What to expect at Banff Centre during Covid
Banff Centre brings artists, leaders, and communities together to create, collaborate, share, envision, learn, and be inspired, online and on campus, and we are excited to welcome participants and guests to our campus.
Banff Centre is committed to ensuring our campus is healthy and safe for all by following all existing health guidelines; Banff Centre may implement additional health and safety measures if it is deemed necessary. This page will be kept up with the latest information. Last updated June 16, 2022.
Please note that St. Julien Road is currently closed to all public access due to construction. Access is available via Ken Madsen path, Buffalo Street and Tunnel Mountain Drive.
More details can be found here.
General Covid Health and Safety Measures
Vaccination and Masking Requirements
Proof of vaccination is no longer required to use Banff Centre facilities. It is now optional for guests and participants at Banff Centre to wear a mask while visiting the Banff Centre campus.
It is our priority at Banff Centre to keep our patrons and staff as comfortable and safe as possible. Thank you for your understanding and being respectful to our staff.
Enhanced Cleaning
Please be assured that we have implemented extended cleaning and disinfecting protocols across campus, using approved products. Please contact a member of staff if you have any concerns.
Gathering Limits
Note that there are currently no mandated limits in place, but that this could change at short notice.
Banff Centre will strictly adhere to any gathering limit regulations established by the Alberta Government for public spaces such as theatres, classrooms, learning spaces, and food services areas that are in place at the time of your visit.
International Visitors
The Government of Canada has advised that anyone entering Canada from international destinations must follow all requirements outlined by the Canadian Government and Canadian Border Officials for entry into the country. This may include providing proof you have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination, completing COVID-19 testing before, upon, and after arrival, and providing a quarantine plan as required.
It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they meet the requirements for entry of the destination they are travelling to.
More information for entering Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Covid Information for Program Participants and Applicants
Who Can Apply to Programs
International Applicants
International participants are welcome to apply to on-campus programs. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and ask that all those applying to programs investigate and monitor current regulations of the country from which you will be travelling. Please see individual program pages for further eligibility requirements.
Please note that if a quarantine period is required upon arrival to Canada, participants and faculty will not be able to quarantine at Banff Centre accommodation. If you get sick during your stay and are required to self-isolate, participants can do so in their existing accommodation. All quarantine and self-isolation costs will be at the expense of the participant.
The Government of Canada has advised that anyone entering Canada from international destinations must follow all requirements outlined by the Canadian Government and Canadian Border Officials for entry into the country. This may include providing proof you have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination, completing COVID-19 testing before, upon, and after arrival, and providing a quarantine plan as required. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they meet the requirements for entry of the destination they are travelling to.
More information for entering Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Out-of-Province Applicants
Those residing outside of Alberta can apply for in-person programs. Note that if inter-provincial quarantine is required, this will be at the expense of the participant.
Participant Accommodation
All program participants will be housed in single rooms with private en-suite facilities. Program participants from the same household who wish to share a room should contact their program registration coordinator for details.
All rooms are subject to a 48 hour resting period between guest stays, followed by extensive cleaning and sanitizing to ensure your safety
Sundry items will be available in your room upon arrival. To have items replenished contact the Front Desk. (Coffee station/soap/ pens/ postcards/ magazines).
Housekeeping service will be provided only on request, so that we minimize access for your privacy and safety. Please notify Front Desk if you require housekeeping services, or fresh linens. Note that you will be required to vacate your room during any requested cleaning or linen service, to minimize contact between housekeeping staff and guests.
Pre-Arrival & Hotel Check-in Information
Arrivals and check-in are currently located at the Professional Development Centre (PDC).
Guest registration packages, lanyards, and artist/faculty identification/meal plan cards (if applicable): should your program have printed registration materials these items will be available at the Professional Development Centre (PDC) Front Desk for pick-up.
Our Front Desk agents will be available by email or telephone to answer questions and provide assistance prior to your visit. Contact information will be available in your pre-arrival kit.
Food Service
Participant and faculty meals range from a la carte, staff served, or take-away meals from our food serving locations. Stringent protocols are in place to ensure guest safety.
For guests wishing to dine in their rooms or studio/classroom, take-out service will be available. Additional detail of catering services will be provided prior to the start of your program.
If Banff Centre Cancels the Program Due to COVID-19 Regulations
In the event that Banff Centre cancels the program due to COVID-19, all fees paid including application/registration fee will be refunded to participants that have been accepted into a program. If a cancellation occurs during the application or decision phase of a program, application fees will also be refunded to all applicants.
Banff Centre is not responsible for any additional or travel costs incurred. We recommend that you book a flight with “change” privileges as private travel insurance will only cover cancellations due to government restrictions, and no other COVID-19 related reasons that a program may be cancelled or pivot online.
