Location: Banff, Alberta

Located in the centre of Banff National Park of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is renowned for its scenic beauty. Throughout February, winter activities such as skiing, snow shoeing and ice climbing are at their peak. For the faint at heart, Banff also offers majestic sightseeing, relaxing natural hot springs, and unique shops and restaurants.

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Things to Do in Banff

The following website provides information on the sights and activities available in Banff.
Official Banff and Lake Louise Tourism Bureau

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Conference Hotel: The Banff Centre

• The AQ2006 Workshop will be held at the Banff Centre.
• View the Banff Centre home page.
• View Banff Centre photos.

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Getting There

The closest international airport to the town of Banff is the Calgary International Airport.
By flying into Calgary, one can then drive or ride the shuttle bus to Banff. The approximate distance from Calgary to Banff is 145 km (90 miles). Allow 1.5 - 2 hours of driving time.

Driving to Banff:

• Depart airport via Barlow Trail (head towards Calgary City Centre).
• Take the 16th Avenue West exit and turn right onto 16th Avenue West.
• Follow 16th Avenue West through Calgary as it becomes the Trans-Canada Highway #1.
• Continue to head west on the Trans-Canada Highway # 1, traveling through the Banff National Parks Gates. (A fee will be charged for time spent in the National Parks).
• Take the first Banff exit.
• Follow the sign to Banff by taking a left turn at the base of the exit ramp. Following this road places you on Banff Avenue.

Banff Townsite to The Banff Centre:

• Continue on Banff Ave. until Wolf Street.
• At Wolf Street, turn left and continue on this road until the T-intersection.
• At this point, turn right onto St. Julien Road. St. Julien Road leads directly into The Banff Centre. Look for the Professional Development Centre for check-in.

Shuttle Bus to Banff:

There are a number of shuttle bus operators from the Calgary International Airport to Banff.

Bus Operators

• Airporter Shuttle Express*
• Banff Airporter*
• Banff Canmore Airport Express and Shuttle*
• Brewster*

* denotes companies with counters in Airport (on the arrivals level adjacent to international arrivals)

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Weather/Climate

The Canadian Rockies experience a wide range of weather. From November to March, winter conditions often involve cold weather, snow and icy conditions. Also, the mountains can have variable weather that changes quickly. Warm clothes are a must, please come prepared.

Climate Averages for the Month of February:

• Daily Average Temperature (°C) -6
• Daily Maximum Temperature (°C) -0.4
• Daily Minimum Temperature (°C) -11.6
• Extreme Wind Chill Temperature (°C, recorded 1989) -49.1
• Extreme Maximum Temperature (°C, recorded 1992) 14.7
• Extreme Minimum Temperature (°C, recorded 1890) -45
• Average Rainfall (mm) 1.7
• Average Snowfall (cm) 29.3
• Average Precipitation (mm) 21.9

Current conditions

Environment Canada Weather Office.

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