St Mary's Parish

St. Mary’s of the Assumption stands as a remarkable testament to Banff’s early spiritual and architectural history. Its origins trace back to two Quebec priests sent west by the Hudson’s Bay Company decades before Confederation, who discovered Banff while journeying through the Rockies and established the region’s first Catholic mission. By 1888, the growing community built a humble log-cabin church to support the parish. In 1950, St. Mary’s embraced a more ambitious vision, replacing the cabin with a grand, beautifully crafted structure designed by the resident priest, formerly an architectural engineer with the Banff Springs Hotel. Today, St. Mary’s remains an active and welcoming place of worship, offering regular services within its historic walls. Its rich past and striking design continue to inspire visitors seeking culture, heritage, and quiet reflection in the heart of the Rockies.