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Immersive Adventures and Inspirational Stories: Unveiling the Banff Mountain Film Festival Experience

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

The 48th Annual Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival  happened from October 28th- November 5th, 2023. If you are a local, you are likely already accustomed to what it entails. If you are not local, the film festival is a international festival which accepts entries from numerous topics showcasing Mountain adventures and tales from around the world. This year we managed to sneak in a few of the shows, and we are excited to share our experience.

Saturday October 28th, 2023- 9:00 am – Mixed Morning Films!

Waking up on a Saturday Morning at 9:00am to watch a movie is not the first choice for the majority of people. Feeling slow moving and sleepy, with a overflowing thermos of coffee, we excitedly ventured to the Banff Center. Parking was an easy feat with multiple options, there is also a free bus from the town of Banff and walking up to the Banff center from town is an extremely realistic option.

The mixed Morning films included a variety of short films encompassing different cultures, adventures and environments. The energy in the auditorium was palpable. Mutters of what to expect filled the room. The 3 hour screening journeyed us thorough multiple experiences and stories, the allure of each clip grasps you with awe. The variance of the movies shown in this three hour time slot truly pulls on all your heart strings. From a Dallas based non profit community resilience hub rooted in Skate culture to rock climbing to fight a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis in Sardinia in Italy you immediately feel like you are part of something bigger. It gives you an appreciation of the world we live in, the boundary’s we as humans have pushed and the ability the mind play’s in reaching our goals.

Vertical Canada: The closing movie was a 45 minute adventure documenting Canada’s first ever North to South human crossing. Starting in Ellesmere Island a group of Quebecoise took on the challenge. They expertly convey the challenges, successes, little wins and hardships along the way. This inspirational movie was the perfect way to end the show. It left the audience feeling exhilarated for the upcoming winter season.

Sunday October 29th, 2023- 7:30pm – Snow Show

The snow show is one of the most anticipated shows of the Banff  Mountain Film and Book Festival.  It Showcases a mix of snow sports over a varying terrain. This show is a highly anticipated kick off to the winter season. While waiting for the show to start the muffled chitchat of the upcoming winter season fills the room. The contagious anticipatory energy sets the tone for what’s to come.

It was inspiring to see a submission from Adrian Grabinski, a Canmore local. ‘The Best Skier you’ve Never Heard of‘ follows the story of Adrian who after his successful ski racing career on the Junior Canadian Team, decided to venture West.  He shares his truly remarkable journey that led him to realize that the captivating mountains would not be the only thing to steal his heart in a small non profit ski hill near Terrace, B.C.

A favorite pick from this show was ‘How Did we Get Here’. The story of The Blonde’s, three ladies who wanted to Sled but could only afford one sled. You cannot help but reminisce on your own childhood and the many fun adventures you had playing on sleds. The ladies certainly know how to navigate any terrain on their skis and have no fear of being off the ground. The movie is portrayed through brilliant cinematography. A must see for any adventure seeker.

Saturday, November 4th, 2023- 7:30- Jess Kimura and Films

Comedian Katie Burrell hosted a brilliant night interviewing Jess Kimura about her career in snowboarding. Throughout the evening the audience indulged in tears of happiness and joy. Jess Kimura has not gained her success easily.  Through many trials and tribulations she persevered to being one of the top female snowboarders worldwide.  From being disregarded by the snowboarding community to loosing her partner in a biking accident, she truly has overcome some of life’s hardest lessons.

What separates Jess from the mainstream professional athlete’s is her commitment to bringing other people along with her success. She produced a all female snowboarding movie, The Uninvited, showcasing some of the up and coming boarders in the industry. With the intention of giving the girls the opportunity to demonstrate their skills while also giving the viewers encouragement to keep on going.

The Banff Mountain Film Fest exhibits some of the worlds best adventure movies. The submissions for the Film Festival open in April 2024. If adventure videography is something your interested you should considering entering a video into the competition. If you are more of a observer, the Banff Mountain Film Festival happens in the last week of October/ Early November annually. It is the perfect way to kick off the winter season.  If you are interested in watching the movies for the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2023 , Click Here to see if the shows world tour comes to a town near you.