This Cancellation Policy is in effect until September 30, 2022 for on campus programming.
If You Can't Attend Your Program Because of Local/Provincial or International Travel Restrictions
If you have a local/provincial travel restriction that prevents attendance in the program, Banff Centre will refund all program fees paid (with the exception of the application/registration fee) on receipt of proof of the restriction.
Banff Centre is not responsible for any additional or travel costs incurred. We recommend that you book a flight with “change” privileges as private travel insurance will only cover cancellations in this instance, and no other COVID-19 related reasons that a program may be cancelled or pivot online.
This Cancellation Policy is in effect until September 30, 2022 for on campus programming.
Rapid Testing
Banff Centre is no longer providing rapid testing or test kits on campus. We recommend all participants and faculty acquire a rapid test kit before you travel so you may test yourself if you develop COVID-19 like symptoms or are a close contact with someone who develops COVID-19 during your program. Although rapid test kits are generally available in the town of Banff, availability can be inconsistent and there is no guarantee they will be available on your arrival to Banff.
What Happens if I Test Positive for COVID-19 During my Program?
Those who test positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are required to stay in their residence following the self-isolation instructions as provided by Alberta Health Link (by dialing 811). Upon a positive test result, Banff Centre requires you isolate for 5 days or until symptoms completely resolve, whichever is longer. The 5 day period begins the day the symptoms arose or the day of your first positive test result if no symptoms were present. If the self-isolation period extends beyond the end date of your program you may continue to self-isolate in your Banff Centre guest room until you are able to travel. Individuals will be responsible for their own food and accommodation charges for the duration of their stay, on the same fee basis as their program acceptance. Banff Centre will work with you to meet dietary needs. If you drove to Banff Centre, and are well-enough to travel, you may return home to self-isolate. Banff Centre will refund any paid fees on a pro-rated basis, based on your date of departure.
What Happens if I Have COVID-19 Like Symptoms While in Residence?
Anyone experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms must self-isolate in your residence, contact Alberta Health Link (by dialing 811) for further instructions, and not return to the program until you are free from symptoms. Banff Centre will refund any paid tuition fees on a pro-rated basis, based on your last day of attendance. Individuals will be responsible for their own food and accommodation charges for the duration of their stay, on the same fee basis as their program acceptance. Banff Centre will work with you to meet dietary needs.
If you are Prevented from Travelling/Attending due to a COVID-19 Diagnosis or a Quarantine Order
If you are prevented from travelling/attending due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or a quarantine order, Banff Centre will refund all program fees paid (with the exception of the application/registration fee) on receipt of proof of the diagnosis/mandatory quarantine.
This cancellation policy is in effect until September 30, 2022 for on campus programming. Banff Centre is not responsible for any additional or travel costs incurred.
If You Choose to Cancel After Confirming Attendance
If you choose to cancel after confirming attendance then the following policy will apply:
If more than 14 days prior to the program, all program fees paid (less the application/registration fee) will be refunded.
If less than 14 days prior to the program, all program fees paid (less a $250 + GST cancellation fee and application/registration fee) will be refunded.
This cancellation policy is in effect until September 30, 2022 for on campus programming. Banff Centre is not responsible for any additional or travel costs incurred. We recommend that you ensure you have private insurance to cover these.
Travel Costs
Banff Centre is not responsible for any additional or travel costs incurred if a program is cancelled, postponed, or transferred to an online format. We strongly recommend that you book a flight with “change” privileges rather than, or in addition to, obtaining private travel insurance as insurance reimbursements are only applicable in the event of cancellation due to government restrictions.
What’s Happening at Banff Centre
Arts and Leadership Programs
Banff Centre continues to connect and serve artists, Indigenous and cultural leaders, and audiences around the world through a collection of specially curated on-campus and online programs.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and ask that all those applying to programs investigate and monitor current regulations for your individual circumstance.
For more information on Arts and Leadership Programs sign-up for our newsletter.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival and World Tour
Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 Festival in Banff! Oct. 29 - Nov. 6, 2022.
In the meantime, catch the Festival World Tour online or in-person in a town near you.
You can also view our collection of much-loved Festival and World Tour films from the past decade with our Encore: Classic Series.
Walter Phillips Gallery
The Shape of an Echo: Selections from the Permanent Collection
May 6 – December 4, 2022
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday
12:30 – 5 P.M.
To stay up-to-date on Walter Phillips Gallery exhibitions sign-up for our newsletter.
Conferences and Meetings
Banff Centre is pleased to begin gradually reopening for meetings, conferences, training, and events. As the meeting landscape continues to change, we are developing new procedures and safety protocols based on the guidelines from Alberta Health. From evolving meeting room layouts, new elevated dining options, and innovative programming for hybrid meetings, we are committed to providing a stellar experience to the meeting planners and conference delegates.
