What It’s Really Like to Live and Work in Banff, Canada
Why I Moved to Banff
You’ve probably seen the desktop photo of a vibrant blue lake framed by snowy mountains, or maybe you’ve spotted pictures of a quaint little town with a towering peak behind it. I had seen those same photos years ago and always thought Banff looked like a fairytale, though I didn’t know much about it at the time.
Back when I studied travel and tourism, I actually had the choice between an internship at Disney or a working holiday in Banff. I chose Disney, but Banff never really left my mind – it became one of those “what ifs” I carried with me.
Eight years later, I decided there was no better time than now. So, in May 2024, I finally packed my life into a suitcase, boarded a plane to the other side of the world, and landed in Banff. It turned out to be one of the best years of my life.
Getting to Banff
The easiest way to get here is to fly into Calgary International Airport and take a shuttle bus to Banff. I recommend Brewster Transportation – within less than two hours, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful towns in the world.
My first impression? A street lined up perfectly with Cascade Mountain looming behind, souvenir shops and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks, the smell of fresh popcorn in the air, and that crisp mountain freshness that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Housing in Banff
Fun fact: only people who have jobs in Banff National Park are allowed to live here! If you’re one of the lucky ones, your job will likely come with staff accommodation. If not, there are private rentals available – but they’re hard to find and usually expensive.
I worked for Pursuit Collection, which thankfully provided housing. During my time here, I lived in three different staff accommodations:
Marten Street – This was my favorite spot – just a short walk to IGA and right around the corner from downtown. Each apartment had four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a shared kitchen/lounge. There was a coin laundry on-site (though only one washer and dryer for everyone!). Limited parking was available. I would have happily stayed here year-round, but Pursuit only leased it for the summer.
Squirrel Street – This complex was also within walking distance to IGA and the main Roam Transit bus hub. More like a big shared house, this complex had three levels with different room setups – everything from singles to shared 6-bed rooms. There were bathrooms on each floor and two kitchens. The vibe really depended on your housemates. I personally had a great experience – fun but respectful, even when the occasional party popped up (always wrapped up by 11 p.m.). Others have nicknamed it “the party house,” so experiences can vary! (Photo below is the view from my room!)
Beaver Street – Beaver Street was newly renovated and located right behind the Mount Royal Hotel. Each room had its own ensuite, which was a game-changer. There was only one shared kitchen, but I rarely had issues cooking at the same time as others. It was super central, so shops and bus stops were just minutes away.
Tip: Pursuit also has staff housing on Birch Avenue, Cougar Street, and 512 Banff Avenue. If you’re moving with a partner or friend, as long as you both work for Pursuit, you can usually live together.
Working in Banff
Since you can’t live in Banff without a job, I recommend securing one before you arrive. I used Global Work & Travel for assistance, but honestly, you can apply independently if you plan ahead. We lined up our summer jobs in January for a June start, and were asked to confirm winter roles once we arrived.
My Job at the Banff Gondola
My partner and I both worked for Pursuit at the Banff Gondola – I was on the Guest Experience team, and he worked in Parking (summer) and Building & Grounds (winter).
I absolutely loved it. Summer was busy and fast-paced, while winter was quiet and scenic. My role rotated between the base and the summit – selling tickets, scanning, line management, and general guest help. Shifts varied, but the schedule allowed for a great work-life balance, with plenty of time to explore.
Perks of working for Pursuit: staff accommodation, job security, and great benefits – plus, you’re working in one of the most stunning places on earth.
Pursuit Experiences Worth Adding to Your List
Eating in Banff
Groceries
There are two main grocery stores: IGA (smaller, more budget-friendly) and Nesters Market (bigger, more upscale). For cheaper bulk shopping, you can take the bus to Canmore’s Save-On-Foods – just be prepared to carry your haul if you don’t have a car!
Restaurants
Banff is packed with amazing restaurants – steakhouses, pubs, bakeries, dessert spots, candy shops – you name it. Some of the best meals I’ve had were here. Many restaurants offer happy hour deals or daily specials, which is a lifesaver if you’re on a budget.
Getting Around Banff
Banff has one of the best small-town public transport systems: Roam Transit. As a local resident, you can get a bus pass that gives you free travel on routes 1, 2, 4, and 6. Most workplaces in Banff are along these routes, so you’ll rarely need to pay for transport.
Banff town itself is also very walkable, so if you’re living close it’s highly likely you won’t need a car!
Final Thoughts on Living in Banff
Whether you come for a reason or a season, Banff is an unforgettable place to live and work. It’s not just about the job – it’s about the lifestyle, the people you meet, and the incredible mountains you get to wake up to every day.
For me, Banff started as a dream sparked by a photo and a “what if” I carried for years. Finally taking the leap showed me that sometimes the things we put off end up becoming the best experiences of our lives.
So if Banff has ever been sitting on your bucket list – don’t wait eight years like I did. Take the chance. It might just turn out to be one of the best chapters of your life too.
If you’re considering the move and have questions, drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help!
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