🚀Rockies Rake in $2.4B From Tourism

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Melissa’s Road Race is a legendary fall event here in the Bow Valley, and it’s here again. Get ready for a busy weekend in the Valley!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• A major move for the iconic Banff sign

• A silent hiking group for introverts

• Round Dance in Canmore

Let’s get to it!

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

$2.4 BILLION FROM TOURISM IN THE ROCKIES

What’s happening? The Government of Alberta recently shared that 2023 was a record-breaking year for tourism in the province. According to Statistics Canada, visitors spent $12.7 billion, up from $10.7 billion in 2022, with $2.4 billion going directly into the stunning Canadian Rockies.

Tourism Goals: Currently, Alberta's government aims to grow tourism from $10 billion to $25 billion by 2035. Their strategy is to diversify Alberta’s historically energy-focused economy. 

Challenges Ahead: However, there are considerations to be made, such as vehicle traffic, conservation initiatives and overcrowding of popular spots. Though Banff is not on track for record-breaking numbers in 2024, with large visitor demand, Parks Canada is looking at developing visitor use management plans, which could bring in visitor restrictions for two popular spots in the park.

Have Your Say: Head over to this Parks Canada-run website to make sure you have your say on the plans ahead.

SHE WILL TREAT YOUR VACATION RENTAL LIKE HER OWN

Ever wish you could clone yourself to handle your vacation rental?

It’s about time you meet Adriana from Valley & Peak—she’s the next best thing (maybe even better!).

A former Canmore nurse, Adriana has traded bandages for bookings and now helps property owners like you create unforgettable guest experiences and boost their revenue.

Adriana’s all-in. With rental units of her own, she knows the Bow Valley market like the back of her hand. From interior design and professional listings to ongoing guest communication and A+ service, Adriana handles everything so her busy property owners don’t have to.

If you want someone who loves your property as much as you do, book a free call with Adriana today. Your rental (and wallet) will thank you.

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THE DIGEST

• 🔥There’s a wildfire burning in the MD of Bighorn, near Richards Road, just south of the Ghost River. Residents don’t need to evacuate right now, as firefighters are on the scene, and the fire is currently listed as “being held.”

• 📍In August, we reported the Town of Banff was moving its iconic sign around to find the best spot. On Monday, the Town administration shared their top pick: Central Park. However, the Town Council leaned towards the Train Station Knoll instead. While nothing’s finalized yet, they did approve a service request to explore the potential move. 

• 🚗Banff is looking into a parking reservation system to address over-tourism, but the administration isn’t fully on board yet. Town lawyers confirm they can implement it, but there are concerns about its effectiveness in reducing congestion. The goal is to manage visitor numbers without complicating life for local residents.

• ⚖️In early October, Banff will host the Canadian Criminal Justice Association's 39th Congress, bringing together legal experts from across the country. Ian McKay, vice-president of organization, shares that this year's focus is on justice and reconciliation, especially regarding Indigenous issues.

• 🐻Happy Friday, everyone! Just a quick heads-up: there’s a bear warning for the Skoki and Johnston Creek Trails. Several grizzly bears are displaying defensive behavior and have approached hikers, so please exercise extra caution. Keep pets leashed and supervise kids closely.

GOOD DAM DECISION

What’s Happening: The Alberta government has made a big move to enhance water security by expanding the Ghost Reservoir, located in the MD of Bighorn. This decision aims to protect downstream communities along the Bow River while keeping costs down.

Smart Choice: The Ghost River site is more stable and less prone to erosion than the proposed earth-fill dam at the Glenbow East option. Cochrane’s mayor expressed relief as the Glenbow East dam posed risks to local parks and the town of Cochrane, home to over 30,000 residents. This decision protects both local infrastructure and enables further development plans.

Community Support: Park advocates are celebrating this decision, which helps safeguard Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and Haskayne Legacy Park from potential flooding.

Future Steps: The project will now move into the engineering and regulatory phase, set to start in 2025, paving the way for flood mitigation and area droughts.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Movie night in Canmore! Check out a free family screening of IF September 27 at 5:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore.

• Send your kids for a pottery painting pizza party. Friday Fun Night is September 27, 6- 8 PM. Crock-a-doodle, Canmore.

• Get ready for Melissa’s Road Race. lululemon Shake-Out Race Prep Run is September 27 at 6 PM. lululemon, Banff.

• Join Îyârhe Nakoda interpreters as they explain the process and ceremony of taking down a tipi. Tipi Closing Ceremony is September 27, 6:30- 7:30 PM. NWMP Barracks, Canmore.

• French Film Night. Watch Chez les beaux parents September 27 at 7:45 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. Free.

Saturday

• Join in a community tradition with Melissa’s Road Race. This epic event is September 28, 10:30 AM- 2 PM. Banff.

