The Nancy Pauw Bridge: 100 Years in the Making

Funding provided through Investing in Canada Plan.

In the heart of beautiful Banff, Alberta, nestled among the Canadian Rockies, the Nancy Pauw Bridge has become a significant addition to the city's landscape since its opening in September 2022. This important bridge is connecting communities and encouraging sustainable, active transportation by providing residents and visitors with a safe, efficient, and scenic passage across the Bow River.

Strategically located to connect Central Park to the vibrant Banff Recreation Grounds—a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and simply enjoying the great outdoors—the Nancy Pauw Bridge does more than make it easy and convenient to access these favourite spots. An attraction in its own right, the bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Bow River’s crystal waters and the Rocky Mountains towering in the distance.

The bridge’s design is a testament to how innovative engineering can complement the natural environment. Spanning nearly 80 metres, the wooden bridge features a shallow arch that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The bridge was assembled using prefabricated sections to minimize environmental disruptions.

During the summer peak, the bridge accommodates between 5,000 and 8,000 daily crossings. Each step and pedal across the new structure eases the load on the older Banff Avenue Bridge and also significantly cuts down on vehicle emissions. This development marks a substantial advancement in the federal government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure that encourages community well-being.

This bridge honours the legacy of Nancy Pauw, whose passion for cycling and community spirit left an incredible mark on Banff. Along with her husband Wim, Nancy's legacy lives on through the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation, which helps nurture a vibrant, healthy community.

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada contributed $2.2 million through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
• The Nancy Pauw Bridge is reducing the traffic congestion attributable to Banff's increase in visitors and  53% increase in pedestrian traffic from 2015 to 2018. By providing an alternative route for exploring the area, the bridge is reducing the need for vehicle crossings over the river and lessening pedestrian traffic on the existing routes.
• According to Banff’s 2017 municipal census, 48% of residents commute to work by bicycle or walking in the winter, and 62% in summer.

For more information, visit:

• The Town of Banff – The Nancy Pauw Bridge
• StructureCraft – Nancy Pauw Bridge