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CANMORE — Over 100 years ago, during the height of coal mining operations, the ghost town of Bankhead was alive and well.

Now ruins and remnants, the town on the outskirts of Banff was home to workers from all backgrounds, including many who had made the long journey overseas from China to Canada.

In her new book Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers, writer Jacqueline Louie explores the 100 years following the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act, recounting the story of Bankhead family the Chows, alongside the experiences of many other early Chinese immigrants.

“Mr. Chow was the head of the Chinese labourers in Bankhead in the early 20th Century and so his story is unusual, just like all the other families in my book because he was able to have his wife here and they had a family in Canada,” said Louie.

Refunds will be paid in Calgary Ski Club (CSC) points only. No cash, eTransfer, or credit card refunds.

Procedure to cancel your registration for an event:

a) Before the cancellation cutoff date, log in to the website and use the "Cancel Registration" button on the event. If it is a paid event, you will be refunded in CSC points. An automated email will be sent to the Event Host informing them of your decision to cancel.

b) After the cancellation cutoff date, notify the Event Host. A refund may be provided using CSC points but only if the event is full and someone fills your spot. If your spot has not been filled, no refund will be provided, and your spot will be held for you. If your spot is filled, the Event Host will cancel your registration, and you will receive a refund in CSC points.

FIELD, B.C. – A petition spearheaded by a Field resident to get a deadly stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway twinned through Yoho National Park has been delivered to federal parliament.

Mel Arnold, a federal Conservative MP representing Kamloops–Shuswap–Central Rockies, presented the petition signed by 764 concerned people on Sept. 19.

Officials say the highway has claimed too many lives in recent years, including nine in 2022 alone and another one in summer 2024.

“This section of the highway is truly outdated and often sees serious and fatal accidents,” Arnold said in parliament.

As of August 2025, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor, 39.5 per cent of Alberta was suffering from severe to extreme drought. While not a singular contributor, glacial recession — or glacier shrinkage — due to a rapidly warming planet plays a significant role.

From lower spring runoff to impact on the St. Mary and Oldman reservoirs, experts say glacial and snowpack loss could possibly contribute up to 80 per cent of the flow in major river systems like the Saskatchewan, Peace and Athabasca. These rivers are important for agriculture, municipal water and hydropower.

Jeffrey Crompton is a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada. Growing up in the Calgary and Canmore area, he spent a lot of time in the Rockies. That’s where he became fascinated by glaciers.

The United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation is a year dedicated to listening to and speaking for our vanishing glaciers. It is a continuation of a long vigil, a year during which we offer tributes to our old friends even as we do what we can to prolong their lives.

Glaciers, you were once giants. You were world makers. Creating the conditions that favoured you, you grew and grew in cold strength and joined arms to take over the globe. Your cold reach at your peak was such that no liquid water was exposed to the atmosphere. And whenever the cyclic eccentricity of the Earth’s axis and orbit aligned, you did it again and again over three-quarters of the age of the Earth.

You gave the world relief and form. You ground down mountain ranges, carved out peaks, stunning Matterhorns, deep cirques and U-shaped valleys the moon could be rolled in. You scraped the floor of an ancient inland ocean to create an abundant continent.

KANANASKIS – Alberta Parks is investigating use of surveillance options to deter vehicle vandalism and theft at day-use areas and trailheads in Kananaskis Country.

Ed Famatiga had windows smashed on his vehicle while parked at the Baldy Pass lot in spring, and although nothing was stolen, he reported it to the RCMP and fired off a letter to the Alberta government.

“I believe there’s a high hope to stop these unacceptable incidents,” Famatiga told the Outlook.

“I am really concerned about this… It is alarming how many hikers had been victims to this scenario.”

Areas that are commonly targeted include day-use and trailheads at Barrier Lake, Prairie Mountain, Heart Mountain trailhead, Mount Baldy North, Badly Pass trailhead, Jumping Pound and Galatea Lake.

