Beer, Bears, and a Big Goodbye - What’s Happening in Canmore?

Hey Canmore! Ready for Some Surprises?
We've got a newsletter full of unexpected twists. Why is Calgary booming with U.S. tourists when the rest of Canada isn't? Why will Alberta's shiny new train line take 15 years to arrive? And why are bear sightings popping up in every direction this weekend?

There's also good news for craft beer lovers - Banff's Cave & Basin is transforming into a giant beer garden this October. And if you loved Craig's Way Station, you might want to read our tribute to this iconic diner's final breakfast service.

Dive into the stories below and see what else is brewing this week in Canmore.

📅 Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. Check it out and send us your feedback - we’d love to hear what you think!

🏔️ Canmore in Brief - Headlines this Week 📰

✈️ Why Calgary Is Booming With American Tourists
While most of Canada sees fewer U.S. visitors, Calgary is breaking the trend thanks to targeted campaigns and a strong dollar. Read more

🚄 Alberta's Passenger Rail Plans Are Rolling - Slowly
A new rail plan could reconnect Calgary to Edmonton, Banff, and beyond, but you might be waiting 15 years for a ticket. Full story. The plan has a long history; you can find the back story here.

⛳ Connor McDavid Celebrates in Banff With Golf & Friends
The NHL star and his wife marked his birthday with a scenic day of golf in the Rockies - and fans are loving the pics. Story here

🍳 Craig's Way Station Says Goodbye After 42 Years
After serving generations of locals and travellers, Canmore's beloved breakfast diner Craig's Way Station has officially closed its doors - but the memories live on. Full story

🐻 Bear Activity Warning Across the Bow Valley
With bear sightings spiking at the Canmore Nordic Centre and across Kananaskis, officials warn visitors to expect bears everywhere this long weekend. Read more

🌲 Tip of the Week
Before heading out on any hike, be sure to download the AllTrails app and save your trail maps offline. Cell service is patchy (or non-existent!) in many areas of the parks, and having an offline map can keep you on track and safe while you explore. Happy hiking! 🥾📍

🍺 Banff Craft Beer Festival Returns to the Cave & Basin
Over 40 breweries, DJs, and food vendors will transform Banff's historic site into a massive fall celebration this October. More

🎨 Canmore Museum's Nature Camp Combines Crafts & Critters
Kids aged 6-10 can explore plants, birds, geology and more at this hands-on summer camp based in the historic NWMP Barracks. See details

🥾 EF Adventures Launches New Rockies Hiking Tour
A new six-day hiking tour from EF Adventures takes travellers deep into Banff and Lake Louise, with epic alpine views and a Canmore brewery stop to top it off. More

🎿 Para Biathlon World Cup Returns to Canmore
The 2025-26 Para Biathlon World Cup will kick off in Canmore this December, featuring Canada's Paralympic stars in a high-stakes lead-up to Milano-Cortina. See details

🚵‍♀️Canmore Crux Gravel Race Needs Volunteers!
Help create the race-day vibe at Alberta's Provincial Gravel Championships and earn swag, food, and good karma. More

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• 🍁 What You Need to Know About Canada Day in Banff and Canmore

• 📅 Our EVENTS calendar is now fully live

• 🥾 5 Easy Hikes In Canmore The Whole Family Will Love

📬 Community Classifieds 🏘️

🌿 Canmore Medicinal & Edible Plants Nature Walk. Discover the secrets of the forest on a guided walk exploring traditional plant uses in the Rockies. Connect here.

🚁 Helicopter Flight & Alpine Hike in the Rockies. Soar above glaciers, then touch down for a guided hike through untouched alpine wilderness near Jasper. Take flight.

🧊 Explore the Columbia Icefield by Ice Explorer & Skywalk. Journey across ancient ice and take in jaw-dropping views from above the Sunwapta Valley. Find out more

🐎 Banff Bow River Horseback Ride – 1 Hour of Scenic Bliss. Saddle up for a peaceful ride through pine forests and along glacier-fed waters. Learn more.

🍷 Fairmont Banff Springs Culinary Tour - A 2.5-hour tasting tour of Alberta cuisine with behind-the-scenes access and a meet-the-chef at the iconic hotel. View Details 🏰

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

We keep it short here - head to OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.

Mon, 30th June
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
19:00 🧘 Yoga in the Park - Riverside Park - Canmore
20:00 🎸 Live Music: Rewd - Rose & Crown - Canmore
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - The Drake Inn - Canmore

Tue, 1st July
09:00 🏃 Canada Day Fun Run & Walk - Centennial Park - Canmore
09:00 🍁 Canada Day in Canmore - Various Locations - Canmore
12:00 🎉 Canada Day Parade - Downtown - Canmore
13:00 🎸 Live Music: Old Town - Canmore Legion
14:00 🎶 Live Music: From Baroque to Rock - 1890 Smokehouse - Canmore
18:00 🎲 Game Night - Tavern 1883 - Canmore
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
19:00 ❓ Trivia Tuesday - Canmore Rose & Crown
19:00 🧘 Healing & Meditation - Creekside Villa - Canmore
21:30 🎸 Live Music: Various Artists - Tavern 1883 - Canmore

Wed, 2nd July
14:00 💻 Tech Tips & Tutoring - Canmore Public Library
17:30 🌱 Building Soil: Composting Initiative - Biosphere Institute - Canmore
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
18:00 🚵 Wednesday MTB Ride - Canmore Brewing
19:00 🎤 Open Mic Night at The Local - The Local - Canmore
20:30 ❓ Trivia With Awale - Tavern 1883 - Canmore

Thu, 3rd July
10:00 🛍️ Canmore Mountain Market - Elevation Place - Canmore
10:45 👶 Stroller Strides: Walk & Connect - Elevation Place - Canmore
11:00 🖼️ July CAG Group Show - Glacier Show - Elevation Place - Canmore
14:00 🧘 Cosmic Calm - Teens 12+ - Canmore Public Library
18:00 🌅 Banff Gondola Sunset Event - Banff Gondola - Banff
19:00 🎤 Karaoke Thursdays - 1890 Smokehouse - Canmore
19:00 ❓ Trivia Thursdays @ The Drake - The Drake - Canmore
19:00 ♠️ Thursday Night Poker - Canmore Legion

Future Events

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.

🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️

Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Canmore. For more information (including links to the venues), visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.

🍕 Bridgette Bar (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🎯 Cangolf (20:00-Close, Thurs-Sun)
⛳ Canmore Golf & Curling Club (16:00-21:00, Daily)
🍸 Crazyweed Kitchen (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍷 Fergus & Bix (14:30-17:30 & 21:00-Close, Daily)
🍽️ Kain Tayo (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍕 Murrieta’s (14:00-17:00, Sun-Thurs)
🎶 Rhythm & Howl (16:00-18:00, Sun-Thur; 15:00-18:00, Fri & Sat)
🍻 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-15:00, Mon-Fri)
🥂 Stirling Dining Room and Lounge (Malcolm Hotel) (12:00-17:00, Daily)
🍕 Tank310 (14:00-17:00, Sun-Fri)
🍹 Tavern 1883 (14:00-16:00, Sun-Fri)
🍔 The Bankhead Restaurant (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍻 The Drake Pub (15:00-18:00, Sun-Fri)
🦞 The Drunken Lobster Oyster Bar (16:00-17:00, Wed-Sun)
🐾 The Grizzly Paw Brewing Co. (15:00-18:00, Mon-Fri)
🥃 The Mineshaft Tavern (14:00-18:00, Daily)
🍸 Wild Life Distillery (18:00-20:00, Mon-Fri)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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