Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect while staying in the mountains
- What should I pack when I come? What should I prepare for?
- What is a "park pass"?
- What is there to do when I get there?
- Can I expect to see any wildlife on my trip?
Maps, Directions, Location of The Banff Centre? Travelling to Banff from Calgary
- Maps and Directions
- How do I get to the Centre from Calgary? (Shuttle and car rental options, and map.)
- How far is The Banff Centre from Banff?
Bringing additional guests to the Conference, or planning separate vacation time at the Centre
Taxes and tips?
- What is the 2% Tourism Improvement Fee (T.I.F.)?
- What is the 4% Alberta Tourism Levy?
- What is the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
- How do I pay gratuities?
Details about amenities at The Banff Centre
(bedrooms, dining, business services, parking, events, other programs, etc.)
- Is The Banff Centre wheelchair accessible?
- Do the bedrooms at the Centre have modern amenities?
- Do you have smoking rooms?
- Are all the bedrooms located in the same building?
- When is check-out time?
- What dining options are available at The Banff Centre?
- What print services are available at The Banff Centre?
- Are there internet connections at The Banff Centre?
- Where can I park at The Banff Centre?
- When attending a conference, what is there to do at The Banff Centre?
- Can my organization arrange a pre- or post- program for our conference?
Conference contacts and mailing/shipping address?
- How do I get information about Conference Services at The Banff Centre?
- What is your shipping/mailing address?
Other information?
What should I pack when I come? What should I prepare for?
Banff has a cool, dry climate. The area, which is at an altitude of 1,476 m (4,500 ft), has “mountain weather,” meaning it is subject to daily changes in temperatures and conditions.
Summer temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, but nights are significantly cooler. Autumn is typically clear and sunny, with daytime temperatures in the 10°C to 15°C range and night-time temperatures slightly below freezing. Winter, which generally lasts from November to March, offers great snow for skiing, with typical temperatures ranging from -5°C down to -20°C. Spring temperatures are generally comfortable 10°C to 15°C during the day.
Banff is also subject to Chinook winds and conditions. Warm, humid air flowing over the mountains from the west can raise winter temperatures substantially in a short time and reduce snow accumulations dramatically in a few days.
People unaccustomed to living at our altitude may require a couple of days to acclimatize.
In the winter, consider packing
- a winter jacket or coat
- sweater or fleece pullover
- winter boots, preferably with a flat sole and non-slip sole
- hat or scarf
- warm socks
- mittens or gloves
In the spring/summer, consider packing
- jacket or windbreaker
- sweater or fleece pullover
- shoes with a flat sole, or running shoes (our property includes hilly terrain)
- sunscreen
Click here for up to date weather information in Banff.
What is a "park pass"?
A "park pass" is required by all people using the Banff National Park; revenues from park passes fund Banff National Park's daily operations. Passes can be purchased at the gate when entering the national park or at the Parks Canada Information Centre in downtown Banff (224 Banff Avenue).
Please contact:
Parks Canada at 403-762-1550 for National Park pass information, camping, hiking, x-country skiing, wildlife information.
Banff/Lake Louise Tourism at 403-762-8421 for general information, accommodation,
activities/attractions, dining, downhill skiing/boarding.
Click here for Daily Park Admission Prices
What is there to do when I get there?
Activities around Banff and at The Banff Centre are varied and depend on the season. Please consult The Banff Centre Events Section of our web site for music concerts, operas, stage productions and workshops available at the time of your stay. Seasonal activities in the surrounding Banff and Lake Louise areas can be discovered at www.igpublications.com with links to winter and summer tour information, ski and hiking opportunities. Banff offers some excellent and diverse dining and shopping opportunities, also described at this Web site.
Further information about The Banff Centre productions and activities can be obtained through The Banff Centre Box Office at 403-762-6301, or at our Web site: www.banffcentre.ca/events/
Further information about Banff and Lake Louise and surrounding area activities can be obtained through: www.banfflakelouise.com
Banff/Lake Louise Tourism
Box 1298
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Ph: 403-762-8421
Fax: 403-762-8163
info@banfflakelouise.com
Can I expect to see any wildlife on my trip?