Not every hike in the Canadian Rockies needs to be a gruelling all-day adventure. Sometimes, the best experiences come from quick trails that still pack in jaw-dropping scenery. Vista Lake is one of those hikes. Located along the Banff-Windermere Parkway near the border of Kootenay National Park, this trail drops you straight into alpine beauty in less than an hour.

What makes it stand out? The fact that you begin by descending to the lake, rather than climbing, instantly makes this hike accessible for families, casual walkers, or anyone wanting a low-effort, high-reward outing. In autumn, the forest around Vista Lake lights up with fiery yellows and golds, contrasted by the emerald-green water that gives the lake its name. It’s the kind of scene that makes you stop, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and thank yourself for getting outside and exploring this beautiful place.

BANFF — For close to 60 years, generations of climbers have sought a good night's sleep and refuge from the elements inside the walls of the Alpine Club of Canada’s (ACC) Castle Mountain Hut.

Now, the tiny cabin perched high on the Goat Plateau of Banff’s Castle Mountain, has been given new life.

“It had been there since 1967 and it was put up there at the time when there were a lot fewer climbers … and it was a very useful functional structure for the day,” said Keith Haberl, ACC director of marketing and communications.

“A couple of climbers could stay overnight and maybe it could sleep four and six in a pinch, but it was cramped, and it was getting old.”

One of the ACC’s 26 huts, the newly named Castle Mountain (Currie) Cabin was replaced at the end of August, making it a more permanent structure on the mountain.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi wants the province to pump the brakes on infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to a gravel highway in Kananaskis Country until there is proper public consultation.

In a Sept. 17 mandate letter from Premier Danielle Smith, Alberta Parks Minister Todd Loewen was told to continue investments in trail upgrades in Kananaskis Country, including a plan to “improve and upgrade” Highway 742 – also known as the Smith-Dorrien or Spray Lakes Road – along with parking, facilities and trail infrastructure there.

Despite several attempts to find out if “improve and upgrade” means paving the 70-km gravel road from south of Canmore to Kananaskis, passing through Bow Valley Wildland, Spray Lakes and Peter Lougheed provincial parks, the ministry has ignored the Outlook's requests.

BANFF – Several encounters with a grizzly bear in Banff National Park have forced Parks Canada to issue a warning.

The warning applies to Arnica Lake, Vista Lake, Twin Lakes, Gibbon Pass, Shadow Lake and all trails within this area including campgrounds: Re6, Re14, Re16, Re21 and Tw7. The warning area is south of Highway 93 South and does not include Boom Lake.

"An adult grizzly bear is frequenting the area and has had multiple encounters with visitors,” states the bulletin issued by Parks Canada on Monday (Sept. 29),

“Be on the lookout for a grizzly bear with a lower jaw/muzzle deformity from a past injury.”

A spokesperson for Parks Canada was not immediately available.

One of our favourite things in the world is helping you uncover new natural wonders to discover around our province. While you might be wondering when we’re going to run out of places to spotlight, the answer is simple: never. Alberta is bursting at the seams with cool places to see, and we’ve got a super special one for you today. Introducing Sulphur Gates.

Sulphur Gates is a popular attraction in the Grande Cache area. It’s a massive, jagged cliff that’s etched into the confluence of two rivers: The Smokey and The Sulphur. The tree-lined cliffs tower over the water beneath, providing unbeatable views of the rivers, the surrounding mountains, and the breathtaking natural terrain of the area.

Summer is one of the most nostalgic, reflective times of the year. When the sun comes out, we all get thrown back into our childhoods, jumping through the sprinkler, smelling burgers on the BBQ, packing up the minivan for family camping trips, and jumping into any body of water we can find. Sadly, adulthood doesn’t exactly carry the same amount of carefree, no school energy, so we need to work a little harder to emulate those feelings.

