Stories From the Trails: Banff Mental Health & Addiction Week is a True Example of Collaboration for the Community

Stories from the Trails is a series that shares learning and insights from our community, members, and partners as we collectively take action towards the vision to Lead Tourism for Good. These stories inspire action, hope, and progress as we journey forward together in Banff and Lake Louise. This particular story embodies the Community Wellbeing trail.

Banff Mental Health & Addiction Week (BMHAW) is returning this May bigger, better, and ready to support those in need of connection and resources. This initiative, which was started by the Community Board at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, has been supported and uplifted by many in the community who understand the importance of wellbeing and making Banff a place to thrive.

According to Lori Bayne, Chair at Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week and past Chair at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Community Board, a group of 38 Banffites collaborated around a table to discuss how to draw attention to the issue of mental health and addiction in our community. This included healthcare workers, non-profit groups, tourism industry representatives, and municipal staff. “We don’t often get all of those sectors around one table, together on the same side of an issue,” said Lori. This collaboration led to the beginning of BMHAW over a year ago.

Lori says she is grateful to the Banff Canmore Foundation and the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation who both contribute to the funding of this initiative. Beyond the $14,000 spent on marketing, not much more is needed, she says. The success lies with the support of distribution partners, including hotels and other businesses, whose principal role to play is in spreading the word about BMHAW to frontline staff.

Businesses in Banff were crucial to making last year’s BMHAW a success. In 2024, 25 events were held throughout the entire week – and that couldn’t have happened without the support of 40 partners. Over 900 community members attended free events such as Flow State’s beginner yoga classes, Frankie D’s Donuts’ conversations and donut decorating, and so much more. Some events are fun and about building connection and friendship, while others are intimate and offer a safe space for vulnerability. 

This year, more businesses and organizations are joining in with around 40 events already planned for the week of May 5 – 9, 2025. Banff Pride are one of many who are contributing to the fulsome itinerary tailored to this year’s theme of “conversations, connections, and cardio”.

Lori highlighted that “the struggle is real” in mountain communities like Banff, where frontline staff play a key role in the economy and are the primary audience for BMHAW. “I felt like it was up to our community, our businesses, and our municipality to acknowledge how important the wellbeing of frontline people is to us. We have to help them if they’re struggling,” she said. “It’s important that our community is able to work, be healthy, and have a rich, fun life in Banff.”

Besides events tailored for frontline staff, there are also opportunities specifically designed to provide social connections for men, to offer a space for moms to talk, and even bring new Canadian’s together with food.

New to 2025, you’ll see BMHAW Ambassadors present throughout the week. These community members are open to sharing their personal journeys. “Speak to them and go for a walk with them,” says Lori.

How can BLLT members support?

• Lori encourages all businesses to let their staff attend at least one session during work hours as an incentive.
• Donate to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund at Banff Community Foundation. https://bmhaw.ca/donate 
• Share the mental health and addiction resources that are available in Banff with your staff. https://bmhaw.ca/community-services 
• There’s still time to contribute for this year’s BMHAW! If you have an idea for an event contact bmhaw24@gmail.com

“Together we can make a difference,” said Lori, adding that she hopes that with more preventive measures being put in place in the community, 10 years from now BMHAW won’t be needed. 

Initiatives like BMHAW play an essential role in building a resilient and supportive community in Banff and Lake Louise. Lead Tourism for Good’s Community Wellbeing Trail encourages us to develop tourism in ways that actively contribute to a vibrant, and inclusive community. By collaborating across sectors, supporting frontline workers, and facilitating open and honest conversations, we are collectively committed to making this a place to thrive.

Lead Tourism for Good

Share your story! What initiatives are happening in your business, organization, or in the community that support our shared vision for tourism? Email us! ltfg@banfflakelouise.com