Banff, Canmore, and Jasper have really upped their games in terms of attracting top level eateries, restaurants, brewpubs. They have also embraced initiatives like pedestrianizing their roadways and pop-up patios. And of course the scenery and recreation opportunities are absolutely world class.
Places like Sylvan and Invermere have languished and the “downtowns” are pretty dated and faded. Both are still busy on hot summer weekends but quickly revert to typical drab small towns when the tourists leave.
Sylvan Lake made an intentional shift in the 2000’s to become a bedroom community for Red Deer. It has quickly sprawled and the new investments have all been big-box, cookie-cutter style developments on the outskirts, which draws people away from the lakefront and downtown. Kind of a shame when you think of the potential.
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