Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us for an exciting book signing of 'The Rise of Haduwas' with Local Banff author Amanda L. Rautio on 23rd May 12-4pm at Cafe Books, Canmore.

'The Rise of Haduwas' is a dark, mythic fantasy set in the ancient world, drawing inspiration from civilizations of anatolia. It's a reimagining of divine power, corrupt power structures, and the dawn of the Hittite empire. It’s the origin story of a god. Perfect for readers of Circe.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Shawn Micallef, a celebrated urban journalist and cultural commentator whose work explores cities, civic life, and everyday culture. He is a Toronto Star columnist and the author of books including Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto and Frontier City: Toronto on the Verge of Greatness.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to hear excerpts of articles and books that will soon be discussed across the country.

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Cheryl Thompson, a leading scholar and public intellectual whose work brings archival research, cultural history, and contemporary journalism into dialogue. Her books include Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture and Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict, and Freedom, 1812-1897.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. 

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us at Cafe Books for an exciting local author signing on 6th June 2026 1-4pm.

Las Vegas. For Detective Nick Keeley, it’s home. But When the Super Bowl is a week away and the Raiders are in the game, the city is a buzz. When a serial killer starts killing people within the organization, Detective Keeley is assigned the high-profile case. His ex-wife dead from a drug overdose, and his only daughter away at University on an athletic scholarship, it’s just Keeley and his dog at home. With a new partner, and a jealous Medical Examiner set on making Keeley’s life difficult, it becomes a race against the clock to stop the madness before more people are killed and the City of Sin takes on a whole new meaning.

About the author:

ANTHONY PARKER is a Canadian author originally from Calgary, Alberta. He fell in love with the city of Las Vegas. He married his wife Samantha at The Mirage, and it holds a very special place in his heart. A lifelong fan of dark twists, high-stakes suspense, and stories that refuse to let go, he draws inspiration from the page-turning intensity of James Patterson, the intricate intrigue of Dan Brown, and the bold, character-driven worlds of Victoria Aveyard & Leigh Bardugo. One of Two is Parker’s debut novel—an adrenaline-fueled thriller that introduces his signature style: sharp pacing, dangerous secrets, and the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages long after you promised yourself ‘one more chapter.’”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Cheryl Thompson, a leading scholar and public intellectual whose work brings archival research, cultural history, and contemporary journalism into dialogue. Her books include Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada’s Black Beauty Culture and Canada and the Blackface Atlantic: Performing Slavery, Conflict, and Freedom, 1812-1897.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. 

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Sean Paul Bedell , author of " Shoebox" ,  joins us at Cafe Books on the 30th of May  from 12pm-4pm for an exciting book signing!

In this gritty and emotional exploration of the human condition, Steve Lewis, a dedicated paramedic, faces the devastating aftermath of a fatal accident that casts a dark shadow over his once-passionate commitment to saving lives. Plagued by guilt and grief, he finds his career, family, and very existence hanging in the balance as he navigates the complexities of trauma both personal and professional. As Steve grapples with the high stakes of his job amidst the scrutiny of a community that admires yet questions him, each life he saves rekindles his passion for his work, reminding him of the profound connections he can forge through compassion and care. 

A compelling and visceral journey of personal redemption and triumph over adversity, Shoebox explores the human spirit's capacity for healing.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

Experience powerful Indigenous storytelling in an intimate environment.

This casual event features the faculty and participants from our three-week Story Sharing residency, which supports Indigenous storytellers in deepening their creative practice among a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment.

Join these artists in Banff Centre’s newest venue, CLVB ’33, to celebrate a new generation of Indigenous storytellers.

The sharing is hosted by faculty member January Rogers, a Mohawk/Tuscarora writer and media producer. She lives on her home territory of Six Nations of the Grand River, where she operates Ojistoh Publishing and Productions. Her video poem Ego of a Nation won best music video at the American Indian Film Festival 2020, and her audio work The Battle Within won best experimental audio at the imagineNative International Film + Media Festival in 2021.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Join us for an evening with Calgary-based writer and physician Ellen Anderson Penno as she shares her latest memoir, Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Found.

