Category: Lifestyle

What’s happening in Canmore?- November 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

2024 Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market

November 16 & 17, 2024- 10am to 4pm

Looking for the perfect one of a kind gift? Pop down tot he Canmore Rec. Center on November 16th and17th to scout out stalls from 75 artisans and makers of hand crafted items. $5 admission. Children under 12 are free. All proceeds going to the Canmore Preschool Society.

More info HERE

The Most Beautiful Whisky Festival On Earth

November 29th and 30th – Multiple location in Banff

In a mountain paradise, where your senses are heightened and honed, the Banff Whisky Experience celebrates the craftsmanship of the finest whisky distilleries in the world. This is no ordinary festival. In one of the world’s most picturesque settings, over seventy distilleries from around the globe will be pouring hundreds of different whiskies for you to taste, talk about and experience. We know you crave unique & exclusive experiences — and this fall that is exactly what we will deliver in Canada’s exquisite Rocky Mountain setting.

More info HERE

Banff Christmas Market

Multiple dates – Banff Train Station

With over 150 artisanal vendors, 13 days of magic, live music, an outdoor fire lounge, Santa’s House & Workshop, Christmas treats & warm drinks there is something for the whole family! Christmas comes but once a year, so make the most of it and join us at the Banff Heritage Train Station for what will quickly become a family tradition.

More info and tickets HERE

The 32nd Royal LePage Solutions Annual Food Drive

December 4th- 5:30pm- Canmore Chrysler

Join us for our 32nd Annual Food Drive in support of the Bow Valley Food Bank. This year more than ever the food bank is in need. On the evening of December 4th we aim to knock on every door in Canmore and ask for donations of non- perishable food items. In order to achieve our goal we need help from volunteers.

Do you want to give back to our community? Do you and your friends want to have a great night while also helping an extremely important cause? Are you and your colleagues looking for a way to support the community this Christmas? Come help us out on the evening of December 4th. You can opt to help pack, weigh or walk. All help is greatly appreciated. After the food drive we will host a lite bites and drinks reception at our brokerage (101, 710 10th Street, Canmore) for all the volunteers.

To volunteer or learn more click HERE

Want to learn more about the current real estate market in Canmore. Check out our monthly Newsletter

November Newsletter 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

November, Winter Fun and Food Drive Preparations!

As we step into November, the Bow Valley is buzzing with excitement! We’re thrilled to announce that the 32nd Annual Food Bank Drive is just around the corner. It’s heartwarming to remember that Brad was one of the original organizers of this incredible event. Since Drew joined the team in 1998, he’s seen firsthand just how vital this event is for our community. We are absolutely delighted to be a part of it once again! Check out the details and volunteer sign-up sheet below in the newsletter. Your help makes all the difference!

Ski hill updates

With Frozen Thunder now open at the Canmore Nordic Centre and our beloved local ski hills—Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Mount Norquay—all set to open this week, the air is electric! We’re seeing so many people getting their skis and snowboards tuned up and proudly strolling down the street with brand-new gear. The anticipation is contagious!

Real Estate Market

In the real estate market, October 2024 was a standout month with a 23% increase in sales compared to October 2023. While this jump is impressive, 2024 has been more stable overall, without the dramatic peaks and valleys of the previous year. Year-to-date figures are steady, with just a 1.4% variation year over year. The close list-to-sale ratio highlights the consistency we’ve enjoyed, something we have not seen in many years.

Notable changes

The only notable change is a 10% increase in the average days on the market (around 5 extra days per sold property on average). This is likely due to a 25% rise in our listing inventory for 2024 compared to 2023. Despite this, our market is still in need of more inventory, as we are 32% below the five-year pre-COVID average.

Food Drive

As mentioned above, and with more details below, the Royal LePage Food Bank Drive is happening on Wednesday, December 4th. This is our biggest request of the year, and we need your help for just a few hours in the evening. We are happy to pick up any donations, whether non-perishable food or monetary contributions. Let’s come together and make this year’s drive the best one yet!

Volunteer and learn more about our food drive HERE

What’s happening in Canmore- October 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Friday Night Comedy: Allyson Smith with Danny Sutcliffe

October 18th – 7:30pm – Arts Place

After her initial forays into standup garnered her some success, Allyson hit the comedy club circuit, which in turn propelled her to headlining gigs at festivals. She shone in multiple high-profile slots at the Winnipeg, Halifax and Montreal’s Just For Laughs festivals. And that was just the start. In the years that followed she received multiple nominations for Best Female Stand-up at the Canadian Comedy Awards, taped her own Comedy Now special and did stints on MuchMusic’s Video on Trial and CBC’s The Debaters.

