Program Information
Dates
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025
Program Dates: October 29 – November 18, 2025
Overview
Mountain Writers Intensive is a three-week residency for nine writers working on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with an environmental theme. Writers can work in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry), and will enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted writing time in a spectacular mountain setting, the communality of a small group of artistic peers and support from renowned faculty.
This program overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival where visiting authors, editors, and publishers will offer inspiration.
Description
In the niche genre of mountain literature, the journey of self-exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours is as much a focus as the physical accomplishments involved. This program will emphasize literary quality and the development of narrative. Writers will be encouraged to meet regularly with faculty and other writing participants to share work and projects for review.
During this program writers will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guests to:
- explore and learn the elements of a strong narrative.
- hear topics related to mountain and wilderness writing.
- receive feedback on unfinished work from faculty.
- share best practices and ideas with other participants.
Writers will have access to uninterrupted writing time and a personal studio space.
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.
Itinerary
This program offers writers dedicated time throughout their residency to work on their projects as well as access to the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
- October 28 – Arrival
- October 29 – Welcome and Orientation
- November 4, 5, 11, 14, 18 – Workshops
- November 5, 7, 8, 9 – Seminars (Guest Speakers)
- November 15 – Participant Reading (Public)
- November 19 – Departure
Schedule is subject to change.
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 Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.
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.
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Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs.
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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 one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Letter of Intent
A 500-word description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.
Project Proposal
Provide a 1000-word (maximum) description of your proposed project, including the theme. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.
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