News / Articles

Updated as of Tuesday, June 24th

The proposed plan paid parking lot upgrade project for Edworthy Park's north lot has been cancelled. The City received significant public feedback, primarily against the introduction of parking fees, leading to the decision to keep the lot as-is with ongoing maintenance. The current gravel lot will remain free to use.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – Eighty kilometres west of Calgary, in the heart of eastern Kananaskis Country, is a remote field research station.

What began in 1950 as a couple tents pitched near Sheep River, serving as a base for trout research, is now the Research Base (RB) Miller Station – an internationally known research base that marks the earliest beginnings of the University of Calgary.

“The historians of this university decided to trace back our roots to the creation of that field station. There is something kind of cool to me as a field station person, as an ecologist that [RB Miller] is viewed as the birth of what would then become the UofC,” said Dr. Steven Vamosi, director of the University of Calgary’s Biogeoscience Institute.

HINTON – The agenda has been set for a fatality inquiry into the three deaths caused by a glacier bus rollover at the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park nearly five years ago.

Justice Vaughn Myers, who presided digitally from Barrhead over the pre-inquiry conference at Hinton court on Tuesday (June 10), said he wanted to limit the inquiry to three groups of issues.

The first was the driver’s pre-inspection of the ice explorer since the court did not have a description of what this inspection entailed.

It will also examine a concern raised before the accident that the slack adjusters needed to be looked at since full-service pedal depression was required for a full stop.

Myers said the court was not clear whether this concern was raised by the driver or a different one, when it was raised, who the concern was relayed to or what was done to address it.

BANFF – The Mount Coleman picnic area in the northern end of Banff National Park has been closed after a bear sought human food and was displaying bold behaviour.

The closure is in place from June 10 until further notice. The day-use area is located along Highway 93 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway.

“Bear displaying bold behaviour, seeking human food reward,” states the closure notice on the Banff National Park website.

The notice does not say whether the bear is a grizzly or black bear.

Anyone caught violating the closure could be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and face a fine in court of up to $25,000.

The Outlook has reached out to Parks Canada for an interview. The story will be updated when more information becomes available.

We are disappointed by the Alberta Energy Regulator’s (AER) recent decision to grant coal exploration permits for Grassy Mountain. Northback Holdings’ previous coal mine proposal for Grassy Mountain was rejected by a joint provincial AND federal review panel for being “not in the public’s interest” due to environmental, economic, and Indigenous rights concerns.

While these recent permit approvals are for coal exploration (which still has negative environmental impacts), not for a coal mine (yet), this decision restarts a coal project that was previously dead in the water.

BANFF – Two female grizzly bears were struck and killed on the railway line in Banff National Park, while the legendary patriarch of Bow Valley bears, The Boss, escaped from the train’s deadly path unscathed.

The two female grizzly bears were killed in separate incidents – one on the evening of May 27 near Protection Mountain between Banff and Lake Louise and the other early in the morning on May 30 near Bath Creek, west of Lake Louise.

Grizzly bear No. 122, a.k.a. The Boss, had been seen in the company of one of the females during the mating season, and while she was killed in the May 27 incident, he managed to flee from the approaching train.

“We assume they were mating. She was in estrous,” said Saundi Stevens, acting wildlife ecologist for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit.

BANFF – Banff’s tourism industry is calling for removal of reference to transportation arrival hubs and intercept parking in the draft community plan amid fears a lack of flexibility to consider all potential options may create “severe consequences” for local businesses.

While supporting the intent, officials with the Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE) and Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality Association (BLLHA) say they find the language in the draft community plan “overly prescriptive.”

Karli Fleury, BLLHA’s director of workforce and destination initiatives, said the group supports the intent behind moving people sustainably and reducing environmental impacts, but a singular vision of intercept parking and transit hubs “risks precluding other viable strategies and solutions.”

KANANASKIS – A new plan for Alberta’s provincial parks aims to deal with increasing demands for recreation, accelerating and new environmental pressures, and a growing population across the province.