Don’t forget to get your tickets https://artsplacecanmore.com/whats-on/music-and-performance/allyson-smith

Park to Pints – 5km + 10km Road Race

October 19th- Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy

In partnership with Strides Canmore and Salomon, CAMBA is co-hosting our first ever 5km and 10km road race, starting and finishing from Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy in Three Sisters. The event takes place on October 19th with a beer garden, food truck, and live music by The Ducks after the races wrap up. All funds raised from registration will go directly to CAMBA and future trail work.

Registration details and more information can be found at https://park2pints.ca/. We hope to see you on October 19th!

Pumpkin Carving Contest with CYAN

October 23rd – 6:30- Sheepdog Brewing

Celebrate spooky season this month by joining Sheepdog Brewing for a special pumpkin-carving contest! 🔪 Bring your best pumpkin-carving skills and compete for the chance to win a voucher for two for a Canmore ghost tour, kindly donated by Banff Canmore Ghost Walks. 🎟️👻 as well as a No Se Llama Yerba Mate gift bag!

More info HERE

Banff Film Festival

October 26th- November 3rd- Banff Center for Arts and Creativity.

The 49th annual Festival features 90 films and over 80 events, bringing and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. Mountains of FREE events include talks, exhibitions, and the Festival Marketplace. The Festival also features events and screenings at Lux Cinema Banff, artsPlace Canmore, and other partner venues in downtown Banff.

Get your tickets at The Banff Center website.


Kids Halloween Party

October 29th from 11am- 3pm at the Canmore Library.

Kids and their families are invited to join the Canmore Library program room on Saturday, October 29th for a Kids Costume Halloween Party! Come dressed in your Halloween costumes for spooky stories, games, crafts and activities, a monster mash dance party, and so much more! This program will run from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Drop in anytime! Spooky Stories will be read at 11:30am and 1:30pm, with lots of activities in between. Happy Halloween!

More info can be found on The Canmore Library website

2024 Royal LePage Annual Food Drive

December 4th, 2024

We are thrilled to announce our annual food drive will take place on December 4th this year. This event  truly exemplifies the saying, ‘it takes a village.’

Every year, a dedicated team of volunteers from our brokerage and the Canmore community takes on the significant task of knocking on every door in town to collect non-perishable food items for the Bow Valley Food Bank.

We love involving the entire community, whether through donations or volunteering. We look forward to seeing you all at the event.

Stay updated by checking our website, social media channels, and this newsletter in the coming months for more details and volunteer opportunities.

September 2024 Newsletter

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Embracing Fall in the Bow Valley: Market Insights and Seasonal Reflections

The evenings are starting to cool but the start of September has been fantastic with a colder and rainy day as I write this. Another successful Highland Games and the Kids are back in school means we are now fully focused on fall. The Bow Valley is still welcoming many visitors as we have always found September and October tourism staying strong. While out for a run on the local trails in Canmore and Banff it is great to overhear multiple different languages as I pass by locals and visitors alike taking in our stunning mountains.

Market Evaluation

On the graphs within this newsletter, you will see substantial increases in median sale prices, but I will caution reading too much into that as sample sizes allow larger swings in some monthly numbers. Next month we will be reviewing the 3rd quarter of the year which always brings more tangible comparatives. Our listing inventory continues to inch its way up but as we have been saying we are a far way off from what we have seen as a balanced market. For reference, since we started pulling these numbers almost 25 years ago the highest inventory was over 500 listings on the market in 2011 and the lowest was 56 in the intense post covid days of 2022. As of writing this in the second week in September our market currently has 159 active listings.

Market Demands

With the covid affect on listings and sales a great reference point is comparing our market to September 2019, just before the pandemic. Our listing inventory was 256 on September 1st  which was 68% higher than September 1st, 2024 inventory. In terms of sales, all segments in August 2024 had fewer sales than August 2019 except for townhomes, which makes sense as many buyers are still waiting for the right property to make the move to Canmore or to move within the market. Speaking of moving within the market, we have begun to see the fall buyers looking for a property for ski season (and beyond) and often these buyers will move up and down in the market as the needs of their families change. They may start with an apartment style condo and then move up to something larger as the kids get older and potentially even larger again as they fall in the love with Canmore and look to semi-retire or retire here.

