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Program Information
Photo by Rita Taylor
Overview
The Mountain Writers Intensive is a three-week residency for twelve writers in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry. Ideal for projects on mountain narratives, adventure, environmental journalism, and the human connection to landscape, the program emphasizes literary excellence and narrative development. Writers enjoy dedicated time to create, connect with peers, and receive mentorship in Banff’s inspiring mountain setting. The residency overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, offering opportunities to engage with visiting authors, editors, and publishers. Lodging and meals are included, allowing participants to fully focus on their craft and creative growth.
Description
In the niche genre of mountain literature, the journey of self-exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours are as integral as the physical accomplishments themselves. This program emphasizes literary quality and narrative development. Writers are encouraged to meet regularly with faculty and fellow participants to share work and exchange ideas.
During this program writers will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guests to:
- explore the elements of a compelling narrative.
- discuss themes in mountain and wilderness writing.
- receive feedback on works-in-progress from faculty.
- share strategies and best practices with peers.
Participants will also benefit from:
- uninterrupted writing time in an inspiring mountain environment.
- access to a personal studio space for focused creative work.
- on-campus lodging and meals to support a fully immersive experience.
Requirements
The program is designed to cater to emerging and established writers in all genres— fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, history, biography, and memoir—working on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with an environmental theme.
Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The program suits those focused on:
- working on a specific project.
- creating new works.
This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Mountain Writers Intensive 2026 is generously supported by:
Carlyle Norman Writing Scholarships.
Itinerary
This program offers writers dedicated time to focus on their projects, alongside access to the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival for added inspiration and connection.
What to expect:
Day 1–2
- Arrival, welcome, and orientation to meet your cohort and settle into campus life.
Weeks 1–3
- Self-directed writing time in your personal studio
- Workshops with faculty to share work and receive feedback
- Seminars with guest speakers during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
- Optional public participant reading event to share your work-in-progress.
Day 22
- Departure day
The schedule balances independent creative work with enriching group sessions and Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival opportunities. Workshops and seminars are designed to spark ideas, refine narratives, and connect you with peers and industry professionals.
Schedule is subject to change.
Faculty
Helen Mort
Helen Mort writes poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Her collections Division Street, No Map Could Show Them and The Illustrated Woman are published by Chatto & Windus. Her memoir A Line Above The Sky won the Banff Mountain Book Competition Grand Prize and jointly won the Boardman-Tasker Award. She’s a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and teaches at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Faculty
Harley Rustad
Harley Rustad is an award-winning and bestselling author, journalist, and magazine editor. He is the author of Lost in the Valley of Death: A Story of Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas and Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last Great Trees. His writing has appeared in publications including Outside, Geographical, the Globe and Mail, and the Guardian. He is a senior editor at The Walrus magazine, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and the founder of the Port Renfrew Writers Retreat. He is originally from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness centre.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
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Participants have free access to the book-related festival events, which include readings, lectures, panel discussions, and book launches. Celebrating the world’s best mountain, environmental, and adventure stories, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival offers inspiration and a chance to network with other writers, editors, publishers, and festival guests.
Plus, enjoy special artist rates for other ticketed performances or complimentary access to events happening on campus during the program.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.
To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by view a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancelation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program, and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Project Proposal
Provide a two-page description of your proposed project, including the theme, and relevance to the program.
Portfolio
Provide an excerpt of your work in progress (10 pages maximum) and up to two samples of relevant recent artistic work (15 pages maximum). 25 pages total.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
- Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180