If you’re a sucker for a beautiful view, why not get a bit of a thrill while you’re at it? Nothing elevates a short and sweet hike like a bouncy bridge suspended in the middle of the forest. There are so many awe-inspiring hikes to choose from around Alberta, no matter what level or length you’re looking for. While this is a great problem to have, it’s still a problem because it makes it pretty hard to choose! We don’t want you to land in a state of decision paralysis, so we’ve done the choosing for you. So, what’s next? Blackshale Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis Country.

BANFF – Three grizzly bears have died on the train tracks in Banff National Park so far this year, while wildlife staff recently searched the woods for two days for any sign of a dead or injured bear that luckily turned out to be a near-miss.

Kelly Veillette, public relations and communications officer for Banff National Park, said Parks Canada received a report that a train struck an adult grizzly east of the Castle Junction area along the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City (CPKC) line on July 19.

“Parks Canada wildlife specialists responded to the report, and did not locate a bear but a photo taken just before the strike confirmed it was a grizzly bear,” she said in an email statement.

“Staff continued to search the area over the following two days and the most likely outcome is that the grizzly bear narrowly missed being struck and was able to walk away.”

For more on this saddening news, please select.

This is the experience that awaits you at Jasper National Park's remarkable waterfalls. Join us as we explore five of the park's most captivating cascades, offering insights and tips to make the most of your visit.

Jasper National Park is known for its natural beauty, and that includes the many waterfalls you can visit! Below, we’ve rounded up five waterfalls, complete with tips to help you make the most of your explorations. These are just a few of the many falls you can explore, so if you love waterfalls, be sure to check out Jasper Tourism to learn more and to plan your vacation.

HOT SUMMER GUIDE: Alberta beckons cyclists with its breathtaking scenery and diverse terrain. From the iconic Banff Legacy Trail to the challenging Moose Mountain trails, this guide unveils the province's top routes for unforgettable biking adventures.

For those who love to do a good trail on a pedal bike, Alberta offers some of the most stunning scenic road routes in Canada. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual rider, this guide will take you through some of Alberta's best biking routes, detailing what makes each one unique, and why they deserve a spot on your cycling bucket list.

To check out the biking trails, please select.

The Friends of Kananaskis Country have worked several days on Powderface Ridge this summer, making significant improvements by removing deadfall, fixing drainage issues, and improving the trail tread. Over 50 volunteer days have contributed to this improvement.

Have you ever dreamed of standing just feet away from a magnificent bird of prey, or having a cute burrowing owl perch on your arm? While many people flock to traditional summer activities like camping or hiking, hawk walks provide something truly unique: the chance to interact or view hawks and other birds of prey while learning about their role in our ecosystem.

A hawk walk is an interactive wildlife experience where participants get to see birds of prey in their natural habitat or in a conservation area. The primary purpose of hawk walks extends beyond entertainment. Most facilities are rescue centers for injured wildlife or conservation efforts. The walks are educational and help raise funds to support the good work being done for the birds. Participants receive basic safety instruction and learn about each bird's personality, history, and species characteristics.

For more information on these majestic birds of prey, please select.

BOW VALLEY — An increase in bear sightings and encounters has prompted a bear warning for the entirety of Kananaksis Country and the Bow Valley as of Tuesday (Aug 12).

With buffaloberry season in full swing, WildSmart program director Nick de Ruyter says an excellent bumper berry crop this year is cause for the increased activity, leading to more encounters.

"All provincial parks and protected areas in Kananaskis have seen an increase in bear sightings in day use areas, campgrounds, trails and along roadways. There has also been an increase in reported close encounters with both black bears and grizzly bears,” said an Alberta Parks advisory.

KANANASKIS – Multiple reports of hikers being bluff charged by bears have prompted a closure and warnings popular Kananaskis Country recreational areas.

