Women's Circle

Date: Thursday, April 24th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Board Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitators: Liz, Advocacy and Outreach Counsellor
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Liz for an evening of painting and planting! We will have terracotta pots in a variety of sizes to paint however you would like. We’ll also have the option to plant some herbs to get you set for some fresh herbs for summer. Or you can focus completely on painting, totally up to you!

We’ll have a variety of herbs to choose from, aiming to grow things that can thrive on a balcony or inside by a window. Liz is on hand to help with all aspects, from the painting to the plants.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in.  We will be painting and using some potting soil, so things you don’t mind possibly getting a bit dirty!

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Board Room” at YWCA Banff. When you enter the building, turn right and walk down the hallway. The meeting room will be on your right side.
• Please note, as YWCA Banff is beginning renovations and has closed down it’s hotel operations, the front desk is currently unstaffed. If you need to reach a staff member on the day of, please call this phone number: 403-762-3560
• The venue does not have accessible door buttons.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located across from the Board Room.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 12.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you. *Bus pass request must be made before the day of the event*

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at with any questions or if you can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

This event is currently full. To join the waitlist, please email

Women’s Circle: Nature Walk
Date: Wednesday, October 16^th
Time: 3PM – 5PM
Location: Riverside Park (600 River Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2E4). We will be meeting at 3PM near the statue
Facilitator: Marzena (she/her). Marzena is a student of Wild Rose College and graduated as Practical Herbalist.
Cost: Free – registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Marzena (She/Her) as she guides us on a nature walk. On our walk we will identify and learn about healing properties of many local plants. We will walk from Riverside Park towards the Old Engine bridge, then climb the stairs towards Nordic Center. The length of the walk may be up to 1 km, depending on how many plants we see on our path.

The event will start promptly at 3:15 PM. Please arrive at 3:00 PM.

What to bring/wear:

• Please bring a pen and notebook as there will be lots of information!
• This event will happen rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear shoes you are comfortable walking in outdoors.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• There will be no childcare for this session.

Accessibility:

• This event will be held at Riverside Park, which is open to the public.
• The event will include walking up to 1 km on mixed, mostly flat terrain and walking up stairs.
• Public washrooms are available on-site. They are outhouse style washrooms.
• As this event is outdoors, weather conditions and noise levels will vary.
• This event is capped at 12 participants.
• If you require any additional accommodations, please specify this in the registration form.

Transportation:

• Limited parking spots are available next to Riverside Park. Parking rates are $3 per hour.
  • Use this map to view accessible stalls in the Town of Canmore: https://www.canmore.ca/your-community/community-supports-and-services/accessibility
• The closest bus stop is the “Canmore 9^th Street” bus stop. It is located 550 metres from Riverside Park.
• Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Jenesa at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Jenesa 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle: Pumpkin Decorating and Carving

Date: Thursday October 24^th, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator: Jenesa (she/her), Outreach Counsellor at YWCA Banff
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Outreach Counsellor Jenesa (She/Her) for a cozy and creative evening as we celebrate the fall season with pumpkin decorating! This session offers a relaxed and supportive space where folks can come together to express their creativity, share stories, and build community. Whether you prefer painting, carving, or using decorative materials, all supplies will be provided. No artistic experience is necessary!

Along with pumpkin decorating, we’ll also create a space for reflection and conversation, where we can connect, support one another, and enjoy some seasonal treats. This is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, get creative, and enjoy the warmth of community as we embrace the change of together.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable getting dirty in.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• Childcare will be provided by a YWCA Banff staff team member, in the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, turn left when entering the front entrance of the building.
• There is a set of stairs to access this room, and the room is not wheelchair accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The capacity of this event is 15 people

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Jenesa at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Jenesa 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle: Upcycle Paint Night

Date: Thursday, Nov 7th, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator: Jenesa (she/her), Outreach Counsellor at YWCA Banff
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Jess (She/Her), a local Banffite who has called this gorgeous mountain town home for the last nine years. She is excited to share her passion for teaching new ways to experience art and creativity with the community, and help foster lasting connections in a place that can sometimes feel a little transient.