Whether you want to get hyped for the upcoming season/adventure or learn about some inspiring people, you cannot go wrong by checking out a show at the Banff Film Festival. The festival truly embraces the strength and resilience of humans. The exhilarating movies will have you inspired to get out there and chase your dreams..

For more about skiing in the Bow Valley: Click Here

November 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

November Brings the 31st Annual RLP Food Drive and a Feeling of Déjà vu

31ST Annual RLP Food Drive

As we move through the fall season, we are excited for what all that it brings.  The 31st Annual RLP Food Drive is taking place on November 29th at Canmore Chrysler. It is such a great event and so needed in our community. As the ski hills are starting to open it is great to see the Bow Valley getting excited for the upcoming winter season. you can feel the excitement building. You can feel the excitement building, people walking around town with their skis / boards to get tuned following epic adventure movie watching at the recently ended Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Déjà Vu

Looking back to our newsletter in November of 2022 we feel a good dose of déjà vu. Quotes from last year of “Our market is one that many are struggling to understand. While it has felt for many like the market has taken a step back and with many price reductions, we can see how it could be viewed that way.”

Current Market

As we look at our market, we see the listing inventory this time of year quite consistent. There are small increases each year over the past three years with total listings being 131, 138, 144.  What is dramatic is the listing inventories in November for the 3 years prior to Covid was 189, 196 and 228.  The average number of listings in November over the last 10 years is 192 which makes 2023 25% below that.

  

Listing inventory is just one of many metrics we use.  When we look at sales numbers for the month of October in the 5 years prior to the pandemic we get an average of 49. That is 40% higher than this year.  During those years we started the month of October with an average of 231 listings giving buyers 70% more properties to choose from.  The reason this is so important to consider is that the lack of inventory in a recreational market often causes buyers to be more patient and hence wait for the right property at the right price. 

As mentioned above and below, we are proud to announce once again, that our 31st annual Royal LePage Food Bank Drive will be on Wednesday November 29th.  This is our biggest ask of the year, as we always need help on the evening for a few hours. We are happy to pick up any donations both nonperishable food and/or a monetary donation. Please follow the link below if you can help out in any way.

Click to volunteer for the 31st Annual Food Drive

Click here for our other newsletters!

Price Reduction: 304, 505 Spring Creek Drive -$1,018,980

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Price Drop: $1,018,980

Look at the finest in Canmore’s apartment style living, this 1,157 sq ft spacious two bedroom + den, two bath unit offers wonderful 3rd floor views and sunlight! This home welcomes you with toe-warming in floor geothermal heat that is found throughout the property, and quickly opens up to an open concept kitchen, living and dining area. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, complete with granite counter tops, gas range, stainless steel appliances, large eating bar, and ample cabinet space. Moving to the living room, one can cozy up to the fireplace to unwind or head to the view deck. The primary bedroom features fantastic views, generous closet space and access to the large 5 piece ensuite. The second bedroom also has plenty of closet space and direct access to the unit’s second bathroom. This property has a den or 3rd bedroom, in-suite laundry, 2 parking stalls, recent reno was installing Cyprus flooring where once was carpet & repaint the entire unit. Shared fitness room.

 

Check out the full listings including more images, floorplan and the brochure HERE. 

31st Annual RLP Food Drive 2023

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Click here to volunteer for the 2023 RLP Food Drive!

Another whole rotation around the sun, its hard to imagine its that time of year again. We are proud to be able to say that this is our 31st Annual Food Drive. Brad helped organize the first Food Drive and Drew joined a few years later. That’s 31 years of supporting local food banks, communities, friends, and families. Whether you volunteered to help, donated product, sponsored the event or spread the word, you are a massive part of this all-encompassing community event. We would not have been able to do it without the help of all of you and we are reaching out again to ask for you help.

When and Where?

