An Architectural Landmark

Banff's first train station stood 1.5km east along the line, but by 1888 it was considered too far from the hot springs, so a new log station was built at the site of today's station. That relocation became a key factor in the layout of the new townsite, with the downtown core developing between Elk Street and Lynx Street, the two roadways leading from the station. As Banff's tourism business grew rapidly in the early 1900s, the log station became insufficient and was replaced in 1910 by the current building. Designed in a rustic Arts and Crafts style, the new station featured fieldstone walls, stucco, heavy timbers, and wood shingles, and its use of rough-surfaced natural materials later influenced architectural guidelines in both the National Park and the Town of Banff. Inside were waiting rooms, a smoking room, offices, and living accommodations for the station master and employees. It offered the best contemporary services of the early 1900s and luxurious finishes suited to the elite international clientele Banff attracted, while its 3500ft² east wing was originally used to store the luggage of wealthy tourists who often spent months traveling across Canada by train, and the station also had separate waiting rooms for men and women.

Alberta · Canada