4 Reasons To Visit The 2019 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival

Please note: The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival has gone digital for 2020. For more information visit Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.

Outdoor enthusiasts don’t often like to be indoors, but there’s a special season in Banff where even the most outdoorsy folks head in for nine days of epic programming. Each year, the world-renowned Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival gathers filmmakers, writers, photographers, adventurers, and thought-leaders, and this year’s edition (October 26 - November 3, 2019) promises to be as good as ever.

With Sharon Wood, Sasha DiGiulian, Andrzej Bargiel, Sarah Marquis and many more speakers taking the stage, events largely take place at Banff Centre. However, this year’s festivities extend into the downtown and the greater Banff region through special gatherings and culinary experiences.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

BANFF AVE. BLOCK PARTY

October 25, 6-10 p.m.

The nine epic days kicks off with a free block party on Banff Avenue between Buffalo and Caribou Streets. Take in some live entertainment, outdoor product demos, interactive displays and more!

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN EVENTS

This year, the stoke spreads downtown all week long with local businesses and venues hosting their own festival events. These include:

So You Want to Ski in the Movies? at Helly Hansen (October 30, 5-7 p.m.)

The Art of the Outdoors at Smartwool Banff with artist Kate Zessel (November 2, 1:30-5 p.m.)

Hand and Foot Care Treatments at Rocky Mountain Soap Company (October 26, 2 p.m.)

Care for the Land at Fjallraven (November 2, 3-4 p.m.), a guided walk to learn about medicinal plants and wild edibles

Paul Preuss: Lord of the Abyss presentation by David Smart at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (November 2, 7 p.m.)

Mark Synnott book signing of The Impossible Climb at The North Face Banff (November 3, 2 p.m.)

After-Parties include a “Locals versus Legends” Snow Show After-Party at High Rollers (October 30, 10 p.m.) and

Cocktails for a Cause, a winter kickoff with proceeds donated to Avalanche Canada and Protect Our Winters Canada.

Find a full listing of events online.

FRESH AIR OPPORTUNITIES

The festival certainly gives you an excuse to relax in a theatre chair and take in some films, but if you’re up to some outdoor activities, the mountain environment has plenty of those.

On the second weekend of the festival, join Oboz and MEC for Sunrise Hikes that showcase Banff’s beauty. Hikers will also enjoy a Mountain House breakfast, Kicking Horse Coffee, and a chance for some fabulous draw prizes from participating Festival partners. Destinations: Tunnel Mountain (November 2) and Hoodoos/Bow River Trail (November 3).

Meet at 7 a.m. for registration and prize draw at the Kinnear Centre 2nd Floor Patio (departure at 7:30 a.m.).

Looking to head out on your own? Early season hikes are equally good in the late season when snow may be accumulating higher up. Find your next hike here.

FESTIVAL FOOD OFFERINGS

Autumn is a great time to discover the rich culinary scene in Banff and Lake Louise, and the festival week is no exception. Enjoy Pulled Pork with Apple BBQ Sauce on a Housemade Biscuit at Baker Creek Mountain Resort, an Après-Film Charcuterie Board with Wine at The Juniper Hotel & Bistro, or the Inspired by Adventure three-course set menu at La Terrazza.

Find more information on the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival official website.

ARE YOU COMING TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK?

Make sure you purchase your Parks Canada Pass in advance for express entry into the park. All of the details, including frequently asked questions can be found in our Guide To The Parks Canada Pass.