Banff entrance sign will soon have a new home

The Banff entrance sign. (Facebook/Town of Banff)

The iconic sign that welcomes visitors from all over the world to Banff is officially moving to a new location.

The Town of Banff announced on Tuesday that the $350,000 entrance sign, a hotspot for tourists, will now sit at the Banff Train Station.

The Banff town sign was previously located in the 100 block of Mount Norquay Road, across the street from the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.

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Many visitors accessed the spot by parking at the rec centre and walking over, resulting in a steady stream of pedestrians crossing Mount Norquay Road – which sees some 17,000 vehicles a day in the summer – causing traffic congestion and raising safety concerns.

Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno was on hand for Tuesday’s announcement, as well as the owners of the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, Adam and Jan Waterous, who are also the leaseholders of the Banff Railway Lands.

“We are thrilled to provide a new home for the Banff sign at the Train Station,” said Jan Waterous. “The sign will contribute to the revitalization of the Railway Lands and provide a welcoming space for visitors. It deeply aligns with our vision to ease traffic congestion in Banff.”

The sign will now sit on a green space west of the train station, to the right of the entrance to the parking lot.

Officials say the area will be redeveloped into a parkette featuring benches, landscaping and pathways.

The redevelopment, which will cost approximately $1.2 million, will also include enhanced access to and from the parking lot.

DiManno said she’s grateful to the Waterous family for their support moving the sign, which saves taxpayers the cost.  

“The train station is an ideal new home for this popular landmark,” she said. “By placing the sign here, we’re encouraging people to park at Banff’s gateway, rather than drive into the downtown core and contribute to traffic congestion.”

Officials say the sign will be moved October 2025.