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QIP 2016 will be held at the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada on January 10-15, 2016.

The Banff Centre is located in the town of Banff, a 90 minute drive west of Calgary. There are several transfer options available from the Calgary International Airport to Banff including airport shuttle service, bus transportation, and rental cars. Banff Airporter is the official airport shuttle provider of The Banff Centre and the best way to get to and from the Calgary Airport. Banff Airporter offers multiple departures daily between Calgary Airport and The Banff Centre. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you travel to Banff. Brewster Transportation coaches offer several daily departures 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. 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. 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.

What should I pack when I come to Banff?

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. 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

What is there to do when I get there?

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 events listings. Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation offers a wide range of recreational opportunities and fitness services for people of all abilities and interests. Visit their website for a comprehensive listing of recreational facilities and services. These popular links offer information about trip planning, events, and activities, in Banff, Lake Louise, and beyond:

Banff visitor information: The Banff Lake Louise Tourism website makes it easy to plan your visit.

See the sights and support the Arts: Discover Banff Tours offers a variety of tour and activity packages. They will donate a percentage of your booking to the DBT Artist Scholarship Fund at the Centre - please mention this when you book.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding in Banff National Park: Visit Ski Big 3. Travel Alberta provides visitor information for the Alberta Rockies as well as destinations throughout the province.

Internet Connection at The Banff Centre

Wireless internet is available free of charge and the coverage is campus-wide. Connect to the wifi network banffcentre.ca. A password is not required.

Where can I park at The Banff Centre?