Welcome!
Join us at a very special IYAC/ACYI National Conference in the Spring of 2027 for three and a half days of yoga with two direct disciples of Guruji Yogācārya B.K.S. Iyengar. Corine Biria and Jawahar Bangera are both devoted, exceptional and inspirational teachers who have shared Guruji’s work for decades.
This Conference will be held in Banff National Park, an iconic Canadian setting with a unique opportunity for our members to have onsite stay and a retreat experience at the beautiful, world-class Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
The breathtaking practice space has floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the Rocky Mountains. French translation at all classes.
The Conference coordinators have secured up to $19.25K of funding from Banff and Lake Louise Tourism towards this Conference to support this wonderful event.
We look forward to offering you an experience of
connection, practice and learning
in nature’s backyard.
STEP 1 – REGISTRATION
You must hold an active IYAC Membership to attend the Conference. Registration opens on October 21, 2026. The first two weeks of registration are reserved for current IYAC members. (Note: IYAC membership purchases and renewals will be unavailable October 21 through November 3, 2026.) On November 4, 2026, if there are available spots remaining, registration will be open to new members.
Registration Fee: $750 + Tax
All meals are covered, except for one dinner where participants can have a night to explore as they wish.
Conference Contact Email: For any Banff Conference inquiries, please contact us at banff2027conference@gmail.com
Financial Support: Please note that bursary applications open on October 6, 2026 and will be fulfilled on a first-come first-serve basis for those who meet the requirements. Access the bursary documents here
Cancellation Policy: Conference registration fees are refundable at 50% before February 1, 2027. After that, there will be no refunds applied. Hotel rooms are fully refundable until 48 hours before the reservation begins through The Banff Centre.
STEP 2 – BOOK YOUR ROOM AT THE BANFF CENTRE
We have been fortunate enough to designate enough rooms for most attendees to stay at the Banff Centre at an exclusive rate for our group. Please note that the room bookings at the given rates are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Onsite reservations can be completed now, through this link.
We wholeheartedly urge all participants to stay onsite for a retreat-style enriched community experience at this world-class venue. Don’t miss out!
Room descriptions and photos can be found here.
Room Availability as of October 7, 2026:
| Room Type | Booking Process | Location | Number of Rooms Left |
| Run of House (Any Room) | Book through online portal- see posted link | Professional Development Centre (PDC) or Lloyd Hall (LH) | 19 |
| Two-Bedded Room | Book through online portal- see posted link | Professional Development Centre (PDC) | 68 |
| Superior King Plus | Call Banff Centre to book | Professional Development Centre (PDC) | 5 |
| Superior One-Bedroom Suite | Call Banff Centre to book | Professional Development Centre (PDC) | 2 |
| Lloyd Hall Suite | Call Banff Centre to book | Lloyd Hall (LC) | 2 |
If you would like to share a room with someone then please post a message on the IYAC/ACYI Members Only Facebook page.
Our Beloved Teachers:
Jawahar Bangera, Mumbai India
Jawahar is a student of Iyengar Yoga, since 1969. He was permitted to teach by Guruji Yogācārya B.K.S. Iyengar from 1980. Jawahar accompanied Guruji on teaching tours in 1984, 1987, 1990, 1992 and 1993. He has also conducted several workshops worldwide. Jawahar teaches in Mumbai and is a Trustee of the Light on Yoga Research Trust. The trust was formed more than 40 years ago and runs two centres for in-person sessions and one online.
“If you can maintain your health and your sanity with the help of Iyengar yoga, you can face any calamity.” ~ Jawahar Bangera”
Corine Biria, Paris France
Corine began studying Iyengar yoga with her husband Faeq Biria in 1981 and from 1983 onward, directly with Guruji, Sri B.K.S. Iyengar and his children Geeta and Prashant. Over the years, she has shared her wisdom globally, training scores of teachers, teaching workshops and authoring insightful articles on yoga. Her book, “Tales and Legends of Sages in Light on Yoga,” serves as a bridge between yoga and Indian mythology, showcasing her deep cultural understanding. Corine continues to lead the summer intensive program that began with Faeq Biria in Blacons, France over 40 years ago and has been a source of inspiration for practitioners from all over the world.
Venue and Transportation
About The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity:
We are a full-service conference and hotel venue located within Canada’s leading arts and cultural organization based in the Canadian Rockies. We specialize in convening impactful meetings. From conferences to banquets, tradeshows and retreats, we inspire leaders, executives and all attendees to make their unique contribution to society. Banff Centre’s spectacular setting and innovative programming unlock human potential.
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.
