Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal Records
What if I have a criminal record? Can I still cross the border to Canada?
To anyone planning to attend the Banff Conference with a criminal record: It can take many months to get clearance to pass through Canada Border Services. Click here for information on your options for getting over the border.
For more information please email Tom R at roman4302@gmail.com
Financial Assistance
I would like to attend but don’t have the financial means. Can you help?
Funds are available to cover registration fees for those who cannot afford it, as approved on an individual basis. If you would like to apply for financial assistance to attend or have questions about about applying, please contact Ken S.
Currency
Do I pay in USD or CAD?
We have offered registration links for both USD and CAD.
For our ILAA Members in the United States of America:
While you are in Banff, you will see prices in CAD. Many businesses will accept USD at par. However, if you want to save money, it might be worth your while to bring Canadian currency with you. Currently, $1 USD will get you $1.44 CAD. This may be another inducement to attend the ILAA Banff conference in October.
We will strive to keep you updated on the conversion basis and update the conversion rate for your convenience.
Spouse or partner
What if my partner wants to attend?
We would love to see them! Please check out our Partner Packages.
Packing
What should I pack?
Weather changes often. Expect warm sunshine, or cool rain, or possibly snow. Chinook winds can bring warm, humid air. In fall, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C while nights may drop below freezing. Consider Packing: a jacket or coat, sweater or fleece pullover, and flat-soled shoes or running shoes (hiking).
Wildlife
Will I see wildlife in Banff?
Banff’s wildlife includes deer, elk, coyotes, goats, bears, and mountain lions.
Carry bear spray when hiking in areas with black and grizzly bears; it’s available at outdoor shops in Banff.
Do not feed or approach wildlife, feeding grizzly bears is not advisable.
Keep headphones off while hiking.
About Banff
Banff, a town and National Park (established in 1885), primarily thrives on tourism. Named after Banffshire in Scotland—the birthplace of the Canadian Pacific Railroad’s president—the park was renamed Banff in 1930.
Brochures and Publications about Banff
Download Visitor Guide in PDF format
Getting there
Fly Into Calgary
Calgary is the closest city to Banff.
Canadian immigration procedures will be conducted at the airport. Clearance by the Canada Border Security Agency must be completed at the airport. For further details, please refer to the immigration section on the website. Ensure you have your passport; a visa is not required.
Drive to Banff by Vehicle or Bus
Driving to Banff from Calgary takes about 1.5 hours on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It is approximately 150 kilometers or 93 miles, with scenic mountain views. Follow exit signs into Banff.
➡︎ By car: Calgary airport offers all major car rental services.
➡︎ Other Transportation note: travel time may increase on transportation other than a car – Easy Ways to Get from Calgary to Banff without a Car:
AM PM Limousines: Travel in style with a luxury car or party bus to Banff with AM PM Limousines. Rates vary depending on the number of passengers and the vehicle you select from their fleet of world-class vehicles.
Airport Shuttle Express: Take the Airport Shuttle Express with daily service from YYC Calgary International Airport to any hotel or residence in Banff or charter a private van, sedan, or minibus and make your own schedule. Tours of Banff & Lake Louise are also available.
Brewster Express: Brewster Express provides direct shuttle services from Downtown Calgary or the YYC Calgary International Airport to Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Kananaskis, and Jasper. You can save 15% when you book a round trip.
Banff Airporter: The Banff Airporter offers a flexible schedule of service between Calgary and Banff, departing from Calgary International Airport.
On-It Transit: On-It Transit Buses run a direct route from downtown Calgary to Banff and fare starts at $10 each way, so you can create a schedule that suits your individual plans. The shuttle runs during weekends and holidays from May to September. Tickets go on sale three weeks in advance of your departure and it is recommended to book your trip early.
Vivo Green: Vivo Green has multiple shuttles leaving daily from the YYC Calgary International Airport and Crowfoot LRT Station. Local tip – you only pay $12.99 if you depart at 6:00 am or 7:00 am during the summer season.
Carpooling: Sharing a ride with friends and family from Calgary to Banff is a great way to save money. You can also check Carpool World to find other travellers and locals looking to carpool from Calgary to Banff. Stay safe when using online car pool services like Carpool World.
National (Canada) Park Entry Fee Passes Needed for Vehicles
A park pass is required to stop in Banff National Park and must be printed and displayed on the dash of your vehicle. You can buy day passes at the entry gate, the information center in Banff (224 Banff Avenue), or online. https://www.banfflakelouise.com/park-pass-purchase
Fees are based on the number of adults travelling (17 and under are free). Daily passes per adult are $11.00, group passes up to 7 people in a vehicle are $22.00 with senior rates reduced at $9.50. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees
No fee is needed if you arrive by bus, bike, or on foot (walking distance from Calgary airport is 31 hours).
Finding Your Way Around Banff
Driving is not necessary when you explore within Banff; you can leave your car at the hotel unless you decide to visit the Gondola lift or the Mineral hot springs. Even then, public transportation is very good, even to great spots surrounding Banff.
Download Town of Banff map in pdf format
Download Public Transit map in pdf format
Local Attractions
Dining in Banff
There are way too many fabulous restaurants in Banff to list them all but whatever you’re craving you will find it. Banff has many excellent causal and fine dining restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Asian, Italian, Salmon, trout, Mediterranean, hamburgers, pizza, Indian, and Alberta’s infamous beef steaks. There’s also an array of sweets available at restaurants or by exploring downtown Banff’s chocolate and candy outlets.
Below are some links to help you explore:
TripAdvisor Restaurants in Banff
The 10 Best Restaurants in Banff
Best Casual Restaurants in Banff
And should anyone have a craving for rattlesnake, caribou, buffalo, wild boar, venison, elk, ostrich, alligator or frog legs those are also available at the Grizzly House.
p.s. Most stores and restaurants in Banff will take USD, but conversion rates may vary
What Is There to Do in Banff?
There are numerous sightseeing tours and activities available within Banff and its surrounding areas that should not be missed if time permits. For instance, in Banff, you can enjoy both a scenic view and an excellent meal amidst the mountains by taking the gondola ride or just soak in the mineral hot springs. Just google top things to do in Banff. We are looking into group rates for close by excursions.
36 Hours in Banff – Things to Do and See – The New York Times
FURTHER QUESTIONS
If your questions have not been answered by this FAQ sheet and links provided, feel free to contact Kathy P. with subject line ILAA conference.
Important note: the links provided in this FAQ are provided for your information and we are not endorsing or promoting one site over any other site.