It truly is our pleasure to work hard and put our knowledge and experience to work helping our clients sell and/or buy their mountain home and would be excited to help any of your friends or family with all their Real Estate needs. We are never too busy for your referrals!

CHECK OUR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS HERE

What’s happening in Canmore- September 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Canmore Festival of Arts and Creativity – September 13th-15th- Arts Place

Enjoy art workshops, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, films, a community campfire, outdoor markets, and live performances – art and creativity will abound, promising fun for people of all ages to enjoy.

More info and full schedule HERE

CANMORE’S FIRST WOMEN’S ONLY ENDURO -September 21st from 9am-5pm- Canmore Nordic Center

The aim is to be Canmore’s most supportive Enduro Race – just for women. From first-timers to experienced racers, this is the race for you! What to Expect? Expect high fives, good vibes and a ton of fun! The Canmore Enduro will feature both an Intermediate Blue Course and a more challenging Black Course.

More Info HERE

Millennium Park Run – Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 9:00am – 10:00am

ParkRun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

ParkRun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning at Millennium Park in Canmore and starts where the path meets the River Trail. You can expect ParkRun to be positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.

More Info HERE

Comedy Night – Jon Dore- Sunday, September 29th 2024 at 07:00 pm- Arts Place

Named one of “10 comics to watch” by Variety Magazine, Ottawa-born comedian, host and actor Jon Dore is renowned for his offbeat humour and unique bait-and-switch style. Winner of the 2023 Juno Award for Best Comedy Album, Dore is a favourite on the comedy club and festival circuit in Canada and the United States, enjoying sold-out runs at the Just For Laughs Festivals in Montreal, Toronto & Vancouver, as well as festivals in Halifax, Winnipeg, Portland, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

More Info HERE

Salsa Social Dance Class – October 4th – 8pm-11:30pm-Arts Place

Simmering Salsa, Beautiful Bachata! Come out to the Bow Valley’s favorite Latin Dance Party! Join the dance class at 8pm for some fun tips and to meet new partners. Afterwards we will party with a DJ, social dancing and snacks! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experts and everything in between. No experience or partner required. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

More Info HERE

Thinking about buying or selling in Canmore – Check out some market stats on our monthly Newsletter

SOLD-119 Benchlands Terrace

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Congratulations to everyone involved in the sale of the beautiful property. Entering this 3,062 sq ft open plan 4 bedroom single family home you will be enthralled by the panoramic mountain peak vistas & immense valley views through the mammoth wall of windows, on both the main and upper level living spaces, confirming your belief that a location like this truly do exist. As you enter you are drawn up to the living room with vaulted ceilings and raked windows to take in those views and pull in the light. A view deck is steps away along with the open dining and kitchen that features a large walkin pantry and second wine storage space. Also on this level is the primary retreat with ensuite bath and walkin closet plus a second bedroom and full bath. The entry level includes a second large living space with more stunning views and light along with two more bedrooms, full bath with sauna, laundry room and generous storage all with toe warming inslab heat. A large single car garage with additional storage and a large yard complete this home up on the bench.

More info HERE.

What’s happening in Canmore for June 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Indigenous People Day Celebration

Canmore Civic Center: June 15th from 10am- 3pm.

Celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day, the Iyarhe Nakoda & the peoples of Treaty 7!  Presented by Authentically Indigenous Inc. & Stoney Nakoda Markets. The Town of Canmore will host an Indigenous artist market, cultural performances, Indigenous food, Tipi Raising and more.

More details HERE

Bear Aware in Person

Fenlands Center, Banff: June 19th from 7pm- 8:30pm.

Join the Town of Banff and Parks Canada in an interactive Bear Aware session that will have you learning how to be safe in bear country. This hour and a half in-person session will be led by two Parks Canada wildlife specialists and includes a presentation on how to identify different types of bears, common bear behaviors and tools and tips to prevent bear encounters. You will also get hands on experience using inert bear spray.
No registration required

More details HERE

Summer Solstice Party

The Malcolm Hotel: June 20th from 4:30pm- 6:30pm.

Sip on refreshing drinks, indulge in delicious bites, and mingle with fellow party-goers as you make the most of this joyous occasion. All proceeds will be donated in support of Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Live performance by Charlie Butler. *Must be over 18 to attend*

More details HERE

Canada Day Parade

Main Street: July 1st from 9am- 2pm.

