Attending from outside of Canada?
U.S. and International Attendees
International Conference attendes are welcome to join us in Canada! The premier conference and exposition serves affordable housing developers, owners, management firms, and state housing agencies nationwide.
The Affordable Housing Conference is excited to welcome our attendees nationally from all over Canada and Internationally from the United States and beyond.
Want to attend?
We are here to help with our travel guide, recommendations and useful links.
UPCOMING CONFEERENCE LOCATION
BANFF, ALBERTA, CANADA
The Affordable Housing Conference for Indigenous Peoples & Indigenous Communities of Gathering Nations AND The Affordable Housing Conference for Black Communities will be hosted in the resort town of Banff, Alberta
Banff National Park is “Canada’s first national park and the flagship of the nation’s park system” located 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Calgary, Alberta. Attendees will be refreshed by the beautiful landscape of an iconic Canadian late Spring and spin off of the bustling energy sector hub of one of Alberta largest cities.
Where is Banff?
Banff, Alberta. Located “within the present-day territories of the Treaty 6, 7, and 8, First Nations as well as the Métis Homeland”.
Getting to Banff
You can easily locate directions getting to Banff as it is one of Canada major tourist spots inside of Banff National Park.
By Car:
Banff National Park is located 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Calgary, Alberta on one of Canada's major highways.
Attendees can choose to rent a car from their arrival locations and within the Town of Banff itself. The Affordable Housing Conference also includes packages with transportation options.
By Air:
There are no direct flights into Banff, the closet international airport is Calgary International Airport (Airport Code: YYC) however, transportation options are also available, including our own shuttle service for a fee, from Edmonton International Airport ( Airport Code: YEG)
By Bus & Shuttle:
Buses, Shuttles and Private Transportation operate daily to and from Banff
By Train:
Enjoy the view! VIA Rail Canada offers intercity passenger services from various Canadian cities.
By Foot & Bike:
As Banff National Park is located off of Canada major Number 1 Highway, we strongly do not recommend getting there by foot or bike to Banff as it is quite dangerous and nearly impossible due to rapidly changing weather conditions from Fall -Spring.
Once in the Town of Banff, the preferred method of transportation is Walking, Biking and/or local Bus.
Transportation & All-Inclusive Packages
Have peace of mind and know that you are guaranteed a ride.
AHC Offers transportation packages, preferred partners, sponsors rate as well as accessible funding for Non-profit Organizations and Elders to facilitate attendance.
Things to know before coming to Canada
Travel Documents Guidelines
Do I see Customs & Immigration?
Regardless of what mode of arrival and for what purpose, you will need to be processed through Canada Border Service Agency (Customs & Immigration) before being granted entry into Canada.
Do I need a passport to enter Canada?
Yes, all visitors entering Canada require a valid passport upon entry.
Do I need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada?
Visitors entering Canada may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Find out more information if you require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Do I need a work-permit to attend the Conference while visiting Canada?
Good news. No work-permit are required, if coming to Canada to attend a conference, provided that you are not entering the Canadian Labour Market.
What is the closet airport to Banff?
The closet international airport would be Calgary International Airport (YYC) as Banff does not operate an International airport.
A second alternative would be Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
You are also welcome to fly into any other airport and make your way to Banff from there. We recommend choosing the option that works best for you and are here to help.
The Affordable Housing Conference offers transportation included in our conference packages or purchased as an addition and private or group transportation.
Alternatively there are a variety of transportations options listed under each Airport website
Do I need a Visa to visit Canada?
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U.S.A. Citizens
No. U.S. Citizens do not require a visitors visa to enter Canada. They also do not require a work permit to enter Canada providing that they are not entering the Canadian workforce while attending the conference.
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Indigenous travellers from the U.S.
No. Indigenous Peoples / First Nations Americans from the U.S. do not require a visitors visa to enter Canada. They also do not require a work permit to enter Canada providing that they are not entering the Canadian workforce while attending the conference. In addition, “Indigenous Peoples from the US with family in Canada may now qualify for temporary border mobility measures.”
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International Visitors
Yes and No. International visitors may require a visitors visa to enter Canada to attend the Conference depending on which Country they are coming from and/or their passport Country. They also do not require a work permit to enter Canada providing that they are not entering the Canadian workforce while attending the conference.
Dress to Impress & Dress for the Weather. What to bring for a Canadian Spring
Suitcase Worthy
Temperature in Spring
AHIC and AHBC both take place in Spring. However, don’t let the official calendar start of Spring be your guide on what to pack. Due to the higher elevations and nestled in the Mountains, typically Spring weather is relative to a mild winter with a great probability that there will still be snow on the ground and possibly in the air in from February - April.
Temperatures range from Plus +15 Degrees Celsius to Negative-15 Degrees Celsius dropping below the freezing mark, making it still possible for visitors to enjoy some winter sports such as skiing at some nearby resorts.
When in doubt, carry a coat.
Leave the flip flops, grab the coat. It is guaranteed that you will need one during this time of the year. Although not impossible, don’t get your hopes up for shorts & sandals, we recommend warm weather clothing, wearing layers for the time of day and/or if partaking in outdoor excursions during the Conference.
Key Items would include:
Anytime of the year we recommend gloves, toque (winter hat) and/or a scarf
Thick/Heavy Winter Coat, that has a zipper or hood, with a good thermal or lower temperature rating. Sometimes, it can get as cold as -20 Degrees Celsius in March.
Lighter coat or Jacket for warmer and/or above average temperatures
Winter or Waterproof Boots with good traction on the bottom as the Town of Banff does not use salt on the road/sidewalks as it may attract wildlife instead they use a sand mixture.
Thermal Underwear and/or an extra layer of clothing
Snow pants, waterproof or wind resistance pants if you are planning to walk, tour or participate in any outdoor events
Your personal choice but we recommend Sunscreen as even in the Winter melt-off, the Sun’s UV’s can bounce off of the snow, water and in higher elevations in the mountains the windshields can be irritating to the skin outer surface
Indoor Shoes of your choice, including Running Shoes if you are thinking of partaking in the 3on3 Basketball community challenge, conference team sporting events
Regular indoor clothing of your choice
Something nice for the Affordable Housing Conference Gala. Smile.
Once inside the Conference, don’t worry, we will have coat & boot check and the venues are state of the art, so you can take in the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Banff in Spring.
What if I forget something?
As Banff is a National Park, there will be tourist shops, local & name brand apparel stores, however we recommend packing these items in advance as availability, size, style, and time of the year may fluctuate the price.
Do I have to carry all these items, all the time?
No. Take a look at the weather closer to the date and daily before heading out. Once inside the Conference, don’t worry, we will have a secure coat & boot check. The venues have state of the art features so you can take in the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Banff. Its going to be awesome!
Contact us
Interested in being an industry speaker, conference host or special guest or giving back at the Affordable Housing Conference? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. Thank you for your interest.