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Coordinates: 51°10′40″N 115°34′25″W / 51.17778°N 115.57361°W / 51.17778; -115.57361[1]
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{{Short description|Town in Canada}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Banff
| name = Banff
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}}
}}


'''Banff''' is a town in [[Banff National Park]], [[Alberta]], Canada, in [[Alberta's Rockies]] along the [[Trans-Canada Highway]], {{cvt|126|km}} west of [[Calgary]] and {{cvt|58|km}} east of [[Lake Louise, Alberta|Lake Louise]], {{cvt|1400|to|1630|m}} above {{nowrap|[[sea level]],<ref name=elevation/>}}
'''Banff''' is a [[resort town]] in [[Banff National Park]], [[Alberta]], Canada, in [[Alberta's Rockies]] along the [[Trans-Canada Highway]], {{cvt|126|km}} west of [[Calgary]], {{cvt|58|km}} east of [[Lake Louise, Alberta|Lake Louise]], and {{cvt|1400|to|1630|m}} above {{nowrap|[[sea level]].<ref name=elevation/>}}


Banff was the first municipality to incorporate within a Canadian national park. The town is a member of the [[Calgary Metropolitan Region|Calgary Regional Partnership]].
Banff was the first municipality to incorporate within a Canadian national park. The town is a member of the [[Calgary Metropolitan Region|Calgary Regional Partnership]].


Banff is a [[resort town]] and one of Canada's most popular [[tourist destination]]s. Known for its mountainous surroundings and [[Banff Upper Hot Springs|hot spring]]s, it is a destination for outdoor sports and [[hiking]], [[Mountain biking|biking]], [[scrambling]] and [[skiing]]. [[Sunshine Village]], [[Mt Norquay|Ski Norquay]] and [[Lake Louise Ski Resort]] are nearby [[ski resort]]s within the national park.
Banff is one of Canada's most popular [[tourist destination]]s. Known for its mountainous surroundings and [[Banff Upper Hot Springs|hot spring]]s, it is a destination for outdoor sports and [[hiking]], [[Mountain biking|biking]], [[scrambling]] and [[skiing]]. [[Sunshine Village]], [[Mt Norquay|Ski Norquay]] and [[Lake Louise Ski Resort]] are nearby [[ski resort]]s within the national park.


==Toponymy==
==Toponymy==
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In 1991, Banff hosted the [[1991 Winter Deaflympics]], the first [[Deaflympics]] hosted in [[Canada]], and the only Deaflympics held in Canada since then.
In 1991, Banff hosted the [[1991 Winter Deaflympics]], the first [[Deaflympics]] hosted in [[Canada]], and the only Deaflympics held in Canada since then.


In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the town chose to temporarily close portions of its main street to vehicle traffic to create a [[Pedestrian zone|Downtown Pedestrian Zone]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Banff {{!}} Banff, AB - Official Website |url=https://banff.ca/1132/Coronavirus-info-for-Banff#:~:text=The%20100%20and%20200%20blocks,by%20the%20COVID-19%20pandemic.&text=Public%20health%20is%20the%20mandate,and%20the%20Province%20of%20Alberta. |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=banff.ca}}</ref> The Banff Town Council said the pedestrian zone will stay in effect until at least 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banff Ave. pedestrian zone likely going ahead for next two summers |url=https://www.rmotoday.com/banff/banff-ave-pedestrian-zone-likely-going-ahead-for-next-two-summers-4845469 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=RMOToday.com |date=9 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone {{!}} Banff, AB - Official Website |url=https://banff.ca/1146/Banff-Avenue-Pedestrian-Zone |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=banff.ca}}</ref>
In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the town chose to temporarily close portions of its main street to vehicle traffic to create a [[Pedestrian zone|Downtown Pedestrian Zone]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Banff {{!}} Banff, AB - Official Website |url=https://banff.ca/1132/Coronavirus-info-for-Banff#:~:text=The%20100%20and%20200%20blocks,by%20the%20COVID-19%20pandemic.&text=Public%20health%20is%20the%20mandate,and%20the%20Province%20of%20Alberta. |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=banff.ca}}</ref> The Banff Town Council said the pedestrian zone would stay in effect until at least 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banff Ave. pedestrian zone likely going ahead for next two summers |url=https://www.rmotoday.com/banff/banff-ave-pedestrian-zone-likely-going-ahead-for-next-two-summers-4845469 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=RMOToday.com |date=9 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone {{!}} Banff, AB - Official Website |url=https://banff.ca/1146/Banff-Avenue-Pedestrian-Zone |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=banff.ca}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
It is surrounded by mountains, notably [[Mount Rundle]], [[Sulphur Mountain (Alberta)|Sulphur Mountain]], [[Mount Norquay]], and [[Cascade Mountain (Alberta)|Cascade Mountain]]. The town is above [[Bow Falls]] near the confluence of the [[Bow River]] and [[Spray River]]. Soils are calcareous and usually imperfectly to poorly drained in their natural state with textures from very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/surveys/ab/ab44/index.html |title=Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Vol.1 and 2) |date=13 December 2013 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207025000/http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/surveys/ab/ab44/index.html |archive-date=February 7, 2016 }} W.D. Holland and G.M. Coen, Ed. Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks, 1983</ref>
The town is surrounded by mountains, notably [[Mount Rundle]], Sulphur Mountain, [[Mount Norquay]], and [[Cascade Mountain (Alberta)|Cascade Mountain]], and is situated above [[Bow Falls]] near the confluence of the [[Bow River]] and [[Spray River]]. Soils are calcareous and usually imperfectly to poorly drained in their natural state with textures from very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/surveys/ab/ab44/index.html |title=Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Vol.1 and 2) |date=13 December 2013 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207025000/http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/surveys/ab/ab44/index.html |archive-date=February 7, 2016 }} W.D. Holland and G.M. Coen, Ed. Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks, 1983</ref>