The Canada Day celebration that you know and love is back for another summer. We are looking forward to celebrating as a community with a day jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Grab pancakes at the classic pancake breakfast and let them fuel you for the Canada Day Fun Run and Walk, then lean back in your lawn chair for the Canada Day Parade.

More Details HERE

Canmore Market- Elevation Place

Elevation Place: May 23rd- October 3rd from 10am – 6pm.

The Canmore Mountain Market is a summer tradition in Canmore for over twenty-five years, operating every Thursday from May to October. Visitors and locals are treated to an excellent selection of locally and regionally produced items including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, coffee, and baked goods. The Market also offers unique crafts, clothing, jewelry, and other artisanal products.

More Details HERE

Want to know about the Canmore Real estate Market? Check out our Newsletters page for monthly updates

What’s Happening in Canmore in May 2024

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Canmore Market- Elevation Place

May 23rd- October 3rd from 10am – 6pm.

The Canmore Mountain Market is a summer tradition in Canmore for over twenty-five years, operating every Thursday from May to October. Visitors and locals are treated to an excellent selection of locally and regionally produced items including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, coffee, and baked goods. The Market also offers unique crafts, clothing, jewelry, and other artisanal products.

More Info: https://www.canmore.ca/your-community/arts-culture-and-heritage/farmers-market

Fast and Female Girls Run- Nordic Center

Saturday, May 25 (7:30-9:30am) and Sunday, May 26 (8:30-10am)

Calling all girls aged 5-12! Join us for a morning of girl power! The Fast and Female team is thrilled to be working with Rocky Mountain Soap Co.’s The Women’s Soap Run to bring back our annual Girls Run in Canmore, AB. The main event includes 1km or 2.5km run (distance of your choice), Fast and Female swag, the opportunity to connect with our REAL Roles, FUN, and so much more!

More Info: https://fastandfemale.com/programs/girls-run/

Anatomy of a Fall-ArtsPlace

Fri May 24 2024 at 07:30 pm

The story begins when Samuel is found dead in the snow outside the isolated chalet where he lived with his wife Sandra, a German writer, and their partially-sighted 11-year-old son Daniel. An investigation leads to a conclusion of “suspicious death”: it’s impossible to know for sure whether he took his own life or was killed. Sandra is indicted, and we follow her trial which pulls the couple’s relationship apart. Daniel is caught in the middle: between the trial and their home life, doubts take their toll on the mother-son relationship.

More Info: https://artsplacecanmore.com/whats-on/screenings/anatomy-of-a-fall

Friday Night Comedy: Allyson Smith with Danny Sutcliffe- ArtsPlace

Fri May 24 2024 at 07:30 pm

A self-confessed “over-sharer”, any Allyson June Smith show inevitably serves up a potent observational cocktail of wit, bite and shame. Which means you’ll typically find her after the show, with a line of eager fans queued up to talk with her, to confess to her or to share some comically grisly detail from their own lives. Courageously self-deprecating, Allyson’s comedic gift is making every room, whatever the size, feel like an intimate group therapy session. 

More Info: https://allevents.in/canmore/friday-night-comedy-allyson-smith-with-danny-sutcliffe/200026449693141?ref=eventlist-cat

Check out our May 2024 Newsletter HERE

April 2024 Local Events

Posted on by Katie OSullivan
Pine Tree Players present Little Shop of Horrors

Apr 17 (6:30pm) – Apr 27 (10:00pm)-Canmore Minors’ Union Hall 

Pine Tree Players is pleased to present Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, directed by Cheryl Naylor, with vocal director Nicole Kowalewski and band director Ryan Stelter. A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical comedy, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 40 years.

Link to event page.

The Sour: Cocktail Class

April 17th- 7pm-9pm 

Join us for a Cocktail Class based on Sour Cocktails and variations of this popular classic. You will learn how to craft classic sour cocktails using egg whites and effective alternative options for creating a beautiful foam. Learn the history of this style, compete in a shake off and leave with the knowledge of how to create these cocktails, at home like a pro.
Class includes:
A two hour guided and interactive class with our mixology team
3 x Cocktails
10% off spirits and cocktail tools
Please arrive by 7pm sharp so the class can start on time.

Link to event page 

Bear Day

April  20th 9am-3pm-Canmore Nordic Center

Mark Saturday, April 20th on your calendars! To coincide with bears’ emergence from their winter dens, Alberta Parks and WildSmart are once again hosting Bear Day at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park’s Day Lodge. This event is a celebration and welcoming of bears back on the landscape for another year. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the bears in our area and to refresh your bear safety knowledge and skills so you are prepared for the upcoming season and are bear aware.