The Bill Milne trail from Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park has been closed until further notice due to grizzly and black bears frequenting the area, and a report of one bluff charge on hikers in this section. The section from Mount Kidd RV Park to Wedge Pond is still open.

Additionally, multiple bear warnings are in place at Ribbon Creek Trail, Bill Milne Trail, Mount Kidd RV Park, and Kovach Trail until further notice.

“Bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time,” said Alberta Parks in a statement.

Located in the eastern reaches of Kananaskis Country, the Jumpingpound Loop is a well-loved trail that begins at the Pine Top Provincial Recreation Area, just off Highway 68. This loop is ideal for those seeking a moderate, scenic outing with varied terrain and rewarding views.

The trail begins with a gentle forested section that loosely follows Jumpingpound Creek. Early on, you’ll pass the Pine Grove Group Site and encounter several picnic areas and benches—ideal for a mid-hike break. The first half of the loop is shaded and serene, with occasional ravine views and creek access.

Boom Lake is arguably one of the most smoothly-graded trails in Banff National Park and makes for a great uphill cruise. The gentle bus steady climb covers 175 meters of elevation gain over 5 kilometers and manages to do it without feeling steep. After making our way along the forested trail, we were rewarded with the magnificent view of Boom Lake with a dramatic view of Boom Mountain behind it.

We took in the sights and sounds of the lake, while having lunch, and managed to see some dragon flies and fish jumping in the lake.

As it was the last long weekend of summer, 11 members joined me at Rawson Lake. To our surprise, it was busier than normal.

We headed along the south shore section of Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail, the route winding and undulating in and out of every indentation of the shoreline. we stopped at the bridge at Sarrail Creek Falls and took in the sights and sound of the rushing water.

The trail immediately starts climbing and winding through old spruce forest. Just prior to the lake, the gradient of the trail eased a bit and walked a single plank boardwalk and we were welcomed to the majestic view of Rawson Lake backdropped by Mt. Sarrail.

Monday, September 1, dawned pleasantly cool, with a starting temperature suggesting we at least start the hike wearing jackets. As the day proceeded, temperatures warmed up to a still not-too-hot 19 degrees.

After a very gradual climb in about four kilometers of distance, and an easy downhill, we were at the lake. Watridge Lake was totally calm, and absolutely beautiful. We chose to enjoy our lunch at the lakeshore, and one of our members started a bit of art work, sketching the wonderful scenery.

Nestled in the heart of Kananaskis Country, the Picklejar Lakes trail offers a rewarding alpine escape for those seeking crystal-clear waters, rugged mountain views, and a touch of wilderness solitude. This moderately challenging hike winds through forested slopes and rocky ridgelines, ultimately revealing a chain of four stunning lakes tucked into a remote valley.

Starting from the Lantern Creek Day Use Area, the trail climbs steadily through mixed terrain—shaded woods, open scree, and wildflower meadows—before cresting a saddle with panoramic views. From there, the descent into the lake basin begins, each lake more serene than the last. Whether you're pausing for a picnic, casting a line for trout, or simply soaking in the alpine air, the lakes offer a peaceful reward for your efforts.

Tucked behind the towering cliffs of Castle Mountain, Rockbound Lake is a hidden alpine gem in Banff National Park. This full-day hike offers a steady climb through forested trails, opening up to sweeping views, glacial lakes, and rugged cirques that feel worlds away from the highway below.

The journey begins at the Rockbound Lake trailhead near Castle Junction, with a gentle ascent through lodgepole pine and spruce. After about 7.5 km, hikers reach Tower Lake—a tranquil spot nestled beneath Castle Mountain’s dramatic rock face. From there, the trail steepens, winding through boulder-strewn meadows and golden larches (especially stunning in fall) before arriving at Rockbound Lake itself. Surrounded by sheer cliffs and alpine silence, the lake is a breathtaking reward for the effort.

"September 24 (Wednesday) was a perfect day for a hike through Ribbon Creek all the way to Ribbon Falls - not cold, not hot, no rain, no wind.

