🎉Ring in 2025 With Food & Live Tunes

Good morning, Bow Valley!

It’s time to bring out the classic end-of-year line everyone loves (or pretends to love): “See you next year.” If you’re still hunting for a New Year’s party, check out today’s events calendar and live music listings. P.S. We’re hiring a writer—click here for details!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Christmas display vandalised in Canmore

• Banff looks to save heritage homes

• Transit future for Bighorn and Kananaskis

• Ice castle at Lake Louise collapses

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan & Ben S.

Want to advertise to Bow Valley locals? Fill out this quick form

CANMORE RALLIES AFTER CHRISTMAS DISPLAY VANDALISM

What’s Happening? A cherished Christmas display in Canmore, lovingly curated for 16 years, was vandalized on Boxing Day—its first run-in with Grinches of any sort.

Deck the Grief. Longtime resident Dave Ouellette has invested over $100,000 on a rideable train, life-sized Star Wars figures, and countless inflatables. When he found 15 slashed and deflated, heartbreak set in—anger, confusion, and a flipped gingerbread house to boot.

Holiday Heroes. In true seasonal spirit, Canmore locals leapt into action. Within 24 hours, they helped patch inflatables, salvage décor, and offer moral support. Only two inflatables remain beyond repair, but the display is back to lighting up holiday nights.

Caught on Camera. A video captured the vandal treating decorations like a punching bag. One individual has since turned themselves in to police. While the damage stung, community resilience and a bit of tape helped make Christmas bright again.

FOR FOODIES & MUSIC LOVERS

Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable evening at Table Food & Drink.

Indulge in a one-night-only menu featuring 18oz CAB ribeye for two, butter-poached lobster, and baked salmon with apple butter and asparagus—all crafted to perfection for a meal worth celebrating.

The night gets even better with a live performance by Riley MacPherson, a Calgary-based musician whose passion for piano and multi-instrumental talent will set the perfect mood.

From 6 PM to 9 PM tomorrow, savor every bite and note as you celebrate the close of 2024 and welcome 2025 in style. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or simply someone who craves a special night out, this is your moment.

Reservations are limited, so don’t wait—secure your table today and make this New Year’s Eve the most memorable one yet.

_{*sponsored content}

THE DIGEST

• ✔️Banff is racing to save its dwindling heritage homes. Council approved $30K to explore land use changes that could incentivize preserving historic properties. With iconic homes already lost, officials are pushing for urgency, saying these buildings are vital to Banff’s charm—and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

• 🔍 in Banff National Park are celebrating a milestone in restoring westslope cutthroat trout to Cascade Creek. The project aims to reintroduce the species along nine kilometers near Lake Minnewanka, bringing this iconic trout one step closer to thriving again in its natural habitat.

• 🏆Cole Routledge, a nomadic musician turned Banff local, stole the spotlight at Tommy’s Unplugged music competition. Armed with borrowed strings, bold style, and Elton John covers, he claimed the $500 prize. 

• 🪷Nordic spas are having a moment, with demand far outpacing expectations. From Kananaskis to Calgary, these hot-cold retreats are becoming go-to wellness hubs, even replacing bar nights for some. While critics call it a fad, spa owners say the market is as chill-proof as their cold plunges.

• ✈️Lake Louise just scored another win, named by National Geographic as a top snowy destination. Growing up, we loved flipping through Nat Geo, but it’s no surprise our stunning backyard landed on the glossy pages.

BIGHORN AND KANANASKIS MAP OUT TRANSIT FUTURE

What’s Happening? The MD of Bighorn council is exploring public transit options, with discussions and workshops planned for 2025. Feasibility studies suggest any services likely won’t launch until 2026 or later.

Route to the Future. A joint study with Kananaskis Improvement District (KID) laid out potential transit solutions, including fixed routes, on-demand services, and partnerships with Roam Transit. Short-term ideas include weekday on-request transit connecting Exshaw, Dead Man’s Flats, and Harvie Heights to Canmore, with fares ranging from $3 to $30.

Challenges Ahead. Officials stress the complexity of funding, governance, and community input. Annual costs could hit $315,500, and affordability is a top priority for residents. Low-income transit options and federal grants are under consideration.

Bigger Picture. With fewer than 2,000 residents across vast areas and millions of annual visitors, the project could benefit locals and tourists alike.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Food & Friends. Pay what you can for a full meal with all the fixings. This week's menu is veggie mac and cheese, green salad, a dinner roll and dessert. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Michael’s Church, Canmore. Pay want you can. 

• Yoga Flow. This Level 1/2 class is creative and fun. It is based on flowing postures and sequencing. It is suitable for beginners who want more of a challenge and ideal for those with more experience. 5:15 PM - 6:10 PM. The Yoga Lounge, Canmore. Drop-In Fees Apply. 

• Clocktower Club. This month’s meet-up of mayhem and mystery is Christmas themed so prizes will be awarded to a couple of folks who come in their favourite Christmas sweater, Santa hat, Elf costume... whatever! 7:00 PM. Banff Library. Free. 

Tuesday (New Year’s Eve)

• Ring it in at the Rink! An all-ages evening of fun featuring fireside musical performances with The Ducks and Cave Arcade, a DJ dance party, ice skating, marshmallow roasting, food vendors, and concluding with pyrotechnics at 8:00 PM. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Canmore Recreation Centre. Free. 

• Buffet Dinner. Join in for a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration at Crave Mountain Grill. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with our specially curated New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner. 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Reservation Required. Crave, Banff. $89 per person.

• Celebrate in the Park. A family-friendly event offers live music, a mini train for toddlers, opportunities to race kicksleds, try broomball, enjoy hot chocolate, and marshmallows roasted over open fires. 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Banff Central Park. Free. 

