Stories from the Trails: Leading with Inclusion in Banff and Lake Louise
When most people think of Banff and Lake Louise, they picture towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and postcard-perfect vistas. But behind the rocky mountain scenery is a vibrant community full of people whose stories, cultures, and contributions shape the true spirit of this place.
Diversity may be part of the landscape, but building human inclusion takes action. That’s where the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership’s “Workplace Inclusion Charter” comes in. By placing community wellbeing at the forefront of a thriving workforce, the Charter is helping businesses in Banff, Lake Louise, and beyond create more inclusive and welcoming workplaces.
To explore how this is unfolding, we sat down with Natasha Lay, Executive Director of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP), to dive into the Workplace Inclusion Charter: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s an example of leading Tourism for Good.
Natasha, can you tell us—what is the Workplace Inclusion Charter all about?
Natasha: At its heart, the Workplace Inclusion Charter is about celebrating diversity and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in building an inclusive Bow Valley. Employers who sign on to the Charter commit to a shared vision: creating workplaces that are safe, respectful, and welcoming for all, while contributing to a community where everyone belongs.
The Charter is completely action oriented. In 2025, it guides employers through 16 specific commitments across community connection, communication, policy and procedure, and training. It includes practical actions that create more inclusive workplaces for everyone, including newcomers, people with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and more.
Another key principle is continuous improvement. Inclusion is not a one-time effort; it is an ongoing journey. By collaborating and learning together, employers and community partners drive collective impact that strengthens the Bow Valley as a whole.
What inspired the creation of the Charter, and who helped bring it to life?
Natasha: There were some real gaps and opportunities in how newcomers experienced workplaces in the Bow Valley. As more workers arrived from around the world, bringing diverse cultures, languages, and experiences, we realized that while services existed to support them, many didn’t know how to access those resources. Often, their employer was their first or only connection to the community.
That’s when BVIP teamed up with local partners like Settlement Services in the Bow Valley, the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association, and employers like the Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff Caribou Properties, and Fairmont Banff Springs. Together, we launched the first Workplace Inclusion Charter back in 2017!
Since then, it’s grown significantly. Today, it’s co-created with a strong network of partners including AWES, Vecova, YWCA Banff, Banff Pride, Canmore Pride, and more. This collaborative approach ensures the Charter reflects the real needs of our workforce and helps build a more inclusive Bow Valley for everyone.
Why is inclusion so important in a place like Banff and Lake Louise?
Natasha: This place is extraordinary—not just because of the mountains and lakes, but because of the people who call it home.
We welcome visitors from all over the world, and our workforce reflects that same diversity. Our community is made up of many cultures, languages, religions, and lived experiences. Inclusion ensures that everyone feels at home, whether they’re here for a season or a lifetime.
Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and it relies heavily on a global workforce. Inclusion strengthens retention, morale, productivity, and service quality. When employees feel respected and connected, both the community and the economy thrive.
What unique challenges or opportunities does Banff and Lake Louise face when it comes to inclusion?
Natasha: Like many tourism communities, we face challenges such as a seasonal workforce and language or cultural barriers. But those challenges also present opportunities—and they highlight why initiatives like the Workplace Inclusion Charter are so important.
With our global profile, Banff and Lake Louise has the chance to lead by example. We can show the world what it means to be both a world-class destination and a leader in global inclusion.
What makes this place special is our strong community spirit and the willingness of local employers to lead change. I truly believe we can model what an inclusive tourism economy looks like.
How does the Charter support employers?
Natasha: Employers have told us they want meaningful and concrete ways to support their teams—and the Charter provides that pathway. It offers a clear framework and practical tools to help create more inclusive workplaces.
It also helps leaders and HR teams build skills in intercultural awareness and inclusive practices, which benefit both staff and guests. Ultimately, it supports retention, boosts morale, and contributes to stronger visitor experiences!
The Charter has sparked a unique spirit of collaboration in the destination! Employers are coming together, sharing ideas, and building place-based solutions. This growing network of inclusive employers strengthens Banff and Lake Louise’s reputation as not only world-class destinations, but as a place that’s leading tourism for the good of people.
Get Involved in the Workplace Inclusion Charter
Inclusion is a shared responsibility, and every workplace action makes a difference. The Charter is open to all employers in the Bow Valley.
Employeers in Banff and Lake Louise who have signed the 2025 Workplace Inclusion Charter so far include: Arctos & Bird, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Caribou Properties, Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit, Basecap Resorts, Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Emerald Lake, The Post Hotel), Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fuji Starlight Express (Banff Park Lodge, Bow View Lodge, Peaks Hotel & Suites), Mt Norquay Resort, Rimrock Resort Hotel, SkiBig3.
To learn more about the Workplace Inclusion Charter and how to get involved visit the BVIP website.
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership
We asked Natasha, what does “Lead Tourism for Good” mean to you?
"It’s about using tourism’s global visibility to set an example in social responsibility. It reminds us that visitors’ experiences are shaped not only by the mountains and lakes they see, but also by the people who welcome them.
For the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, it means leading with values and balancing economic success with community wellbeing. It’s about showing that tourism can be a driver of positive change, and that treating workers with dignity and respect makes the entire destination stronger.
When Banff and Lake Louise leads tourism for good, we demonstrate to the world that a thriving visitor economy and a vibrant, inclusive community go hand in hand."