This year we will be holding the food drive on the evening of the 29th of November at 5:30pm.  It will be based out of Canmore Chrysler- 101 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N8. This means there is 3 things for you as a Canmore local to be aware of:

  1.  Keep the date free so you can volunteer and become part of an amazing event that helps hundreds of families in our community.
  2.  If you do not have the ability to volunteer that is okay. If you have the means, pick up some food to donate. We can use all the donations we can get. On the evening on November 29th, leave your porch light on and be listening for your doorbell.
  3. Traffic in the area may be slightly busier while the food drive is getting under way.

What can you do to help?

Our goal is to knock on every single door in Canmore and ask for donations. That’s where the majority of our volunteers come in. The more people we have to help, the more doors we get to knock on and the more donations we receive.

What roles are there for volunteers.

Driver- In this role you drive around with a group ( usually your  friends or family) and bring them to their map area. You stay with them so they can load donations into your vehicle. Once you have knocked on all the doors in your area, you drive your group back to Canmore Chrysler to drop off the donations. ( you will need to have a vehicle for this role). Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.

Walker- You get a map of an area, you get to go out and knock on doors asking for donations. You will be with a group of people (usually your friends or family). You will collect donations and load them into your drivers car as you go. You will then drop the donations back to Canmore Chrysler once you have finished your area. Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.

Packer- In this role you will stay at Canmore Chrysler to pack and box the donations we receive.  We weigh every box to track how much we receive. Then you will head over to Royal LePage Solutions on 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore for an thank you reception.

There is a role for everyone so if you are unsure that any of the roles above would work for you due to health conditions or any other concerns just reach out to us at canmore@royallepage.ca and we will be happy to find a role that works for you.

Click here to volunteer for the 2023 RLP Food Drive!

What can you Donate?

Not able to volunteer on the night? No Problem. You can donate some non-perishable items on the night when one of the volunteers knocks on your door. We have reached out to the Bow Valley Food Bank and asked them what they are in the most need of this year.

  • Soup- Chunky and Regular
  • Hamburger Helper
  • Sidekicks Noodle/Rice Packs
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Canned Fruit
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Toothbrush and Tooth Paste

Do you live in a condo? That’s also no problem. We are accepting donations at the Royal LePage office located at 101, 710, 10th Street, Canmore.

If you have an excess of any of these products, please consider donating to the RLP Food Drive. The food bank is of course happy to any take non-perishable products you are willing to donate.

 

Thank you so much for any support you can give. Together we can fight hunger and strengthen our community.

Want to learn more about the RLP Food Drive ? Click here

 

Click here to volunteer for the 2023 RLP Food Drive!

SOLD- 256 Lady Macdonald Drive

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

A massive congratulations to everyone who was involved in this sale.

Walking up past the view porch and into this well kept upgraded single family home you are welcomed to the living room with gorgeous hardwood floors and stunning views. Steps away is the open kitchen and dining area that looks out to the large backyard. The kitchen includes stone countertops, corner pantry and eating bar. A powder room and back entry lead you to the deck/patio and spectacular yard with firepit and lots of space for kids to play. Heading upstairs you will find the primary retreat with more amazing west facing views and a huge walk in closet along with a second and third bedroom and full bath. The partially developed lower level could include another bedroom or a large family room along with another full bath which is already roughed in. A large gear/storage room along with laundry complete the lower level. With a lot size of 5,343sqft many possibilities exist to put a large shed or garage in the backyard.

Check out the full listing here!

SOLD! 5, 1 Aspen Glen, Canmore

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Congratulations and a massive thank you to everyone involved in this transaction!

These are the views you have been dreaming about! Upon entering this 2715 sq ft 3+ bedroom, 3 bath open plan you will be amazed by the panoramic mountain Peaks vista and immense valley views through the mammoth wall of windows and sun-drenched deck. As soon as you enter you will be drawn to the open vaulted living room and large kitchen that boasts pine cabinets and center Island with eating bar that all opens to the bright living and dining areas. Upstairs has the primary bedroom with walk-in closet along with access to a 4 piece ensuite, another bedroom, a 3 pce bath and large loft area, complete this upper level. The walkout lower-level walkout has the third bedroom or family with wet bar or home theatre room and a den, laundry room with space to add an additional bathroom. Other features include the oversized single garage, abundant storage heat, main floor bathroom, and the lower level has toe warming in slab heat.