{{wide image|File:Banff, Alberta, Canada.jpg|704px|The sun rises over Banff from a vantage point on the road to [[Mount Norquay]]||center}}
{{wide image|File:Banff, Alberta, Canada.jpg|704px|The sun rises over Banff from a vantage point on the road to [[Mount Norquay]]||center}}
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=== Climate ===
=== Climate ===
Banff experiences a [[subarctic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Dfc'') that borders on a [[humid continental climate]] (Köppen ''Dfb'').
Banff experiences a [[subarctic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Dfc'') that borders on a [[humid continental climate]] (Köppen ''Dfb'').
Winter temperatures range from an average low of {{cvt|-13.3|C}} to an average high of {{cvt|-0.2|C}}. Summer temperatures in the warmest month are an average high of {{cvt|21.6|C}} and an average low of {{cvt|7.3|C}}. Snow has been recorded in all months of the year. The annual snowfall averages {{cvt|191.0|cm}}.<ref name= "climate"/>
Winter temperatures range from an average low of {{cvt|-13.5|C}} to an average high of {{cvt|-0.5|C}}. Summer temperatures in the warmest month are an average high of {{cvt|22.5|C}} and an average low of {{cvt|6.8|C}}. Snow has been recorded in all months of the year. The annual snowfall averages {{cvt|183.8|cm}}.<ref name = ECCC/>
The highest temperature ever recorded was {{cvt|37.8|C|0}} on June 29, 2021, during the [[2021 Western North America heat wave]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Daily Data Report for June 2021|date = 31 October 2011|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=27378}}</ref>
The highest temperature ever recorded was {{cvt|37.8|C|0}} on June 29, 2021, during the [[2021 Western North America heat wave]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Daily Data Report for June 2021|date = 31 October 2011|url=https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?StationID=27378}}</ref>
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
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|single line= Y
|single line= Y
|location = Banff, 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1887−present
|location = Banff, 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1887−present
|Jan maximum humidex = 12.2

|Jan maximum humidex = 14.7
|Feb maximum humidex = 13.9
|Feb maximum humidex = 13.4
|Mar maximum humidex = 19.2
|Mar maximum humidex = 21.1
|Apr maximum humidex = 24.4
|Apr maximum humidex = 31.0
|May maximum humidex = 29.0
|May maximum humidex = 40.6
|Jun maximum humidex = 36.6
|Jun maximum humidex = 43.2
|Jul maximum humidex = 33.4
|Jul maximum humidex = 43.9
|Aug maximum humidex = 34.0
|Aug maximum humidex = 43.2
|Sep maximum humidex = 30.4
|Sep maximum humidex = 40.8
|Oct maximum humidex = 24.2
|Oct maximum humidex = 30.7
|Nov maximum humidex = 15.9
|Nov maximum humidex = 25.5
|Dec maximum humidex = 12.2
|Dec maximum humidex = 12.9
|year maximum humidex = 34.0
|year maximum humidex =

|Jan record high C = 12.3
|Jan record high C = 12.3
|Feb record high C = 14.7
|Feb record high C = 14.7
Line 156: Line 155:
|Jun record high C = 37.8
|Jun record high C = 37.8
|Jul record high C = 35.6
|Jul record high C = 35.6
|Aug record high C = 34.8
|Aug record high C = 34.2
|Sep record high C = 31.0
|Sep record high C = 31.0
|Oct record high C = 26.5
|Oct record high C = 26.5
Line 162: Line 161:
|Dec record high C = 12.5
|Dec record high C = 12.5
|year record high C = 37.8
|year record high C = 37.8

|Jan high C = -3.5
|Jan high C = -3.5
|Feb high C = -0.5
|Feb high C = -0.5
Line 175: Line 173:
|Nov high C = 0.6
|Nov high C = 0.6
|Dec high C = -4.6
|Dec high C = -4.6
|year high C =
|year high C = 8.9

|Jan mean C = -8.5
|Jan mean C = -8.5
|Feb mean C = -6.6
|Feb mean C = -6.6
Line 189: Line 186:
|Nov mean C = -3.8
|Nov mean C = -3.8
|Dec mean C = -9.0
|Dec mean C = -9.0
|year mean C =
|year mean C = 2.7

|Jan low C = -13.5
|Jan low C = -13.5
|Feb low C = -12.6
|Feb low C = -12.6
Line 203: Line 199:
|Nov low C = -8.2
|Nov low C = -8.2
|Dec low C = -13.4
|Dec low C = -13.4
|year low C =
|year low C = -3.5

|Jan record low C = -51.2
|Jan record low C = -51.2
|Feb record low C = -45.0
|Feb record low C = -45.0
Line 210: Line 205:
|Apr record low C = -27.2
|Apr record low C = -27.2
|May record low C = -17.8
|May record low C = -17.8
|Jun record low C = -3.9
|Jun record low C = -4.1
|Jul record low C = -3.2
|Jul record low C = -3.2
|Aug record low C = -4.5
|Aug record low C = -4.5
Line 218: Line 213:
|Dec record low C = -48.3
|Dec record low C = -48.3
|year record low C = -51.2
|year record low C = -51.2
|Jan chill = -52.1

|Jan chill = -55
|Feb chill = -49.1
|Feb chill = -55
|Mar chill = -41.8
|Mar chill = -50
|Apr chill = -37.0
|Apr chill = -34
|May chill = -21.1
|May chill = -20
|Jun chill = -5.7
|Jun chill = -7
|Jul chill = -3.6
|Jul chill = 0
|Aug chill = -4.3
|Aug chill = 0
|Sep chill = -14.4
|Sep chill = -10
|Oct chill = -30.5
|Oct chill = -17
|Nov chill = -43.1
|Nov chill = -33
|Dec chill = -50.6
|Dec chill = -51
|year chill = -52.1
|year chill =

|precipitation colour = green
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 18.8
|Jan precipitation mm = 18.8
Line 247: Line 240:
|Dec precipitation mm = 22.5
|Dec precipitation mm = 22.5
|year precipitation mm = 454.0
|year precipitation mm = 454.0

|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 10.2
|Jan precipitation days = 10.2
Line 261: Line 253:
|Nov precipitation days = 11.1
|Nov precipitation days = 11.1
|Dec precipitation days = 10.8
|Dec precipitation days = 10.8
|year precipitation days = 148.9

|rain colour = green
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 2.7
|Jan rain mm = 1.6
|Feb rain mm = 2.5
|Feb rain mm = 0.9
|Mar rain mm = 3.1
|Mar rain mm = 6.6
|Apr rain mm = 14.4
|Apr rain mm = 15.0
|May rain mm = 48.3
|May rain mm = 37.9
|Jun rain mm = 67.3
|Jun rain mm = 72.5
|Jul rain mm = 67.8
|Jul rain mm = 46.7
|Aug rain mm = 61.5
|Aug rain mm = 49.0
|Sep rain mm = 32.9
|Sep rain mm = 39.9
|Oct rain mm = 15.7
|Oct rain mm = 18.7
|Nov rain mm = 4.5
|Nov rain mm = 5.5
|Dec rain mm = 1.7
|Dec rain mm = 1.3
|year rain mm = 322.5
|year rain mm = 295.7

|snow colour = green
|snow colour = green
|Jan snow cm = 24.2
|Jan snow cm = 21.2
|Feb snow cm = 20.5
|Feb snow cm = 20.3
|Mar snow cm = 23.6
|Mar snow cm = 25.3
|Apr snow cm = 21.6
|Apr snow cm = 30.0
|May snow cm = 15.0
|May snow cm = 12.3
|Jun snow cm = 1.0
|Jun snow cm = 1.7
|Jul snow cm = 0.1
|Jul snow cm = 0.1
|Aug snow cm = 0.3
|Aug snow cm = 0.2
|Sep snow cm = 6.5
|Sep snow cm = 7.9
|Oct snow cm = 20.2
|Oct snow cm = 16.7
|Nov snow cm = 30.8
|Nov snow cm = 25.2
|Dec snow cm = 27.4
|Dec snow cm = 23.0
|year snow cm = 191.0
|year snow cm = 183.8
|humidity colour =

