FAQs

The Gathering Festival is hosted at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada from October 22-25, 2025.

For those flying in, the closest major airport is YYC Calgary International Airport. From there, it's a scenic 90-minute drive to Banff.

By Shuttle/Transfer:
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Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff and Lake Louise
• Choose from multiple service options to Banff and Lake Louise with ABest Transport and Tour Services, Alpine Limousine & Tours, Banff Airporter, Banff Sedan, Brewster Express, Discover Banff Tours, Mountain Park Transportation and Banff Chauffeur. Prices vary and booking is required.

Downtown Calgary to Banff
• Travel with On-It Regional Transit (seasonal) from downtown Calgary to Banff. This service operates on Fridays through Sundays and statutory holidays from June to October, with several departure times available. Booking Required.

Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle at YYC International Airport, or opt for an Uber or other car service.

By Car/SUV:
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Banff National Park is located along the TransCanada Highway. Open year-round, the TransCanada is a well maintained road that winds its way through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

If you are coming from the east, Banff is a 90 minute (130 kilometres or 87 miles) drive west of Calgary, Alberta. From the west, Banff and Lake Louise make for a beautiful day’s drive (850 kilometres or 530 miles) from Vancouver. This incredibly scenic drive weaves through the Coast Mountains and wine country of British Columbia before arriving in the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Whenever possible, we suggest taking shuttles or shared transportation. Not only is this healthier for the environment and reduces traffic congestion in the park, but it makes for a more relaxing trip when all you have to do is sit back and soak up the scenery.

By Train:

For those looking to experience the picturesque journey via rail, Rocky Mountaineer offers regularly scheduled train services from April to October that start or finish in Banff. See Rocky Mountaineer’s website for more details.

Once in Banff, you can easily get around using shuttle services or the Roam public bus system. There are no Ubers located in Banff, so if you need return to YYC travel accommodations, we suggest coordinating it ahead of time.

Public Transit:

Roam Public Transit provide multiple bus routes throughout the Banff and Lake Louise area to popular locations including Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and more.

Roam Transit's core routes operate year round and additional seasonal routes are added in the summer months to accommodate popular summer locations.Visit the Roam Public Transit website for a full list of services, fares, route schedules and operating months.
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Shuttles:

Shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
‍Fairview Limousine, Moraine Lake Bus Company and Mountain Park Transportation operate shuttles multiple times daily from June to October with various pick-up points available in Lake Louise. Or double the adventure with the Lake Louise Summer Gondola's gondola and shuttle package.
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Free Mt. Norquay Shuttle
Running daily from June to October with multiple pickup points in Banff town and regular departures, the free shuttle makes accessing the Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift and the Via Ferrata a breeze! You can also use the shuttle to access popular hiking trails in the area like Stoney Lookout and Cascade Amphitheatre.
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Parking:

Parking in Banff National Park is limited at many popular locations. We recommend parking for the day at a designated long-term parking lot and using transit and shuttles to get around.

Parking in Banff
The Town of Banff is only 4-square-kilometres in area, making walking and cycling the best way to get around. Parking is limited in the downtown core, park in the Train Station Public Parking Lot for up to 9 hours. It’s free and less than a 10-minute walk to downtown Banff. Additionally Roam Public Transit serves the entire town and connects with all major attractions in Banff National Park, with stops near major parking areas.

Find a Banff parking map (including RVs) and current capacity of Banff parking lots on the Town of Banff’s parking page.

Paid parking is in effect in downtown Banff, and is best for short-term parking. Visit the Town of Banff website for further details.

Parking in Lake Louise
Visit Parks Canada for information on parking in the Lake Louise area and alternative transit options. Ensure you plan ahead with plenty of options to explore and experience Banff National Park for the day, or arrange a longer stay in the area, to give you more flexibility.

Parking in the Lake Louise area is extremely limited and lots fill up early in the morning in the summer months. Park at the Parks Canada Park & Ride and use Parks Canada shuttles to access Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Shuttles must be booked in advance. Paid parking is in in effect at the Lake Louise Lakeshore from May to October. Visit the Parks Canada website for further details.

Real Time Parking Information
Visit Parks Canada's Banff Now page to check the current parking capacity of many destinations within Banff National Park and use Banff Parking to check current parking capacity in Banff town.

Walking / Biking:

There's no better way to explore the true natural beauty of Banff and Lake Louise than by getting out of your car and taking to the world class trails and biking routes of the region.

Hiking & Walking
Banff National Park is vast, with many hikes and walks to explore, but you don’t need to go far to discover the beauty the park has to offer. There's an abundance of easy, scenic walks and hikes accessible right from the Banff town or Lake Louise Village. Leave your car at your hotel or park for the day and enjoy your Banff and Lake Louise adventure on foot.

In the town of Banff, take a scenic walk on the Fenland Loop or Marsh Loop and if you're looking for something longer the Spray River trail is the perfect half day hike. Accessible from Lake Louise Village, choose from the Bow River Loop or Louise Creek for an easy walk with breathtaking views around every corner.

