A fresh atmosphere to
heighten the experience
The town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise are located in Banff
National Park, a region of such outstanding natural beauty it’s designated
a World Heritage Site. With towering mountains, ancient glaciers, meadows
of wild flowers, magnificent waterfalls, emerald lakes and expansive forests,
the park is home to moose, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, cougars, wolves,
grizzly bears and many other animals.
Canmore's wonderful secret, the
Georgetown Inn
provides outstanding mountain accommodation
just minutes from Banff National Park.
See for yourself
Perched 1384 metres (4539 feet) above sea level, the beautiful town of Banff runs along
the banks of the Bow River and climbs up the lower reaches of the surrounding mountains.
It feels remote, its architecture is delightfully alpine and the character of its
residents - locals and visitor alike - is decidedly cosmopolitan.
A little further to the west - about 40 minutes beyond Banff - and sitting at 1520
metres (5000 feet) is the village of Lake Louise. This lovely, secluded community is at
the gates to the world’s most famous picture-postcard setting: the turquoise waters
of Lake Louise framed by its blue mountains and white glaciers.
Comprehensive meeting facilities for 6
to 1600 delegates
Banff and Lake Louise offer convention planners a choice of eleven hotel conference
centres, ranging from exclusive retreats for senior corporate executives to comfortable
facilities for more modest groups. Organizers can expect state-of-the-art technologies,
experienced support staff and a wonderful selection of on and off-site activities for
delegates, companions and children.
Local meeting and incentive travel coordinators, destination management companies and
special event firms offer distant planners proven local market expertise, advice and
services from consulting through to turnkey programming.
World-class air and ground
transportation connections
In a recent survey of 43 airports around the world, the Calgary International Airport
was ranked eighth-best in the world. Air lift to Calgary features non-stop and direct
connections to major US, overseas and Canadian cities. Scheduled carriers include Air
Canada, American, America West, Canadian Airlines International, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch,
Northwest and United Airlines.
Ground connections to Banff and Lake Louise include motorcoaches, limousines and rental
cars. Highway #1, an all-season, four-lane freeway from Calgary to Banff, provides a
scenic 90-minute excursion through the foothills and majestic peaks of the Rocky
Mountains.
In season, the Rocky Mountaineer train treats passengers to a two-day spectacular tour
of the mountains from Vancouver, B.C. to Banff and Calgary.
78 billion square feet of recreational
facilities
 The National Park surrounding Banff
and Lake Louise makes it possible for the convention hotels to offer groups an exceptional
variety of entertaining things to see and do.
Winter activities range from dog sledding, tobogganing and sleigh rides to cross-country, downhill and
helicopter skiing. Ice fishing, snowmobiling and sightseeing tours can also be arranged
Summer activities include golfing, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, fishing, boat cruising, river rafting,
sightseeing, Icefield tours and exploring.
Year round attractions include mountain gondola rides, hot springs and spas, helicopter
sightseeing, bowling, museums and cultural events.
Helpful information for Banff and Lake Louise visitors
Emergency Numbers (Area code 403)
Ambulance in Banff 762-2000
Ambulance in Lake Louise 522-2000
Fire in Banff 762-2000
Fire in Lake Louise 522-2000
Hospital/Banff 762-2222
Police/RCMP in Banff 762-2226
Police/RCMP in Lake Louise 522-3811
Warden’s office/Emergency 762-2222
Crisis Line 1-800-332-1287
Poison Centre 1-800-332-1414
Customs and Immigration
Customs/Border Services
Calgary International Airport
P.O. Box 167, 200 Airport Road NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6W5
TEL (403) 292-8788
FAX (403) 292-8767
Entry Regulations for Visitors.
Citizens or permanent residents of the United States may enter Canada without passports
or visas. For proof of citizenship, a naturalization certificate, birth certificate or
passport should be carried along with proof of permanent US residence, such as a
voter’s registration card.
Visitors from countries other than the United States, must have a valid passport and
may require other documentation, such as visas or alien cards. Check with the nearest
Canadian Consulate well before you travel.
Customs and Duty Free
Visitors, 18 years of age or older, may import, duty free, up to 40 ounces (1.1 litres)
of liquor or 24 12-oz cans of beer or ale into Canada.
Up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 400 grams of manufactured tobacco may also be
brought in duty free.
Time Zone
Banff and Lake Louise are in the Mountain Time Zone. Daylight Savings Time is in effect
from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.
What to Wear
Casual dress is the norm in Banff and Lake Louise. In summer, bring a raincoat, warm
sweater, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses. In spring, summer and fall, a light
coat or warm jacket may be required - particularly at higher altitudes. In winter, a heavy
coat, winter boots, hat, gloves or mitts and warm clothing are essential.
Remember, Canada is Metric
Everything in Canada is measured in metric units, though you will often find stores
using pounds and ounces.
Metric can be a little confusing at first - particularly if you are driving, because
speed limits and mileage are in kilometres. Know that 90 km/hr is the same as 55 mph.
In regard to temperatures, 20 degrees Celsius is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit; 30 C is
80 F, 10 C is 50 F and 0 C is 32 F.
Gas is sold by the litre and there are 3.8 litres in a US gallon.
Taxes
Alberta has no provincial sales tax; however, there is a 5 percent tax on
accommodation.
Canada also has a 7 percent Goods and Services Tax - referred to as the
GST. Visitors can apply for certain GST rebates. For details, pick up
a copy of the "GST Rebate for Visitors" booklet in many stores, hotels and travel related facilities.
If your group is comprised of at least 75 percent non-resident delegates, significant
GST rebates are available to non-resident convention, meeting, trade show and incentive
planners. To receive your "GST Information for Non Resident Meeting Planners and
Convention Organizers" booklet and application forms, please write to:
- Summerside Tax Centre
- Domestic Rebates Program
- 275 Pope Road
- Summerside, Prince Edward Island,
- C1N 6C6 Canada
- In Canada, telephone: 1-800-565-9353
- Outside Canada, telephone: 1-902-432-5604
National Park Regulations
Please help protect the natural beauty of Canada’s parks by respecting the
following regulations.
It is against the law to collect natural objects including flowers, plants, rocks,
antlers and artifacts. It is illegal to entice or feed wildlife (it can also be dangerous
to do so). Fisherman must have a national parks fishing license. Hunting is prohibited.
Park Entry Fees (Click for more
details)
A group day pass for up to ten people in a vehicle is $10 a day. Group annual passes
are $70. Group commercial rates can be arranged in advance through Parks Canada. Details
can be obtained by writing: The Superintendent, Banff National Park, P.O. Box 900, Banff,
Alberta, Canada T0L 0C0 or by calling (403) 762-1500.
Currency Exchange
Visitors can exchange their currency at Canadian banks, trust companies, credit unions
or foreign exchange brokers. Some hotels, merchants and restaurants accept US currency -
but the exchange rate may be lower than that posted by financial institutions.
Internationally connected automated banking machines are available and most businesses
accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
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