Link to event Page 

The Women’s Soap Run

May 25th – 7am – May 26th 10am

The Rocky Mountain Soap Women’s Run & Walk was originally started in 2008 with 600 participants, and has since grown to attract over 3,200 women for an active weekend getaway. A highlight of the season for many runners, this event has historically sold out within the first month of registration being opened!

Link to event page

March 2024 Local Events

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

What is happening this month in the bow Valley? Check out our list of local events to keep you busy in these colder months.

BMW IBU WORLD CUP BIATHLON 2024 CANMORE

Mar 14 (10:30am) – Mar 17 (4:00pm)- Canmore Nordic Center

Canmore hosts the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2024. Races are FREE to attend, with VIP packages also available. As the final World Cup of 2023/24, overall globe winners will be awarded including the Nations Cup Champions. An estimated 25 nations will be competing at the largest Biathlon event ever held in Canmore. Free shuttle transportation will be available from downtown Canmore, with plenty of community events scheduled at the newly renovated Canmore Nordic Centre. The action is fast, come experience the thrilling sport of Biathlon! Visit the webpage for the race schedule.

https://www.explorecanmore.ca/events/bmw-ibu-world-cup-biathlon-2024-canmore/ 

VINEart Gala & Auction

March 16th, 2024- Fairmont Banff Springs

YWCA Banff’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the VINEart Gala and Auction. This highly anticipated event features delicious food and wine pairings, inspiring art and entertainment, and an exceptional live and silent auction! Proceeds from VINEart benefit YWCA Banff’s residential programs including our emergency shelter, transitional housing, affordable housing, and counselling services.

For tickets and to learn more click HERE!

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS’ WINTER ADVENTURE RACE | THE ARCTIC FOX WINTER STAGE RACE

March 23rd (8:00AM-4:00PM) Canmore Nordic Center

Have you ever seen adventure racing on television and social media set in faraway countries, set in the most remote settings and thought, ‘I’d love to do that but that seems so extreme’? Well, now you can do that! Join the Rocky Mountains’ Winter Adventure Race! Rocky Mountain Adventure Racing presents the third annual Arctic Fox Winter Stage Race. The Arctic Fox Winter Stage Race is a 2-part adventure race that you (and, if you’d like, a teammate ) can take part in. Designed with the first-time adventure racer in mind and created to help promote and build the community of adventure racing, the Arctic Fox Winter Stage Race is just the event to experience the joys of AR. Complete each stage, or choose only to register for the stage/discipline (cross-country skiing or biking) that suits your team best – a perfect opportunity to experience what it’s all about.

ExploreCanmore.ca

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Saturday, March 21st-23rd, 2024 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Library host book sales three times a year – in spring, summer, and fall. The 2024 Book Sales are scheduled for March, July, and November. The sales run from Thursday to Sunday, each day with different hours. Thursday is the advance sale for Friends of the Library members only. Memberships are available at the door for $5. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are open to all members of the public. Sunday is always fill a bag for $10.If you wish to donate items for the sales, please bring them to the library. We accept new and gently used books, DVDs, and CDs. Please note that we do not accept textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed books, old encyclopedia sets, or any material that is in poor condition.

https://canmorelibrary.ab.ca/Events/Friends-of-the-Library-Book-Sale?id=1711209600-513645

Nightrise at the Banff Gondola

Open until March 30th. – Sulfur Mountain Gondola, Banff

Experience the magic of the mountains at night with Nightrise at the Banff Gondola. This immersive event combines multimedia special effects, including lights, music, and storytelling, to create a unique nighttime adventure. Ride the gondola to the summit after dark and be captivated by the breathtaking views of Banff National Park under the stars. Check out our blog ‘Experience Nightrise at the Banff Gondola’  to learn more. 

Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt at Banff Sunshine Village

March 31, 2024, Sunshine Ski Village, Banff AB

Celebrate Easter in the mountains at Banff Sunshine Village with an unforgettable Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt event. This family-friendly affair brings the magic of Easter to the slopes, with the Easter Bunny himself making an appearance.. Participants can join in the hunt for hidden eggs scattered around the base area and on the mountain, each containing surprises and treats.

https://www.skibanff.com/play/events-calendar/2023-2024/easter-bunny-egg-hunt

 

 

Check out of March 2024 newsletter to keep up to date on our current market.