Two communities, smack dab in the centre of one of the most beautiful and pristine national parks in the world. What’s not to love? Those of us lucky enough to work and play in Banff National Park respect and honour its continued ecological health, but we do still avoid the elk walking down the street.
All residents must have a “need to reside” which helps to preserve the family roots of the two communities. Summer is considered the busy season - it’s quieter in the fall and spring, and the skiers and snowboarders arrive in winter.
Banff is the busier of the two, known for its shopping, variety of restaurants and abundant accommodation choices. A charming hamlet, Lake Louise is so quiet you can hear the avalanches on the Victoria Glacier echo through the valley on a sunny day.