😵 No Vacancy: G7 Hotel Rush Hits Canmore 🏨 + Town Plan Tension Rises 📄

Things are heating up in Canmore - literally and figuratively. With the G7 just weeks away, even diplomats are struggling to find a place to crash, and fighter jets are already buzzing over the Bow Valley as security ramps up. June's shaping up to be wild.

Meanwhile, the future of our downtown is hanging in the balance. After a flood of public feedback, Town Council has hit pause on a 25-year development plan that could reshape Main Street as we know it. Locals have opinions - lots of them - and the conversation is far from over.

And in Banff, big changes are coming to one of the region's most iconic hotels. The Rimrock Resort will close this October for a full-scale renovation and isn't set to reopen until spring 2026. A new look is on the way - but in the meantime, that's one more high-profile property off the map during an already tight season for accommodation.

Elsewhere around town, the events calendar is packed. Try your hand at basket weaving, hit up open mic night, or test your trivia chops. And for the adventurous? Mountain bike courses, river floats, and helicopter tours await.

Scroll down to see what else is happening this week - and don't miss the crab that travelled across the continent in a Canmore student's shoe. Yup, seriously.

🏔️ Canmore in Brief - Headlines this Week 📰

🏙️ Downtown Canmore plan draws wave of public feedback
After thousands of pages of submissions, council postponed its decision on a 25-year plan that could reshape Main Street and beyond. More

🌍 G7 Summit brings global spotlight - and disruption - to Banff and Canmore
With world leaders arriving June 15-17, locals brace for road closures, media swarms, and security zones - while also seizing a rare moment to showcase mountain life on the global stage. More

🏘️ Canmore real estate market remains red hot
With single-family homes averaging $1.68M and buyers undeterred, Canmore continues to top Canada’s luxury mountain housing scene. More

🐻 Hungry bears emerge near Canmore and Kananaskis
Grizzlies and black bears are out and foraging, prompting safety reminders as sightings spike near highways and town trails. More

🏨 Rimrock Resort in Banff to close for major renovation
The iconic hotel will shut its doors in October for a full makeover, reopening in spring 2026 with a new look and legacy. More

🛏️ G7 guests scramble for rooms as Southern Alberta braces for busy June
With Rotary delegates, tourists, and world leaders converging, even diplomats are finding it tough to book a bed in southern Alberta. More

✈️ Fighter jets over Bow Valley ahead of G7 Summit
CF-18s and military helicopters will be flying over Canmore and Kananaskis throughout May and June as security preparations ramp up for the G7. More

🦀 Crab from Panama shocks Canmore student with surprise shoe ride
After surviving a transcontinental flight and a washing machine, a stowaway crab caused a stir at a local school and captured hearts as “Clarence.” More

🔥 Five ways to prepare for wildfire season
From 72-hour kits to evacuation plans, the town’s emergency director shares what locals need to know to stay safe this summer. More

🏓 Pickleball newcomers invited to try-it sessions in Canmore
Free beginner-friendly events on May 24 at Veterans Courts include gear, guidance, and lots of fun - but spots are limited. More

🧭 Canmore residents reminded of local support for tough times
Community social workers can help with food insecurity, medical access, and more - offering a vital connection point for those who need a hand. More

Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue

• Heated debate over Canmore's downtown future

• Local Ghost Stories

• Roam Transit rolls out summer service upgrades

🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸

We keep it short here - head to the events page for full descriptions and links.

Mon, 12th May

14:00 🏔️ Talk: Wildlife, Landscapes, and Geology - Canmore Seniors Association
16:00 🐉 Dragon Club - D&D for Ages 8+ - Canmore Library
18:00 🧺 Spring Basket Weaving - artsPlace
22:00 🎤 Karaoke Night - The Drake Inn

Tue, 13th May

18:00 🎲 Game Night - Tavern 1883
18:00 🫒 Explore Olive Oil & Balsamic: Taste & Learn - Canmore Public Library
18:45 🏋️‍♀️ Trail Athlete Strength Training - CrossFit Canmore
19:00 🧠 Trivia Tuesday - Rose & Crown
19:00 🎬 Film Screening: Pride vs. Prejudice - The Delwin Vriend Story - artsPlace

Wed, 14th May

11:00 🌱 Annual Compost Giveaway - Canmore Recreation Centre
14:00 💻 Tech Tips and Tutoring - Canmore Public Library
17:00 🍻 Bevvies & Business: Networking Event - Rose & Crown
18:00 🚵 Canmore Refresher Mountain Bike Course - Canmore
18:00 🎬 Movie Night - Canmore Public Library
18:30 🏃 First 49 Trail Series: 5-7km Trail Run - Canmore Nordic Centre
19:00 🎤 Wednesday Night Karaoke All Ages - Canmore Legion
19:00 🎤 Open Mic Night - The Local Canmore
20:30 🧠 Trivia with Awale - Tavern 1883
21:00 🎶 Jam/Open Mic Night - Rose & Crown

Thu, 15th May

11:30 💼 Workshop Series - QuickBooks for Beginners - Canmore Public Library
12:00 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Flag Raising - Canmore Civic Centre Plaza
18:30 📘 Book Launch with Sonnie Trotter - Canmore Public Library
19:00 ♠️ Thursday Night Poker - Canmore Legion
19:00 🧠 Trivia Thursdays - The Drake Inn
19:00 🎥 Banff Centre World Tour: Film NIGHT I - artsPlace
21:00 🎶 Jam Night with Gary Gonis - Tavern 1883

Future Events

🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? Our events page has a growing list of future happenings, 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 Brewing Co (16:00-19:00, Fri; 19:00-21:00, Mon/Wed/Thu; 18:00-20:00, Sun)
🍕 Crazyweed Kitchen (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍷 Fergus & Bix (14:30-17:30 & 21:00-close, Daily)
🍺 First Call Tavern (15:00-18:00, Mon-Fri & 15:00-17:00 Sat-Sun)
🍽️ Kain Tayo (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍷 Murrieta's (14:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
🍺 Rhythm & Howl (16:00-18:00, Sun-Thu; 15:00-18:00, Fri & Sat)
🍻 Rose & Crown Restaurant & Pub (14:00-18:00, Mon-Fri)
🍷 Stirling Dining Room and Lounge (Malcolm Hotel) (12:00-17:00, Daily)
🍕 Stoney's Grill at Silvertip Resort (14:00-18:00, Daily)
🍕 Tank310 (14:00-17:00, Sun-Fri)
🍺 Tavern 1883 (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🍻 The Drake Pub (14:00-19:00, 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)
🍹 Where the Buffalo Roam (14:00-17:00, Mon-Fri)
🍸 Wild Life Distillery (18:00-20:00, Mon-Fri)

👋 That’s All For Now 🎬

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