|Jan humidity = 62.5
|time day = 3pm
|Feb humidity = 51.4
|Jan humidity = 63.1
|Mar humidity = 43.8
|Feb humidity = 50.2
|Apr humidity = 41.0
|Mar humidity = 45.4
|May humidity = 40.5
|Apr humidity = 41.4
|Jun humidity = 39.6
|May humidity = 42.4
|Jul humidity = 39.7
|Jun humidity = 44.8
|Aug humidity = 40.4
|Jul humidity = 36.5
|Sep humidity = 43.3
|Aug humidity = 37.1
|Oct humidity = 44.5
|Sep humidity = 43.8
|Nov humidity = 61.7
|Oct humidity = 48.0
|Nov humidity = 61.4
|Dec humidity = 66.0
|Dec humidity = 66.0
|year humidity = 47.9
|year humidity = 48.4
|humidity colour = green

|unit rain days = 0.2 mm
|unit rain days = 0.2 mm
|Jan rain days = 0.87
|Jan rain days = 0.59
|Feb rain days = 1.3
|Feb rain days = 0.60
|Mar rain days = 1.7
|Mar rain days = 2.6
|Apr rain days = 5.4
|Apr rain days = 4.7
|May rain days = 12.9
|May rain days = 12.3
|Jun rain days = 15.9
|Jun rain days = 16.5
|Jul rain days = 16.0
|Jul rain days = 12.8
|Aug rain days = 14.8
|Aug rain days = 12.8
|Sep rain days = 9.2
|Sep rain days = 10.2
|Oct rain days = 6.1
|Oct rain days = 6.9
|Nov rain days = 1.8
|Nov rain days = 2.0
|Dec rain days = 0.86
|Dec rain days = 1.1
|year rain days = 86.8
|year rain days = 83.0

|unit snow days = 0.2 cm
|unit snow days = 0.2 cm
|Jan snow days = 9.4
|Jan snow days = 9.3
|Feb snow days = 8.5
|Feb snow days = 8.3
|Mar snow days = 8.6
|Mar snow days = 9.4
|Apr snow days = 7.6
|Apr snow days = 8.4
|May snow days = 3.5
|May snow days = 3.1
|Jun snow days = 0.29
|Jun snow days = 0.29
|Jul snow days = 0.07
|Jul snow days = 0.06
|Aug snow days = 0.21
|Aug snow days = 0.18
|Sep snow days = 2.1
|Sep snow days = 1.4
|Oct snow days = 5.1
|Oct snow days = 4.9
|Nov snow days = 9.2
|Nov snow days = 9.3
|Dec snow days = 9.3
|Dec snow days = 8.8
|year snow days = 64.0
|year snow days = 63.4

|source 1=[[Environment Canada]]<ref name = ECCC>
|source 1=[[Environment Canada]]<ref name = ECCC>
{{cite web
{{cite web
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|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
|title = Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020
|title = Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020
|access-date = September 26, 2023
|access-date = April 13, 2024
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240413041927/https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1991_2020_e.html?searchType=stnProv&lstProvince=&txtCentralLatMin=0&txtCentralLatSec=0&txtCentralLongMin=0&txtCentralLongSec=0&stnID=270000000&dispBack=0
|archive-date = 2024-04-13
}}
}}
</ref>(rain/rain days, snow/snow days, humidex, wind chill, humidity 1981–2010)<ref name="climate">{{cite web
</ref><ref name="Daily Data Report for June 2021">{{cite web
|url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html
|title=Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010
|date=31 October 2011
|publisher=Environment Canada
|url-status=live
|access-date=October 12, 2013
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227145147/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/index_e.html
|archive-date=February 27, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Daily Data Report for March 2004">{{cite web
| url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1997-12-02%7C2021-07-09&dlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2021-07-09&mlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27378&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=banff&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2004&Month=3#
| title = Daily Data Report for March 2004
| work = Canadian Climate Data
| date = 31 October 2011
| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
| access-date = 10 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="Daily Data Report for July 2010">{{cite web
| url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1997-12-02%7C2022-08-24&dlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2022-08-23&mlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27378&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2022&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=Banff&timeframe=2&time=LST&Day=1&Year=2010&Month=7#| title = Daily Data Report for July 2010
| work = Canadian Climate Data
| date = 31 October 2011
| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
| access-date = 25 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="Daily Data Report for January 2015">{{cite web
| url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1997-12-02%7C2021-07-09&dlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2021-07-09&mlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27378&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&searchMethod=contains&txtStationName=banff&timeframe=2&Day=1&Year=2015&Month=1#
| title = Daily Data Report for January 2015
| work = Canadian Climate Data
| date = 31 October 2011
| publisher = Environment and Climate Change Canada
| access-date = 10 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="Daily Data Report for June 2021">{{cite web
| url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1997-12-02%7C2021-07-09&dlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2021-07-09&mlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27378&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&searchMethod=contains&Month=6&Day=1&txtStationName=banff&timeframe=2&Year=2021
| url = https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1997-12-02%7C2021-07-09&dlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2021-07-09&mlyRange=1995-04-01%7C2007-11-01&StationID=27378&Prov=AB&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&selRowPerPage=25&Line=3&searchMethod=contains&Month=6&Day=1&txtStationName=banff&timeframe=2&Year=2021
| title = Daily Data Report for June 2021
| title = Daily Data Report for June 2021
Line 392: Line 357:
In the [[Canada 2016 Census]] conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Banff recorded a population of 7,851 living in 2,543 of its 2,729 total private dwellings, a {{percentage|{{#expr:7851-7584}}|7584|1}} change from its 2011 population of 7,584. With a land area of {{cvt|4.77|km2}}, Banff had a population density of {{Pop density|7851|4.77|km2|prec=1}} in 2016.<ref name=2016censusABmunis>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces, and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta) | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 8, 2017 | access-date=February 8, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211082610/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | archive-date=February 11, 2017 }}</ref>
In the [[Canada 2016 Census]] conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Banff recorded a population of 7,851 living in 2,543 of its 2,729 total private dwellings, a {{percentage|{{#expr:7851-7584}}|7584|1}} change from its 2011 population of 7,584. With a land area of {{cvt|4.77|km2}}, Banff had a population density of {{Pop density|7851|4.77|km2|prec=1}} in 2016.<ref name=2016censusABmunis>{{cite web | url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces, and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta) | publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] | date=February 8, 2017 | access-date=February 8, 2017 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211082610/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=302&SR=1&S=86&O=A&RPP=9999&PR=48 | archive-date=February 11, 2017 }}</ref>


