The iconic Banff sign, a must-see for visitors, is being moved to a safer spot

A popular selfie spot for visitors to Banff National Park has become a victim of its own success.

The seven-foot-tall, $350,000 “Banff” sign was installed in 2017 on Mount Norquay Road, one of two entrances to the Alberta mountain park’s idyllic urban area.

But the narrow two-lane road passing through Mount Norquay ski resort, seven kilometers away, is filled with traffic jams even between winter and summer, when tourism is at its peak.

Municipal officials decided that this place should be moved.

“We’ve been discussing this for over three years,” said Darren Enns, Banff’s director of planning and environment. “We finally reached the point where we decided to take the next step.”

Enns said Banff gets about four million visitors a year and Mount Norquay Road sees 55 to 60 percent of the traffic.

During the summer months, approximately 17,000 vehicles pass through the street per day, and many pedestrians cross the road from the parking lot to the sign.

“We’ve been very fortunate that we haven’t had any public safety incidents. But it’s definitely something that’s always on our minds and our council has directed us to look at a more pedestrian-oriented environment for signage,” Enns said, adding that a move could happen. as early as next summer.

On the last sunny day of October, a steady stream of visitors made their way towards the sign across the road, causing traffic to come to a standstill.

A group of about 30 people waited for a photo opportunity, while many offered to take photos for others.

Among those in line were Mike Jones and his wife.

“It’s something we always do when we go to a tourist destination. We always like to remember the place we visited, whether it’s Banff or somewhere else. It’s just kind of what we do, and I know a lot of people think that’s the same way.” said Jones of Fort McMurray.

He was surprised to hear the sign would be moving, but said it was probably the right decision.

“I’m sure they’ll pick a good, safe spot,” he said. “If it’s causing a problem, they have to move it.”

‘Sad to see it move’

Alissa Kittelson was visiting from Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters.

“Banff was on my bucket list. It’s beautiful. I saw the photos and wanted to come and look. I hope it gets on the Christmas card,” Kittelson said.

He was happy to be able to take a family photo before the landmark was moved.

“I think it’s the perfect location. We’re right on the edge of town. You can see the beautiful mountains behind it. You can see the beautiful trees. I would be upset to see it move.”

Enns said there are several places where the sign could find a new home, including a downtown park. But the most likely location is a kilometer away from Banff train station, where there are about 450 parking spaces.

“It’s always great to see a project be so successful and unintended consequences emerge,” Enns said.

“I am so grateful for all the interactions we have been able to offer our visitors and all the memories we have been able to create.”