Banff businesses seeing influx of Americans amid weak Canadian dollar

Pedestrians cross the street in Banff, Alta., in Banff National Park on July 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

The weak Canadian dollar is giving American visitors more bang for the buck when they travel to Alberta.

Shaun Krilanovich came to Banff from Nashville, Tenn., with his wife and three kids.

He says he noticed how affordable the tourist destination is, which wasn’t top of mind when they were planning the ski trip.

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“Going to places like Colorado and Lake Tahoe, Nev., where we’re paying three to four times less than what we have there – which is crazy.”

For the family, accommodation, eating out, ski rentals and lift tickets add up quickly.

The Canadian dollar, trading at nearly five cents lower than a year ago, has the family considering more winter trips to the town.

“We’re talking about coming back every single year now, just based on how affordable it is, how great the people are,” he said.

Staff at some local establishments say they are also noticing an influx in Americans coming to visit.

Vern Iskauskas operates The Rose and Crown and The Fat Ox, and says he has seen about 10 per cent more Americans coming to dine.

“On a given day or given evening, we can be up to 70 per cent of us Americans in the room,” said Iskauskas.

“I think what we’re seeing is it feels pretty inexpensive to come here, but what they get for the value of the dollar is the big thing, because the hospitality, the accommodations in this town are second-to-none.”

Iskauskas says what will pay dividends is Americans going back state-side and sharing their experiences.

‘We’re going to see even more of that moving forward, because they are going to take the information home with them and their going to tell their friends.”

Travel Alberta chief commercial officer Jon Mamela says they’ve seen “incredible growth” as of late.

“Research shows that Alberta has what U.S. travellers are looking for, from authentic cultural experiences to northern lights and dark sky viewing, to culinary and outdoor adventures,” he said in a statement.

“We’re capitalizing on this momentum by developing and promoting world-class destinations that will inspire them to choose Alberta, spend more, and stay longer.”