Biking
Ditch the car and enjoy the freedom of exploring on two wheels. Banff National Park features some of Canada’s most scenic roads and trails with many options, both on-road and off-road, for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Explore biking routes in Banff and Lake Louise.

Bike rentals are available in Banff town from Snowtip-Bactrax, SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Bear Street Outfitters, Banff Cycle & Sport, Black Diamond Bike & SUP Rentals, Chateau Mountain Sports, Ultimate Sports, and Banff Adventures. Lake Louise rentals available from Wilson Mountain Sports.

Location: Alberta, Canada
Time zone: Mountain Standard Time (UTC -7)
Closest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
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Canada entry requirements
Entry requirements to Canada will vary depending on where you are from. See the Government of Canada website for more information.

Banff and Lake Louise & COVID-19
All mandatory public health measures within Alberta and Canada have been lifted. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website to ensure you understand any travel requirements and restrictions that may apply to you.

Season & Climate:

Autumn sees brisk mornings which warm up with the sun. In late September, the glowing larches take on their spectacular golden colour for a fleeting time, the ultimate fall treat to witness in this place. By mid-October, the leaves start to fall and there is often frost on the ground in the morning. The lakes begin to freeze, and the road to the iconic Moraine Lake closes for the winter. This time of year, snow will start to cover the peaks and sometimes dust the valley floor.

Be sure to pack: Warm layers for the cold evenings and crisp mornings and don't forget your touque (that's Canadian for warm hat)!

Absolutely! We offer group passes for teams, colleagues, or friends who want to experience The Gathering Summit together. Our group passes are designed to give you and your group a seamless and unforgettable experience.
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‍How to Book Group Passes:
‍If your group consists of 6 or more attendees, please reach out to us directly to discuss your needs and options. You can email reilly@cultgathering.com or submit a contact formhere to get started. Our dedicated group sales team will assist you every step of the way.

‍Corporate Teams:
‍Many of our corporate partners find The Gathering ideal for offsites, team building, or strategic planning sessions. With direct access to our event team and the Fairmont Banff Springs, we can tailor your experience to boost team morale and enhance strategic engagement.

Let us help you create a memorable and productive Gathering experience for your group, reach out to our team here.

For full visual of pass options, click here

At The Gathering Summit, we offer various pass tiers to cater to different preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you select the pass that best fits your experience goals:

‍Summit Passes: Ideal for those who want a taste of The Gathering. This pass grants access to the main sessions on Thursday and Friday. It's our most economical option but does not include lunch, excursions, or access to Wednesday’s Brands & Brews offsites and masterclasses. It does not include access to Inner Sancums either. 

‍All-Access Pass: Make your experience at The Gathering FOMO proof. This pass includes all sessions, our special Brands & Brews panels and masterclasses on Wednesday, lunches on Thursday and Friday, 2 Inner Sanctums, and exclusive entry to the Tony Hsieh Gala and the Brand Hall of Fame Induction on Friday evening.

‍VIP Pass: For those seeking a premium experience, the VIP pass includes all benefits of the All-Access Pass plus accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, white-glove service, priority seating, and first access to inner sanctums and Supper Club experiences.

‍The Pinnacle Pass: Our most exclusive option, limited to only 30 guests, offers Gold Floor accommodation at The Fairmont Banff Springs, behind-the-screen lounge, priority seating, a personal VIP host, limited edition merchandise, and private dining experiences. This pass is designed for guests who desire the utmost in luxury and personal attention.

Choose your pass based on the level of access and experiences you wish to enjoy. Each tier is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience at The Gathering Summit.

If you are still undecided on whats the best fit for you, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com and we are happy to support you!

Tickets for The Gathering Summit are non-refundable; however, they are transferable. If you need to change the name on your pass, we're here to help facilitate that adjustment.

Event Credits:
Understanding that plans can change, we offer the option to receive a credit for the full value of your ticket purchase. This credit is valid for one year and can be applied to any future Gathering experience, whether it's our annual business festival or any other event we host, exclusions apply.

Please note that all event credits must be used within one year from the date they are issued.

The Gathering Summit is held at the Fairmont Banff Springs, known as "Canada's Castle in the Rockies." This luxury hotel, recently voted the #1 luxury hotel in the world, offers a stunning backdrop for our business festival.

