location: Arts Place, Canmore. Tickets are $35. 

• Thursday, September 12th, 4pm-6pm: Steph O’dette at Bison Patio.

• Thursday, September 12th, 10pm: Bassment with Josh Coxie and Mike Webb. Location: High Rollers, Banff. 

SPORTS

• An exhibition play saw the Canmore Eagles take a 5-1 win against Olds Grizzlys ahead of the 2024-25 Alberta Junior Hockey League season.

• Canmore locals led the way at last Sunday’s Canmore Half Marathon. Matt Neumann finished second in the race, Matthew Embury finished third, and Courtney Milligan, the first woman to finish, finished fourth overall.

That’s all, folks!

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