👀Too Many Tourists in Banff?

Good morning, Bow Valley!

If you think Banff’s crowded streets and full parking lots are a fluke, think again. With record-breaking visitors and growing pains, Banff is at its tourist limits—find out what’s next!

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Sunshine Village nabs the top spot

• No more shooting in the Ghost Wilderness

• Banff Christmas Market tickets go on sale (yikes, Christmas stuff already?)

P.S. Shoutout to Ron Groves for referring so many friends to Bow Valley Insider! Ron is passionate about electric vehicle education and loves exploring all the Valley offers. His favorite spot? The MacLab Bistro. Thanks for spreading the word, Ron! 🚗⚡

Let’s get to it!

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

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BANFF OVERLOADED

What’s happening? Every Banff local knows the town is packed with tourists, traffic jams, and full parking lots. So, is it hitting the limits of tourism? 

Record-Breaking Crowds: Banff has seen a 31% increase in visitors over the past decade, breaking records year after year. Social media might show serene views, but in reality, it is a bustling hub of activity.

Infrastructure Strain: To keep up with the growing number of tourists, Banff has had to expand its infrastructure. The town’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and every new visitor means more development to manage the crowd.

Environmental Impact: The rush of tourists brings challenges like litter, off-trail hiking, and wildlife disturbances. Measures like parking fees, shuttles, and visitor management plans are in place, but they’re struggling to keep up.

Future Concerns: With over 4 million annual visitors and increasing pressure on key spots like Lake Louise, the question is whether Banff can sustain its popularity without sacrificing its natural beauty. Some conservationists fear the park has already reached its tipping point.

Banff isn’t alone in facing these tourism challenges, and the discussion about tourism is gaining global traction.

THE DIGEST

• 🗣 Adam Waterous, the billionaire behind the Calgary-to-Banff rail project, has spoken out on Pursuit’s near-monopoly in Banff. The American company, which owns major attractions like the Banff Gondola and Columbia Icefield Adventures, faces criticism from Canadian competitors unhappy with its dominant position in these popular spots.

• 🛩️ A rogue drone messed up firefighting efforts in Jasper National Park, grounding all aircraft for a while. Parks Canada said the drone disrupted a crucial smoke patrol. Drones are banned in national parks, with fines up to $25,000. Parks Canada is urging everyone to "Stop flying drones in Jasper!" In other news, the fire in Jasper has officially been declared under control.

• 🦌The elk rut has kicked off in the Rockies, meaning bull elk are getting feisty as they round up females for mating. Parks Canada warns visitors to keep their distance—at least 30 meters—to avoid provoking these animals. Elk are territorial right now, so don’t approach them for photos or selfies. Keep dogs leashed, stay noisy, and carry bear spray.

• 🐻A recent grizzly bear attack near Madden, Rocky View County, seriously injured a man, with the bear being the same one responsible for the 2021 death of David Lertzman, a former Bow Valley resident. This incident adds to Alberta's troubling bear attack statistics, with a noticeable rise in incidents this decade. September, in particular, is risky for encounters.

• 🛣Canada’s beauty is enhanced by its wildlife, and in busy parks like Banff, wildlife crossings play a huge role in keeping animals safe. Banff has installed 44 crossing structures and 82 km of fencing, making it the top spot globally for wildlife crossings. Since the project started in 1996, wildlife-vehicle collisions have dropped over 80%.

TRIGGER HAPPY DAYS ARE OVER

What’s Happening: Alberta’s Ghost Public Land Use Zone is getting a strict temporary firearms ban due to unsafe shooting practices that have increasingly troubled the area. 

New Restrictions: As of August 29, the ban covers the Ghost River area and TransAlta Road, aiming to tackle the dangers of reckless gun use. This move follows reports of target shooters causing wildfires and endangering firefighters.

Safety Concerns: The MD of Bighorn and local residents have seen a rise in dangerous incidents, including hikers and mountain bikers being startled by nearby gunshots. There’s been a noticeable increase in litter and spent casings left behind.

Impact on Recreation: The area, which is used for a mix of activities like hiking, camping, and shooting, is now considered unsafe by many. Concerns extend to the potential environmental impact, such as lead contamination in soil and water.

Future Plans: The temporary ban will last at least 30 days but could be extended. Authorities, including conservation officers and RCMP, will patrol the area, provide guidance, and enforce the new rules. There’s also talk of possibly creating an official shooting range to better manage firearm use in the future.

