Working and Living in Banff and Lake Louise
Start your morning with mountain views and build your days around world-class hiking, skiing, or relaxing by a glacier-fed river — that’s everyday life in Banff and Lake Louise. Whether you’re working in hospitality, tourism, or outdoor services, this is a chance to build your career in a place where nature and community are always close by. With a supportive team, great lifestyle perks, and a stunning setting, Banff and Lake Louise offer more than just a job — it’s a great place to build a life.
Living in Banff and Lake Louise
Banff and Lake Louise are vibrant, inclusive communities and newcomers play an important role in making Banff National Park a great place to live. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you are from or how long you plan to stay.
Town of Banff
The Town of Banff is located within the boundaries of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. With a population of about 8,000 residents, Banff acts as a centre for visitors to the Park assisting with accommodation and other goods and services.
The Community of Lake Louise
Located 45 minutes west of Banff, the more remote community of Lake Louise is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You will never run out of trails…summer or winter! Lake Louise is a very close-knit community with many recreational and connecting activities available.
Community Services
A comprehensive range of services is available to assist new residents in acclimating to life in Banff and Lake Louise. These services include settlement assistance, recreational programs, mental health support, and community social events. You will find an extensive array of programs designed to ease your connection into this vibrant community.
Finding Employment
The team at the Banff Job Resource Centre has a deep understanding of the community and employment opportunities in Banff and Lake Louise and consistently helps to match exceptional candidates with the perfect position.
Finding a Place to Live
Rentals
Banff has an extremely low rental vacancy rate, and finding somewhere to rent can be difficult. Rental options in Banff include renting a room in someone else’s home, basement suites, apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. Rental rates are expensive compared to other non-resort municipalities in Canada.
Once you have arrived in Banff, word-of-mouth is a good way to find somewhere to rent. If you’re under 30, follow BanffLIFE and join some activities – you may get an inside scoop to vacancies before they’re posted. Check local bulletin boards too.
Be wise with your money. Do not give a deposit to a prospective landlord without viewing the unit firsthand and signing a lease. Dealing locally and face-to-face is best, but if you can’t, take all steps possible to verify the landlord and the property. Even if you are considering shared accommodation, ask to see the lease and review the terms and conditions prior to paying a deposit.
Staff Accomodation
The majority of Banff & Lake Louise employers offer housing for employees at subsidized rates.
Many larger Banff employers offer staff housing and this is often your best bet if you’re new to town and working in an entry-level job. Benefits include:
- Often less expensive than renting your own place or sharing a house.
- Employers deduct rent directly from your paycheque.
- Most staff accommodation is furnished so you won’t need to buy new furniture.