All Access Pass (Accommodations not included): Additional availability at the Fairmont Banff Springs is limited and rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact The Gathering team at Gatekeeper@thegatheringfestival.com or call +1 (587) 227 - 7772.
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‍VIP Ticket Holders: Booking a VIP ticket is one of two ways to guarantee a room at the Fairmont Banff Springs. VIP access includes a reserved room as part of your package, ensuring you are at the heart of the summit activities. Each VIP Pass defaults to checking in on October 22nd and you will be checking out on October 25th, 2025. Please ensure to mark this in your calendars ahead of time. If you need to extend your stay, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com

‍Pinnacle Pass Holders: Your Pinnacle pass includes a reservation on the Gold Floor at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This is our most luxurious and highly sought out pass because of this benefit. Our team will be in contact with you about your reservation. Each Pinnacle Pass defaults to checking in on October 22nd and you will be checking out on October 25th, 2025. Please ensure to mark this in your calendars ahead of time. If you need to extend your stay, please contact Gatekeeper@cultgathering.com.
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The Gathering is not just a conference; it's a business festival set against the backdrop of Banff's stunning scenery, designed to reshape how you view leadership, culture, and commerce. Here’s what makes The Gathering truly unique:

‍Inspirational and Actionable Content:
‍Expect a stellar lineup of speakers delivering insightful presentations that combine inspirational narratives with practical applications. From transformative workshops to enlightening panel discussions, each element is curated to challenge and expand your thinking.

‍Unparalleled Networking Opportunities:
‍Engage with a diverse group of industry leaders through a series of curated gatherings designed to foster meaningful connections. Whether it's during one of our intimate Inner Sanctums, our celebratory galas, or our exclusive Supper Clubs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to network with peers and influencers.

‍Diverse Activities:
‍Where else can you bowl, dress up for a gala, learn from leading brands, and hike the Canadian Rockies all in one day? The Gathering offers a range of activities that blend professional growth with personal exploration.

‍Inner Sanctums:
‍These are coveted, intimate sessions where attendees can engage directly with trailblazers in an open, ask-me-anything format. These sessions are a chance to gain personal insights in a smaller group setting, making them a must-attend for those looking to dive deeper.

‍Supper Clubs:
‍After the sun sets, the Supper Clubs come alive, offering off-site activities like dinners, roundtable discussions, and unique local experiences. These gatherings are perfect for unwinding and continuing conversations in a more relaxed setting.

Brand Hall of Fame:
‍Experience the induction of the Brand Hall of Fame, celebrating the legacies of the world’s most influential brands. This addition to our event provides an extra layer of depth and prestige to our business festival.

At The Gathering 2025, you’ll leave not just inspired but also equipped to elevate your business and branding strategies. Join us for an experience that transcends the typical festival format, where every session, speaker, and social event is designed to catalyze professional growth and personal connections.

Interested in positioning your brand alongside industry leaders at The Gathering? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission and provide value to our attendees. We offer a variety of sponsorship and partnership opportunities, both turnkey and customizable, to ensure your brand connects effectively with over 1500+ C-suite leaders and brand builders.

‍Get Started: For detailed information on how to become a sponsor and to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Annie@cultgathering.com. Our dedicated partnership team will follow up with you to discuss potential collaborations and tailor an engagement that suits your brand's objectives.

Date: October 24th, 2025
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Location: Conference Centre (previously the WestJet Stage)

‍Event Details:

Cocktail Hour: Begins at 7:00 PM
‍Gala Start Time: 8:00 PM sharp

We recommend all attendees arrive early to enjoy the cocktail hour and secure their seating prior to the start of the Gala. Doors will close promptly at 8:00 PM to ensure an uninterrupted experience.

Please plan accordingly to make the most of this prestigious evening celebrating excellence in brand leadership.

The Tony Hsieh Gala & Brand Hall of Fame is exclusively available to Pinnacle, VIP, and All Access passholders, with specific seating and ticket requirements based on your pass type.

‍Pinnacle and VIP Passholders
Pinnacle and VIP passholders enjoy priority seating with an assigned seating chart. All Pinnacle and VIP passholders will be sent an RSVP to confirm their attendance. RSVP is mandatory by October 20, as seating charts will be finalized on this date. Seating is limited, so failure to RSVP may result in your seat being reallocated to another guest.

‍All Access Passholders
All Access passholders who purchased their passes on or before March 31st, 2025, will have access to the Gala included in their ticket. All Access passholders who purchase their pass after March 31st, 2025, must purchase an additional ticket to attend the Gala. All Access passholders will have open seating in the venue.


RSVP is mandatory for all eligible attendees to secure their spot at the Gala. Failure to RSVP may result in your seat being given to another guest.

We encourage a cocktail or formal dress code for the Gala, but ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable—wear what suits you best!

You can provide your allergy and dietary restriction information on the RSVP form or the purchase page for All Access tickets.

🔹 Who needs to buy a ticket? If you purchased your pass after March 31st, 2025, you’ll need to buy a Gala ticket.
🔹 What if I purchased my pass before March 31st? Your Gala ticket is already included! 🎉
🔹 Are tickets refundable? No, but they are transferable.
🔹 Is seating assigned? Pinnacle and VIP pass holders, speakers, and partners have assigned seating; all others are general seating.
🔹 Can I buy a table for my team? Yes! A table for 10 is available for $2,500.
🔹 Will tickets be available on-site? Only if any remain after pre-sales (which is unlikely!).