Seniors
A variety of programs, activities and events as well as support, assistance and resources are available to residents aged 55+, and persons with disabilities.
Seniors' Week
Seniors' Week is June 3-9, 2024 and we have many events planned to help celebrate it.
Volunteers Needed. Please contact dani.roussy@banff.ca or call 403-762-1253 for more information.
Forest Frolic through Fenland Loop
Sunday, June 2
10:30 -11:30 a.m.
Meet at Fenland Loop Trailhead near the BANFF Sign
Let’s enjoy nature together during a gentle walk around Fenland Loop. Don’t forget your bear spray and sunscreen! A free BBQ lunch will follow in the Banff Recreation Grounds to kick off Recreation and Parks Month. Open to all Banff residents from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration required.
Seniors’ Week official launch event co-hosted with the Province of Alberta
Monday, June 3
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
All Ages Welcome!
Location: Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, Concourse
Seniors’ Week has been recognized in Alberta for over three decades and this year marks the 38th annual Seniors’ Week. Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services, chose the Town of Banff to co-host the provincial launch event in 2024.
- Official ceremony: Alberta Minister Jason Nixon will declare Seniors’ Week
- Banff Award: Minister Nixon will also deliver an Alberta Age-Friendly Recognition Award to the Age Friendly Banff Committee, who have been working towards this prestigious achievement since 2021
- Mix and Mingle: live music from the Seenagers and a Resource Fair showcasing Town of Banff services, Roam Public Transit and Floss services, and more.
- BBQ lunch: enjoy a BBQ and a banana split bar featuring Cows ice-cream. Take to the dance floor for the final event - an intergenerational sock-hop dance DJ'ed by Rob Murray.
Baby Storytime Special Edition: Songs for Little Ones and Wise Hearts
Tuesday, June 4
10:30-11 a.m.
Location: Play Space in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
In collaboration with the Banff Public Library, older adults, babies (0-2 years), and their caregivers will gather for a special songs and story time event full of interactive rhymes, songs, and felt board stories to help promote positive child-adult interaction and bonding.
Big Red Ride-a-thon
Tuesday, June 4
1-4 p.m.
Location: Town Hall
Have you seen our Big Red Ride cruising around town and always wanted to try it out? Now’s your chance to test out the four-person, fully adaptive, electric-assisted, community bike for a 30-minute tour along the Bow River towards Vermilion Lakes. Ride times are 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Registration required. To register, please call our Seniors Support Coordinator at 403-762-1253 or email dani.roussy@banff.ca
Connecting Together at Play Space
Wednesday, June 5
9-11:30 a.m.
Location: Play Space in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
Spend some meaningful time with our youngest residents aged 0-6. Enjoy creative and imaginative play, arts and crafts and stories with these little ones as building bonds and social connections are beneficial for all ages and stages in life.
Community Table Lunch: Celebrating Seniors
Wednesday, June 5
12-1 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Room in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
Time to celebrate our seniors with a healthy meal and connect in a relaxed atmosphere. Homemade soup, sandwiches courtesy of Good Earth Coffee, salad, fruit, tea, coffee, and cake provided. Entertainment courtesy of the Banff Singalong Strings.
Emergency Preparedness Session
Wednesday, June 5
1-3 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Room in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
The Town of Banff and the Banff Fire Department is hosting a discussion on our Emergency Management Plan and what to expect in the case of an evacuation scenario. Assistance will be provided in signing up with the Voyent Alert System to keep you up to date and informed on all town-wide emergency alerts.
Greenhouse Tour with Grow at Home Workshop and Kits
Thursday, June 6
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Greenhouse 1 and 2 in the Recreation Grounds
Are you curious about greenhouse gardening? Come interact with community gardeners and take home a “Grow at Home” kit to begin your journey into gardening.
Registration required. To register, please call our Seniors Support Coordinator at 403-762-1253 or email dani.roussy@banff.ca
Young at Heart Yoga with Michelle
Friday, June7
10-11 a.m.
Location: Pioneer Room in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
Join a beginner-friendly yoga class incorporating stretch and relaxation to brighten your mood and energize your soul.
