The popular selfie spot in Banff National Park, the two-metre-high “Banff” sign, has become a victim of its own success. Installed in 2017 on Mount Norquay Avenue, one of the entrances into the park’s townsite, the sign has caused traffic jams on the narrow two-lane road. The road sees a high volume of traffic, even between the peak tourist seasons of winter and summer. Town officials have decided to move the sign to alleviate the congestion and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. With approximately four million visitors annually, the town of Banff is looking to address the safety concerns posed by the high traffic volume on Mount Norquay Avenue.
Darren Enns, Banff’s director of planning and environment, stated that the decision to move the sign has been a topic of debate for over three years. With 55 to 60 percent of the park’s visitors using Mount Norquay Avenue, the need to address the traffic issues has become paramount. In the summer, the avenue sees about 17,000 vehicles a day, with pedestrians crossing the road from a nearby parking lot to reach the sign. While there have been no public safety incidents so far, town officials are concerned about the potential risks and have been directed to create a more pedestrian-oriented environment near the sign. The move is expected to take place as early as next summer, with potential new locations for the sign being considered, including a downtown park or the Banff train station.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the traffic jams, visitors to the Banff sign continue to line up for the opportunity to take photos. Many tourists, like Mike Jones from Fort McMurray, view souvenir photos as an essential part of their travel experience. While surprised to hear about the sign’s relocation, Jones agrees that it may be the right decision to address the traffic issues. Alissa Kittelson, visiting Banff from Minneapolis with her family, also expressed her appreciation for the scenic backdrop of the current location of the sign. She was glad to capture a family photo before the sign is moved, as she felt it was the perfect spot with the mountains and trees in the background. The town of Banff is considering various options for the new location of the sign, with the Banff train station being the most likely candidate due to its ample parking space.
Town officials in Banff acknowledge the success of the selfie spot but also recognize the unintended consequences that have arisen. Despite the challenges posed by the high traffic volume, Enns expressed gratitude for the interactions with visitors and the memories created at the sign. As Banff continues to attract millions of visitors each year, the town is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all tourists. By relocating the “Banff” sign to a more suitable location, officials hope to mitigate the traffic congestion on Mount Norquay Avenue and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment for visitors to enjoy. The decision to move the sign reflects the town’s dedication to balancing tourism with public safety and preserving the natural beauty of Banff National Park.
