What to expect at Banff Centre during Covid

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to use Banff Centre facilities, however full vaccination is highly recommended. 

It is now optional for guests,participants and staff at Banff Centre to wear a mask while visiting the Banff Centre campus, however, masking is highly recommended in indoor spaces. 

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.

Social distancing is no longer required but is highly encouraged when possible.

Hand hygiene including proper handwashing is an important foundational aspect of preventing virus transmission. Hand sanitizer stations are available in public spaces, classrooms, learning spaces, and food service areas.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.
 

Banff Centre is no longer providing rapid testing or test kits on campus and we strongly recommend all participants and faculty acquire rapid test kits to bring to campus before you travel.

We kindly request self-testing if you develop COVID-19 like symptoms or are a close contact with someone who develops COVID-19 during your program. 

Those who test positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are strongly recommended to self-isolate for 5 days or until symptoms completely resolve, whichever is longer to keep the Banff Centre community safe. 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 deliver meals to your guestroom during your self-isolation. 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. 

If an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 chooses to attend their program, they are asked to mask for a 5 day period, or until symptoms resolve (as outlined above), and socially distance 2 meters from other individuals. Banff Centre also requests that these individuals take their meals in their guest room and do not dine in the dining facilities during this period. 

Anyone experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, but has not tested positive for COVID-19, is strongly recommended to self-isolate in your  residence, 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 deliver meals to your guestroom during your self-isolation.

If an individual who is experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms chooses to attend their program, they are asked to mask for a 5 day period, or until symptoms resolve (as outlined above), and socially distance 2 meters from other individuals. Banff Centre also requests that these individuals take their meals in their guest room and do not dine in the dining facilities during this period. 
 

Close contacts are not required to self-isolate but should carefully monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.

Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 must not come into work on campus for a period of 5 (or 10 days based on vaccination status), or until all symptoms resolve. Note, this may lead to program interruptions if key staff members become ill. 

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 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.

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.  

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.

Apply for Programs

In-person and online events are back at Banff Centre!

For more information on upcoming events visit our Events page or sign-up for our newsletter.

The Banff International String Quartet Competition will bring world-class chamber music and international artists to the Canadian Rockies August 25 - 31, 2025.

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Recordings from the 2022 BISQC are available to view! 

Watch Now

Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 Festival! Oct. 29 - Nov. 6, 2022.

2022 Festival Tickets and Passes are now on sale! Join us live in Banff.

Buy Festival Tickets

You can also enjoy a wide selection of epic adventures from your living room anywhere in Canada and the USA! 

Buy Online Film Pass

Dining options are available at Banff Centre. Visit our award-winning restaurants with breathtaking views.

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Enjoy our indoor climbing gym, fitness centre, and aquatic centre.

Appropriate fitness apparel and footwear are required.

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Nestled on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain and just five minutes from downtown, Banff Centre Hotel features newly renovated rooms and breathtaking vistas. 

Note that at this time the Banff Centre Hotel is only accepting reservations for group bookings, and contracted reservations for Conference and Programs guests. 
Please refer to this page or contact our Reservations Team for updates on when we are expecting to start accepting reservations for individual bookings.

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The Shape of an Echo: Selections from the Permanent Collection

May 6 – December 4, 2022

View Exhibition Details

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.

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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.

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