Canada
Canada tourism labor shortage is deepening, and in Alberta’s mountain towns, the pressure is becoming impossible to ignore. In places like Banff and Canmore, employers heading into the peak summer season say they are scrambling to fill roles — even as visitor demand continues to surge.
At a recent job fair in Banff, hundreds of job seekers showed up, many on work visas, hoping to land seasonal roles. Among them was 26-year-old Gintare Dalmantaite from Lithuania, who had just arrived and was already searching for work. “My goal is to get a seasonal job, a summer job, and stay for however long that takes,” she said.
But for employers, the challenge is not finding applicants — it is finding workers who can actually stay.
‘We’re desperate’: Hiring demand surges as workers struggle to stay
Businesses across Alberta’s tourism hubs say the labor shortage has reached a critical point. “I’m desperate,” said Brande White from Grizzly Paw Brewing Company in Canmore, adding she needs to hire at least 35 workers before June 1 to keep operations running smoothly during peak season.
Despite interviewing hundreds of candidates over the past few years, many do not follow through or leave shortly after being hired. “People can’t stay, they can’t find housing, or they just don’t show up or can’t afford it,” White said.
The issue is not limited to foreign workers. Even Canadians already living in the region are struggling. Jimmy Stevens, a resident of Canmore, said he is working two part-time jobs but still finds it difficult to keep up with monthly expenses. “We’re struggling to pay the bills every month,” he said.
This reflects a broader reality across Canada tourism labor shortage trends. Jobs are available, but the cost of living — especially rent — is preventing workers from committing to them.
In Banff and Canmore, housing shortages have become severe. Limited supply combined with strong demand from both tourists and residents has pushed rental costs far beyond what many hospitality workers can afford. Employers say this is the single biggest barrier to recruitment and retention.
Some businesses offer staff accommodation, but supply is limited. “We do offer housing, but it’s not enough. That’s the problem now,” said Sergio Garcia, head chef at Juniper Hotel Bistro in Banff, where reservations are already full for weeks ahead.
Canada tourism labor shortage worsens as policy and perception collide
The labor crunch in Alberta is part of a wider national issue. Canada’s tourism sector, which contributed more than $15 billion to the economy last year, is facing tightening rules around foreign labor and slower approval processes for temporary workers. Employers say these workers are critical to filling seasonal gaps, but accessing them has become more difficult.
Industry experts point out that the shortage is also tied to longer-term structural changes. Wayne W. Smith, director at the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, said restrictions on international students and short-term workers have had a direct impact on staffing levels.
At the same time, fewer students are enrolling in hospitality programs across the country, with some programs being cut entirely. That is shrinking the pipeline of future workers entering the industry.
The nature of tourism work itself adds another layer of complexity. “You’re bringing in a large workforce for six months,” Smith said, pointing to the seasonal nature of jobs. “You then add housing,” he added, highlighting how the two challenges are deeply connected.
There is also a perception issue. Tourism jobs are often viewed as entry-level positions with limited long-term potential. But industry leaders say that perception overlooks the range of career pathways, certifications and growth opportunities available within the sector.
Efforts are underway to change that narrative and attract more domestic workers. Industry groups are working with educational institutions to introduce tourism careers earlier and build stronger interest among Canadians. Still, those initiatives will take time to translate into actual workforce numbers.
Meanwhile, housing remains the most immediate obstacle. Plans are in place to add new housing units in Banff, including around 90 additional units, but employers say the scale is far from enough to meet demand.
With record visitor numbers expected this year, the gap between demand and workforce supply is widening. Hotels are fully booked, restaurants are preparing for peak traffic, and tourism operators are ready for a strong season — but without enough staff, many businesses may not be able to operate at full capacity.
For Alberta’s tourism towns, the situation has become a balancing act between growth and sustainability. The region continues to attract visitors from around the world, but without affordable housing and a stable workforce, that growth is becoming harder to support.
For more insights on Canada’s tourism industry, visit the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
Author: Chetan
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