Banff National Park Day Trip
For PETS 2026, we will be offering a full-day excursion to Banff National Park. Buses will depart from the University of Calgary and travel to the Town of Banff, located in the heart of the park.
The town of Banff features has several trailheads with options ranging from gentle walks to intermediate-level hikes, as well as a wide selection of shops, cafés, bars, breweries, and restaurants.
Local volunteers will lead a few hikes departing from town thoughout the day; participants can opt-in to whichever ones they prefer. Participants are also welcome to relax in town and explore independently.
Schedule
- Pickup: 8:30 AM, in front of the Taylor Institute (main conference location)
- Travel Time: Approximately 90 minutes each way
- Drop-off in Calgary: Around 5:00 PM
What to Bring
- Appropriate footwear for walking or hiking
- Suitable outdoor clothing (mountain weather can change quickly)
- A reusable water bottle (recommended)
A boxed lunch will be provided to all registered participants. Food and beverages are also readily available for purchase in Banff (albeit at tourist-destination prices).