Town of Banff

Accommodation

Helpful information on hostels, affordable housing, temporary housing, and finding a place to call home, for people moving to Banff and for those already living here.

Some thoughts about living in Banff:

• There's often more selection during seasonal turnover - fall and early spring.
  
• As much as we love pets, it can be hard to find a place for you and Fido
• If you are looking into staff accommodation with your significant other, ask if you're allowed to room together before signing a contract. Some employers will not house people who do not also work for the company.
• Don’t give up. You will find a place that’s perfect and affordable for you

Tips & Tricks

• Always check the local paper,  Crag and Canyon every Wednesday, and the Rocky Mountain Outlook on Thursdays. Check on line around mid day.
  
• Tell anyone you meet you are looking for a place; as always in a small town, word-of-mouth is the fastest and most effective way to connect
  
• Check out the community boards at the Library, Bison Courtyard, coffee shops, YWCA, laundry mats, and the Sally Borden Recreation Centre at the Banff Centre, BanffLife. You’d be surprised at how many people are looking for roommates.
• Contact a property management company to find out about their current rental housing opportunities.
• Look online at the Banff/Canmore Kijiji page. 
• Dress up for viewings. You want to make a good impression on potential landlords.
  
• Be prepared to sign a six-month lease for the better places
• Be honest about how long you will be staying… they’ve heard it all before.
• Bring references. This will set you apart from all the other hopeful renters.

Furnishing Your Place

Check Kijiji and check the bulletin boards. Watch for hotel furniture sales. They'll often refurbish inbetween seasons. Or check the local thrift store. Victory Thrift Store.

A word. Once you've furnished your home, please don't leave unwanted items by the neighbourhood garbage bins. It's called dumping and it is illegal, it's unsightly, it's a hazard to wildlife and residents, and it's completely unnecessary. If you don't have the means of getting your junk to the Town's drop off yard, the town offers a FREE pick up service for unwanted large items. Thanks for keeping our national park pristine.

Need to Reside

Since Banff is a community within a National Park, the need to reside clause applies to all residents.

Please visit the Parks Canada Administration building to pick up an eligible resident form.  Parks Canada staff will verify the completed form and contact you once the form is ready to be picked up.

For more information about the concept of eligible resident, please contact Park’s Canada directly at:

Banff National Park Administration Building
101 Mountain Avenue, Banff, Alberta
T: 403.762.1500