• Reflect & Reset. Join Demi for a restorative evening to reflect on the past year, release what no longer serves you, and reset your focus. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Flow State, Banff. $35. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🥕Banff Food Rescue. It’s the holidays, but the Banff Food Rescue is still doing its part to alleviate food insecurity in the Valley. Volunteer to help pick up and distribute food or cook up something delicious. If you’re in Canmore, the Recovery Barn is distributing food as well.

• 🌻Sunflower Program. By displaying the Sunflower symbol, individuals can discreetly signal to staff and fellow passengers that they may require additional time, assistance, or understanding while traveling with Roam Public Transit. 

• 🚧Banff Road Closures. A parking ban is set for Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Muskrat and Buffalo Streets for snow and ice removal. Resident Parking Permit holders can park on nearby resident-only streets for up to 72 hours. Check plow routes at banff.ca/Snow.

• ✅Early Present from Rotary. The Rotary Club of Banff is delighted to be able to open the majority of Banff Rotary Park. With the hard work of a group of wonderful volunteers along with members of Rotary and ARC construction, the site is open except for the washrooms.

• 💡Explore Bankhead. The Lamphouse Building in Bankhead is a relic of Banff’s coal mining past. Once home to 1,000 residents, this affluent early-1900s town boasted streetlights and electricity before its neighbors. 

• 🔁Community Swap. Consider swapping boots and mitts  for the next swap. Through these events, the Canmore Public Library and the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley strive to foster community connection, promote sustainability, and support our community. 

• 🔓Open for Public Use. The paved multi-use pathway from the west side of Three Sisters Creek to Highway 742 (Three Sisters Parkway) is now open and snow-free. 

• 🏒Hockey Day in Canada. There are tickets available for a number of events during Hockey Day in Canmore including a concert with Chad Brownlee, brunch with the cup in Mini Thni, and the NHL alumni game watch party.

• 🚕Retirement Party. Taxi Mike is Retiring from Driving Taxi! Sorry, but he will no longer be driving your Drunk Ass home anymore! Drop by the Elk and Oarsman for  Taxi Mike's "Take this Job & Shove-it!" Retirement Party. Friday, January 3rd, after 7:00pm. 

• 🧊Ice Castle Collapse at Lake Louise. It’s an annual “event,” but December is earlier than usual for the ice castle at Lake Louise. As of this writing, the video of the collapse has over 32k views. 

• 🥂Fon-Absolutely-Do! If you haven’t heard, fondue is back at The Bridgette Bar, and we highly recommend it. 

CIVIC NEWS

• Help contribute to Banff by joining a committee. Anyone who lives in Banff and is at least 18 years old is welcome to apply. You don’t need to be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident. No previous board experience is necessary. Apply by January 5th.

• Last month, Mediation Services reported that about 30 firefighters in Canmore settled a new contract after nearly four years of negotiation. Their new contract includes annual 3% wage increases for 2021, 2022, and 2023, along with improvements in night shift pay and health benefits. However, the contract has already expired, so negotiations for the next one will start soon.

LIVE MUSIC

• Monday, December 30th, 9:00 PM: Andrew Staygold. DJ Tenax. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. Free. 

• Monday, December 30th, 10:00 PM: Brent Lee. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. No Cover.

• Tuesday, December 31, 8:00 PM: Elektric Squirrels. Location: Legion, Canmore. $50

• Tuesday, December 31th, 9:30 PM: Dancing Sasquatch New Years Eve 2025 Location: Dancing Sasquatch, Banff. $70.78.

• Tuesday, December 31th, 9:30 PM: New Years on Banff Ave. Music of 2 Stages: Shannon Smith on Main and DJs at the Sports Bar. Location: Melissa’s MisSteak, Banff. $47.25. 

• Tuesday, December 31th, 10:00 PM: NYE Party with DJ KIMBZ. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore. $20. 

• Tuesday, December 31th, 10:00 PM: Syndicate of Soul & DJ Social System. Location: Rose and Crown Banff. $45 at the door. 

• Tuesday, December 31th, 10:00 PM: 2025 New Year Party: Matt Beatty and the Hot Tamales on the Main Stage | DJ Wolfy Beats in the Club. Location: The Drake Pub, Canmore. $40 at the door. 

• Tuesday, December 31th, 10:00 PM: 2025 New Years Eve. DJ Tenax. Location: Rose and Crown Canmore. $25 at the door. 

• Tuesday, December 31th, 10:00 PM: Last Trax & Tangerine Dance Present Nye 2024 DJ Tenax. Location: Banff Ave Brewing Co. $10. 

SPORTS

• Mountain Biking. Canmore is gearing up to host a UCI Continental Series mountain bike race in June 2025 at the Nordic Centre. This international event bridges the gap between Canada Cup and World Cup circuits, offering local talent like Logan Sadesky a shot at the global stage. Expect world-class riders, thrilling courses, and a spectator-friendly experience. 

• World Cup Downhill Skiing. Jeffrey Read of Canmore gave it his all on the Stelvio course, finishing 34th in the men’s downhill World Cup in Bormio, Italy. Read missed scoring points by just 0.14 seconds, proving how razor-thin the margins are at this elite level of skiing.

• Ice Climbing. As a follow-up to the story we shared on Friday about an Ice Climber who fell at Lake Louise, local guide Will Gadd has some advice for tourists who may find themselves at the base of a frozen waterfall. He stresses the importance of staying aware and cautious, encouraging climbers and tourists to communicate respectfully to avoid accidents from falling ice.

That’s all, folks!

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