[[Parks Canada]] enforces requirements that individuals must meet to reside in the town, in order "to ensure that a broad supply of housing types are available for those who work and raise families in the community".<ref name="EligibleResidency">{{cite web|url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/permis-permit/ | title=Licences and permits|first=Parks Canada Agency, Government of|last=Canada|website=pc.gc.ca | access-date=September 16, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524202010/https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/permis-permit | archive-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref>
[[Parks Canada]] enforces requirements that individuals must meet to reside in the town, in order "to ensure that a broad supply of housing types are available for those who work and raise families in the community".<ref name="EligibleResidency">{{cite web|url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/permis-permit/ | title=Licences and permits|publisher=Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada|website=pc.gc.ca | access-date=September 16, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524202010/https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/permis-permit | archive-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable"
|+ [[Panethnicity|Panethnic]] groups in the Town of Banff (1991−2021)
|+Visible minorities and Indigenous peoples in Banff
! rowspan="2" |[[Panethnicity|Panethnic]] group
(2021 Census)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-02-09 |title=Profile table, Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population - Banff, Town (T) [Census subdivision], Alberta |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2021<ref name="2021censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2022-10-26 |title= Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Banff&DGUIDlist=2021A00054815035&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&HEADERlist=0 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |Population group
! colspan="2" |2016<ref name="2016censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2021-10-27 |title= Census Profile, 2016 Census |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4815035&Geo2=CD&Code2=4815&SearchText=Banff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&TABID=1&type=0 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
!Population
! colspan="2" |2011<ref name="2011censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2015-11-27 |title= NHS Profile |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4815035&Data=Count&SearchText=Banff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&A1=All&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=1 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
!% of total population
! colspan="2" |2006<ref name="2006censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-08-20 |title= 2006 Community Profiles |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92-591/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4815035&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Banff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |2001<ref name="2001censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-07-02 |title= 2001 Community Profiles |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/english/Profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=4815035&Geo2=PR&Code2=48&Data=Count&SearchText=Banff&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom= |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |1996<ref name="1996censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-07-02 |title= Profile of Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1996 Census |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/English/census96/data/profiles/Rp-eng.cfm?LANG=E&APATH=3&DETAIL=1&DIM=0&FL=A&FREE=1&GC=0&GID=0&GK=0&GRP=1&PID=35782&PRID=0&PTYPE=89103&S=0&SHOWALL=No&SUB=0&Temporal=2006&THEME=34&VID=0&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF= |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
! colspan="2" |1991<ref name="1991censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-03-29 |title= 1991 Census Area Profiles Profile of Census Divisions and Subdivisions - Part B |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/English/census91/data/profiles/Rp-eng.cfm?LANG=E&APATH=3&DETAIL=1&DIM=0&FL=A&FREE=1&GC=0&GID=0&GK=0&GRP=1&PID=30&PRID=0&PTYPE=3&S=0&SHOWALL=No&SUB=0&Temporal=1991&THEME=113&VID=0&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF= |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref><ref name="1991censusC">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=2019-03-29 |title= Data tables, 1991 Census Population by Ethnic Origin (24), Showing Single and Multiple Origins (2) - Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/English/census91/data/tables/Rp-eng.cfm?LANG=E&APATH=3&DETAIL=1&DIM=0&FL=A&FREE=1&GC=0&GID=0&GK=0&GRP=1&PID=61&PRID=0&PTYPE=4&S=0&SHOWALL=No&SUB=0&Temporal=1991&THEME=104&VID=0&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF= |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca}}</ref>
|-
|-
![[Population|{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}]]
|rowspan="10" |[[Visible minority]]
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|[[Filipino Canadian|Filipino]]
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
|600
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|8.8%
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
!{{abbr|Pop.|Population}}
!{{Abbr|%|percentage}}
|-
|-
| [[European Canadians|European]]{{efn|Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.|name=euro}}
|[[Japanese Canadians|Japanese]]
| 4,890
|425
| {{Percentage | 4890 | 6855 | 2 }}
|6.2%
| 4,730
| {{Percentage | 4730 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 4,675
| {{Percentage | 4675 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 5,460
| {{Percentage | 5460 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 5,705
| {{Percentage | 5705 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 5,110
| {{Percentage | 5110 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 4,840
| {{Percentage | 4840 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asian]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.|name=SoutheastAsian}}
|[[South Asian Canadians|South Asian]]
| 620
|220
| {{Percentage | 620 | 6855 | 2 }}
|3.2%
| 460
| {{Percentage | 460 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 560
| {{Percentage | 560 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 210
| {{Percentage | 210 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 100
| {{Percentage | 100 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 160
| {{Percentage | 160 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 60
| {{Percentage | 60 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[East Asian Canadians|East Asian]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.|name=EastAsian}}
|[[Latin American Canadian|Latin American]]
| 605
|100
| {{Percentage | 605 | 6855 | 2 }}
|1.5%
| 760
| {{Percentage | 760 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 735
| {{Percentage | 735 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 680
| {{Percentage | 680 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 850
| {{Percentage | 850 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 500
| {{Percentage | 500 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 530
| {{Percentage | 530 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[South Asian Canadians|South Asian]]
|[[Chinese Canadian|Chinese]]
| 220
|110
| {{Percentage | 220 | 6855 | 2 }}
|1.6%
| 175
| {{Percentage | 175 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 25
| {{Percentage | 25 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 85
| {{Percentage | 85 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 40
| {{Percentage | 40 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 90
| {{Percentage | 90 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 30
| {{Percentage | 30 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[Indigenous peoples in Canada|Indigenous]]
|[[Multiracial|Mixed]] visible minority
| 215
|95
| {{Percentage | 215 | 6855 | 2 }}
|1.4%
| 130
| {{Percentage | 130 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 185
| {{Percentage | 185 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 85
| {{Percentage | 85 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 165
| {{Percentage | 165 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 80
| {{Percentage | 80 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 135
| {{Percentage | 135 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
|[[Black Canadians|Black]]
| [[Latin American Canadians|Latin American]]
| 100
|75
| {{Percentage | 100 | 6855 | 2 }}
|1.1%
| 70
| {{Percentage | 70 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 25
| {{Percentage | 25 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 65
| {{Percentage | 65 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 110
| {{Percentage | 110 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 60
| {{Percentage | 60 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 40
| {{Percentage | 40 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
|[[Korean Canadian|Korean]]
| [[African-Canadian|African]]
|70
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 6855 | 2 }}
|1.0%
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 15
| {{Percentage | 15 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 55
| {{Percentage | 55 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 75
| {{Percentage | 75 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 60
| {{Percentage | 60 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 10
| {{Percentage | 10 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| [[Middle Eastern Canadians|Middle Eastern]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.|name=MiddleEastern}}
|[[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asian]]
|20
| 10
| {{Percentage | 10 | 6855 | 2 }}
|0.3%
| 10
| {{Percentage | 10 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 0
| {{Percentage | 0 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 45
| {{Percentage | 45 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 10
| {{Percentage | 10 | 6080 | 2 }}
| 20
| {{Percentage | 20 | 5665 | 2 }}
|-
|-
| Other/[[Multiracial people|multiracial]]{{efn|Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, {{abbr|n.i.e.|not included elsewhere}}" and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.|name=Other}}
|[[Western Asia|West Asian]]
| 110
|10
| {{Percentage | 110 | 6855 | 2 }}
|0.1%
| 40
| {{Percentage | 40 | 6435 | 2 }}
| 15
| {{Percentage | 15 | 6245 | 2 }}
| 25
| {{Percentage | 25 | 6660 | 2 }}
| 25
| {{Percentage | 25 | 7100 | 2 }}
| 10
| {{Percentage | 10 | 6080 | 2 }}
| {{N/a}}
| {{N/a}}
|-
|-
! Total responses
| colspan="2" |''Total visible minority population''
! 6,855
|1,745
! {{Percentage | 6855 | 8305 | 2 }}
|25.5%
! 6,435
|-
! {{Percentage | 6435 | 7851 | 2 }}
| rowspan="4" |[[Indigenous peoples in Canada|Indigenous]]
! 6,245
|[[First Nations in Canada|First Nations]]
! {{Percentage | 6245 | 7584 | 2 }}
|140
! 6,660
|2%
! {{Percentage | 6660 | 6700 | 2 }}
|-
! 7,100
|[[Métis people (Canada)|Métis]]
! {{Percentage | 7100 | 7135 | 2 }}
|40
! 6,080
|0.6%
! {{Percentage | 6080 | 6098 | 2 }}
|-
! 5,665
|[[Inuit]]
! {{Percentage | 5665 | 5688 | 2 }}
|0
|- class="sortbottom"
|0.0%
! Total population
|-
! 8,305
|Other
! {{Percentage | 8305 | 8305 | 2 }}
|
! 7,851
|
! {{Percentage | 7851 | 7851 | 2 }}
|-
! 7,584
| colspan="2" |''Total Indigenous population''
! {{Percentage | 7584 | 7584 | 2 }}
|200
! 6,700
|2.9%
! {{Percentage | 6700 | 6700 | 2 }}
|-
! 7,135
| colspan="2" |[[European Canadian|European]]
! {{Percentage | 7135 | 7135 | 2 }}
|5,105
! 6,098
|74.5%
! {{Percentage | 6098 | 6098 | 2 }}
|-
! 5,688
! colspan="2" |''Total responses''
! {{Percentage | 5688 | 5688 | 2 }}
!
|- class="sortbottom"
!
| colspan="15" | {{small|Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses}}
|-
! colspan="2" |''Total population''
!8,305
!100%
|}
|}