 

Are you thinking of buying in Canmore? Check out our current listings: canmorerealestate.com/featured/

SOLD! 7108 101G Stewart Creek Landing, Canmore

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Another beautiful property has sold. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in this transaction.

Contemporary mountain living at its finest. This Timberline Lodges executive 1+ bedroom, 2 bathroom 925 square foot unit has it all including quality materials, fantastic layout and a large private patio space to enjoy the evening sun. The open floor plan flows perfectly from the kitchen with raised eating bar, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances to the open living and dining room with Rundlestone gas fireplace. The primary bedroom with walk in closet and four piece ensuite bath is just steps away along with the 2nd room, great for an office/den or guest space, three piece bath and laundry. Do not miss Canmore’s most luxurious amenities club that features a swimming pool, indoor & outdoor hot tub, steam room, home theater, games room, and owners lounge. Also included is an underground parking stall and large storage locker. With quick access to local trails and close to the Stewart Creek Golf Course, make this your perfect mountain haven.

Are you thinking of buying a new home ? Click here!

September 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

As We Enter Fall Lack of Inventory Continues To Affect The Market

The fall is an exciting time to be in the mountains.  After a summer full of hiking, biking, running along with the many successful local events like Canada Day, the Folk Festival and most recently the Canmore Highland Games we are excited for the upcoming fall season. The kids are back in school, and the days are still longer to enjoy active outdoor evenings.

We do typically start to see a pickup in buyers as the cooler temperatures in the air bring thoughts of ski season and what that might mean in terms of purchasing a property here or getting something larger (or smaller) depending on each families needs.
Sales in August show a higher number however quite a few of the hotel condos were a new project so once you remove those from the total the sales in August 2023 match that of August 2022.  While sales matched year over year the listing inventory is down 25% year over year which makes the matching sales numbers show much stronger.  We have seen a decrease in sales in 2023 which we feel corresponds to that lack of inventory and choice for buyers. Our market continues to have buyers waiting for that right property to come to market.

Sales in August show a higher number however quite a few of the hotel condos were a new project so once you remove those from the total the sales in August 2023 match that of August 2022.  While sales matched year over year the listing inventory is down 25% year over year which makes the matching sales numbers show much stronger.  We have seen a decrease in sales in 2023 which we feel corresponds to that lack of inventory and choice for buyers. Our market continues to have buyers waiting for that right property to come to market.

The Months of Inventory metric we use continues to support our position of a sellers market.  The rule of thumb is between 3 and 6 months of inventory is typically a balanced or moving to a balanced market while less that 3 is a sellers market and more than 6 is a buyers market.  August was at 2.37 and the average for 2023 currently sits at 2.88.

While the market segments are showing increase in average sale prices we will dive deeper next month as we will review the third quarter which is often better to really see the trends as the sample size makes those numbers much more relevant.

Lastly, we are here to help you or anyone you know for all your real estate.

Click here for the full newsletter!

Canmore: A Nature Photographers Dream

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

Are you aspiring to be a nature photographer? Wanting to perfect what you have learned? A professional in the industry? Canmore has everything you need to grow as a shutterbug. With vast mountainscapes, contrasting vibrant colors and flowing rivers, you will never run out of creative inspiration. The scenery in Canmore changes season to season which inspires people’s innovative side. Spring sparkles with thriving wildflowers, summer boasts lush greens and coruscating teals,  fall introduces radiant ambers and winter shines with bright white and conflicting sky blues. Join us for this season to season breakdown of what to expect when capturing the perfect shot in the mountains.

Summers Alpine Glow:

The days grow longer in summer, giving photographers an awe-inspiring lengthy window of sun soaked peaks to capture. The mountain tops glow bright pinks, oranges and reds in response to the sunrise (usually between 5am and 6:30am).  Many photographers take this opportunity to head down to Policeman’s Creek and try their hand at getting the perfect alpine glow shot of the Three Sisters. Into the late evening, as the day draws to an end, a different opportunity arises. The ombre effects of the night sky creeping in, casting a shadow over the Bow Valley. Getting off the Valley bottom is a great option to seize the perfect image. Take an evening hike up Ha-Ling Peak to watch the sunset but be sure to have a headlamp, bear spray and know your route.