When: Thursday, May 28  |  6:30pm
Where: Friends Program Room

Ellen Anderson Penno is a writer and medical doctor with an MD and MS from the University of Minnesota, a rotating surgical internship at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic, a refractive surgery fellowship with Dr. Howard Gimbel, and two graduate certificates - one in Creative Writing from Humber College and the other in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University. Ellen continues to work in clinics in Calgary and Canmore and enjoys spending time in nature in her free time. Her memoir Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Foundwas published by NeWest Press in 2024. She has also published short essays and poetry.

About Counting Bones: Anatomy of Love Lost and Found:

When she was twenty-four years old, Ellen Anderson Penno lost her partner in a climbing accident while they were ascending Mount Baker in Washington’s Cascade Range. The avalanche hid his body in a crevasse just weeks before Ellen was slated to begin medical school, and she soon found herself torn between deferring her studies for a year or starting right away with a full course load.

Rather than succumbing to grief and risk never beginning her medical education at all, Ellen plunged deep into her studies, surrounded by death on all sides, struggling to maintain her way through her turbulent emotions and a rigorous med school schedule.

In this stirring and often mordantly funny memoir, Ellen structures a story of mourning, loss, despair, and love through the lens of the classic medical text Gray’s Anatomy, showing readers what becomes of those who must rebuild their lives after tragedy strikes.

Café Books will be on site during the event and will have copies of Counting Bones available for purchase.

For more information about Ellen and her work, visit her website.”

Hosted by the Canmore Public Library.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Kathleen Arnason , author of ' The Gimli Huldufolk series', joins us at Cafe Books on 22nd of May , 12-4pm for an exciting book signing!

Kathleen Arnason has written an incredible three book Canadian fantasy series called The Gimli Huldufolk. The series begins in Ireland and Iceland and then takes place across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta (Drumheller and the Hoodoos area) Winnipeg and Gimli where the mythical creatures have moved from Iceland. They are very well known in Iceland and Kathleen's very first book about the Gimli Huldufolk (which has sold 5,000 copies and is being reissued) has inspired a statue that will be unveiled in Gimli in the summer.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Join us for a conversation with Marina Alefosio, an Aotearoa-born Samoan spoken-word poet whose work bridges creative expression and community empowerment.  

Alefosio hails from the villages of Mulifanua, Leauva’a, Faleasiu, and Falefa in Samoa, and works across the Pacific at the intersection of arts, culture, and wellbeing.

Her practice spans spoken word, hip-hop, theatre, songwriting, and mentorship, centring Pasifika and Indigenous voices while exploring themes of identity, justice, and collective healing. Her creative journey began on local and international stages, including the Nuyorican Poets Café in New York (2012) and TEDx Auckland (2013). She has since performed at significant cultural events such as the Dawn Raids Apology Ceremony in Auckland (2021) and the Toronto Writers Festival (2021).

Marina’s contributions have been recognized through numerous poetry anthologies, residencies, and fellowships, including the Banff Centre (2019 and 2024), the Tautai Pacific Arts Trust Fale-ship Residency (2021), the Rhodes Poetry Retreat (2023), and the Creative New Zealand Creative Fellowship Fund (2024), which supported the publication of her debut book to siva inside a circle. Drawing on these experiences, she co-designed a spoken-word residency in Mulifanua, Samoa, with her father and tulafale, Savaiinaea Palenapa Alefosio, creating space for Oceania writers across disciplines. 

Facilitated by Janine Windolph, Director, Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre, the session includes a presentation by Alefosio, followed by a discussion and a Q&A. This conversation will be live-streamed and recorded, with the recording shared following the event. Sessions may include sharing experiences and asking difficult questions.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at the Max Bell Auditorium.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Calgary author and journalist Jessica Barrett presents an evening of innovative housing solutions from around the world — and right here in Canmore!

Join Jessica for a reading from her new book, No Place Like Home — The Missing Key To Our Housing Crisis, and a panel discussion on how to harness the power of community to solve Canmore's housing crisis. Hear from Donna and Ryan Houston of Canmoreland Community Land Trust, Canmore Town Councillor Tanya Foubert and Mark Tkacz, Housing Programs Manager of Canmore Community Housing about grassroots solutions and promising opportunities to create better homes for everyone in Canmore. Moderated by CBC's Greg Colgan, this night aims to generate positive momentum to tackle one of the biggest issues of our time.