Jess will be hosting a paint-night where participants will re-fashion an article of clothing using fabric paints. We will have number of thrifted, donated or found clothing items and materials, as well participants are encouraged to bring along a personal item, this item can be donated or upcycled. Participants will learn how to use tools to create an amazing item that they can wear and show off this fantastic way to avoid single-use fashion.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in. Feel encouraged to bring clothing items you have to paint or to donate for someone else to other participants.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, turn left when entering the front entrance of the building.
• There is a set of stairs to access this room, and the room is not wheelchair accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The capacity of this event is 15 people

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Jenesa at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Jenesa 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle: Flower Art

Date: Thursday, Nov 21st, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator: Jenesa (she/her), Outreach Counsellor at YWCA Banff
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Jenesa (She/Her) for a serene evening creating a pressed flower art masterpiece as we explore the beauty of nature. Whether you want to create a bookmark, or a framed piece of art, come enjoy the calming space and let your creativity flow. All materials needed will be provided.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, turn left when entering the front entrance of the building.
• There is a set of stairs to access this room, and the room is not wheelchair accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The capacity of this event is 15 people

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Jenesa at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Jenesa 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle: Ugly Sweater Making

Date: Thursday, December 19^th, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator:  Liz (she/her) YWCA Banff Residential Programs Counsellor & Guest Facilitator Amelie
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Amelie (She/Her) and Liz (She/Her) for a fun evening of making ugly sweaters and connecting with others. This can be worn anytime you feel like a laugh, or at a holiday gathering. Sweaters, decorations and materials are provided by the YWCA.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in. Bring a sweater of your own to decorate if you would like! We also have an assortment to choose from.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building. Please let us know in advance if childcare is of interest.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• There are stairs to get into the room. The room is not accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest Roam bus stops are the “Mountain Ave” stop (Route 1) or “Spray Avenue” stop (route 2). Both are just opposite the YWCA on the

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle
Paint Night

Date: Thursday, January 16^th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator:  Liz (she/her), Residential Programs Counsellor
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Liz is a Residential Programs Counsellor here at the YWCA and has a background in Art Education. Her specific interest is in painting, drawing a large amount of inspiration from the wild shapes and  colours of the alpine environment. For this Women’s Circle event we will set out to create an aurora themed painting, with guidance from Liz on colour and painting style.  Come for a relaxed painting evening and create a unique painting to take home!

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable painting in/getting dirty.  All materials will be provided.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• There are stairs to get into the room, The room is not accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle
Collage/Vision Board Night

Date: Thursday, January 30^th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitators: Emma (she/her), Advocacy and Outreach Counsellor, Liz (she/her), Residential Programs Counsellor
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join Liz and Emma for an evening of connection, creativity, and self-reflection at Women’s Circle. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your very own vision board or collage. Using an array of beautiful images and inspiring words from magazines, you’ll craft a visual representation of your goals, dreams, and intentions for the year ahead. Whether you’re setting personal intentions or simply enjoying the process of creating something meaningful, this workshop is about exploring your vision while building connection. This is a space to relax, reflect, and be inspired—no art experience required! All materials will be provided; if you have materials of your own that you would like to bring, feel free to do so!

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• There are stairs to get into the room, The room is not accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Emma at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Emma 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle
Polymer Clay Creations

Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM. The event will start promptly at 6 PM.
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator:  Liz (she/her), Residential Programs Counsellor
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join YWCA counsellors Liz and Emma for polymer clay jewelry making! This will be a great space to try your hand at using polymer clay to make earrings, necklaces, beads, or other small creations.  Create something fun and colourful to take home! Liz has a background in Art Education and is on hand for questions about crafting, tool use, colour mixing, and suggestions.

*Polymer clay requires baking in an oven to harden. Depending on time, participants may need to leave creations for baking and return to pick them up later*

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in.  All materials will be provided.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• There are stairs to get into the room, The room is not accessible.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at with any questions or can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle
Yoga

Date: Thursday, February 27th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator: Ana (She/Her), Residential Programs Counsellor
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Ana is a residential counsellor at the YWCA who describes yoga, meaning “union,” as having been an invaluable companion on her solo travels. Yoga has provided a consistent anchor, helping her to stay grounded amidst diverse landscapes and experiences. Through yoga, Ana has been able to connect with and honour her body as a place where she could always return, no matter what the circumstances were.

Join Ana for an evening of guided yoga at the YWCA. All experience levels are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat, as we have a limited amount that we are able to provide, and wear whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in for light movement.