A survey seeking input on the 23-page draft Plan for Parks, which builds on direction set in the 2009 strategic plan, is currently out as part of the second phase of public consultation and is open until July 26 at alberta.ca/planforparks.

“In the Plan for Parks, it’s very much parks are for people,” said Tracy Draper, the executive director of strategic planning and capital development with the Parks Division of Alberta Forestry and Parks.

BANFF – Canmore’s Niclas Brundell saw the warning signs when car tire-sized boulders started falling from above Bow Glacier Falls, prompting he and his wife to leave just moments before a fatal rockslide descended on the popular hiking area.

The massive rockfall in Banff National Park on Thursday (June 19) left two people dead and sent three others to hospital with unknown injuries, but in stable condition. Police say they are notifying next of kin and no additional information is available at this time.

About 10 minutes before the deadly rockfall hit about 12:40 p.m., Brundell said he and his wife were about 20 metres to the right of the waterfall when they first heard and noticed large rocks falling from above the main waterfall.

“We would have gotten hit if we had not moved,” he said.

Located outside the town of Banff is the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station. This heritage site not only offered scientific functions but has immaculate views of the town and surrounding landscapes below. Perched at the top of a rocky ridge, the observatory is a small 3x3 meter building that was built, using natural materials to blend seamlessly into the mountainside. But what is the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station and why is it there? This article explores the history of this monument and the best way to visit it.

The Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station in Banff, Alberta, is an iconic scientific site nestled in the Canadian Rockies. It's located near the summit of Sulphur Mountain, at an elevation of about 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level. This remote location provided an ideal setting for studying cosmic rays - high-energy particles originating from outer space.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – As conditions continue to shift from winter to spring, mountain rescue specialists are advising people visiting Kananaskis Country to plan ahead.

The more than 4,000 square kilometres of public land can feature wintery conditions well into the summer months, particularly at higher elevations.

“There’s certainly places we’re still seeing a lot of avalanche activity,” said Jeremy Mackenzie, a mountain rescue specialist with Kananaskis Mountain Rescue (KMR). “There’s a lot of places where the travel is quite difficult with deep snow or where you can lose the trail because of the snow. It can often cause problems this time of year.”

Mackenzie said the conditions vary from the valley bottom in places such as Canmore, where it can be in the mid-20s Celsius, but still have large amounts of snow, with the west side of Highway 742 – also known as Smith Dorrien Highway – still largely covered in snow.

CANMORE – An adventurous man lost his leg doing what he loved is one way to look at Kim Logan’s new documentary.

Although, what struck the Canmore filmmaker about working closely with Matt Hadley, a local legend in his own right, is not about what has been lost, it is about what is still possible.

Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story is a point of view documentary about the approach of Hadley’s recovery journey from traumatic life-altering injury to the new doors that have opened in adaptive outdoor pursuits, in his community and in life.

As Logan puts it, when storytelling showcases adaptive athletes like Hadley, narratives are challenged about limitations and what is possible.

KANANASKIS – Highwood Pass will be closed to all vehicle traffic until June 21 due to the heavy security crackdown for the G7 Summit of world leaders in Kananaskis Country, while cyclists will only be able to access the epic cycling spot from the south.

Alberta Parks officials say cyclists will not be able to access Highwood Pass on Highway 40 from the north, and cyclists riding from the south from the Longview side will be turned around at the top of the pass just north of Ptarmigan Cirque parking lot and required to head back south.

The Alberta Parks website indicates there will be increased security presence on the road and signage indicating the locations of the closure point.

“If users choose to cycle up the Highwood Pass, there may be a delay in emergency response due to the road closures,” states the notice.

JASPER – A new photography exhibit is raising public awareness about the disappearing glaciers at the Columbia Icefield in honour of the United Nations International Year of Glaciers' Preservation.

“Meltdown: A Drop in Time” opened on May 15 and features 19 pieces from photographers Jim Elzinga and Roger Vernon at the Glacier Gallery inside the Icefield Centre, across the Icefields Parkway from the Athabasca Glacier on the southern end of Jasper National Park.

