FAQs

The Gathering Festival is hosted at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada from October 6–8, 2027.

For those flying in, the closest major airport is YYC Calgary International Airport. From there, it's a scenic 90-minute drive to Banff.

By Shuttle/Transfer:
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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, Alpine Limousine & Tours, 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 to October, with several departure times available. Booking Required.

Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle at YYC International Airport, or opt for an Uber or other car service.

By Car/SUV:
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Banff National Park is located along the TransCanada Highway. 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 or 87 miles) drive west of Calgary, Alberta. From the west, Banff and Lake Louise make for a beautiful day’s drive (850 kilometres or 530 miles) 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 taking shuttles or 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 have to do is sit back and soak up the scenery.

By Train:

For those looking to experience the picturesque journey via rail, Rocky Mountaineer offers regularly scheduled train services from April to October that start or finish in Banff. See Rocky Mountaineer’s website for more details.

Once in Banff, you can easily get around using shuttle services or the Roam public bus system. There are no Ubers located in Banff, so if you need return to YYC travel accommodations, we suggest coordinating it ahead of time.

Public Transit:

Roam Public Transit provide multiple bus routes throughout the Banff and Lake Louise area to popular locations including Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and more.

Roam Transit's core routes operate year round and additional seasonal routes are added in the summer months to accommodate popular summer locations.Visit the Roam Public Transit website for a full list of services, fares, route schedules and operating months.
Learn more →

‍Roam Transit

‍Your Gathering Festival badge is your ticket to ride — free Roam bus travel on Banff Local services – Routes 1, 2 & 7. Just show your badge to the driver and hop on.

Shuttles:

Shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
‍Fairview Limousine, Moraine Lake Bus Company and Mountain Park Transportation operate shuttles multiple times daily from June to October with various pick-up points available in Lake Louise. Or double the adventure with the Lake Louise Summer Gondola's gondola and shuttle package.
Learn more →

Free Mt. Norquay Shuttle
Running daily from June to October with multiple pickup points in Banff town and regular departures, the free shuttle makes accessing the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift and the Via Ferrata a breeze! You can also use the shuttle to access popular hiking trails in the area like Stoney Lookout and Cascade Amphitheatre.
Learn more →

The Banff Airporter runs daily shuttles straight from Calgary International to Banff — about 2 hours, no mountain driving required.A few things to know before you book:
Buses have reclining seats, big windows, and outlets to charge up before arrival
Book directly at banffairporter.com — real-time shuttle tracking is sent to your phone
Use code GATHERING to save 25%

Parking:

Parking in Banff National Park is limited at many popular locations. We recommend parking for the day at a designated long-term parking lot and using transit and shuttles to get around.

Parking in Banff
The Town of Banff is only 4-square-kilometres in area, making walking and cycling the best way to get around. Parking is limited in the downtown core, park in the Train Station Public Parking Lot for up to 9 hours. It’s free and less than a 10-minute walk to downtown Banff. Additionally Roam Public Transit serves the entire town and connects with all major attractions in Banff National Park, with stops near major parking areas.

Find a Banff parking map (including RVs) and current capacity of Banff parking lots on the Town of Banff’s parking page.

Paid parking is in effect in downtown Banff, and is best for short-term parking. Visit the Town of Banff website for further details.

Parking in Lake Louise
Visit Parks Canada for information on parking in the Lake Louise area and alternative transit options. Ensure you plan ahead with plenty of options to explore and experience Banff National Park for the day, or arrange a longer stay in the area, to give you more flexibility.

Parking in the Lake Louise area is extremely limited and lots fill up early in the morning in the summer months. Park at the Parks Canada Park & Ride and use Parks Canada shuttles to access Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Shuttles must be booked in advance. Paid parking is in in effect at the Lake Louise Lakeshore from May to October. Visit the Parks Canada website for further details.

Real Time Parking Information
Visit Parks Canada's Banff Now page to check the current parking capacity of many destinations within Banff National Park and use Banff Parking to check current parking capacity in Banff town.

