TRAVELLING TO (AND FROM) ALBERTA, CANADA
(Updated January 8, 2021) SkiBig3 and the communities of Banff and Lake Louise are committed to the health and safety of both visitors and locals alike. All travellers 12 years of age or older need to be fully vaccinated in order to board a domestic or international flight departing from airports within Canada.
International travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated are able to enter Canada for discretionary travel. All international travellers 5 years of age or older must provide proof of a negative PCR molecular test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. This is required for both land and air border crossings. Additionally, visitors arriving by air from countries OTHER than the United States will receive a PCR test upon arrival and must quarantine at final destination hotel/accommodations until test results are received. Air passengers arriving from the United States may be randomly selected for PCR testing, no quarantine is required while awaiting results.
Please familiarize yourself with all required entry protocols – Government of Canada – Border & Travel Information. As part of this process all international visitors will need the ArriveCAN ap which provides approved vaccine verification.
For return international air travel, there are a variety of businesses & pharmacies offering testing services in the town of Banff, including Go Rapid Test which offers both Rapid Antigen & Molecular PCR Tests for air travel (no appointment required). Pre-travel Covid testing facility for air travel is also available at the Calgary International Airport. Familiarize yourself with return travel/testing protocols as per your home country regulations. US visitors returning home by air require a Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours prior to departure. Land border crossings are not subject to testing protocols when returning to the US. CDC Airline Travel Checklist.
Covid-19 safety protocols are ongoing and are subject to change based on updates from regional authorities. SkiBig3 is committed to keeping you informed about what to expect when travelling to Banff National Park. This page will be updated throughout the season as protocols change.
What to Expect in Town
Masking is currently required for all indoor public spaces including public and private transit, taxi and ride share services. Proof of vaccination (or proof of a privately-paid negative Covid PCR or Rapid Covid test result within 72 hours), is required to enter most non-essential businesses including restaurants, pubs, bars, indoor events, spas and recreational/fitness services. Please arrive prepared to provide proof of vaccination or negative test, along with a piece of government issued photo ID, for access to these businesses and services. International visitors can use their home-country vaccine verification documents at resorts and local businesses. Travelling with a copy of your original vaccination documentation and keeping these records handy is recommended.
Restaurants, pubs and bars stop liquor service at 11pm, and close at 12:30 am. Maximum table capacity is 10 people in restaurants, pubs and bars, with no mingling between tables. No interactive activities are allowed (eg dancing, darts, billiards, etc).
Retail and other essential services are subject to operational capacity restrictions, physical distancing and masking.
All ski resort shuttles will require masking, ID and QR proof of vaccination (or negative test result) prior to loading the shuttle. When in shuttle lines, please respect physical distancing protocols. For those aged 12+, Banff Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay will require QR proof of vaccination (or negative test result) to access the full resort including gondolas, chairlifts and all indoor-spaces. Lake Louise Ski Resort will require QR proof of vaccination (or negative test result) prior to entering any indoor lodge space, riding the gondola or participating in any guided/lesson experiences.
Please visit the following links for additional information regarding COVID-19 policies for Banff & Lake Louise, and the province of Alberta. Protocols may be updated throughout the year, please be prepared for changes in service delivery and hours of operation for all local businesses.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SKI RESORTS
Banff Sunshine : WiNTER 21/22
At Banff Sunshine Village, we are firm believers in the power of outdoor recreation. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy place for our team members to work, and our guests to recreate. With this goal in mind, Banff Sunshine Village is requiring all staff team members to be fully vaccinated.
In line with the Alberta Restrictions Exemption Program, visitors and pass holders will need to submit either a proof of vaccination, proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service, or a valid medical exemption to access Banff Sunshine Village.
WHERE TO GET A RAPID TEST
These days, air travel into most countries requires proof of a rapid antigen test (or rapid test), with 72 hours of departure. In Banff, there are a number of local pharmacies and clinics offering rapid tests for travellers flying home from their holiday.
Go Rapid Test Banff is a new clinic, located on the main floor of the Bear Street Mall, which is conveniently located in the centre of Banff for travellers to get tested before they leave Canada. Appointments may be booked online and test results are delivered within 15 minutes.
We recommend that visitors book their departure rapid test before they travel (or as soon as they arrive) to make sure they can get tested before they leave. Prices and result times may vary depending on testing sites, so choose a pharmacy or clinic that works best for you
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE Adventure Hub
VISITING THE SKIBIG3 ADVENTURE HUB
- Masks are required for store entry.
- Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services Restrictions Exemption Program, the Adventure Hub may operate at full capacity (when it gets busy) by checking ID and proof of vaccination (or proof of a negative test result taken with 72 hours) at the door. Arrive prepared to show your documents.
- Safety protocol signage has been placed at the entrance and throughout the store.
- Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance, cash desk and in rental fitting area.
- Floor signs will direct you through the store and rental area allowing each guest ample space to explore and pick up what they need.
- Physical distance markers on the floor and flow reminders identify 6 -foot distancing protocol for rental and payment areas.
- Plexi-glass dividers at both the cashier desk and tech benches allow for the safety of both customers and employees.
