Guiding Banff Forward, Marc Ledwidge on Life and Leadership

In this episode of the Overheard Podcast, recorded live in Banff, we sit down with Marc Ledwidge, a respected community leader, certified mountain guide, and candidate for Banff Town Council. Marc’s story is deeply rooted in the Bow Valley. After moving to Banff in 1981, he spent 33 years with Parks Canada, starting as a backcountry warden on horseback and eventually leading major organizational changes in mountain rescue and avalanche safety.Marc has dedicated his life to the mountains and the community, working around the world in guiding and rescue operations, including time with the legendary Chamonix mountain rescue team. After retiring from Parks, he served three terms as President of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, helping shape the future of guiding in Canada. Today, he continues to give back through local volunteer work with Community Cruisers.In this conversation, Marc shares his journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for Banff’s future. We discuss housing challenges, traffic congestion, overtourism, the relationship between the Town and Parks Canada, and how to support both frontline workers and aging residents in a community under increasing pressure. With decades of experience navigating both wilderness and organizational leadership, Marc brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to Banff’s political landscape.Overheard is recorded live in Banff and brings you candid conversations with locals, leaders, and fascinating guests who shape life in the Bow Valley. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation.Sponsored by @drinkshaft, available at Townhouse Liquor and the Rose and Crown.#Banff #MarcLedwidge #BanffPodcast #OverheardPodcast #BanffTownCouncil #BanffHousing #BanffCommunity #BowValley #Overtourism #BanffFuture #MountainLeadership #BanffLocalVoices #ParksCanada #BanffPolitics