Walking / Biking:

There's no better way to explore the true natural beauty of Banff and Lake Louise than by getting out of your car and taking to the world class trails and biking routes of the region.

Hiking & Walking
Banff National Park is vast, with many hikes and walks to explore, but you don’t need to go far to discover the beauty the park has to offer. There's an abundance of easy, scenic walks and hikes accessible right from the Banff town or Lake Louise Village. Leave your car at your hotel or park for the day and enjoy your Banff and Lake Louise adventure on foot.

In the town of Banff, take a scenic walk on the Fenland Loop or Marsh Loop and if you're looking for something longer the Spray River trail is the perfect half day hike. Accessible from Lake Louise Village, choose from the Bow River Loop or Louise Creek for an easy walk with breathtaking views around every corner.

Biking
Ditch the car and enjoy the freedom of exploring on two wheels. Banff National Park features some of Canada’s most scenic roads and trails with many options, both on-road and off-road, for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Explore biking routes in Banff and Lake Louise.

Bike rentals are available in Banff town from Snowtip-Bactrax, SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Bear Street Outfitters, Banff Cycle & Sport, Black Diamond Bike & SUP Rentals, Chateau Mountain Sports, Ultimate Sports, and Banff Adventures. Lake Louise rentals available from Wilson Mountain Sports.

Location: Alberta, Canada
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time (UTC -7)
Closest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
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Canada entry requirements
Entry requirements to Canada will vary depending on where you are from. See the Government of Canada website for more information.

Banff and Lake Louise & COVID-19
All mandatory public health measures within Alberta and Canada have been lifted. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website to ensure you understand any travel requirements and restrictions that may apply to you.

Season & Climate:

Autumn sees brisk mornings which warm up with the sun. In late September, the glowing larches take on their spectacular golden colour for a fleeting time, the ultimate fall treat to witness in this place. By mid-October, the leaves start to fall and there is often frost on the ground in the morning. The lakes begin to freeze, and the road to the iconic Moraine Lake closes for the winter. This time of year, snow will start to cover the peaks and sometimes dust the valley floor.

Be sure to pack: Warm layers for the cold evenings and crisp mornings and don't forget your touque (that's Canadian for warm hat)!

Yes. All-Access is $799 USD a pass, over 70% off the $2,899 full price. There's no minimum and no cap, so buy as many passes as your team needs in one checkout. $799 is already the discount, so there's no extra group rate on top of it. Bringing a bigger team or planning an offsite in Banff? Call or text Garrett at (587) 227-7772 and we'll help you plan it.

At The Gathering, we offer various pass tiers to cater to different preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you select the pass that best fits your experience goals:

‍All-Access Pass: Make your experience at The Gathering FOMO proof. This pass includes all sessions, our special Brands & Brews panels and masterclasses on Wednesday, lunches on Thursday and Friday, and 2 Inner Sanctums.

‍VIP Pass: For those seeking a premium experience, the VIP pass includes all benefits of the All-Access Pass plus accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, VIP Concierge Service, priority seating, and first access to inner sanctums and Supper Club experiences. Access to The Gathering Awards Gala & The Brand Hall of Fame.

‍The Pinnacle Pass: Our most exclusive option, limited to only 30 guests, offers Gold Floor accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, behind-the-screen backstage lounge, priority seating, a personal VIP host, limited edition merchandise, and private dining experiences. This pass is designed for guests who desire the utmost in luxury and personal attention. Access to The Gathering Awards Gala & The Brand Hall of Fame.

Choose your pass based on the level of access and experiences you wish to enjoy. Each tier is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience at The Gathering Festival.

If you are still undecided on whats the best fit for you, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com and we are happy to support you!

Tickets for The Gathering are non-refundable; however, they are transferable. If you need to change the name on your pass, we're here to help facilitate that adjustment.

Please email Community@thegatheringfestival.com

The Gathering is held at the Fairmont Banff Springs, known as "Canada's Castle in the Rockies." All Access Passes don't include accommodations. VIP and Pinnacle Passes include a reserved room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. 2027 hotel details, attendee rates and check-in dates are coming soon.