Our home on the side of Sleeping Buffalo Mountain, in Treaty 7 territory is a sacred place for Indigenous people. For generations, Indigenous people gathered and held celebrations here, a tradition that continues today. Banff Centre is committed to Truth and Reconciliation by creating a dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
How to Get to the Conference:
Fly into Calgary International Airport and take a door-to-door shuttle from the airport to the Banff Centre. Mention the Conference for a 10-15% discount. Car rentals are also available at the airport, if you prefer to drive. Please check highway road conditions as you embark. Please note when you enter the Banff National Park, a park pass is required for those driving in with a vehicle. Daily pass rates are: $12.25 per adult per day, $10.75 per senior per day, and $22 per day for more than 2 adults.
If you would like to organize ride sharing with Conference attendees then please post a message on the IYAC/ACYI Members Only Facebook page.
Parking at The Banff Centre:
Parking at the Banff Centre is included for all those registered or the Conference. Details will be sent to all registrants closer to the date.
Banff Centre Campus + Parking Map
Getting around the Area:
The Banff Centre is a 6 minute drive or 17 minute walk from the town of Banff. Downtown Banff is compact and many restaurants/shops are easily walkable. Roam Transit is useful for getting around Banff and reaching several major attractions. Taxis are best when you’re going somewhere awkward for transit or returning late.
Getting Around the Banff Centre Campus:
The Yoga Practice Hall is on the first floor of the Kinnear Centre. Morning tea/coffee and some of the shared meals will be held on the second floor of the Kinnear Centre. Other meals will be taken at Vistas Dining Room, on the third floor of the Sally Borden Building. It’s a 6 minute walk between the Kinnear Centre and Vistas. Onsite room stays are held in the Professional Development Centre (PDC) and Lloyd Hall (LC). It’s a 1-5 minute walk between the PDC and LC and the Kinnear Centre and Vistas.
Onsite, there is an aquatic centre onsite with a pool, hot tub and a sauna, along with a climbing wall and running track. The Tunnel Mountain hike is a 5 minute walk from the Banff Centre and about an hour round trip trail.
Conference Schedule:
The Conference runs from Thursday April 15, 2026 – Monday April 19, 2026
Details on the full schedule coming soon
Thursday: Arrival and Registration | 2:00 – 5:00pm
Monday: Check-out, Goodbyes, bagged lunch | Noon
The onsite meals that are included in the program are:
- Daily morning tea
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Dinners (including a Banquet dinner!)
*French translation at all classes.
What Props Should I Bring? Are Prop Kits Available?
Registrants are asked to bring:
- 1 sticky mat
- 4 blankets (or whatever you require for Sarvangasana)
- 2 bricks
- 2 belts
A limited number of prop kits may be available with details coming soon.
Accommodation
Booking Onsite Accommodations for this Retreat-Style Conference:
We encourage everyone to stay onsite at The Banff Centre Hotel. As a Conference registrant, you have access to IYAC/ACYI’s exclusive room rates.. The hotel rooms can be booked through this link. Please note that the room bookings at the given rates are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you would like to share a room with someone then please post a message on the IYAC/ACYI Members Only Facebook page.
Lloyd Hall Queen
This newly renovated room features one queen bed, a 32″ flatscreen tv, mini fridge, iron & board, hairdryer, coffee maker, and full length mirror.
4 of these are fully accessible
PDC 1 Bed
This room offers one bed, a full bath with tub/shower combination, flatscreen TV with free cable channels, and a desk with a power port, desk lamp, and ergonomic office chair.
PDC 2 Beds
This room offers two queen sized beds, a full bath with tub/shower combination, flatscreen TV with free cable channels, seating, and a desk with power port, desk lamp, and ergonomic office chair.
About Banff
Banff National Park, located in Alberta, Canada and is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its vibrant lakes, majestic mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds. The park spans 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of striking mountainous terrain in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Canada’s first national park and the world’s third, it has a rich heritage as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations. Ski, bike, hike and so much more, no matter your preference, there’s something for everyone.
The bustling Banff townsite and village of Lake Louise are uniquely located in the national park. In this one of a kind place, there’s something for everyone to discover. Whether you come for the spectacular valleys and rugged peaks, the authentic Canadian eats, the vibrant arts and culture scene, or a little bit of everything, there’s no shortage of unforgettable ways to immerse yourself in Banff National Park.
Weather and What to Pack:
Mid-April in Banff can be a shoulder season between winter and spring, with more spring-like conditions in town and winter still hanging on in the mountains. Also, Alberta tends to have a wide range of possible weather conditions, eg- snowstorms in April are quite possible and it could be sunny and warm. Be prepared for anything from -10 degrees celsius to +20 degrees celsius and be prepared for conditions to change quickly. We can experience all four seasons over several hours.
Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 1991–2020 climate normals for Banff:
- 🌡️ Daytime: around 9°C
- 🌙 Overnight: around –3.5°C
- ❄️ Snow: April averages about 17 cm of snowfall, although it varies considerably.
- 🌨️ You can get snowstorms, rain, or beautiful sunny spring days—sometimes within the same few days.
- 🏔️ Mountains will still be very snowy, and many hiking trails at elevation will remain inaccessible or winter-like.
- 🌱 In town, you may see some melting and early spring conditions, but it generally won’t feel like full spring yet.
Plan to pack layers of clothing (Alberta’s staple year round!), a warm jacket, waterproof shoes/boots, and winter accessories and sunglasses and lighter clothing for sunny afternoons.
Touring the Area:
For a wealth of information about trails, conditions, camping, lakes and more, visit the Parks Canada website.
During mid April, if you’re interested in trails walks and hikes, seek lower-elevation trails, and treat higher Lake Louise/alpine hikes as conditional rather than guaranteed. Bring waterproof hiking boots, microspikes/ice cleats, poles, warm layers, and bear spray.
Always check the weather (temperature, snow, storms) and ground conditions (mud, snow, ice) where you’re heading to beforehand. The conditions may differ from the conditions at the Banff Centre or in town.
Tourist Attractions:
- Town of Canmore: Restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries and bow-river/town-area trails
- Banff town & downtown: Restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries and bow-river/town-area trails
- Banff Gondola
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Cave & Basin
- Lake Louise
- Lake Louise Ski Resort
FAQ
The registration fee for the Conference is $750+tax. You must be a member of IYAC to register for the Conference. The fee includes tea every morning, lunch on all four days, and three dinners, including a celebratory banquet-style dinner. There is one evening where participants are free to explore the town of Banff for their own dinner choice.
Yes, Details on Bursaries can be found here
All meals but one dinner is included with registration. See question (1) above for more information. Dietary restrictions can be submitted as part of the registration form. The Banff Centre is a professional Conference and Catering facility and will do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Accommodation costs are not included with registration. We encourage everyone to stay onsite at The Banff Centre Hotel. As a Conference registrant, you have access to IYAC/ACYI’s exclusive room rates. The hotel rooms can be booked through this link. Please note that the room bookings at the given rates are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hotel rooms are fully refundable until 48 hours before the reservation begins through The Banff Centre.
It is recommended that participants have at least one year of Iyengar Yoga experience.
Yes. Registrants are asked to bring:
- 1 sticky mat
- 4 blankets (or whatever you require for Sarvangasana)
- 2 bricks
- 2 belts
A limited number of prop kits may be available with details coming soon.
Due to the nature and size of this conference, teachers may not be able to provide individualized guidance for students managing significant injuries or health concerns. Those who are familiar with their own practice modifications and are comfortable caring for their individual needs are welcome to attend.
A designated area of the room will be equipped with therapeutic props for participants who need to modify their practice substantially. The practices offered are intended for ‘general class’ practitioners. Given the number of participants, each person is asked to practice with care, make appropriate modifications, and determine whether participation is suitable for them. If you’re unsure, you are welcome to send us an email at the address provided below.
Most of the program will be in person only. We’re exploring the possibility of adding one live-online session for IYAC/ACYI members who cannot attend in person.
Banff Centre is located in the town of Banff, a 90 minute drive west of Calgary. There are several transfer options available from the Calgary International Airport to Banff including airport shuttle service, bus transportation, and rental cars.
From Calgary International Airport you can take the door-to-door shuttle service called Banff Airporter, from the airport to the Banff Centre. Conference attendees can ask for a 10-15% discount.
Car rentals are also available at the airport, if you prefer to drive. Please check highway road conditions as you embark. Please note when you enter the Banff National Park, a park pass is required for those driving in with a vehicle. Daily pass rates are: $12.25 per adult per day, $10.75 per senior per day, and $22 per day for more than 2 adults.
If you are driving to Banff/Lake Louise, the Trans Canada Highway 1 leads directly to the Rockies. The Trans Canada is a four-lane divided highway from Calgary to Lake Louise. The highway gains very little elevation from Calgary to Banff/Lake Louise and is a safe and scenic drive unless there is a significant snowstorm.
The Banff Centre campus map can be found here: Campus Map.
Parking at the Banff Centre is included for all those registered for the Conference. Details will be sent to all registrants closer to the date. Please see question 9 for parking rates for the Banff National Park.
See the available onsite Banff Centre parking lots on the Campus Map:
Given our commitment to the teachers, the venue and the nature of the conference, this is not possible.
Please write to banff2027conference@gmail.com for additional questions.
Yes. Starting Nov 4th non-members can register by first becoming members. Click here to become a member: General Membership
Please submit any writing you’d like to share with our community to communications@iyengaryogacanada.com