Participants should plan to arrive on the date indicated on their statement of account, acceptance letter, or learning agreement. Generally, arrivals are the day before the program starts. Participant Services will communicate the orientation schedule in your acceptance package. Orientations are typically in the Vistas Dining Room over the evening dinner hour. We advise participants to arrive in time to attend these orientations. Everyone must check in at the Front Desk, located in the Professional Development Centre (PDC), which is open 24 hours a day. Please ask if there is a welcome package for you.
Check-in time is anytime after 4:00 p.m. You may try to check-in earlier, but we cannot guarantee that your room will be ready. Early arrivals may make arrangements with the bell desk to have their luggage stored until their room becomes available. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. and late check-outs may be charged a late check-out fee.
Front Desk personnel will issue room keys and a Banff Centre map. The Front Desk will familiarize you to the Banff Centre site. Luggage service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Call the Front Desk in advance if your require luggage service outside of these times at 403.762.6100.
Practicum program participants living at the Rocky Mountain Housing Co-op do not need to check in at the Front Desk. Proceed to RMHC for your scheduled move-in time.
The Front Desk will require a credit card imprint or a $50 deposit. Without a deposit, you will not have to charge privileges for incidentals such as dry cleaning charges, room service, etc.
If you drove to the Banff Centre please register your vehicle with the Front Desk. You will be asked for your license plate number and directed to a parking lot. Parking is complementary on Banff Centre property.
Please visit Participant Services to arrange for a Banff National Park Pass; all vehicles within Banff National Park are required to display one.
All programs at the Banff Centre are residential. Your on-site accommodation includes a private bathroom, television, towels, bedding, a telephone with voicemail, and a radio/alarm clock. There are public lounges/common areas.
No adjustments are made for late arrival, early departure, or absences. Anyone planning to arrive earlier or stay longer than their program dates should inquire in advance about room availability. Contact Participant Services with questions regarding accommodation prior to your arrival.
Faculty accommodation is booked through the program department. Please, direct questions to your program coordinator.
Participants under the age of 18 are supported in both the residential and program environment. An advisor will assist underage participants with residence guidelines.
The Banff Centre reserves the right to refuse accommodations.
For more information about artist accommodations at the Banff Centre, click here.
Any cancellations or adjustments for late arrival are made at the discretion of the programming area. Anyone planning to arrive earlier or stay longer than their program dates should inquire in advance about availability.
On-site accommodation room changes are subject to a waiting period. At the discretion of the Banff Centre, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the request. To discuss accommodation or make a room change, visit Participant Services for an Accommodation Change Request Form. The Front Desk cannot make a room change for your without authorization from Participant Services.
Off-site accommodation is scarce and generally expensive. Anyone planning to rent in Banff or Canmore should look well in advance. Participant Services keeps a list of local accommodation opportunities. No financial aid is awarded for off-site accommodation.
On-site accommodation may be available for guests of participants on a short-term, space available basis. Non-participant rates apply. Contact Participant Services prior to arrival.
Participants are responsible for the actions and behaviours of their guests while on-site. Guests are not allowed in the residence building after 11:00 p.m. unless they are registered with the Front Desk and assigned overnight accommodation. There is a charge for overnight guest accommodation.
There is no childcare facility at Banff Centre. It is your responsibility to make arrangements prior to your arrival. Please discuss with your program coordinator the demands of your program and whether brining your child is feasible. The Community Resource Centre at the YWCA (403.760.3200) operates a childcare registry for babysitting.
For your convenience, there are coin operated washers and dryers on campus located in the lower level of Lloyd Hall. Dry-cleaning may be dropped off at the Front Desk. You are responsible for all dry-cleaning charges.
There are three lounges located in Lloyd Hall. If you are having an event, please use the sign-up sheet provided outside the lounge. It is your responsibility to tidy up; please clean all dishes and label food items with your name and expiration date. Please note: There is no alcohol consumption permitted in any open lounge or kitchen.
Programs occasionally fall on, or around, religious holidays. Banff Centre makes every effort to facilitate religious needs and practices without compromising programming goals. If you have questions or concerns in this area, please contact Participant Services. For a list of local churches, visit www.banff.ca. The closest synagogues and mosques are in Calgary. Smudging will be facilitated by your program coordinator and/or Participant Services.
The grounds of the Banff Centre include natural areas with alpine and sub-alpine flora. Please help us protect this fragile environment by keeping to pathways and sidewalks. Please do not litter!
Help conserve energy by switching off lights and equipment when leaving studios or guestrooms. There are conveniently placed containers for recycling in most buildings. Paper recycling is also available. The Centre's recycling depot in the Physical Facilities compound offers metal, glass, plastic, cardboard, wood waste, paper, and milk jug recycling.
Please consider bringing a reusable water bottle to the Banff Centre. We advise that you avoid purchasing bottled water as we are striving to be a part of a green community. Check out this link for quality, source, and safety standards involved with our drinking water in Banff: www.banff.ca/town-hall/utilities/water-quality.htm. The Town of Banff website states, "In Banff, you can simply turn on the tap and enjoy a delicious glass of water anytime." Let's set an example.
Banff Centre has a no-idling policy. The goal of this policy is to contribute to a healthier environment by decreasing vehicle emissions and lowering the production of greenhouse gases. Under this policy, no vehicles or motorized equipment on the campus may be stationary with the engine operating for more than two minutes. Thank you for turning off your vehicle engine while parked at the Banff Centre.
Mountains can be dangerous. Contact the Parks Canada Information Centre at 403.762.1550 for up-to-date weather and avalanche information, reports on trail conditions, and wildlife activity. Visit www.pc.gc.ca/banff for more information.
If you are planning to be absent overnight, please inform your program coordinator as to when you will return and where you can be reached in case of emergency. Anyone planning overnight trips into the backcountry should register with the Parks Canada Warden Service. Participants under 18 years of age must have written permission from their parents or guardians to be away overnight.
Banff Centre complies with municipal, provincial, and federal laws governing the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs. The legal age for consumption of alcoholic beverages in Alberta is 18.
Cooking on hotplates, the burning of candles, incense, barbecues, or open-flame equipment is prohibited in rooms, studios, and public spaces.
Outside sound travels easily to the rooms, so noise should be kept to a minimum when approaching or leaving buildings, in hallways, and while in your room. Please be considerate when using audio/visual media. If loud is your preference, please use headphones. Quiet time is enforced after 11:00 p.m. Practicing of musical instruments is banned in residence at all times. There are plenty of practice spaces available on-site; contact your program coordinator for details.
In consideration of the health needs and concerns of all, please restrict your use of scented products throughout the campus.
Banff Centre is a smoke-free environment, which includes all indoor spaces and balconies. Please note that there is no smoking within 5 metres (16 feet) of a building. A $250 fine may be issued if you are caught smoking in your bedroom or on your balcony. We appreciate cooperation as the Banff Centre strives to create the best possible environment for participants and staff. The Banff Centre has designated outdoor smoking areas. Please ask at reception or call the switchboard at 403.762.6100 for approved locations.
Pets are prohibited in residence or studios at all times. Exceptions: certified service animals. Contact Participant Services for more information.
Bikes, skis, and snowboards are forbidden in your guest room. Please contact the Front Desk regarding the safe-keeping of sporting equipment.
Participants will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of Banff Centre equipment or property that is lost or willfully damaged.
Guests may secure small items in an individual safety deposit box (subject to availability) at the Front Desk. Banff Centre and its agents are not liable for any or all property lost of left on the premises. To protect your valuables, please keep your door locked and windows closed when you are not in your room.