As The Banff Centre and the town of Banff are located in Banff National Park, various types of wildlife are often observed. Sightings range from different bird species to the most frequently encountered large mammal: the elk. Bears, mountain lions, and mountain goats are very elusive and are rarely observed.
Keep in mind that the wildlife you may encounter is just that — wild! Please ensure that you respect the animals’ spaces and habitats while in the park. That perfect picture can sometimes lead to a compromising situation for both the subject and the photographer!
Maps and Directions
How do I get to The Banff Centre?
Click for a detailed directions and maps
The Banff Centre is located in the town of Banff, a 90 minute drive west of Calgary. From the airport, the transport options are varied and range from rental cars/vans to shuttles directly to Banff hotels.
Bus service is available from Calgary International Airport to Banff and Lake Louise hotels through Banff Airporter and Brewster Transportation.
Banff Airporter is the official airport shuttle provider of The Banff Centre and the best way to get to and from Calgary Airport. Banff Airporter offers 12 departures daily between Calgary Airport and The Banff Centre. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel to Banff. You can book directly via the booking tool below. You can also book by calling toll free: +1 888-449-2901 or +1 403-762-3330 ext 1, or for questions and more information, email: info@banffairporter.com.
Early morning Calgary Airport departure? Late night arrival? Another option is to travel to and from The Banff Centre in comfort and style with Banff Airporter's sedan service, Banff Sedan. On your arrival, your driver will meet you at your flight gate, ready to transfer you directly to Banff, regardless of flight time. To book call Banff Sedan on +1-403-762-3330 ext 2 or email: charters@banffairporter.com.
For Brewster coaches, departures leave daily from Calgary International Airport to Banff hotels, and return daily from Banff to the airport. Please contact Brewster Transportation at 1-800-760-6934 or 403-762-6700 to confirm times and rates.
Rental Cars available at Calgary International Airport |
Rental Cars available at |
Avis: 403.762.3222 |
|
Budget: 403.762.4565 |
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Hertz: 403.762.2027 |
If you are driving to Banff/Lake Louise, the Trans Canada Highway 1 leads directly to the Rockies. The Trans Canada is a four-lane divided highway from Calgary to Lake Louise. The highway gains very little elevation from Calgary to Banff/Lake Louise and is a safe and scenic drive.
How far is The Banff Centre from Banff?
The Banff Centre is located on the east side of Banff, four blocks from Banff Avenue. The town can be accessed by foot three ways from the Centre grounds: St-Julien Road, Buffalo Street, and the Ken Madsen Path to town. It is a brief 10 minute walk downhill to town. The return trip is slightly longer as it is uphill.
Click for a detailed directions/map
Downtown Banff can be reached by taxi for less than $10 each way.
There is no shuttle bus that runs from The Banff Centre to downtown Banff.
Can I bring my spouse and family? How much extra does it cost?
The Banff Centre has a wide variety of room types ranging from single or double occupancy to suites complete with kitchenettes and extra beds. When booking your reservation, please be sure to indicate the number of adults and children so that we can ensure that you are assigned the best room possible. Should the size of your family require a larger, upgraded room, you will be quoted a higher room rate than the price quoted for your conference package.
If your spouse is accompanying you while you are attending a conference and is not attending the conference sessions, there is no charge for the spouse in the room.
As a delegate, you will have been offered a special conference rate that includes some variation of a meal plan for you alone. Meals are not included for spouses/companions unless they are a registered delegate of the conference. Spouses/companions can purchase individual meals at Vistas Dining Room or at any of the food outlets on campus.
If your spouse is also attending the conference as a delegate, the quoted "double" conference rate outlined on your registration form will apply to each of you. Meals will be included for both people if that has been pre-arranged with the conference.
If you wish to bring children, children under the age of 13 years who stay in the same room as their parent(s), stay free of charge. Any child over the age of 13 will be considered another adult in the room and an extra fee of $20.00 per child per day will apply.