THINGS TO DO

Monday

• Public skate with stick and puck handling. Hone your hockey skills September 9, 2-3:30 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in rates apply for non-residents.

• Ask all of your Canadian Citizenship questions. Attend a free information session on September 9, 3-4:15 PM. Online. Registration required.

• Enjoy a meal and make new friends. Enjoy GF Spanish frittata, salad with Latin vinaigrette, buns, and cookies on September 9, 5-7 PM. St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Canmore. By donation.

• Participate in Food and Friends. Last week was chicken tandoori curry– what’s cooking on September 9, 5-7 PM? St. George in the Pines, Banff. By donation.

• Stretch and unwind by the river. CYAN hosts Yoga in the Park on September 9, 7-8 PM. Riverside Park, Canmore. Registration required.

Tuesday

• Read books with babies! Baby Story Time is September 10, 10:30- 11 AM. Banff Public Library, Banff.

• Movie night in Canmore. Watch 500 Days in the Wild by Dianne Whelan on September 10, 7 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $12/ members $10.50/ youth $6

• Show off your smarts. September 10 at 7 PM is Trivia Night. Rose and Crown, Canmore.

• Bat around some birdies. Play badminton on September 10, 6:30- 8 PM. Fenlands, Banff. Drop-in rates apply for non-residents.

• Canmore’s Ukrainian Social is here. Don’t miss out on September 10, 5-7 PM. Recreation Centre, Canmore. Registration required.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 🚖Enjoy free rides with Pride! For Three Sisters Taxi vouchers in Canmore, email [email protected]. Free Roam Transit passes between Banff and Canmore are also available.

• 🎟️Grab your tickets now for the Do-Si-Do with the Biosphere: 3rd Annual Square Dance Fundraiser!

• 🚀Banff Sunshine Village is number one on Powder magazine’s list of the most scenic North American ski resorts. Not surprising!

• 👕Clothing donations are now welcome at the Canmore Library for the upcoming biannual Clothing Swap-O-Rama!

• 💝The Jasper Evacuee Donation Centre garage sale is on September 12, with proceeds going to the Jasper Community Team Society.

• 📝Canmore’s major events grant applications are open until September 27. Don’t miss out—apply now!

• 🔖Early bird tickets for the Banff Christmas Market are on sale now. Check out the details on the new location!

• 🌟Don’t miss out—nominate your favorite Bow Valley Chamber Member for the Business Excellence Awards by September 15th!

• 🍹Mountain Happy Hour is still happening at Tavern 1883, from 2- 4 PM, Sunday to Friday.

• 👣Friends of Kananaskis are excited to share that the Powderface Creek re-route is on track to finish on time and within budget.

CIVIC NEWS

• The Banff Town Council meeting is happening on Monday at 2 PM, both in the Council Chamber and on Zoom. One agenda item is a decision to apply for extra funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta's Community Fireguard Program. If you're interested, you can tune in or join the meeting online.

• The Jamieson Road Area Structure Plan is moving forward with a new pre-engagement survey launching on September 5, 2024. This follows the open house held on March 14, 2024. The survey will gather input to help shape the next public open house. Check out the news release for details on the survey and other ways to get involved!

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, September 6, 6:30- 8:30 PM and Saturday, September 7, 12-3 PM: Singer songwriter Steph O’dette. Location: Chateau, Lake Louise.

• Monday, September 9, 9 PM: Late Live Music + Pizza Party + 6.75 Pints. Location: Three Bears, Banff.

• Monday, September 9, 10 PM: Double DJ Monday. Location: High Rollers, Banff. No cover.

• Tuesday, September 10, 7 PM: Jam night. Location: Pump and Tap, Banff.

• Tuesday, September 10, 10 PM: Karaoke with Andrew Stagold. Melissa’s Missteak, Banff.

SPORTS

• Canmore's own Will McLaughlin is heading to Division College! This 16-year-old defenceman, set to join the Drumheller Dragons roster, is known for his speed and offensive skills. If you haven’t watched the Frozen Four before, now’s your chance to check it out!

• Tickets for the Bow Valley Sports Hall of Fame 2024 Induction Celebration are selling quickly! Don’t miss Banff’s “Captain Canada,” Ryan Smyth, being honored. Grab your tickets while you can!

That’s all, folks!

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