== Attractions ==
== Attractions ==
[[File:Banff Springs Hotel 2008.JPG|thumb|[[Banff Springs Hotel|Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel]] in 2008]]
[[File:Banff Springs Hotel 2008.JPG|thumb|[[Banff Springs Hotel|Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel]] in 2008]]
There are several mountains located immediately adjacent to the townsite, including [[Mount Rundle]] ({{cvt|2949|m}}); [[Cascade Mountain (Alberta)|Cascade Mountain]] ({{cvt|2998|m}}); and [[Mount Norquay]] ({{cvt|2134|m}}). Mount Norquay has a ski slope as well as [[mountain biking]] trails on the [[Stoney Squaw Mountain|Stoney Squaw]] portion, and Via Ferrata (an assisted climbing experience). A tourist attraction, the Banff Gondola, is available to ascend [[Sulphur Mountain (Alberta)|Sulphur Mountain]] ({{cvt|2281|m}}) where a boardwalk (Banff Skywalk) beginning from the upper terminal connects to Sanson Peak. Sulphur Mountain is also the location of the [[Banff Upper Hot Springs]].
Several mountains are located immediately adjacent to the townsite, including Mount Rundle ({{cvt|2949|m}}); Cascade Mountain ({{cvt|2998|m}}); and Mount Norquay ({{cvt|2134|m}}). Mount Norquay has a ski slope as well as [[mountain biking]] trails on the [[Stoney Squaw Mountain|Stoney Squaw]] portion, and Via Ferrata (an assisted climbing experience). A tourist attraction, the Banff Gondola, is available to ascend Sulphur Mountain ({{cvt|2281|m}}) where a boardwalk (Banff Skywalk) beginning from the upper terminal connects to Sanson Peak. Sulphur Mountain is also the location of the [[Banff Upper Hot Springs]].


[[Lake Minnewanka]] located six minutes north of the townsite is a day-use area with a variety of activities. Mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are allowed in this part of the park. A Lake Cruise, motor boat rentals, and a small food concession are available at the marina.
[[Lake Minnewanka]] located six minutes north of the townsite is a day-use area with a variety of activities. Mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are allowed in this part of the park. A Lake Cruise, motor boat rentals, and a small food concession are available at the marina.
Line 501: Line 585:
== Infrastructure ==
== Infrastructure ==
=== Transportation ===
=== Transportation ===
[[File:Banff Bahnhof.jpg|thumb|Railway station]]
[[File:Banff Bahnhof.jpg|thumb|Banff railway station]]
In June 2008, the Banff council launched a local bus system called [[Roam (public transit)|Roam]], with three routes connecting the town, [[Tunnel Mountain]], the [[Banff Springs Hotel]], and the Banff Gondola.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roamtransit.com/ |publisher=Town of Banff |title=Roam |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208104958/http://roamtransit.com/ |archive-date=February 8, 2013 }}</ref> The service is operated using four hybrid [[Nova Bus|Nova]] buses, each decorated with scenes from the National Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roamtransit.com/services/banff|title=Roam in Banff|publisher=Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729055040/http://roamtransit.com/services/banff|archive-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref>


Many bus stops along the routes have screens that tell exactly how many minutes before the next two buses arrive. In December 2012, the bus system was expanded to include the Route 3 hourly service between Banff and Canmore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://roamtransit.com/services/canmore-banff-regional |publisher=Town of Banff |title=Roam |url-status=live |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424042415/http://roamtransit.com/services/canmore-banff-regional |archive-date=April 24, 2013 }}</ref>
In June 2008, the Banff council launched a local bus system called [[Roam (public transit)|Roam]], with three routes connecting the town, Tunnel Mountain, the Banff Springs Hotel, and the Banff Gondola.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roamtransit.com/ |publisher=Town of Banff |title=Roam |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208104958/http://roamtransit.com/ |archive-date=February 8, 2013 }}</ref> The service is operated using four hybrid [[Nova Bus|Nova]] buses, each decorated with scenes from the National Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roamtransit.com/services/banff|title=Roam in Banff|publisher=Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729055040/http://roamtransit.com/services/banff|archive-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref>

