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Life In Banff.doc

Life Today in Banff National Park

Imagine biking or walking to work, past a deer (woodpeker, elk or bear), stepping out at lunch for Japanese grade sushi and then after work hiking up a mountain, before going for an inspired dinner, served by someone interesting, from somewhere interesting, who invites you out to the disco that evening. After dancing for hours and getting along just fine, you have to say a quick goodbye because you both have to return to your dormitory accommodation, before being at work three hours later! Life in Banff can be exciting, diverse and expensive – filled with fun and adventure.

There is no doubt that being a Banff or Lake Louise resident carries a certain status, akin to being from Hawaii or Monaco. Actually living in Banff is extremely appealing to lovers of all things mountains, yet the entire Bow Valley – including Banff, Lake Louise, and the towns outside the Park gates, is home to barely 20 thousand permanent residents. The reasons for this relatively small population include national park limitations, employment opportunities, cost of living and perhaps even weather! Thus to de-bunk some myths, while sustaining others, this article will explore some of the realities of living in the Banff – Lake Louise region.

Firstly employment. Yes, there is always work available. If, as the joke goes, you want to put your PhD to work in Banff, learn how to flip burgers! The service industry is always hiring – and would love you to stay. The market has slowed after a frenetic high, during which businesses restricted hours due to a lack of staffing. With literally millions of tourists and of course the wealthy city of Calgary just down the road, the demand for services can be explosive and somewhat seasonal. Obviously winter sees a shift to the ski resorts, which have to re-staff, train and adjust to peak times and Mother Nature. When the snow melts, visitors age a little and services stay open later.

Due to lifestyle, employment and its own cultural, Banff’s fluid population is truly international. Every year the Canadian government issues thousands of work visas – many throughout the Commonwealth. Among those who qualify, many choose Banff or Lake Louise as their spot for a Canadian experience – and almost all find employment. The mix of foreign workers is gradually shifting, but you would be hard pressed to spend a day on any of the Park’s three ski resorts and not to hear ‘G’day.’

Many foreign workers move with the season, or their visa, but an impressive number have remained (navigating immigration procedures) to become true Bow Valley residents. In addition to lifestyle and vibrant culture, the region’s businesses allow for professional development and do their best to retain good staff.

Adding to the Bow Valley’s diversity, many residents trace their roots to Eastern Canada and French – spoken in its distinctly Canadian accent –is so common that new Francophone school programs have been added. Attracting professionals, artists and outdoors enthusiasts from across Canada, the national park setting is a microcosm of this country.

So with all this good news of employment, diversity and entertainment, housing must be expensive … and indeed it is. While parts of booming Calgary caught up to prices in the mountains, eastern Canadians are shocked by property prices. Just as surprising are the restrictions. Park’s Canada maintains a need to reside policy, designed to limit growth within the national park. Therefore, in order to live (or more likely purchase) within the Park, you will have to justify this need. Once need is established, and you buy a home (in a very limited market), the land is leased from the government. Not surprisingly, these restrictions have helped to drive property prices higher adjacent to the Park boundaries.

On the upside (beyond the obvious environmental protection) to all these high costs and limitations, Banff and Lake Louise businesses provide accommodation for employees! Shared staff-accom is not luxurious, yet offers quick friendships and access to community – and there is so much to do! The dry air takes some time to adjust to and the cold of winter is far less restrictive than the long shoulder seasons – somewhere between summer and winter, but not really spring or fall (leaves begin to change in August). Living with wildlife is fascinating, but also dangerous. The longer you stay, the more frustrated you will be with people who approach the wildlife, or dog owners who do not respect leash rules!

Attempting to list the shear number of outdoor activities is futile, but for climbers, skiers, golfers, cyclists, hikers, campers, fly fishing enthusiasts and paddlers, the Alberta Rockies and Banff has it all. What may be a little more surprising are the urban attractions with such a small population. The Bow Valley’s restaurants are diverse, catering to both locals and an international clientele. Prices are higher than in other Canadian cities, but fortunately the larger supermarkets also reflect this diversity.

The mountain crowd is generally tolerant, certainly independent and it seems as though everyone is interesting. There is a stable blue-collar population that is proud to be part of the park. The Banff Centre supports almost all avenues of the arts with classes, lectures and numerous artists in residence. Active community organisations sponsor festivals (folk, art, winter) as well as sporting events and other community activities. In terms of nightlife, Banff boasts two nightclubs, but the communities are really more pub oriented – with bands and a fun mix of styles and ages, even in more isolated Lake Louise.

In a broad sense, the Bow Valley is not for everyone – but residents have trouble imagining why. Education is high, people are active and the summer can be warm (though snow has been known to fall all twelve months of the year). There is a party atmosphere among the seasonal population and some only see Banff as a good place to drink, but most short-term workers are welcome and needed. Many longer-term residents have grown with the communities, moving from staff-accom, to basement suits, or shared apartments and eventually letting down roots in a community. It is not uncommon to work more than one job – or two distinctly seasonal roles. As Calgary is over 100 km’s to the east, the Valley has all its own services, including hospitals and government offices, yet it is reassuring to have a large city (and airport) relatively close by. Combining urban, international and wilderness is a unique Canadian experiment, best showcased in Banff National Park.