“It’s a way of connecting with people on a much more emotional level as a way of [encouraging] them to be curious about the changes and what they can do about it,” said Elzinga, who is also the founder and executive director of Guardians of the Ice.

Guardians of the Ice is a non-profit organization focused on the rapidly shrinking Columbia Icefield as a leading indicator of the worldwide climate crisis, with “Meltdown” being one of its initiatives.

MD OF BIGHORN – A revised Trails Master Plan was officially adopted by MD of Bighorn council, serving as the guiding document for future trails in the municipality.

Council approved the revised document at its May 13 meeting, after it had gone through revisions at previous governance and priorities committee meetings and a council workshop.

Reeve Lisa Rosvold thanked the municipality’s Community Services Board and municipal staff who worked on and reviewed the plan.

“I know I’m very excited to see this completed to help guide us into the future for trails and recreation in the MD of Bighorn,” she said. “I’m thrilled this was one of the first projects to come out of our Community Services Master Plan that was approved a year-and-a-half ago that recommended trails were the No. 1 item everyone in the MD would like to see established, developed, maintained and continued.”

From their evolutionary roots to their free-roaming descendants in Alberta's foothills, wild horses capture the imagination and tug at the heartstrings of all who encounter them. But what do we know about Alberta's wild herds and how can we help protect them? Let's explore!

A Brief History of the Horse
Horses first evolved on the plains of North America around 4 million years ago. The earliest known species, Equus simplicidens, roamed freely across the continent and later spread to other regions such as Asia, Europe, and Africa. Then there is a gap in the record.

Fast forward to the late 1400s, when European settlers reintroduced horses. Spanish conquistadors brought these hardy animals with them and many escaped captivity, creating wild populations across the continent. For Indigenous communities, horses became treasured companions and essential to their way of life, spreading utility and freedom throughout their culture.

A cougar warning has been issued for Gunnery Mountain and surrounding area in Kananaskis County after the wild cat followed two hikers.

The warning was issued May 30 and will be in place until further notice. No further information is available at this time.

“Although an advisory is in place for this area, cougars can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region and at any time,” states the official Alberta Parks warning.

To avoid a surprise encounter with a cougar: Make plenty of noise and travel in groups; be aware of your surroundings; look and listen for cougars and their signs; and keep your pet on a leash.

Please report all cougar sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – Military helicopters will be doing low-level night flying operations around the Nakiska ski hill in Kananaskis Country June 5-18 as part of the extraordinary security crackdown for the G7 Summit of world leaders.

The operations will be conducted by the Royal Canadian Air Force within a 35 nautical mile radius (or 65 kilometres) of the ski hill and Kananaskis Village, where world leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will gather June 15-17.

“During this period members of the public may see or hear helicopters in the Kananaskis area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. at an altitude of 2,000 feet or less,” said Fraser Logan, community and media relations lead for the RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG), in a June 4 news release.

“Flight crews may also be observed conducting operations and landing procedures in designated areas.”

BANFF – A decades-old mystery surrounding whether a vintage vehicle submerged deep beneath the surface of Banff’s Lake Minnewanka was based on fact or fiction has been solved by a team of scuba divers.

The legendary story that has been passed down through the decades is of a man who drove his vehicle onto the frozen lake to photograph the surrounding stunning mountains, only to hopelessly watch the car plunge through the ice as he was setting up his camera on a tripod.

A team of divers recently found a vehicle – believed to be a 1928 Hudson Essex Saloon based upon matching images on the internet – at a depth of almost 60 metres following months of planning and trying to line up schedules to dive once the ice came off the lake.

“There’s always been a rumor, a story that there was a vehicle under there,” said Calgarian Alan Keller, one of the three divers who found the vehicle about three to four kilometers from the boat launch.

Dubbed the River of Death, this incredible site is a bucket list destination for many. What makes Pipestone Creek Bonebed so special? Read on to find out.

