Heritage Train Station

Banff Train Station ~ 1910

An Architectural Landmark

Banff’s first train station was actually located 1.5km east along the line from here.  By 1888 it was deemed to be to far from he hot springs and a new log station was built at the site of today’s station.

This new location for the train was a key factor in the layout of the new townsite, with the downtown core developing between the two roadways leading from the station, Elk Street and Lynx Street.

As Banff’s tourism business grew rapidly in the early 1900’s, the log station was proving insufficient and it was replace by the current building in 1910.

The new station was designed in a rustic Arts and Crafts style with fieldstone walls, stucco, heavy timbers and wood shingles.  This use of rough-surfaced, natural materials would later influence both the National Park and the Town of Banff’s architectural guidelines.

Inside the station there were waiting rooms, a smoking room, offices and living accommodations for the station master and employees.  The station boasted the best contemporary services of the early 1900s and luxurious finishes reflecting the elite and international clientele Banff attracted.

Banff/Caribou Properties
Signage