Fall Delivers a lot More than Pumpkin Spice Lattes:

Contrasting colors is what fall is all about and Canmore does not lack in its fall offerings. Although mostly surrounded by evergreen trees, Larch trees are hidden in sporadic pockets around the Valley. Due to being deciduous conifers, when the weather cools in fall, the needles on the larch trees transform the valley views into a golden opportunity for photographers. Heading outside of town to some of the more densely populated larch forests is a highly suggested. Larch Valley, located near Lake Louise is the ideal place to capture this phenomenon. The backdrop of the mountains set off against the greens and yellows of the forest leads to dramatic and vivid snaps that will leave you wanting more.

 Brrr-illiant White Snow as Fall Comes to an End:

Winter in Canmore is the adventure lovers dream. Between skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, not to mention all the other winter sports, there is rarely time to rest. If adventure photography is your passion, there will be an abundance of moments to capture. The everchanging environment progresses with the temperature fluctuations throughout winter. This means that having your camera at hand is a must for all your winter excursions. Head to the slopes to snap some epic action shots. Grab some xc ski’s, book into a backcountry hut and glide your way to some awe-inspiring locations. Even just going for a wonder around town will produce some breathtaking photos.

Spring Serenity and Mountain Blooms:

The warmer weather brings a new found energy for all living things in the Valley. The bears are awakening to blossoming meadows, budding trees and a warm breeze. Spring is a great time to work on your wildlife photography. The season brings a whole new lease of life to your capturing opportunities. Take a drive down the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise and you will be sure to see some awesome landscapes and potentially some of the astounding wildlife. Moraine Lake has gained its popularity in recent years as a great spot to snap the sunrise. Be sure to take time to appreciate the moodier weather that comes with spring. The perfect time to take advantage of some low lying clouds, grey skies and puddle reflection’s.

The landscapes of the Bow Valley are a never ending blank canvas for photographers. No matter the season, you will be sure to find an incredible moment to capture through the lens. The changing seasons bring completely new inspiration to the aspiring cameraman. Whether you are here for a quick visit or you live long term in the Valley you will never tire of venturing out with  your trusty camera at hand.

Check out our blog on Canmore’s History to learn more about this mazing mountain town.

 

August 2023 Newsletter-Low Inventory continues into August.. Will the rest of the year bring us closer to a balanced market?

Posted on by Katie OSullivan

As I am writing this, I can hear the music at the Canmore Folk Music Festival in the background.  It is so amazing that our local festival is the longest running folk music festival in Alberta starting in 1978. I feel like a broken record with the message of a continuing lack of inventory. Over the last five months, our listing inventory has only deviated from the average by at most 6.5%.  It is this lack of inventory that has slowed down the number of sales as the buyers do not have much for choice, so we are seeing some buyers expand their parameters of what they are looking for while others are just being patient as they wait for that ‘right’ property to be available.

The data for July is skewed as over half of the sales and close to half of the new listings were just reported sales that happened previously at a new hotel condo development that is under construction to be completed in 2026.  If we remove those added properties our months of supply is 2.43 for the entire market which continues that trend of a sellers market (a months of inventory between 4-6 is often referred to as a balanced market) Last year at this time we had expected a rise in inventory which did occur but it was not sustained as the pent up demand worked quickly through those listings bringing the inventory through the winter at the 2nd lowest on record (only behind 2 months the previous year)

We do continue to expect more listings to come on through August, September and October but will it be enough to move the market to be more in balance. That will take a substantial increase as we continue to have buyers waiting on the sidelines for that right property to come to market.

We hope you have enjoyed your summer to this point and the remaining summer is amazing!  We are here to help with all your real estate needs and are never too busy for your referrals. Thank you!

**Months of inventory is a calculation on the numbers of months it would take to sell all the currently listings with no new inventory coming to Market based on number of past sales**

 

To read the full Blog and access graphs click HERE.