Canada Tourism Labour Shortage Deepens as Banff and Canmore Struggle to Find Seasonal Workers

Tourism businesses in Banff and Canmore are struggling to recruit enough workers ahead of the busy summer season, even as visitor demand remains strong. Employers say jobs are available, but high rents and limited staff accommodation make it difficult for workers to stay in Alberta’s mountain towns.

Hundreds of applicants attended a recent Banff job fair, including international workers seeking seasonal roles. However, businesses say many candidates later withdraw or leave because they cannot find affordable housing nearby.

Housing shortage blocks tourism hiring

Brande White of Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in Canmore said the business needed about 35 employees before the summer rush. Sergio Garcia, head chef at Juniper Hotel Bistro in Banff, said staff housing is offered, but there are not enough units to meet demand.

The pressure affects local workers as well. Some residents are taking multiple jobs while still struggling with monthly expenses, showing that the shortage is closely tied to the region’s wider cost-of-living problem.

Plans for around 90 additional housing units in Banff may provide some relief, but employers say the scale remains too small for the seasonal workforce required by hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Banff’s continuing popularity also places pressure on local services during the busiest travel periods. The region has recently remained in the news following the recovery of an American tourist at Johnston Canyon.

Immigration pathways offer limited relief

Although the federal government introduced temporary flexibility for some rural employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2026, Alberta did not participate in the measures. Tourism businesses in Banff and Canmore therefore remain subject to the existing rules, while employers continue to report difficulty recruiting and retaining enough seasonal workers.

Alberta also introduced new immigration oversight measures in 2026 to strengthen accountability among recruiters and employers hiring foreign workers. Although the changes are intended to improve worker protection and system integrity, tourism businesses say the shortage of affordable housing remains the more immediate barrier to recruitment and retention.

Alberta continues to offer a dedicated Tourism and Hospitality Stream through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, reflecting the sector’s ongoing need for workers. The pathway may help eligible employees obtain permanent residence, although employers say immigration options alone cannot solve the shortage without more affordable staff housing.

The challenge reflects a wider tourism workforce problem, including fewer hospitality students, seasonal employment patterns and stronger competition for workers. Other tourism markets are also investing in industry partnerships and recruitment, including the Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 in Jakarta.

What the shortage could mean for visitors

If staffing shortages continue through the peak travel season, some hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions may have to adjust opening hours, limit capacity or postpone expansion plans. Employers say immigration pathways can help increase the available workforce, but affordable housing will remain central to whether workers can live and stay in Banff and Canmore over the longer term.

For official tourism industry information, visit the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.