10 of us (9 women and 1 man) jumped into two cars -notice the efficiency of car pooling and the environmentally friendly nature of our hike - at 8am from Edworthy park and were at the trailhead just after 9am.

The hike is very straightforward as we follow the 9.5km hike straight up Ribbon Creek and reach the backcountry campsite. The walk also follows the river and, in some parts, we were rewarded with great views of pristine water coming down the mountain and pooling before continuing.

A small group of five left the city to hike to the Kananaskis Lookout. We stopped at the Barrier Lake Visitor Centre to inquire about any wildlife problems along the trail to the lookout.

Assured that there were none, we drove to the trailhead, which is located near the Boulton Trading Post. The seasonal temperature of about 10 degrees was perfect for a hike with an elevation gain of 430 meters.

The skies were mainly cloudy at the beginning, but got sunnier as we arrived at the lookout, about two hours later. The thermometer attached to the lookout structure showed five degrees Celsius, but with the sun coming out, it felt warmer. A light jacket over a vest kept one comfortable during lunch.

The only wildlife we saw was one wary grouse, which took flight at a distance from us of about five meters.

We returned to our vehicles at about 2:30 pm. Everyone was very pleased; it was a very nice fall hike.

Invermere trip was a success. 16 participants.

15 were biking the legacy trail from Fairmount to Invermere. This trail was a little challenging but everyone made the best of it.

On the second day two groups went golfing and the rest went Hiking with Lori and we all had a great time.

Back at the resort relaxing at the pool. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner with excellent service.

All together it was a success!

Seven of us set out and up, from Burnsmead at Fish Creek Park, to cycle to the district of Mahogany and its amazing lake.

After surviving the switchback climb, we continued along the hill crest, enjoying the amazing views of the Bow valley and the scenes beyond.

We agreed on a short bathroom and snack stop at the “Timmiie’s” in the Mahogany Mall, and then set out eastward in the open country between the residential area and Stony Trail. The breeze seemed to put a nice push on our bikes!

A short stop; and photo op at the far end of the Mahogany Wetland, and then on back Westward we rode to the Mahogany Lake, a wonderful stop with a promenade above the lakeshore, where we enjoyed our lunches while watching the residents paddling, swimming, etc. We stopped at the Mahogany Village, which is a “European Style” shopping village, then cycled a short ride to the Dairy Queen, for some inexpensive ice cream and also some nice free ice water!

A very nice, albeit,

After little interest in hiking the Iceline trail in July, this time around we had a full house with 10 members joining this beautiful hike in Yoho National Park.

Even with an early start of 6:00 a.m. from Calgary, no one lacked energy on the hike. The morning was a cool start but we weren’t even a kilometer into the hike before we had to peel off layers and it warmed up quite quickly. On the ascent we got to see Takkakaw Fall from different vantage points, and it is pretty cool to see it from above where you can see the glacier feeding the water fall.

The day turned into a beautiful warm day. We enjoyed lunch by the Stanley Mitchell hut before heading back to the parking lot. On the way back we stopped at beautiful Laughing Falls.

After following the old logging road, our group of thirteen was greeted by sunny skies and stunning scenery. The trail offered an easy walk through alternating stretches of forest, each with its own charm.



Upon reaching Chester Lake, we paused to soak in the breathtaking views of Mount Chester, Galatea, and Gusty Peak. From there, the trail led us onward to the Elephant Rocks—towering formations that truly live up to their name, appearing even more massive than actual elephants.

A rare place of beauty—that’s what makes the Sunshine Meadows experience truly unforgettable. Perched at 7,000 feet above sea level, it’s not just a destination; it’s a perspective shift.



We began our journey aboard the Standish Express Chairlift, the highest lift-accessed sightseeing point in the Banff and Lake Louise area. From there, we gained access to three pristine alpine lakes, each more breathtaking than the last.