About us

Serving the Banff community since 1923

Our mission is simple: to provide quality care for our local community. We have been taking care of Banff since 1923 with a range of pharmacy, health and wellness services, along with guidance and support from our health care experts.

No matter your need, our pharmacy team is always here to help, providing health guidance and support, regardless of your age or life stage.

Our Legacy

Banff Avenue ca. 1925-1933 with Cascade Mountain in the background
Hugh Gourlay standing in front of his pharmacy in 1923
Pint that states " Your Druggist Is More Than A Merchant Try The Drug Store First. King Edward Drug Store. " A Modern Drug Store."

Hugh Gourlay, 1923

It all started with Hugh Gourlay

Get ready for a tale that starts back in 1916 when Hugh Gourlay decided to call Banff his home sweet home! Hugh, a pharmacy graduate from the University of Toronto, embarked on a journey that led him to work across Toronto and Vancouver before becoming a licensed Alberta Pharmacist in 1919.

Fast forward to the exciting day of September 19, 1923, when Gourlay's Pharmacy (originally King Edward Drug Store, H.A. Gourlay, Chemist and Druggist), was born! It all began when Hugh made the bold move to transition from Harmony Drug Store to launching his very own beacon of health and wellness in the heart of Banff. This was just the beginning…

Frank Gourlay standing with his ski gear in 1980

Frank Gourlay, 1980

An unexpected turn

Hugh’s eldest son Frank was the pharmacies next faithful leader, despite his initial career aspirations in engineering and his service in the Navy during World War II. After his father's passing in 1954, Frank unexpectedly found himself at the helm of Gourlay's King Edward Drug Store. Although this was not his original plan, Frank embraced his new role with determination and dedication. Frank stepped up, took over management, and ensured the smooth operations by bringing in professional pharmacists to run the dispensary. A few years later, one of those hired pharmacists was Peter Eshenko…

Gourlay's Pharmacy street view
Peter Eshenko and Randy McLean celebrating purchasing Gourlay's Pharmacy with champagne

Peter Eshenko & Randy McLean, 1989

Randy McLean and Peter Eshenko in a cap and gown for their pharmacy graduation photo

Randy McLean & Peter Eshenko, 1987

Randy McLean & Peter Eshenko, 2023

Passing the torch

In 1986, Peter Eshenko arrived in Banff as a student pharmacist and was captivated by the vibrant mountain community. Upon graduating from the University of Alberta in 1987, Peter was welcomed back to King Edward Drug Store by Frank.

A couple years later, Peter persuaded his close friend and classmate, Randy McLean, to join him in Banff. In January 1989, Frank handed over the reins of the pharmacy to Peter and Randy, where they proudly served their community through the pharmacy for over 35 years! Peter and Randy both put down their roots in Banff and raised their families here before happily retiring in May 2024.

Riley & Preston Eshenko, 2024

A family affair

All of Peter and Randy’s children worked in Gourlay’s Pharmacy over the years, keeping the business a family affair! Today, Peter’s son Preston Eshenko and his wife Riley Eshenko, are carrying on the Gourlay’s legacy.

Preston graduated from the University of Alberta in 2021 with a Doctor of Pharmacy and a MBA. Once graduated, he immediately packed up his family and moved back to Banff to join the family business, where he took on ownership in May 2024 with his wife Riley.

Gourlay’s Pharmacy has a history of deep involvement in the Banff Community thanks to all of you. So, thank you for being a part of our story.

Meet the Team

  • "Wonderful, locally-owned and operated pharmacy in Banff who consistently exceed all my expectations and provide me with amazing service!"

    Chad Katunar

  • "Gourlay's is always my pharmacy of choice. I send anyone asking where the pharmacies are in Banff to Gourlay's because I know they will be taken care of."

    Lori Hoffman

  • "Fantastic service. I forgot meds while on vacation, and Gourlay's was able to come to my rescue as a prescribing pharmacy."

    Patrick Reed

  • "Best pharmacy in the Rockies. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of items."

    James Coburn

  • "Excellent local fully stocked pharmacy right in the middle of town on a scenic pedestrian street."

    Brian Merry

  • "They make me feel like family. I’ve only been in a few times, but they remembered me, chatted about my work, and were super warm and welcoming. 10/10 recommend!"

    Susan R