Welcome to the Bow Valley! Newcomers Guide
We’re so happy you’re here!
This is a guide for new residents living in:
Lake Louise
Banff
Canmore
Harvie Heights
Exshaw
Lac Des Arcs
Dead Man's Flats
Kananaskis
On this page, you’ll find information to help you settle into your new home here in the Bow Valley.
We’ve included information for Permanent Residents of Canada, Temporary Foreign Workers, and all other community members.
4 Essentials for New Residents:
You can access free support if you are a Permanent Resident of Canada or in the final stage of transitioning to permanent resident status (PR).
Settlement Services can answer your questions about:
housing, family reunification, language learning, citizenship, health, career, finances, school support, tax, and more
your rights and responsibilities as a Permanent Resident of Canada (PR)
Cross-cultural training and questions about living in Canada
Foreign Worker Support provides free help for temporary foreign workers (working holiday visas, IEC permit, etc.).
Learn about work permits and visas, employment rights and responsibilities, becoming a permanent resident, wildlife safety, community integration, help with documents and more. Learn more about Foreign Worker Support.
Lifelong learning opportunities for all Bow Valley residents. You can access part-time, non-formal, low and no-cost, adult learning programs in literacy, numeracy, English language learning, basic computer skills, and life skills.
211 is a free helpline and online database of Alberta’s community and social services. It is available 24 hours a day in over 200 languages. Learn more about 211.
More Community Resources
The Bow Valley is a very special place to live, but it can be hard for newcomers to find out about the different support services available. Local services are here to help you feel at home in your new community. Click on the titles below to find more services that can help you.
+ Community Support Services
New to Banff ↗
Website for new residents in the Town of Banff.
Town of Canmore, Family and Community Services ↗
Support for residents within the Town of Canmore boundaries.
MD of Bighorn ↗
Support for residents in the Municipal District of Bighorn including counseling, information and referral support.
Lake Louise Community Resources Information ↗
Resources for Lake Louise residents through Improvement District 9.
Kananaskis Improvement District ↗
Support for residents in the Kananaskis Improvement District.
Bow Valley Non-Profits ↗
There are over 200 non-profit organizations in the Bow Valley. This website is a place for Bow Valley non-profits to access resources, training tools and funding opportunities, and more.
Bow Valley Resource Directory ↗
A local database of all local community and social services.
+ Cultural groups & associations
Services Régionaux (Francophone Directory) ↗
Find locals in the Bow Valley offering products and services in French.
Filipino Organization in the Rocky Mountains ↗
A local Filipino community organization.
Filipino-Canadian Association of Bow Valley Alberta Canada ↗
A local Filipino community organization.
Canmore Filipino Canadian Society ↗
A local Filipino community organization.
Bow Valley Muslim Association ↗
A local group for followers of Islam.
Ethiocare Calgary ↗
A non-profit organization supporting Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.
+ Friends & Local Connections
Community Connections in the Bow Valley ↗
If you are new to Canada or the Bow Valley, Community Connections in the Bow Valley is here to help! Learn about Canadian culture and meet new locals.
#BowValleyLocals ↗
What is it like to live in the Bow Valley? Read stories of local residents across the Bow Valley, and celebrate our diverse and vibrant community.
Volunteer opportunities ↗
There are many local organizations you can volunteer for. Volunteering is a great way to learn a new skill, meet new people, and give back to the community.
+ Food Supports
Bow Valley Food Alliance ↗
Access a network of food support services across the Bow Valley. The Food Alliance is a community-based non-profit addressing food security and food sovereignty in the Bow Valley.
+ Getting Around with Public Transport
Roam Public Transit ↗
You can use public buses to get around Lake Louise, Banff, and Canmore.
+ Health & Mental Health
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) ↗
You can apply for AHCIP after arriving in Alberta. Also known as 'Alberta Health', this covers basic medical needs under insurance. There are some medical services which are not covered. You can register at the Banff Registry Office (211 Bear St #103, Banff).
Find a family doctor you can trust ↗
The Bow Valley Primary Care Network offers programs and services to help you manage your health and achieve your goals.
Mental health supports ↗
If you are feeling depressed, you are not alone. If you need to talk, free and confidential support is available. Find options to talk in person, on the phone, or online.
Help friends with mental health concerns
↗
Want to support your friends or colleagues with mental health concerns? Take free training with the Bow Valley Community Helpers program.
+ Immigrants & Newcomers
Foreign Worker Support ↗
Free help for Temporary Foreign Workers (working holiday visas, IEC permit, etc.). Learn about work permits and visas, employment rights and responsibilities, becoming a permanent resident, wildlife safety, community integration, help with documents and more.
Settlement Services in the Bow Valley ↗
You can access free support if you are a Permanent Resident of Canada, Live-in Caregiver, Refugee, or Temporary Foreign Worker in the final stage of transitioning to permanent status.
+ Learn English
Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre ↗
Lifelong learning opportunities for all Bow Valley residents. You can access part-time, non-formal, low and no-cost, adult learning programs in literacy, numeracy, English language learning, basic computer skills, and life skills.
Bow Valley College - Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) ↗
Permanent Residents of Canada can join no-cost LINC Classes (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada). You will learn English language skills for daily life and work.
+ Living with Wildlife
Nature for Newcomers ↗
Nature for Newcomers provides new Canadians and people learning English with information on wildlife safety in their preferred language.
Living in Banff National Park ↗
Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Canada’s first national park. Living here is a privilege that comes with many responsibilities.
Wildlife and You ↗
The Bow Valley is home to hundreds of species, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk and more. The chance to view wildlife in their natural environment is one of the most exciting things about visiting the mountain national parks. You can help them survive by keeping them wild.
+ Save Money
Bow Valley Affordability Guide ↗
Tips and tricks for saving money in the Bow Valley.
+ Work in the Bow Valley
Job Resource Centre ↗
Get working sooner with the help of the Job Resource Centre in Banff or Canmore. They can help with resources, services, and expertise, and a local job board with many opportunities for you.
Looking for something else? Do you have a suggestion? Contact us!
We’ve developed this Newcomer Guide to help new residents settle into the Bow Valley more quickly. We update this resource regularly and are always looking for suggestions. If you have an idea, or notice something missing or needs updating, please contact us.