Banff, Canada

This town of 8,305 people is not the idyllic mountain escape you might imagine. Banff is a tightly regulated national park community, where Parks Canada enforces strict residency requirements to "ensure a broad supply of housing." The frigid subarctic climate, with average winter lows plunging below -13°C, is another persistent headache. And while the town is a top tourist draw, with millions visiting the nearby ski resorts and hot springs each year, the infrastructure struggles to keep up. Getting around relies on a limited public transit system, and the closest major airport is 150 km away in Calgary.

In short, Banff is a bureaucratic, isolated outpost best suited for outdoor enthusiasts willing to brave the elements and navigate the town's rigid housing rules. For the average city-dweller seeking a mountain escape, the hassles may outweigh the scenic beauty.