More than two adults in a room will incur an extra charge of $20.00 per person per day.
What is the 2% Tourism Improvement Fee (T.I.F.)?
Effective November 1, 2006, the Tourism Improvement Fee (T.I.F.) is a 2% accommodation charge which will be used to enhance the experience of visitors by funding destination initiatives such as more and enhanced special event and heritage tourism programs, improvements and maintenance of information centres and services, and quality and ease of access to online information at www.banfflakelouise.com.
What is the 4% Alberta Tourism Levy?
Alberta imposes a 4% Alberta Tourism Levy on all lodgings. This is non-refundable. The tax will not apply to no-show charges or cancellations.
What is the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Canada imposes a 5% tax on all goods and services purchased in Canada.
How do I pay gratuities?
If you are attending a conference, gratuities for baggage service and housekeeping are built into the nightly package rate. Other gratuities are paid upon the client's discretion for other services attained at either The Banff Centre or at other establishments in the town of Banff.
Do the bedrooms at the Centre have modern amenities?
Yes, in varying degrees. Each accommodation building is listed below with the corresponding amenities.
Professional |
Corbett Hall |
Lloyd Hall |
|
| mini-fridge | x | ||
| hairdryers | x | x | x |
| coffeemakers | x | x | x |
| irons/ironing boards | x | x | x |
| phones/data import | x | x | x |
| colour TVs/cable | x | x | x |
Disabled Access
The Banff Centre welcomes guests with disabilities. We recommend that you contact us in advance so that we can meet you upon your arrival to facilitate your understanding of the best routes and services available. Please contact Jim Olver, Director of Guest Services: E-mail jim_olver@banffcentre.ca or telephone 1-403-762-6123 and he will be pleased to assist you.
There are paths, roadways, or ramps that provide access to and throughout most buildings. However, the Centre, built on the side of a mountain, presents challenges to those with limited mobility. The Banff Centre has bedrooms adapted for wheelchair access; please request when making your reservation. Wheelchair accessible phones are located throughout the campus. For the hearing impaired, the Telus payphones at the Centre have handset volume controls; these phones are located at the Sally Borden Building (near Le Café), the Professional Development Centre (near Front Desk), the Music & Sound Building (back stairwell), Lloyd Hall (first floor lobby), Becker Residence (first floor), Max Bell Building (lower floor), Farally Hall (second floor), and the Eric Harvie Theatre (lobby, near washrooms). If you have special needs, please refer to the campus map or contact the Conferences office.
Do you have smoking rooms?
No. Since September 1, 2008, all bedrooms at The Banff Centre are non-smoking.
For the health, safety, and comfort of our guests, The Banff Centre has designated all bedrooms, public areas, classrooms, performance spaces, and service areas as non-smoking. Smoking is not permitted in building entrance areas, or on outside patios where food service is available. The Centre has designated more than twenty outdoor smoking areas throughout the campus.
Aboriginal smudging and sweetgrass ceremonies associated with Banff Centre programs are exempt from the non-smoking policy.
Please note that under the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Act, smoking is prohibited in public places and workplaces, and within five metres of any doorway, window, or air intake.
Are all the bedrooms located in the same building?
No. The superior bedroom types are located in the Professional Development Centre only. The Professional Development Centre is also the location of our Front Desk Check-in Desk. The standard bedrooms types are located in Lloyd Hall and Corbett Hall. For more information, go to the accommodations section of our site.
When is check-out time?
Check-out time is 12:00 noon. Late check-outs will be charged a late check-out fee.
Check-in time is after 4:00 p.m. on arrival day. You may try to check-in earlier, but we cannot guarantee that your room will be ready.
What dining options are available at The Banff Centre?
The Vistas Dining Room offers market-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are attending with a conference, there is usually a meal portion built into your package at discounted rates for the conference and meals will be taken with the rest of the conference group for designated meals. Additional meals may be purchased. Children's prices are available.