Pipestone Creek Bonebed – Ancient Beginnings
The Pipestone Creek Bonebed is one of the densest fossil sites on the planet. Spanning approximately 0.74 acres, this location contains the remains of hundreds of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The majority of the fossils unearthed here belong to the Pachyrhinosaurus, a species of horned dinosaur that roamed Alberta roughly 73 million years ago.

While its nickname, the “River of Death,” may sound ominous, it’s a testament to the history that makes this site so unique. This dense bonebed offers a rare opportunity for researchers to study the lives, deaths, and preservation of ancient creatures, providing insights that deepen our understanding of the prehistoric world.

KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK – A no-stopping zone has been issued for a 15-kilometre section of highway through Kootenay National Park near Olive Lake to protect bears grazing roadside.

Parks Canada officials say both grizzly and black bears are hanging out along the side of busy Highway 93 South in search of natural food, with dandelions along this stretch drawing a high concentration of bear activity as they emerge from hibernation each spring.

They say stopping creates traffic hazards that are dangerous to passing vehicles, increases danger to wildlife through habituation to people and vehicles, adding traffic congestion can increase the chance of bears getting struck.

BANFF – The Town of Banff worries about managing traffic congestion in the tourist town with the anticipated displacement of visitors from Kananaskis Country to Banff National Park due to the unprecedented security lockdown and no-go zone associated with the G7 Summit of world leaders.

Mayor Corrie DiManno said Banff is expected to be busier than usual this June because of the G7 Summit in neighbouring Kananaskis Country, where there is a public lockout as part of a large controlled access zone from June 10-18.

“With limited access to Kananaskis Country, some visitors are likely to redirect their plans to Banff,” she said.

“Additionally, as we approach the G7 Summit, we anticipate the large delegations arriving in Calgary may take the opportunity to visit our town.”

DiManno said the good news is Banff’s tourism and hospitality sectors are well prepared, noting businesses have been ramping up staffing for the busy summer season and are “ready to welcome the world.”

BANFF – The fire danger in Banff National Park has hit extreme.

Parks Canada issued a notice late Thursday afternoon (June 5), noting fires will ignite easily, spread quickly and burn intensely under an extreme fire hazard conditions.

“Wildfires burning under these conditions are very difficult for firefighters to control,” according to a social media post by Parks Canada.

“While we cannot avoid naturally occurring wildfires – lightning strikes – we can avoid human-caused fires.”

Parks Canada asks residents and visitors to do their part by only having campfires in designated fire pits and keeping them small; completely extinguishing a campfire after each use; and disposing of cigarettes in appropriate receptacles.

CALGARY — Old coal mines on the eastern slopes of the Alberta Rockies are leaching chemicals that are poisoning the fish downstream, says a new study by Alberta government scientists.

It also suggests any new coal developments could result in "population collapse" of fish species in a nearby lake.

The findings were made in a provincial government study posted online May 27. The paper is awaiting peer review. The scientists who authored it were not made available to speak to reporters.

The other authors not employed by the province did not respond to requests for comment.

Alberta has responded to the study with an advisory saying people should consider "limiting consumption" of three fish species drawn from Crowsnest Lake, a fishing spot downstream from the coal mines.

BANFF – A black bear and her yearling cub ripped a tent at a backcountry campground at Lake Minnewanka on Friday afternoon (May 16), prompting Parks Canada to issue a warning for that area of Banff National Park.

Parks Canada officials say no one was in the tent at the time the bears tore it, noting the camper was nearby in the designated cooking area.

“The individual was behaving appropriately and the bears did not interact with them,” said Kelly Veillette, public relations and communications officer for Banff National Park.

“No negative human-bear interaction was reported and the bears did not obtain any unnatural food rewards.”

Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure public safety, Veillette said Parks Canada closed the backcountry campsites in the vicinity – LM 8, 9 and 11, 20, 22, and 31 for the duration of the Victoria Day long weekend.

KANANASKIS – Security personnel for the upcoming G7 Summit of world leaders in Kananaskis Country are asking the public to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity before and during the June 15-17 event.

With tight security in place to protect world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, officials say someone asking prying questions about work schedules, building plans, or safety rules could be a security risk for the G7 Summit.

The RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) outlined a series of potential indicators of suspicious activity, including anyone buying military-type equipment such as gas masks, or materials that could contain irritant chemical agents like smoke bombs.

BOW VALLEY – Two Bow Valley municipalities will sign a memorandum of understanding for an ongoing project to potentially create a Calgary to Canmore multi-use trail.

MD of Bighorn and Canmore councils unanimously approved their willingness to be part of the project. A memorandum of understanding will return to Canmore council for approval at a later date.

The memorandum doesn’t commit either municipality to a financial obligation, but allows them to be involved in development of the plan that would come after the portion of the Calgary to Cochrane stage is underway.

“I think this is a very interesting project,” said Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert at the April 22 meeting. “There are a number of interested holders all along where the trail will be. Only a small part of it would be within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Canmore. However, every partner along the way is integral for the success of Stage 2 of this trail. I think it’s a really interesting idea to explore.”

HOT SUMMER GUIDE: Banff National Park is home to some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring glaciers! These colossal rivers of ice, born over thousands of years, have carved the landscape into dramatic peaks, serene valleys, and aquamarine lakes that captivate visitors every year.

From their ancient origins to their changing forms today, Banff’s glaciers are an important part of natural history and a great reminder of nature’s fragility.

Experience the ASCCA at night under the light of a full moon, with monthly guided walks led by a Forest Therapy Guide.

Stay tuned for more information, and save the following dates:

• Monday, May 12
• Wednesday, June 11
• Thursday, July 10
• Saturday, August 9
• Sunday, September 7

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature to mindfully engage your senses, promoting relaxation and well-being.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – An extensive lockdown zone has been established for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis Country in June, closing off several picnic areas and popular trails in order to beef up security for world leaders.

Measures are being put in place to make sure residents and businesses aren’t too disrupted, including temporary permits for access to homes and workplaces, staffed checkpoints to make it easier to come and go, and provisions for emergency services and essential deliveries.

Ribbon Creek area closed until further notice.

KANANASKIS – The Ribbon Creek area of Kananaskis Country is closed until further notice as construction of a massive fireguard gets underway.

A popular destination for skiers and hikers, the closed areas include Ribbon Creek Day Use Area, Ribbon Creek Hiking and Ski Trails, Mine Meadow Trail, Centennial Ridge Trail, Hidden Trail, Studless Trail and portions of Skogan and Terrace Trails.

The fireguard or prescribed fire, happening south of Nakiska Ski Area off Highway 40, has a project size of approximately 8,000 hectares. A main benefit of the fireguard is to create a fuel break to protect nearby communities and infrastructure from the threat of wildfire.

Our destination, Mockingbird Lookout, was a relatively easy 358 meters of vertical gain in about 3.3 km one way. Both the “legacy style” pavement and the later gravel road sections of Highway 40 were in decent condition, and we arrive without drama at the trailhead.

Ascending the trail was very straightforward, and we arrived at the summit in less than two hours of light to moderate exercise. An outstanding view presented itself, with an entire panorama of the Rocky Mountain front ranges before us. What a wonderful place for lunch!

We also had a very pleasant conversation with the friendly fire warden, about bears, mountains, fires, and mysterious black helicopters (G7 conference related, probably).

An easy descent took us down to our cars, where Lori provided us with some cold refreshments courtesy of the Calgary Ski Club.

Ensuing, we dropped in on Guy’s Coffee Shop in Cochrane for some goodies.

On Wednesday, June 11th, six members joined me for a hike at Brown Lowery Provincial Park. While Calgary was under hazy skies due to recent forest fires, the skies near Millarville remained bright and clear.

As we made our way along the trails, we encountered a variety of wildflowers that we hadn't seen on previous hikes. One member of our group had an app that could instantly identify wildflowers, mushrooms, and even insects—just by taking a snapshot. There’s also a similar app for identifying birds in real-time.