• Watch a round dance to honor National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Every Child Matters Round Dance is September 28, 1-4 PM. Civic Centre, Canmore.

• Enjoy appetizers, beverages, and live music. Chef’s Garden Party is September 28, 3:30- 6 PM. The Malcolm, Canmore. $125

• Watch the Grand Prairie Storm versus the Canmore Eagles. Check out this away game September 28, 4:30 PM. Patrinos, Canmore.

• Put on your dancing shoes. Bow Valley Line Dance Club hosts a dance party September 28, 7- 9:30 PM. St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Canmore.

• Dust off your boots. Country Night is September 28, 6:30- 11:30 PM. CanGolf, Canmore. $20

Sunday

• Take in some spectacular textile art. Canadian Rockies Quilt Show is September 28 and September 29, 10 AM- 4 PM. Recreation Centre, Canmore. $10 for one day, $15 for two days.

• Take part in poetry, yoga, and mindfulness. CYAN hosts Rediscovering Our Earth: A Mindfulness Workshop September 29, 5:30- 7:30 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. $5

• Bingo night in Canmore. Partake of the Bow Valley’s favorite pastime with a rock ‘n roll twist on September 29 at 8 PM. Tavern 1883, Canmore.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🪶If you went to the Nakoda Classic Pow Wow on August 30 and September 1, check out the portraits online now!

• 💪🏼Join Paula and your new workout buddies this fall at Mountain Fitness Training!

• 🚤Curious why cleaning your watercraft matters? Check out this real-life story that shows why it’s so important!

• 🎫Want to score tickets to the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival on tour on October 1st? Enter now for your chance!

• 🤝The Skal Club of the Canadian Rockies is hosting an online auction to raise funds for Jasper. Check it out!

• 🧘Check out Silent Hikes Canmore! It’s a new group for enjoying nature through walking meditation and peaceful hikes together.

• 🥾WAYS Adventures is offering a friends and family deal to hike Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass at Moraine Lake!

• 🫶🏻Join Bow Valley Homelessness Society for food, live music, and community to learn about and support housing initiatives!

• 🕊️Monday is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation! Check out local events and learn about resources and calls to action.

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK: 29 HEART CRESCENT, LAC DES ARC

A Secret Garden: 29 Heart Crescent in Lac Des Arcs is the kind of place that everyone wishes they knew about, but only a few will. Tucked away on three-quarters of an acre, this hidden gem is surrounded by towering evergreens and picturesque birch trees, so privacy? Yeah, it's got that.

The Real Scoop: Its massive lawns are begging for kids to run around or for epic summer barbecues. And the rooftop deck over the garage? The perfect spot to catch a sunset while sipping your drink of choice.

Cozy Vibes: with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and tons of natural light pouring in through the windows. Oh, and the ensuite in the primary bedroom? It’s pure indulgence. Throw in a finished basement and a two-car garage, and you've got your forever home!

Contact Cory at [email protected] for a tour of this beautiful property just 10 minutes down the highway from Canmore. 

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CIVIC NEWS

• Would you consider using a car share service if it came to town? The Town of Banff is doing a quick study to see if there’s interest. Take the survey and you could win one of four $50 gift cards to Nesters!

• Mark your calendars! There’s a public info session about changes to Bed & Breakfast regulations in Banff on October 17, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 PM Join the session in-person at or catch it online via Zoom.

• The Town of Canmore's Big Stories Blog is now live! Check out their 2024/5 stories and see what's in the works to enhance life in Canmore, all while staying in line with your Council's priorities.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 27, 7:30- 10 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise.

• Friday, September 27, 9 PM: 40 Watt Friday. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore. No cover.

• Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, 9 PM: The Great Fuss. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Friday, September 27, 10 AM- 2 PM: With Intention: A Night of Electrifying Beats. Location: The Lodge, Banff. $5

• Saturday, September 28, 4 PM: All ages karaoke, the 2000’s edition. Location: Legion, Canmore.

• Saturday, September 28, 7:30 PM: Garneau String Quartet with Lori Gemmill and Tom Allen - The Music of Talk. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $45

• Saturday, September 28, 9 PM: Live music with Mike Burns. Location: Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Sunday, September 29, 10 PM: DJ Wolfie Beatz. Location: Rose and Crown, Banff. No cover.

SPORTS

• Take a peek at the awesome photos from last weekend’s Women’s Enduro event! You won’t want to miss these great moments captured on the trails!

• Canmore’s Adam Mertens recently made history by completing a first-known route around Banff and Canmore, running about 127 kilometers. Mertens emphasizes the incredible opportunities for exploration in our own backyard, encouraging others to push the boundaries of mountain adventures.

• Women’s hockey is booming in Banff! The Rundle Women’s Hockey League is expanding from six to eight teams for the 2024-25 season, starting Oct. 6. Players have loved the experience, bringing friends along for the fun! The two new team names will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

That’s all, folks!

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