The yoga class will begin at approximately 6:30 and will be held for one hour. Light refreshments will be provided to enjoy before or after the yoga session.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable moving in.  Yoga mats are available to borrow, but you may bring your own if you wish.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• The venue does not have accessible door buttons.
• There are stairs to get into the room.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Emma at   with any questions or if you can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Emma 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Women’s Circle
Paint Your Own Patches

Date: Thursday, March 13th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitator: Jess Sampson of Kaleido Threads
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Funded by YWCA Banff and the Town of Banff (Environmental Grant)

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Come join Jess, a local Banff artist, as she teaches you how to make your own iron-on patches! Use fabric paints to create a unique design that speaks to you that you can iron straight onto clothing or accessories to spice them up.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in. All materials will be provided.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• The venue does not have accessible door buttons.
• There are stairs to get into the room.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Date: Thursday, March 27th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitators: Amelie (Guest Facilitator) / Liz Albinini (Advocacy and Outreach Counsellor)
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Discover the art of macrame in a fun and relaxing environment! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn essential macrame knots and techniques to craft a stylish and functional water bottle holder. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this class is perfect for anyone looking to get creative and make something beautiful.

Amelie is a long-term Bow Valley resident who has a love for both the outdoors and crafting. At this event, Amelie will be teaching attendees how to make a water bottle holder, as a way to combine these passions.

No prior experience needed – all materials provided! Come enjoy a great time with like-minded folks, unwind, and leave with a handmade piece you’ll love.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in. All materials will be provided.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Great Room” at YWCA Banff. To get to the room, inquire with the front desk staff when arriving at the YWCA Banff building.
• The venue does not have accessible door buttons.
• There are stairs to get into the room.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located down the hallway to the right of the front desk.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 15.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at  with any questions or if you can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.

Date: Thursday, April 10th
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Board Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A6)
Facilitators: Guest facilitator, Gini Dickinson of Thrive with Gini
Cost: Free – Registration required.

Who is this event for?

This event is suitable for cis and trans women as well as gender-diverse folks. YWCA Banff staff members who are present have attended 2SLGBTQIA+ DEI training prior to the event. The event is open to everyone ages 16+. No previous connection to YWCA Banff is needed to attend.

What to expect:

Join us for this interactive and welcoming workshop with artist Gini Dickinson, of Thrive with Gini, where you’ll learn to make your very own silver charm. We begin the workshop by discussing our Thrival tools; the kinds of things you do or have around you that keep you happy and strong. Gini will then guide you through the traditional process of lost wax carving so you can make a one of a kind charm that celebrates a vital tool you use to get through your day. Something that is special, just for you, that honours your individuality. After the workshop your charms will be sent off for casting and turned into solid sterling silver. Before Gini polishes them up to make them shiny and sparkling for you. Ready to be worn forever, telling a unique part of your story.

All materials are included and your charms will be ready for collection at YWCA approximately 4-6 weeks later.

What to wear/bring:

Please wear clothing you are comfortable crafting in. All materials will be provided.

Food and beverages:

An assortment of light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you require any dietary accommodations (ex: gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.), please indicate so in the registration form.

Childcare:

• A YWCA Banff staff member will be available to provide free childcare onsite at the YWCA Banff building.

Accessibility:

• The event will be held in the “Board Room” at YWCA Banff. When you enter the building, turn right and walk down the hallway. The meeting room will be on your right side.
• Please note, as YWCA Banff is beginning renovations and has closed down it’s hotel operations, the front desk is currently unstaffed. If you need to reach a staff member on the day of, please call this phone number: 403-762-3560
• The venue does not have accessible door buttons.
• Gender neutral private stalls are available. The washrooms are located across from the Board Room.
• The room will have overhead lighting. Noise levels will be low-medium.
• Participants may access YWCA Banff’s counselling room if they need access to a quiet space. Please talk to the facilitator if you need to access this space.
• The maximum number of participants for this session is 8.

Transportation:

There is free parking at YWCA Banff around the main building. You do not need to register your vehicle to park.

The closest bus stop is the “Mountain Ave” Roam bus stop. It is located 130 metres from YWCA Banff.

Free bus passes for the Canmore – Banff Regional 3 Line are available if needed. You can request a pass via the sign-up form and a staff member will get in contact with you.

Contact Details:

Please contact Liz at with any questions or if you can no longer attend the event. Please try to contact Liz 48 hours in advance for accommodations.