All Travel Info

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is served by many domestic and international air carriers, offering travellers a wide range of routing and fare options.

As part of a special sponsorship arrangement, Air Canada, a Star Alliance member airline, is providing a dedicated promotion code for travel during the event period. Travellers are free to book with any airline; however, those choosing Air Canada may benefit from the discounted fares outlined below.

Air Canada Promotion Code for Travel (May 2026)

Air Canada has issued a promotion code for travel to Calgary (YYC) during the event period. The same travel window also allows travellers to include or extend travel to Toronto (YYZ), supporting participation in x2026 in Toronto within a single discounted itinerary.

Promotion Code:  TNQK8D41

Travel Period:  May 11 to May 29, 2026

Eligible Destinations: Calgary (YYC) & Toronto (YYZ)

Fare Discounts:

  North America (5% on Standard fares, 10% on Flex fares and higher)

  International (10% on Standard fares and higher)

How to Book: Bookings must be made directly with Air Canada using the promotion code at https://www.aircanada.com

There are several convenient ways to travel from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff Park Lodge. The distance is approximately 135 km and typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by road. Options include car rentals, scheduled shuttles, and private transfers.

Car Rental Options

If you prefer flexibility and independent travel, car rental services are available directly at Calgary International Airport. Major car rental companies operate on-site at YYC, and reservations can be made in advance through YYC’s official car rental page.

Renting a car allows you to explore Banff and the surrounding Canadian Rockies at your own pace, offering the most flexibility for sightseeing and side trips. Note that if you bring a vehicle to Banff National Park (including the town), you will need to purchase a Parks Canada Pass.

Shuttle Services to Banff

Several shuttle companies offer scheduled service between YYC and Banff, including drop-off near Banff Park Lodge or downtown Banff.

• Banff Airporter Inc – Daily scheduled shuttle service between Calgary Airport, Banff, and Canmore. Advance booking is recommended for departure times and hotel drop-off options.

• Brewster Express – Offers direct airport shuttle service from Calgary Airport to Banff and Canmore on comfortable coach buses with multiple daily departures.

• Vivo Green Shuttle – Provides daily public shuttle service from YYC to Banff with competitive pricing, plus private group transport options.

• Shared Shuttle & Bus Services – A number of shared shuttle and bus transfers operate between Calgary YYC Airport and Banff hotels (including options bookable through third-party travel sites).

Private Transfers & Charter Options

For more personalized transport, private transfers and charter services are available. These can be booked in advance and may include door-to-door service between the airport and Banff Park Lodge. 

Other Ground Options

If you prefer a private ride or taxi, services like Uber operate from YYC to Banff (approximately 90–100 minutes, one-way).

Accommodation for the symposium is available through a central reservation system serving Banff Park Lodge and Bow View Lodge. Special room blocks have been established for the event and must be booked directly with a reservation agent by phone.

How to Book

Individuals are required to reserve their guest room by contacting the central reservations team using one of the numbers below. Please quote the appropriate group block when calling.

Reservation phone numbers (international format):

Direct line (Canada): +1 403 760 3251
Toll-free (Canada and USA): +1 800 661 9266

Reservations can be made by phone 24 hours a day, with assistance provided through the reservations team and hotel front desk as needed.

Group Block Room Information

When calling, you must mention that you are booking for ISXB7 with the following options as listed below. Note that the Block ID code (BID) is different for the two different hotels, but the booking for either hotel can be done using the phone numbers above.

All prices are in CAD (note that 1 CAD ~ 0.7 USD ~ 0.6 EUR ~ 110 JPY ~ 5 CNY)

  BID 896852 @ Banff Park Lodge (Superior Room: $269/night)

  BID 896852 @ Banff Park Lodge (Deluxe Jacuzzi Room: $339/night)

  BID 896852 @ Banff Park Lodge (Exec/Lodge/Parlour Suite: $409/night)

  BID 896859 @ Bow View Lodge (Standard Room: $179/night)

Hotel Information

Additional information about Banff Park Lodge and Bow View Lodge, including location and amenities, is available at their website.

Other Hotel Options in Banff

In addition to the designated conference hotels, many other accommodation options are available throughout Banff, including hotels, lodges, and inns at a range of price points.

A comprehensive and up-to-date directory of hotels in Banff can be found at the official Banff & Lake Louise Tourism website.

Participants traveling to Canada from abroad may require a visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or other travel documentation to enter the country. Entry requirements depend on your country of citizenship and mode of travel.

Check What You Need

Visit the official Government of Canada “Visit Canada” page to determine whether you need a visa, an eTA, or other documentation before you travel.

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

A visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa) is a document placed in your passport showing that you meet the requirements to enter Canada for a temporary stay, such as attending a conference. Eligibility includes having a valid passport, proof of funds, and intent to leave Canada at the end of your visit.

Apply for a visitor visa through the official Canada immigration portal.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and are flying to Canada, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visa. An eTA is linked electronically to your passport and is required for air travel to Canada from visa-exempt countries.

Business Visitors and Conferences

Many participants attending meetings, events, or conferences fall under the business visitor category. Whether you need a visa or eTA depends on your nationality and travel plans. Official guidance on business visitor entry for meetings and events is available here.

Visa Application Support Offices

Many travellers apply for visas or eTAs through VFS Global visa application centres or the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.

General Entry Requirements

All visitors must present valid travel documents, such as a passport and any required visa or eTA, and satisfy Canadian border officials that they are eligible to enter, are in good health, and intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

We are pleased to highlight the opportunity for conference participants to extend their travel and attend x2026: the Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition, taking place immediately after ISXB7.

This event brings together professionals from chemistry, chemical engineering, and chemical technology in a first-of-its-kind concurrent national meeting designed to foster multidisciplinary exchange, spark new ideas, and showcase innovation across the chemical sciences and engineering communities. The program features technical sessions, workshops, keynote presentations, and broad networking opportunities. 

Conference Dates: May 24 – 28, 2026
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Theme: Erasing Boundaries – the conference emphasizes bridging disciplinary divides to advance research, education, and professional practice across chemistry and chemical engineering.

This conference will bring together 3000 chemists and chemical engineers from around the world and tackle a wide range of topics. It's NOT an ACS meeting... there is a much greater sense of community and connection at these meetings! We welcome you to our home!

For full details, registration, and program information, visit the official conference page:
https://www.cheminst.ca/conference/x2026/