Many bus stops along the routes have screens that tell passengers exactly how many minutes before the next two buses arrive. In December 2012, the bus system was expanded to include the hourly Route 3 service between Banff and Canmore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://roamtransit.com/services/canmore-banff-regional |publisher=Town of Banff |title=Roam |url-status=live |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424042415/http://roamtransit.com/services/canmore-banff-regional |archive-date=April 24, 2013 }}</ref>


As of January 2024, Roam Transit offers 10 routes, the majority serving destinations within Banff or to national park locations nearby. In addition, Roam also offers two routes to [[Lake Louise, Alberta|Lake Louise]], as well as a local service route within Canmore.<ref>[https://roamtransit.com/ roamtransit.com]</ref>
As of January 2024, Roam Transit offers 10 routes, the majority serving destinations within Banff or to national park locations nearby. In addition, Roam also offers two routes to [[Lake Louise, Alberta|Lake Louise]], as well as a local service route within Canmore.<ref>[https://roamtransit.com/ roamtransit.com]</ref>


The railway came to Banff when the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CPR) line from Calgary opened in 1883.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Brief History of Alberta’s Railway |url=https://albertarailwaymuseum.com/brief-history-alberta-railway/ |publisher=Alberta Railway Museum |access-date=2024-09-05}}</ref> The [[Banff railway station|current station building]] was opened by the CPR in 1910,<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadian Pacific Railway Station |url=https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=4529&pid=0 |website=Canada's Historic Places |publisher=Parks Canada |access-date=2024-09-05}}</ref> and was declared a heritage railway station by the Canadian federal government in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pc.gc.ca/clmhc-hsmbc/pat-her/gar-sta/ab.aspx |title=The Directory of Designated Heritage Railway Stations in Alberta |publisher=Parks Canada|access-date=5 September 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802191759/http://www.pc.gc.ca/clmhc-hsmbc/pat-her/gar-sta/ab.aspx |archive-date=2 August 2016}}</ref>
[[Via Rail]]'s long-distance trains no longer serve Banff, but the [[Banff railway station]] remains in use by the [[Rocky Mountaineer]] and [[Royal Canadian Pacific]] tour trains.


[[Via Rail]] long-distance trains no longer serve Banff, but the railway station remains in use by the [[Rocky Mountaineer]] and [[Royal Canadian Pacific]] tour trains.
The nearest airport to Banff with major service is the [[Calgary International Airport]] in [[Calgary]].

The nearest airport to Banff with major service is the [[Calgary International Airport]] in Calgary.


=== Health care ===
=== Health care ===
Line 532: Line 619:
* [[Banff International Research Station]] (BIRS)
* [[Banff International Research Station]] (BIRS)
* [[List of communities in Canada by elevation]]
* [[List of communities in Canada by elevation]]
* [[List of francophone communities in Alberta]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 19:58, 29 November 2024

Banff
Town
Town of Banff
View of Banff
View of Banff
Flag of Banff
Official logo of Banff
Location within Banff National Park
Location within Banff National Park
Banff is located in Alberta
Banff
Banff
Location of Banff in Alberta
Coordinates: 51°10′40″N 115°34′25″W / 51.17778°N 115.57361°W / 51.17778; -115.57361[1]
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
RegionAlberta's Rockies
Census division15
Improvement districtImprovement District No. 9
Founded1885
Incorporated[2] 
 • TownJanuary 1, 1990
Named forBanff, Aberdeenshire
Government
 • MayorCorrie DiManno
 • Governing body
Banff Town Council
  • Barb Pelham
  • Kaylee Ram
  • Grant Canning
  • Cheryl “Chip” Olver
  • Ted Christensen
  • Hugh Pettigrew
 • ManagerKelly Gibson
 • MP (Banff—Airdrie)Blake Richards
 • MLA (Banff-Kananaskis)Sarah Elmeligi
Area
 (2021)[4]
 • Land4.08 km2 (1.58 sq mi)
Elevation1,400 m (4,600 ft)
Population
 (2021)[4][6]
 • Total
8,305
 • Density2,033.8/km2 (5,268/sq mi)
DemonymBanffite
Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)
Forward sortation area
Area codes+1-403, +1-587
Public Transit ServiceRoam
Websitewww.banff.ca

Banff is a resort town in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, in Alberta's Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway, 126 km (78 mi) west of Calgary, 58 km (36 mi) east of Lake Louise, and 1,400 to 1,630 m (4,590 to 5,350 ft) above sea level.[5]

Banff was the first municipality to incorporate within a Canadian national park. The town is a member of the Calgary Regional Partnership.

Banff is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations. Known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs, it is a destination for outdoor sports and hiking, biking, scrambling and skiing. Sunshine Village, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Ski Resort are nearby ski resorts within the national park.

Toponymy

[edit]

The area was named Banff in 1884 by George Stephen, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, recalling his birthplace near Banff, Scotland. The Canadian Pacific built a series of grand hotels along the rail line and advertised the Banff Springs Hotel as an international tourist resort.

History

[edit]
View from the summit of Sulphur Mountain, showing Banff and the surrounding areas
King Edward Hotel

Banff was first settled in the 1880s after the transcontinental railway was built through the Bow Valley. In 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled upon a series of natural hot springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain. In 1885, Canada established a federal reserve of 26 km2 (10 sq mi) around the Cave and Basin hot springs and began promoting the area as an international resort and spa as a way to support the new railway.[7] In 1887, the reserve area was increased to 673 km2 (260 sq mi) and named "Rocky Mountain Park". This was the beginning of Canada's National Park system.

The Banff townsite was developed near the railway station as a service centre for tourists visiting the park. Services, such as St George-in-the-Pines church, were constructed through the late 19th century. It was administered by the Government of Canada's national parks system until 1990 when the Town of Banff became the only incorporated municipality within a Canadian national park.

An internment camp was set up at Banff and Castle Mountain in Dominion Park from July 1915 to July 1917 mostly imprisoning Ukrainian immigrants.[8] The prisoners of the internment camp were used as slave labour to build the infrastructure of the national park.[9]

In 1985, the United Nations declared Banff National Park, as one of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a World Heritage Site. Banff remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.

One of the most notable figures of Banff was Norman Luxton, who was known as "Mr. Banff". He published the Crag and Canyon newspaper, built the King Edward Hotel and the Lux Theatre, and founded the Sign of the Goat Curio Shop, which led to the development of the Luxton Museum of Plains Indians, now the Buffalo Nations Museum.[10] He and his family helped organize the Banff Indian Days and the Banff Winter Carnival.

