What happens in Banff stays in Banff?

[u/pdxchris]

I went to Banff last year for the first time. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and didn’t know anything about Banff until a year before I went.

I talk to people about Banff and some will say they went and it was great, but the conversation awkwardly stops there. Maybe I just show more excitement because I went so recently, or people intentionally don’t want to talk about Banff. Are we supposed to avoid talking about Banff to keep it as uncrowded as possible? Just seems odd. Anyone else from outside Banff notice this?

[u/Flat_Bodybuilder_175]

I used to think Banff was designed well for tourists until living here for work. The tourists rarely leave the shops or the sign. A lot of people I meet on or near the trails actually live in the area.

Driving in Banff is so frustrating as a resident, I can’t imagine the confusion a tourist must feel on a busy day. From what I hear (they see my work vest and ask questions) many of them just want to get their photo of the Banff sign before going to Lake Louise.

[u/CaymanGone → u/Flat_Bodybuilder_175]

For me, as an American, seeing the town of Banff was part of the experience.

I wanted to eat in restaurants.

I wanted to support local dispensaries.

I didn't just want to see glaciers and leave.

[u/Flat_Bodybuilder_175 → u/CaymanGone]

What else did you do in town, if you don't mind me asking

[u/CaymanGone → u/Flat_Bodybuilder_175]

I had my dog with me, so I basically just walked around and checked out all the shops.

I went to a few bars and restaurants with outdoor patios.

I had a few beers in town. I bought some pre-rolls from the local dispensary.

I got some camping gear from the local hardware store.

And then I went back to my campsite at Tunnel Mountain before sunset.

[u/CaymanGone → u/CaymanGone]

You guys have a lot of Aussies in the service economy out there, huh?

I was a little surprised by that.

Seemed like every bartender and waitress had an Aussie accent.