Calgary 
Parks Canada has officially commenced an international design competition to reimagine the 200-Block of Banff Avenue in Banff National Park.
Credit: Parks Canada/B. Wrobleski
The initiative aims to develop a new visitor reception and community hub in the downtown core of one of Canada’s most visited national parks.
The design competition, managed in partnership with the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), begins with a pre-qualification stage. Following this phase, up to six selected participants will advance to submit conceptual designs. The selected submissions will be assessed by a jury of design and architecture experts, with additional feedback gathered through public engagement sessions.
Designers are expected to draw on extensive consultations conducted over the years with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public. The project’s goal is to improve public space and visitor amenities while reinforcing community connectivity and enhancing the experience for the millions who travel to Banff each year.
The redevelopment is the result of a long-term effort by Parks Canada, which over the past two decades has assembled a contiguous set of ten lots on Banff Avenue. Federal funding of $8 million, allocated in 2022, has supported detailed site studies and engagement activities leading up to the current competition.
The RAIC emphasized its commitment to an inclusive and transparent process that values a range of perspectives. The competition is scheduled to conclude in spring 2026, and updates will be shared through the “Let’s Talk Mountain Parks” platform.
Banff National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major tourism destination and receives over 4 million visitors annually. The outcome of this competition is expected to shape a key section of its urban landscape for generations to come.