The Gathering is not just a conference; it's a business festival set against the backdrop of Banff's stunning scenery, designed to reshape how you view leadership, culture, and commerce. Here’s what makes The Gathering truly unique:

‍Inspirational and Actionable Content:
‍Expect a stellar lineup of speakers delivering insightful presentations that combine inspirational narratives with practical applications. From transformative workshops to enlightening panel discussions, each element is curated to challenge and expand your thinking.

‍Unparalleled Networking Opportunities:
‍Engage with a diverse group of industry leaders through a series of curated gatherings designed to foster meaningful connections. Whether it's during one of our intimate Inner Sanctums, our celebratory galas, or our exclusive Supper Clubs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to network with peers and influencers.

‍Diverse Activities:
‍Where else can you bowl, dress up for a gala, learn from leading brands, and hike the Canadian Rockies all in one day? The Gathering offers a range of activities that blend professional growth with personal exploration.

‍Inner Sanctums:
‍These are coveted, intimate sessions where attendees can engage directly with trailblazers in an open, ask-me-anything format. These sessions are a chance to gain personal insights in a smaller group setting, making them a must-attend for those looking to dive deeper.

‍Supper Clubs:
‍After the sun sets, the Supper Clubs come alive, offering off-site activities like dinners, roundtable discussions, and unique local experiences. These gatherings are perfect for unwinding and continuing conversations in a more relaxed setting.

Brand Hall of Fame:
‍Experience the induction of the Brand Hall of Fame, celebrating the legacies of the world’s most influential brands. This addition to our event provides an extra layer of depth and prestige to our business festival.

At The Gathering 2027, you’ll leave not just inspired but also equipped to elevate your business and branding strategies. Join us for an experience that transcends the typical festival format, where every session, speaker, and social event is designed to catalyze professional growth and personal connections.

Interested in positioning your brand alongside industry leaders at The Gathering? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission and provide value to our attendees. We offer a variety of sponsorship and partnership opportunities, both turnkey and customizable, to ensure your brand connects effectively with over 1500+ C-suite leaders and brand builders.

‍Get Started: For detailed information on how to become a sponsor and to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Annie@cultgathering.com. Our dedicated partnership team will follow up with you to discuss potential collaborations and tailor an engagement that suits your brand's objectives.

Date: October 8th, 2027
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Location: Conference Centre (previously the Range Rover Stage)

‍Event Details:

Cocktail Hour: Begins at 7:00 PM
‍Gala Start Time: 7:30 PM sharp

We recommend all attendees arrive early to enjoy the cocktail hour and secure their seating prior to the start of the Gala. Doors will close promptly at 8:00 PM to ensure an uninterrupted experience.

Please plan accordingly to make the most of this prestigious evening celebrating excellence in brand leadership.

The Gala & Brand Hall of Fame is exclusively available to Pinnacle and VIP Passhodlers.

‍Pinnacle and VIP Passholders
Pinnacle and VIP passholders enjoy priority seating with an assigned seating chart. All Pinnacle and VIP passholders will be sent an RSVP to confirm their attendance. RSVP is mandatory by October 20, as seating charts will be finalized on this date. Seating is limited, so failure to RSVP may result in your seat being reallocated to another guest.

RSVP is mandatory for all eligible attendees to secure their spot at the Gala. Failure to RSVP may result in your seat being given to another guest.

We encourage a cocktail or formal dress code for the Gala, but ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable—wear what suits you best!

You can provide your allergy and dietary restriction information on the RSVP form or the purchase page for All Access tickets.

🔹 Who needs to buy a ticket? Anyone who does not have a Pinnacle or VIP Pass.
🔹 Are tickets refundable? No, but they are transferable.
🔹 Is seating assigned? Pinnacle and VIP pass holders, speakers, and partners have assigned seating; all others are general seating.
🔹 Can I buy a table for my team? Yes! A table for 10 is available.
🔹 Will tickets be available on-site? Only if any remain after pre-sales (which is unlikely!).

How do I talk to a human? Call or Text Garrett +1 (587) 227 - 7772.