The National Organizing Committee has planned an exciting program for ISF Accompanying Persons. More details will be distributed by email (for those who provide email addresses) prior to the Congress. Registration for Accompanying Persons includes the Opening Ceremony, Welcome Party, Gala Dinner and organized tour program. Children under 12 years pay no registration fee and may not attend the Opening Ceremony or Gala Dinner.

Delegates are able to attend the Accompanying Persons' tours, but must register in advance. The cost for the Calgary Orientation is CAD 75 and for the Banff Tour CAD 200.

Accompanying Persons' Program

Monday 31 May

09:00 h - 11:45 h     Opening Ceremony and Reception
12:00 h - 14:00 h     Lunch and Calgary Orientation
14:00 h - 17:00 h     Glenbow Museum
18:30 h - 23:00 h     Welcome Party

Tuesday 1 June
 
08:00 h - 17:30 h     Trip to Banff

Wednesday 2 June

Free day to explore Calgary    
18:30 h - 01:00 h     Gala Reception and Dinner

Program Details

Monday 31 May

Opening Ceremony and Reception  9:00 h - 11:45 h
All Accompanying Persons are invited to the Opening Ceremony and Reception at Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Lunch and Calgary Orientation   12:00 h - 14:00 h
Following the Opening Ceremony you're invited across the street for a light lunch in the theatre of the Glenbow Museum. We will provide an orientation to Calgary - everything from what to do on your free day to where to shop and what restaurants are recommended.

Tour of Glenbow Museum    14:00 h - 17:00 h
Plan to tour the Glenbow Museum at your leisure.  Here you will find intriguing stories from western Canada connected with extraordinary art and artifacts from around the world. Combining a museum, art gallery, library and archives all under one roof, Glenbow boasts over a million artifacts and some 28,000 works of art in its vast collections. It is one of the largest museums in Canada. Western culture and heritage is preserved through a variety of dynamic programs and changing exhibitions as well as a broad collection of art, artifacts and historical documents.

Welcome Party     18:30 h - 23:00 h
Your introduction to Canada's wild west! Bring your blue jeans and cowboy boots for an authentic western party and mini-rodeo at Stampede Park, home of the Calgary Stampede.

Tuesday 1 June

Trip to Banff     08:00 h - 17:30 h

As the oldest and largest of the town sites in the Canadian National Parks, Banff undoubtedly owes its existence to the discovery of hot mineral springs on the slopes of nearby Sulphur Mountain. Your one-day sight-seeing tour to Banff will include the following:

• Bus transportation (about 90 minutes) and tour guide
• Shopping on the beautiful main street
• Your choice of the Banff Gondola Ride or the Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Lunch at the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

About Banff

Banff National Park is set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It attracts roughly 4 million visitors each year. The largest community within Banff National Park is the town of Banff - which is the highest town in Canada at an elevation of 1,383 metres (4,537 feet). Surrounded by mountain parkland and wilderness, the community shares its space with the wildlife. The town abounds with opportunities for shopping, dining and outdoor activities.

The Banff Gondola Ride 
The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. Once you arrive you'll experience a breathtaking view of six mountain ranges.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs
All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid, historic spa and outdoor bathhouse against a backdrop of Banff's spectacular alpine scenery. You will luxuriate in the comfort of soothing hot springs where travelers have come to "take the waters" for more than a century.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel 
Few hotels in the world rival the majesty, hospitality and grandeur of The Fairmont Banff Springs resort. For more than a century "The Castle in the Rockies" has provided the blend of luxurious comfort and timeless beauty for the most discerning traveler. Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, you will be treated to a delicious lunch and traditional "high tea".

Wednesday 2 June - Free Day

Calgary is a vibrant city, filled with unique shopping and sight-seeing experiences. For Congress attendee companions and youth, it's easy to fill a day with artistic, cultural or outdoor adventure.

Fill a day

• Calaway Park:  Western Canada's largest outdoor Family Amusement Park
• Calgary Tower:  Take a trip to the top of Calgary's most famous and identifiable physical landmark
• Calgary Zoo:  Tour the wilds of Africa or the Arctic at one of North America's Top 10 zoos
• Fort Calgary Historic Park:  Learn about the birthplace of Calgary, and the historic fort where it all began
• Heritage Park:  Canada's largest living historical village
• Spruce Meadows Equestrian Centre:  World famous equestrian and show jumping facility
• Calgary TELUS World of Science:  Children of all ages can explore the magic of science with interactive displays and exhibits
• Canada Olympic Park:  Overlook the city from the tea house at the top of the ski jump tower, explore the Canadian Olympic museum, take a short ride down the bobsled track - all at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics

Fill a shopping bag

Calgary also offers a variety of unique shopping districts.

• Inglewood:  An historic district with antiques, modern furniture, and art with a uniquely Calgary feel
• Kensington:  Calgary's "Village in the City" has it all - shops, restaurants and services from cheap to chic
• 17th Avenue SW:  "Uptown 17" is Calgary's urban shopping experience - recognized as one of Canada's top retail streets 
• Stephen Avenue:  A major pedestrian mall located at your doorstep in the heart of downtown, known for restaurants, high-end department stores and pubs 

Pamper Yourself

There are several spas close to the TELUS Convention Centre. The most convenient is the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. 

Other Tours

Check other tour options in the Pre and Post Congress Tours section of the website. Half or one day Calgary tour options include a Calgary City Tour, Horseback Trail Riding in Kananaskis Country and a visit to Drumheller/Badlands.

Agricultural Tour - Friday 4 June 2010

This one-day agricultural tour will provide an insight into Canada's seed and grain industry.
For more information visit Agricultural Tour in the Pre and Post Congress Tours section.