Registration required. To register, please call our Seniors Support Coordinator at 403-762-1253 or email dani.roussy@banff.ca
Intergenerational Portraits
Friday, June7
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Room in the Catharine Robb Whyte Building
Calling all models for a fun and playful event with students from Banff Elementary School students from grades 2 and 3. Students will draw portraits of our older adults and seniors in the community. This will take place over two afternoon sessions (Friday, June 7 and Monday June 10,1:30 – 2:30)
Registration required. To register, please call our Seniors Support Coordinator at 403-762-1253 or email dani.roussy@banff.ca
Once Upon an Alphabet Special Edition: Storytime for Every Stage of Life
Saturday, June 8
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Location: Banff Public Library
Join us for a multi-generational storytime for fun and interactive rhymes, songs, and stories that will help children develop early literacy skills and create new bonds throughout the ages. Snacks, coffee & tea provided. Please bring a reusable mug.
Chamber Music Concert: Landmarks
Saturday, June 8
7:30 p.m.
Location: Rolston Recital Hall at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Featuring the Borealis Quartet and Faculty. Explore the intricate layers of chamber music as these masterpieces guide you through a diverse array of styles, evoking a range of emotions from profound serenity to passionate intensity.
Cost: $10 (tickets for seniors 60+ are 50% discounted)
Week-long specials:
- Lux Cinema is offering a $7.99 rate for seniors for all movie showings
- Good Earth Coffee is offering a 10% discount to people 60+ (please mention Seniors’ Week discount)
Age-Friendly Initiative
“Age-friendly” is the idea of making structures and services more accessible and inclusive for all ages with varying needs and capacities.
In late 2022 and early 2023, the Town of Banff collected public input from 138 people in six focus group sessions about how age-friendly Banff is, based on eight topic areas established by the World Health Organization.
We are currently in the stage of creating an action plan Learn more about Banff becoming an Age-Friendly Community. On June 3, the Government of Alberta will recognize the hard work of the Age-Friendly Banff Committee with a special award.
Programs and Services
Big Red Ride
Enjoy a ride outside without the strain of too much pedaling. This four-person bike provides opportunities for greater levels of fitness, social connectivity, and it's a lot of fun.
The exercise intensity will be moderate since the bike has a battery-assist boost to help with hills, headwinds or heavier loads. The bike is fully adaptable for people with mobility issues or balance challenges. Participants can pedal as much (or as little) as they like, with a common goal to exercise and increase the range of motion in their legs. Helmets will be provided.
Volunteer Income Tax Program
If you are 55+ and unable to prepare your income tax and benefit return yourself, the Town of Banff Family and Community Support Services may be able to help you. Community organization volunteers assist eligible Banff taxpayers who have low income and simple tax situations.
Snow Angels
The Snow Angels program pairs volunteers with people 65+ or those with disabilities that need help clearing their driveways and sidewalks in the winter.
Volunteers Drivers Program
On a cost-recovery basis, the Volunteer Drivers Program will provide transportation for seniors to medical appointments in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff.
Intergenerational Programs
Intermittent programs designed to create a meaningful connection between seniors and young children through activities and time spent together. Please check the 55+ Newsletter and the Town of Banff website for upcoming programs.
Taxi Passes
Taxi Passes are restricted to people over the age of 65 and to people with disabilities who have very limited access to transportation. Income thresholds apply. These are the thresholds provided by the Alberta Seniors Benefits.
- Taxi passes are for medically related use only.
- Limited to a maximum of six uses per month.
Seniors Bus
The Seniors bus provides transportation for shopping and programs within the Town of Banff for people over 65 and people with disabilities. The bus runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Client Outreach
Are you or someone you know experiencing social isolation? Do you need help navigating local resources? Our Seniors Support Coordinator can help connect you with local organizations and services to suit your needs.
Seniors Monday Lunch
Join us the second and fourth Monday in the Pioneer Room in the Catharine Robb Whyte building for a hearty lunch and conversation for $8.25.
