BanffLIFE

BanffLIFE

BanffLIFE is dedicated to promoting healthy, balanced lifestyles for young adults living in Banff. We help nurture a sense of community through activities, events, and social connection.

BanffLIFE provides new and long-term young adult residents, whether permanent or temporary (those between the ages of 18 – 30), with social and recreational activities that are fun and help connect to the community. Mountain Adventure programs are generously supported by the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Where to Find Information 

To register for a program or class:

Upcoming Programs

Social Programs

Basecamp
Basecamp is a free drop-in social program for young adults living/working in Banff. This program is the best place in town to connect and meet new friends in a welcoming and inclusive space. Join BanffLIFE for bi-weekly events. These events are drop-in (no registration required) and free!

Every other Tuesday
Oct 3, 2023 - Mar 19, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Mountain Madness Team
Join up with other local young adults to create a BanffLIFE Mountain Madness team and compete for the top prize! This event is a great way to meet locals and interact with community members. Ski, snowshoe, run, or skate your way to the finish in this high-energy relay race. Dressing up is always encouraged!

Friday, February 9, 2024, 1 – 3 p.m. Register Online

Movie Night
Join BanffLIFE for a night at the movies. Catch the latest blockbuster and enjoy the film at The Lux. Movie will be chosen closer to the date.

Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6 – 9 p.m. Register Online

Newcomer Town Walking Tour
The Newcomer Walking Tour provides young adult residents, whether permanent or temporary, with everything you need to know to live in Banff. You will learn about essential programs and services, including how to register for a post office box, a free recreation pass, parking passes and more. You will also learn about our local history and meet others new to the area. Every participant on this tour will receive a swag bag with a variety of community resources.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Register Online

Super Smash Bros Tournament
Always a popular event, our Super Smash Bros. tournament will see you pitted against some stiff competition as everyone battles it out for first place. Bring your own controller or use one of ours. This fun, competitive atmosphere is the perfect fit for first-time players or those aiming for first place! There will be snacks available for participants. 

Monday, January 8, 2024, 5 – 8 p.m. Register Online

Whyte Museum Tour
Join BanffLIFE as we learn about the history of this beautiful place and how it has inspired so many people over the years. The Whyte Museum is home to photographs, paintings, and archives from throughout Banff’s history. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 12 – 3 p.m. Register Online

Mountain Adventure Programs

Avalanche Rescue Skills
Update your avalanche search and rescue skills in this course. If you recreate or work around avalanche terrain this is for you. Every year outdoor enthusiasts face the challenge of moving safely in avalanche terrain. This rescue skills course will enhance and expand your skills providing you with the necessary tools and approaches to perform effective companion rescue. Transportation included. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Monday, December 11, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
The Avalanche Skills Level 1 course will provide you, a passionate skier or snowboarder who wants to start exploring backcountry terrain, with the entry-level skills and decision-making tools necessary to keep you and your friends safe. In the course you will learn how to read and understand avalanche bulletins and weather conditions, learn how to use avalanche rescue equipment and assess various terrain and slope types. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

December 6 - 7, 2023, 8:30 – 5 p.m. Register Online
January 16 – 17, 2024, 8:30 – 5 p.m. Register Online
November 29 – 30, 2023, 8:30 – 5 p.m. Register Online

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2
The Avalanche Skills Training 2 is the perfect course for advanced skiers, snowboarders and climbers. This course starts in the classroom where you will review the basics and be introduced to advanced avalanche safety concepts and decision making for various weather, snowpack and terrain conditions. On day two you will begin by having a pre-trip meeting to assess conditions such as weather and then you will head out into the field to practice your skills. Days three and four will include ski tours with skill application in a group setting. This program is generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw foundation.

 January 30 – February 2, 2024, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online

Backcountry Skiing & Riding Day
Backcountry skiing & riding day is for those who want to continue to build beginner to intermediate backcountry skills with an experienced guide following an Avalanche Safety Training 1 course. A local ACMG guide will lead you on a fun, safe day of backcountry riding with the day’s location chosen to take advantage of the best conditions. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online
Monday, January 29, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online
Monday, February 12, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online

Bow Hut - Glacier Adventure
On this three-day (overnight) guided trip you will experience the awe of the Wapta Icefield. Led by an ACMG guide you will tour into one of the most iconic backcountry huts in the Canadian Rockies before exploring the Wapta glacier in winter conditions. Learn and practice glacier travel techniques before travelling onto the glacier. Most technical equipment is provided. Transportation and hut fees are included. This program is generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

March 18 - 20, 2024, 7:30 am. – 5 p.m. Register Online

Ice Climbing
In this one-day course you will learn the basics of ice climbing with the help of an ACMG certified guide in a small group setting. This is a hands-on course where you will learn how to use various ice climbing gear such as a harness, ice axes and crampons, ropes and belay systems. With the help of your guide, you will try various beginner level top rope ice climbs at the day's destination. Technical climbing equipment and group transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online

Ice Climbing Weekend
In this two-day overnight course, you will learn the basics of ice climbing with the help of an ACMG certified guide in a small group setting. Spend a night on the scenic Icefields Parkway at Rampart Creek, and experience two different ice climbing venues. Transportation, most equipment, and accommodation included. Technical climbing equipment and group transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

March 9 – 10, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online

Indoor Climbing
Want to try climbing but don’t know where to start? This is the perfect introduction to your local climbing gym in Banff. You will meet new climbing friends, try out various boulders, auto belay climbs and more. No official instruction provided. All equipment is included. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register Online
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register Online

Intermediate Ice Climbing
Intermediate ice climbing is the next step for those who have ice climbed a few times and want to improve their skills. In this one-day course you get a refresher of the basics of ice climbing with the help of an ACMG certified guide in a small group setting. You will try various beginner and some intermediate top rope ice climbs at the day's destination. Technical climbing equipment and group transportation provided. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Register Online

Mountain Weather
In this one-day course you will learn basics as well as more advanced mountain weather planning skills for the Canadian Rockies. The ability to understand, anticipate and accurately forecast mountain weather is a core skill for any outdoor enthusiast. Learn from a long-time local guide about weather systems, forecast models and more so you can plan your next outdoor adventure. This program is being generously supported by the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Register Online