Visiting the Banff Centre Campus during COVID-19

We are currently welcoming guests to Maclab and the Walter Phillips Gallery (reopened as of September 10), and are hoping to re-open Vistas Restaurant in phases in the new year.  We have also started hosting public events and performances in our theatres. The Paul D. Fleck Library & Archives remains closed at this time. Please check back to this website for up to date information.

Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation is now open as of September 22, including the fitness center, running track, and climbing gym. Visit the Sally Borden page for full details on hours of operation, closures, and policies.

Banff Centre is participating in Government of Alberta Proof of Vaccination Program. To access all Banff Centre programs or access public facilities and events on campus including: MacLab Bistro, Walter Phillips Gallery, Sally Borden Recreation Facilities, guest accommodations, and all free or ticketed events patrons must provide proof of full vaccination. See Vaccination Requirements for COVID-19 section for details.

Masks are mandated in all indoor public spaces and workplaces across the Centre. This is in line with the current provincial guidelines.

Accommodation will be made for those who are legitimately exempted from wearing a mask and original documentation is required . 

Although social distancing is no longer mandated by the Province of Alberta, we require that visitors to campus continue to social distance wherever possible.

Hand hygiene including proper handwashing is an important foundational aspect of preventing virus transmission. Hand sanitizer stations will be 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.

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. Learning spaces have been thoughtfully considered for all in-person activity to ensure there is adequate space to safely accommodate participants, faculty, and staff. Note that there are currently no mandated limits in place in learning spaces, but that this could change at short notice.

Maclab Bistro is currently open and welcoming guests for dine-in or take away.
Participant and faculty meals are currently being served in a temporary location in the Kinnear Centre and Vistas restaurant will re-open to provide on-campus food services later in the fall. Food service options may 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.

Proof of vaccination is required for dine-in services. See Vaccination Requirements for COVID-19 section for details.

Masks are required when guests are not seated at their table.  

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 other guests should contact Guest Services to arrange their stay.

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.

Effective December 20, 2021 

All participants, faculty, contractors, and all patrons born in 2009 or earlier must provide in order to check-in and access services: 

• Proof of full vaccination (a paper or digital vaccine record that shows name, vaccine type, and date of administration) by a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine. Full immunization occurs 14 days after the second dose is received. Or,
• An original medical exemption letter presented with documentation of a privately obtained negative PCR or rapid test COVID-19 result taken within 72 hours of arrival/accessing services. Self-administered tests are not accepted.
• Program participants and faculty with a legitimate medical exemption letter will be enrolled in the Rapid Testing Program (see details below).
• Negative PCR or rapid tests are no longer accepted in lieu of full vaccination outside of medical exemptions.All individuals 18 years or older must also produce valid personal identification, indicating the name of the holder and date of birth.
• Banff Centre requires all staff working on campus to comply with the same vaccination protocols as participants, faculty, contractors and patrons as outlined above.

Rapid Testing Program

• Free rapid testing will be available on campus for individuals with a medical exemption for vaccination until March 31, 2022. Only registered participants, faculty and staff are eligible for this program. 
• The program is mandatory for individuals with an approved medical exemption, and requires testing twice per week (at approx.. 72 hour intervals).  
• Banff Centre rapid tests do not include documentation and are not eligible to be used for travel purposes. 
• Note: PCR tests and rapid tests for travel purposes and the Restrictions Exemption Program are now available at a cost through private businesses in Banff and at the Calgary International Airport. If you intend to be tested at the airport prior to your departure, do ensure you have ample time between your airport shuttle bus arrival time and flight departure, as several hours may be required to receive your test results. 

International participants are welcome to apply to on-campus programs that start after January 1, 2022. 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 will not be able 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.