In 1976, the International Astronomical Union's Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (IAU/WGPSN) officially adopted the name Banff for a crater on Mars, after the town in Alberta. The crater is at latitude 17.7° north and longitude 30.8° west. Its diameter is 5 km (3.1 mi).[11]

In 1991, Banff hosted the 1991 Winter Deaflympics, the first Deaflympics hosted in Canada, and the only Deaflympics held in Canada since then.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the town chose to temporarily close portions of its main street to vehicle traffic to create a Downtown Pedestrian Zone.[12] The Banff Town Council said the pedestrian zone would stay in effect until at least 2023.[13][14]

Geography

[edit]

The town is surrounded by mountains, notably Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain, and is situated above Bow Falls near the confluence of the Bow River and Spray River. Soils are calcareous and usually imperfectly to poorly drained in their natural state with textures from very fine sandy loam to silty clay loam.[15]

The sun rises over Banff from a vantage point on the road to Mount Norquay

Climate

[edit]

Banff experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification Dfc) that borders on a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Winter temperatures range from an average low of −13.5 °C (7.7 °F) to an average high of −0.5 °C (31.1 °F). Summer temperatures in the warmest month are an average high of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) and an average low of 6.8 °C (44.2 °F). Snow has been recorded in all months of the year. The annual snowfall averages 183.8 cm (72.4 in).[16] The highest temperature ever recorded was 37.8 °C (100 °F) on June 29, 2021, during the 2021 Western North America heat wave.[17]

Climate data for Banff, 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1887−present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex 12.2 13.9 19.2 24.4 29.0 36.6 33.4 34.0 30.4 24.2 15.9 12.2 34.0
Record high °C (°F) 12.3
(54.1)
14.7
(58.5)
20.0
(68.0)
25.6
(78.1)
29.4
(84.9)
37.8
(100.0)
35.6
(96.1)
34.2
(93.6)
31.0
(87.8)
26.5
(79.7)
16.5
(61.7)
12.5
(54.5)
37.8
(100.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −3.5
(25.7)
−0.5
(31.1)
3.7
(38.7)
9.0
(48.2)
14.3
(57.7)
17.9
(64.2)
22.5
(72.5)
22.1
(71.8)
16.7
(62.1)
9.1
(48.4)
0.6
(33.1)
−4.6
(23.7)
8.9
(48.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) −8.5
(16.7)
−6.6
(20.1)
−2.2
(28.0)
2.8
(37.0)
7.4
(45.3)
11.2
(52.2)
14.7
(58.5)
14.0
(57.2)
9.4
(48.9)
3.4
(38.1)
−3.8
(25.2)
−9.0
(15.8)
2.7
(36.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −13.5
(7.7)
−12.6
(9.3)
−8.2
(17.2)
−3.5
(25.7)
0.5
(32.9)
4.4
(39.9)
6.8
(44.2)
5.8
(42.4)
2.2
(36.0)
−2.4
(27.7)
−8.2
(17.2)
−13.4
(7.9)
−3.5
(25.7)
Record low °C (°F) −51.2
(−60.2)
−45.0
(−49.0)
−40.6
(−41.1)
−27.2
(−17.0)
−17.8
(0.0)
−4.1
(24.6)
−3.2
(26.2)
−4.5
(23.9)
−16.7
(1.9)
−27.0
(−16.6)
−40.6
(−41.1)
−48.3
(−54.9)
−51.2
(−60.2)
Record low wind chill −52.1 −49.1 −41.8 −37.0 −21.1 −5.7 −3.6 −4.3 −14.4 −30.5 −43.1 −50.6 −52.1
Average precipitation mm (inches) 18.8
(0.74)
18.6
(0.73)
29.3
(1.15)
39.2
(1.54)
50.0
(1.97)
73.3
(2.89)
46.9
(1.85)
46.9
(1.85)
44.9
(1.77)
35.8
(1.41)
27.8
(1.09)
22.5
(0.89)
454.0
(17.87)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 1.6
(0.06)
0.9
(0.04)
6.6
(0.26)
15.0
(0.59)
37.9
(1.49)
72.5
(2.85)
46.7
(1.84)
49.0
(1.93)
39.9
(1.57)
18.7
(0.74)
5.5
(0.22)
1.3
(0.05)
295.7
(11.64)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 21.2
(8.3)
20.3
(8.0)
25.3
(10.0)
30.0
(11.8)
12.3
(4.8)
1.7
(0.7)
0.1
(0.0)
0.2
(0.1)
7.9
(3.1)
16.7
(6.6)
25.2
(9.9)
23.0
(9.1)
183.8
(72.4)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 10.2 10.0 13.1 13.3 14.0 16.6 13.6 13.2 11.7 11.2 11.1 10.8 148.9
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.59 0.60 2.6 4.7 12.3 16.5 12.8 12.8 10.2 6.9 2.0 1.1 83.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 9.3 8.3 9.4 8.4 3.1 0.29 0.06 0.18 1.4 4.9 9.3 8.8 63.4
Average relative humidity (%) (at 3pm) 63.1 50.2 45.4 41.4 42.4 44.8 36.5 37.1 43.8 48.0 61.4 66.0 48.4
Source: Environment Canada[16][18][19]

Demographics

[edit]
Northern lights over Banff

In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Banff had a population of 8,305 living in 2,930 of its 3,287 total private dwellings, a change of 5.8% from its 2016 population of 7,851. With a land area of 4.08 km2 (1.58 sq mi), it had a population density of 2,035.5/km2 in 2021.[4]

The population of the Town of Banff according to its 2017 municipal census is 8,875,[20] an increase of 5.4% from its 2014 municipal census population of 8,421.[21]

In the Canada 2016 Census conducted by Statistics Canada, the Town of Banff recorded a population of 7,851 living in 2,543 of its 2,729 total private dwellings, a 3.5% change from its 2011 population of 7,584. With a land area of 4.77 km2 (1.84 sq mi), Banff had a population density of 1,645.9/km2 in 2016.[22]

Parks Canada enforces requirements that individuals must meet to reside in the town, in order "to ensure that a broad supply of housing types are available for those who work and raise families in the community".[23]

Panethnic groups in the Town of Banff (1991−2021)
Panethnic group 2021[24] 2016[25] 2011[26] 2006[27] 2001[28] 1996[29] 1991[30][31]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[a] 4,890 71.33% 4,730 73.5% 4,675 74.86% 5,460 81.98% 5,705 80.35% 5,110 84.05% 4,840 85.44%
Southeast Asian[b] 620 9.04% 460 7.15% 560 8.97% 210 3.15% 100 1.41% 160 2.63% 60 1.06%
East Asian[c] 605 8.83% 760 11.81% 735 11.77% 680 10.21% 850 11.97% 500 8.22% 530 9.36%
South Asian 220 3.21% 175 2.72% 25 0.4% 85 1.28% 40 0.56% 90 1.48% 30 0.53%
Indigenous 215 3.14% 130 2.02% 185 2.96% 85 1.28% 165 2.32% 80 1.32% 135 2.38%
Latin American 100 1.46% 70 1.09% 25 0.4% 65 0.98% 110 1.55% 60 0.99% 40 0.71%
African 75 1.09% 75 1.17% 15 0.24% 55 0.83% 75 1.06% 60 0.99% 10 0.18%
Middle Eastern[d] 10 0.15% 10 0.16% 0 0% 0 0% 45 0.63% 10 0.16% 20 0.35%
Other/multiracial[e] 110 1.6% 40 0.62% 15 0.24% 25 0.38% 25 0.35% 10 0.16%
Total responses 6,855 82.54% 6,435 81.96% 6,245 82.34% 6,660 99.4% 7,100 99.51% 6,080 99.7% 5,665 99.6%
Total population 8,305 100% 7,851 100% 7,584 100% 6,700 100% 7,135 100% 6,098 100% 5,688 100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Attractions