Three Ravens Restaurant Our à la carte restaurant is an inspiring dimension in dining and has one of the finest views of any dining facility in the Bow Valley. Within a few steps of all performance spaces, meeting spaces, and accommodation, at the Centre, the Three Ravens offers a convenient and creative venue for your evening dining experience.
Three Ravens Wine Bar Savour selections from the quality wine cellar and menu, in the wine bar atop the Sally Borden Building. The Rocky Mountain peaks that surround us form the backdrop for quiet enjoyment, casual meetings, or relaxing conversations.
Maclab Bistro Our fully-licensed café and bar is the place to go for a quick snack, a casual meal, a relaxing beverage, or your favourite coffee brew. Located on the ground floor, Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation.
Le Café Enjoy made-to-order sandwiches, fresh juices, quick snacks, and specialty coffees from Kicking Horse Coffee, in Le Café. Located on the ground floor of the Sally Borden Building.
The Banff Centre Room Service is available nightly. Information and menus are located in all bedrooms.
What print services are available at The Banff Centre?
For larger jobs that require completion prior to the end of the conference, The Banff Centre offers two facilities to help you complete these jobs. Xerox Global Services is located on-site and offers services ranging from large print jobs to complete binding and color printing services. They are electronically compatible to accept jobs for completion prior to your arrival. Xerox offers competitive pricing when compared with other options located in downtown Banff. Click here for further information.
For smaller, quick jobs, the Business Centre, located at the Front Desk in the Professional Development Centre (PDC) can complete simple print jobs, transparencies and faxes. For convenience, charges may be deferred to your room account. The Business Centre also offers a full supply of office materials for purchase.
Are there internet connections at The Banff Centre?
Wireless internet is available free of charge and the coverage is campus-wide. Look for banffcentre.ca from your computer, a password is not required.
There are computer work stations in the fireplace lounge in the Professional Development Centre, and on the lower level of the Max Bell Building.
Where can I park at The Banff Centre?
There is parking available on site at The Banff Centre. There is a two-level parkade as well as a lot located next to the Professional Development Centre, close to the Front Desk and Reception. Parking is complimentary for Banff Centre guests and we require a pass to be placed on the dash of your car, which you will receive upon check-in. Our parking areas are patrolled on a regular basis by on-site security. As thefts can occur, we suggest that all valuables be removed from view in the car. The Banff Centre is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles while parked on our site.
It is the policy of The Banff Centre that no vehicles or motorized equipment on the Banff Centre campus will be stationary with the engine operating for more than two minutes.
The goal of the No Idling policy is to contribute to a healthier environment by decreasing vehicle emissions and lowering the production of greenhouse gases.
When attending a conference, what is there to do at The Banff Centre?
Each year, thousands of talented artists and cultural leaders in the performing, visual, literary, and media arts come to The Banff Centre for professional development or to create new work. Their work is showcased throughout the year through public performances, exhibitions, and events, culminating in the Banff Summer Arts Festival. In the fall, the world’s best mountain films, speakers, and writers gather for the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival.
For more information on upcoming events, or to purchase tickets, please contact The Banff Centre Box Office,
1.800.413.8368, 403.762.6301, or visit our events listings.
Can my organization arrange a pre- or post- program for our conference?
Choose from one of the Leadership Development programs or ask us to customize a package specific to your business and/or recreational needs. The Banff Centre's Sales and Conference Services Managers can build a program that will give your group a taste of the arts or a unique flavour to this magnificent Rocky Mountain place. Call our sales office, toll free, at 1-877-760-4595.
How do I get information about Conference Services at The Banff Centre?
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Banff Sales Office e-mail to: |
Reservations Office e-mail to: |
Use this form to request more information.
What is your shipping/mailing address?
Click here for conference exhibitor material mailing address (pdf)
If it is conference materials, please indicate the conference name on the package or courier envelope. Should the package be for an individual, please indicate the name on the package or courier envelope. Please consult a Conference Services Manager at 1-877-760-4595 for detailed information about international (including U.S.) shipments through customs.
What are some links to other sites that will help me plan my trip?
The following links will allow you reach sites that offer more information about trip planning, events and activities in Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, and the entire Bow Valley.
