Destination
Welcome to Banff, Canada
As the first national park established in Canada and a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff National Park features vast, unspoiled wilderness. Though it is stunningly beautiful, Banff isn’t a place just to see. It is a place to be explored. The dramatic setting of the Canadian Rockies presents an enticing list of year-round activities from skiing/snowboarding, dogsledding, sleigh rides and snowshoeing in the winter to golf, fly-fishing, canoeing, hiking, and whitewater rafting in the summer.
The town of Banff is nestled high in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park. Originally “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Banff townsite has attracted visitors from around the world since its very inception. Flanked on all sides by towering mountains, the townsite is alive with adventure and opportunities to experience wonder. The vibrant streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a number of incredible art galleries and museums. The Banff townsite is small, easy to get around by walking or cycling.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we honour and acknowledge that the townsite of Banff is located on traditional Treaty 7 territory. These sacred lands are a gathering place for the Niitsitapi from the Blackfoot Confederacy, of whom the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations are part; the Îyârhe Nakoda of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to enrich our vibrant community.
For more information on Banff, please visit: https://banff.ca/89/Visiting and https://www.banfflakelouise.com/.
Meeting Venue
The BCI Meeting will take place at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Banff Centre is truly one of Canada’s most unconventional venues for meetings. Hosting over 20,000 conference delegates from around the world every year, the Centre combines professional meeting facilities and breathtaking mountain vistas to create unforgettable experiences for attendees.
Conferences at Banff Centre provide delegates from all around the world with exceptional meeting facilities in an environment that fosters inspirational learning.
For more information on Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, please visit: https://www.banffcentre.ca/conferences.
Accommodation
Additional information, including booking links, will be available in the coming months.
Please see the accommodation page for more information.
Travel Information
By Air
Almost every major airline flies directly into the Calgary International Airport, which is a short 90-minute (130 kilometres) drive to Banff National Park. Catch a convenient shuttle bus connection right from the airport to Banff and Lake Louise. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport or in the city of Calgary.
By Train
For those looking to experience the picturesque journey via rail, Rocky Mountaineer offers regularly scheduled train services from April to October that stop at Banff. See Rocky Mountaineer’s website for more details.
By Car/RV
Banff National Park is located along TransCanada Highway 1. Open year-round, the TransCanada is a well-maintained road that winds its way through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
If you are coming from the east, Banff is a 90-minute (130 kilometres) drive west of Calgary, Alberta. From the west, Banff and Lake Louise make for a beautiful day’s drive (850 kilometres) from Vancouver. This incredibly scenic drive weaves through the Coast Mountains and wine country of British Columbia before arriving in the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
Whenever possible, we suggest carpooling or taking shared transportation. Not only is this healthier for the environment and reduces traffic congestion in the park, but it makes for a more relaxing trip when all you must do is sit back and soak up the scenery.
By Shuttle/Transfer
Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff and Lake Louise
- Choose from multiple service options to Banff and Lake Louise with ABest Transport and Tour Services, Banff Airporter, Banff Sedan, Brewster Express, Discover Banff Tours, Mountain Park Transportation and Banff Chauffeur. Prices vary and booking is required.
Downtown Calgary to Banff
- Travel with On-It Regional Transit (seasonal) from downtown Calgary to Banff. This service operates on Fridays through Sundays and statutory holidays from June until the end of September, with several departure times available.
- Departing twice daily on Tuesday through Sunday, the Banff Express travels from Eau Claire Market, HI Calgary City Centre Hostel or Foothills Hospital to Canmore or Banff. Prices vary and booking is required.
Banff Airporter
Banff Airporter is the office airport shuttle provider to Banff Centre. Receive a 15% discount on their daily shuttle service between the Calgary Airport and Banff.
Click Banff Airporter and then Book Now. Proceed through the reservation and type – BCI2025 – in the “Promo Code” section on the final payment page to receive the discount.
This special rate is valid for travel dates between May 30 – June 8, 2025 if reservation is made at least 1 week prior to the event start.
Passports & Visas
Information on nationalities requiring a visa may be obtained from the Government of Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html?outside). The BCI Secretariat and Podium Conference Specialists will provide assistance in obtaining visas in the form of support letters once registration is confirmed and fully paid for.