During the final stretch of our hike on Chickadee Trail, we suddenly stopped in our tracks upon hearing a distinct sound from the bushes. After a moment of listening, we realized we had startled a bear—and in response, it grunted at us. Without hesitation, we picked up the pace and headed toward the trailhead, choosing to enjoy our lunch rather than risk becoming the bear’s lunch!

All in all it was a great day for a hike.

Thirteen hardy souls

Set forth on an empty road

Four got to the top

As we continued the gentle climb we noticed new signs have been posted, which makes it really hard to get lost. For those flower lovers we noticed several Calypso Orchids as well as the usual Prairie Crocus.



Although it did not feel cold, the clouds showed up and it started to... snow! very little but still, it is late May. The snow lasted for about 1km and by the time we reached Prairie View we had mostly blue skies and a gorgeous view. Since it was not windy at the top, we had lunch with a magnificent view (and company: several chipmunks trying to steal our lunch).

Upper Kananaskis Lake hike showed itself off in all its splendor during our hike.



Nine hikers enjoyed a beautiful clear blue skies day with great company and a lot of wildlife sightings on our drive to the trail. Even a marmot decided to show up during the hike!



After the hike we enjoyed some refreshments before heading back to Calgary. Thanks to everyone for joining the hike.

Five of us jumped into a car and drove to Canmore for a hike up Ha Ling Peak (well, the "saddle").

It was a beautiful day and temperatures were around 10C all hike long. After a steep 4 km and 2.5 hour climb (with two lookout/rest places), we arrived at the "Saddle"; where we enjoyed lunch with amazing views of Canmore and the rockies.

The trail is upgraded with stone steps, handrails and cable stairs in steep sections. This is a popular trail and, even on a Wednesday morning, we encountered a few groups of hikers, which makes it very unlikely for a bear encounter.

The way down is hard enough to make your quads sore the next couple of days... a reminder of a nice adventure in a beautiful place.

We had a great hike at Mount Hoffman with a group of eleven people.



It was a friendly and supportive group, accommodating a range of ability levels, which made for an enjoyable experience for everyone.



Despite recent rainfall, the trail was surprisingly dry and far less muddy than expected.



Another group of hikers reported seeing a grizzly in the area, but thankfully, we had no encounters with bears.

One of the first more strenuous hikes of the year didn’t scare off eight hikers who conquered Ha Ling. We swapped out Miner’s Peak for Ha Ling due to snow at Miner’s Peak. We were a little worried that it would be a rainy day for a hike, but we got lucky and the first 4 hours were pretty dry. We took our time completing the hike as the rocks were getting pretty slippery on the way down.

After the hike we stopped at the Canmore Nordic Centre for a treat and good conversation. Welcome to Victor who attended his first hike with the Calgary Ski Club. Thanks to Rick, Janet, Victor, Jim, Scott and Fenne for coming out. Missing from the picture is Scott, Fenne and Poul.

What an incredible ride! Highway 546 offers such a stunning stretch of wilderness and having it all to ourselves without any motor vehicles was a delight. Sunny skies, a light breeze and breathtaking scenery - truly the makings of a perfect cycling day.

Spotting wildlife like was exhilarating. A Grizzly sow with her cubs, deer crossing the highway and Big Horn Sheep with their babies - it's like nature was putting on a show just for us. Moments like these remind us just how wild and beautiful Alberta's landscapes are.

We capped off the an already amazing day at the Black Diamond Hotel that has such a great atmosphere for unwinding and sharing stories of the ride.

Jim and I would like to thank all that attended and looking forward to seeing you soon!

On April 26th, 42 members joined us for a fun filled evening of bowling at the Chinook Bowladrome, pop, pizza, competition, and laughter were the mainstay of the evening.

The 11 lanes of teams embarked on two regular games of bowling and then the competition really began when everyone tried CRAZY BOWL!!!! 😊 Then the laughter and challenge was on! Even the advanced bowlers had to take a back seat on some of the challenges! It was hilarious looking down the 11 lanes of bowling to see each team at a different stage of the game, whether it was bowling between their legs, throwing the ball backwards, or bowling with their left hand. Well done everyone!