[edit]
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in 2008

Several mountains are located immediately adjacent to the townsite, including Mount Rundle (2,949 m (9,675 ft)); Cascade Mountain (2,998 m (9,836 ft)); and Mount Norquay (2,134 m (7,001 ft)). Mount Norquay has a ski slope as well as mountain biking trails on the Stoney Squaw portion, and Via Ferrata (an assisted climbing experience). A tourist attraction, the Banff Gondola, is available to ascend Sulphur Mountain (2,281 m (7,484 ft)) where a boardwalk (Banff Skywalk) beginning from the upper terminal connects to Sanson Peak. Sulphur Mountain is also the location of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Lake Minnewanka located six minutes north of the townsite is a day-use area with a variety of activities. Mountain biking, hiking, and fishing are allowed in this part of the park. A Lake Cruise, motor boat rentals, and a small food concession are available at the marina.

Tunnel Mountain (formerly known as Sleeping Buffalo Mountain) (1,690 m (5,540 ft)) is situated within the townsite and has a summit that can be scaled in less than half an hour. It was named Tunnel Mountain because surveyors initially wanted to make a tunnel for the Canadian Pacific Railway right through the mountain, instead of following the Bow River Valley. Located on the side of Tunnel Mountain is the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which hosts events, including outdoor concerts, dance, opera, and theatre.

Banff is home to the Banff World Television Festival, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Rocky Mountain Music Festival, and Bike Fest. The town is also the starting point of the 4,417 km (2,745 mi) Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which terminates at Antelope Wells, New Mexico in the United States.

Sports

[edit]

Banff and nearby Canmore played host to the 2014 Alberta Winter Games.

Banff also hosted the 1991 Winter Deaflympics.

For several years there has been an annual long-distance relay run between Banff and Jasper, Alberta (formerly known as the Jasper to Banff Relay).

Banff has a long history of hosting Team Canada hockey training camps, including Canada's 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships team when the event was held in Alberta and the 1984 Canada Cup squad which practiced there, before the start of the tournament.[32][33]

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]
Banff railway station

In June 2008, the Banff council launched a local bus system called Roam, with three routes connecting the town, Tunnel Mountain, the Banff Springs Hotel, and the Banff Gondola.[34] The service is operated using four hybrid Nova buses, each decorated with scenes from the National Park.[35]

Many bus stops along the routes have screens that tell passengers exactly how many minutes before the next two buses arrive. In December 2012, the bus system was expanded to include the hourly Route 3 service between Banff and Canmore.[36]

As of January 2024, Roam Transit offers 10 routes, the majority serving destinations within Banff or to national park locations nearby. In addition, Roam also offers two routes to Lake Louise, as well as a local service route within Canmore.[37]

The railway came to Banff when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) line from Calgary opened in 1883.[38] The current station building was opened by the CPR in 1910,[39] and was declared a heritage railway station by the Canadian federal government in 1991.[40]

Via Rail long-distance trains no longer serve Banff, but the railway station remains in use by the Rocky Mountaineer and Royal Canadian Pacific tour trains.

The nearest airport to Banff with major service is the Calgary International Airport in Calgary.

Health care

[edit]

Acute health care is provided at the Banff – Mineral Springs Hospital.

Media

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.
  2. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.
  3. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.
  4. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.
  5. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, n.i.e." and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Banff". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  2. ^ "Location and History Profile: Town of Banff" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. June 17, 2016. p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 25, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  3. ^ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Archived (PDF) from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  6. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada and population centres". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  7. ^ "Banff, AB - Official Website - History and Heritage". banff.ca. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  8. ^ "Internment Camps in Canada during the First and Second World Wars, Library, and Archives Canada". 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014.
  9. ^ "Banff pavilion highlights WWI internment camps". CBC News. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "The History of Norman Luxton – Founder of the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum". Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  11. ^ "USGS Astro: Planetary Nomenclature: Feature Data Search Results". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on September 29, 2006. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  12. ^ "Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Banff | Banff, AB - Official Website". banff.ca. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  13. ^ "Banff Ave. pedestrian zone likely going ahead for next two summers". RMOToday.com. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  14. ^ "Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone | Banff, AB - Official Website". banff.ca. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  15. ^ "Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Vol.1 and 2)". 13 December 2013. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016. W.D. Holland and G.M. Coen, Ed. Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks, 1983
  16. ^ a b "Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Archived from the original on 2024-04-13. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  17. ^ "Daily Data Report for June 2021". 31 October 2011.
  18. ^ "Daily Data Report for June 2021". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  19. ^ "Daily Data Report for July 2021". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  20. ^ 2017 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. ISBN 978-1-4601-3652-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  21. ^ 2016 Municipal Affairs Population List (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. ISBN 978-1-4601-3127-5. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 9, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  22. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces, and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. February 8, 2017. Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  23. ^ "Licences and permits". pc.gc.ca. Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  24. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2022-10-26). "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  25. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2021-10-27). "Census Profile, 2016 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  26. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2015-11-27). "NHS Profile". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  27. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-08-20). "2006 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  28. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-07-02). "2001 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  29. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-07-02). "Profile of Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1996 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  30. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-03-29). "1991 Census Area Profiles Profile of Census Divisions and Subdivisions - Part B". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  31. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2019-03-29). "Data tables, 1991 Census Population by Ethnic Origin (24), Showing Single and Multiple Origins (2) - Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  32. ^ "My Story: Ryan Smyth".
  33. ^ "Far from home, Canadian team sticks together - Sportsnet.ca".
  34. ^ "Roam". Town of Banff. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  35. ^ "Roam in Banff". Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission. Archived from the original on July 29, 2013.
  36. ^ "Roam". Town of Banff. Archived from the original on April 24, 2013. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  37. ^ roamtransit.com
  38. ^ "A Brief History of Alberta's Railway". Alberta Railway Museum. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  39. ^ "Canadian Pacific Railway Station". Canada's Historic Places. Parks Canada. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  40. ^ "The Directory of Designated Heritage Railway Stations in Alberta". Parks Canada. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
[edit]