We’re excited to have Café Books onsite with Jessica's Book, No Place Like Home available for purchase!”

Hosted by artsPlace.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Local Calgary-based journalist and  author, Jessica Barrett, joins us at Cafe Books on the  2nd of  May, 12:00 pm-4 pm for an exciting book signing and meet & greet. 

After living in Vancouver for her entire adult life, Jessica Barrett packed up her apartment, quit her dream job as a magazine editor, and headed for Calgary in search of an affordable place to call home. In the years since Barrett was priced out of Vancouver, the issue of housing affordability has become a national crisis, fanning the flames of social inequality and setting us up for financial ruin. But our obsession with rising housing prices obscures a more complex and pressing issue: we have lost our reverence for and our understanding of home.

In No Place Like Home, Barrett dives behind the headlines and statistics of Canada's housing crisis to examine how it has eaten away at our psyches by undermining our human needs for belonging, connection, and stability. Through a mix of powerful memoir and rigorous journalism, she delivers an eye-opening portrait of our housing system while scouring the world for examples of how we might do things differently, pulling inspiration from the slum communities of Harare, Zimbabwe, the stately streets of Vienna, Austria, and the Cold-war era apartment blocks of West Berlin. In the process, Barrett forms a framework for solutions and the basis for achievable change. Her biggest discovery? We cannot solve our housing crisis until we first address our crisis of home.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Elinor Florence, Canadian bestselling  author of "Wildwood and Finding Flora " joins us at Cafe Books on 1st of May,  12-4pm for an exciting book signing.

A single mother, an abandoned farmhouse, and an epic battle with the northern wilderness. Rediscover the Canadian classic by the #1 bestselling author of Finding Flora.

Broke and desperate, Molly Bannister accepts the ironclad condition laid down in her great-aunt’s will: to receive her inheritance, Molly must spend one year in an abandoned, off-the-grid farmhouse in the remote backwoods of northern Alberta. If she does, she will be able to sell the farm and fund her four-year-old daughter’s badly needed medical treatment.

With grim determination, Molly teaches herself basic homesteading skills. But her greatest perils come from the brutal wilderness itself, from blizzards to grizzly bears. Will she and her child survive the savage winter? Will she outsmart the idealist young farmer who would thwart her plan to sell the farm? Not only their financial future, but their very lives are at stake. Only the journal written by Molly's courageous great-aunt, the land’s original homesteader, inspires her to struggle on.”

Hosted by Cafe Books

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Ryan Uytdewilligan,  joins us at Cafe Books on the  25th of  April for an exciting book signing of his  newest children book, The Next Big Pigs. Join us between 12-4pm to meet Ryan .

Ten-year-old Mikey is a farm kid who doesn’t want to farm. He wants to perform! But as an only child living in an isolated location, he has no one to talk to, let alone perform for. Life is pretty lonely until the day Mikey’s parents give him three pigs to care for and raise. 

 As Mikey soon finds out, these are no ordinary pigs! Humphrey, Bianca, and Moo (yes, a pig named Moo) can talk! And dance! And put on show! Life on the farm transforms into a rehearsal space as Mikey and the pigs get ready for the big time—Broadway here they come! But will they make it off the farm in time to escape the evil Mr. Baconmaker? And will their dreams of fame and fortune come true?”

Hosted by Cafe Books

“Literary Cabaret concludes with an evening of new writing from the Late Spring Writing Residency at Banff Centre.

The program features original work by writers-in-residence in fiction, nonfiction, prose, and hybrid forms. Artist, poet, and translator Sawako Nakayasu, author of Pink Waves, a finalist for the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry, will host the evening and close the program with a reading from her own work.

Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse a curated selection of books at Pages Books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., readings begin at 7:00 p.m., and you’re invited to stay and mingle with artists and faculty until 9:00 p.m.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

“Literary Cabaret continues with an evening of new writing from the Late Spring Writing Residency at Banff Centre.

The evening features original work by writers-in-residence in fiction, nonfiction, prose, and hybrid forms. Poet, translator, and novelist Philip Terry, author of tapestry, shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize, will host and close the program with a reading from his own work.

Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse a curated selection of books at Pages Books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., readings begin at 7:00 p.m., and you’re invited to stay and mingle with artists and faculty until 9:00 p.m.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.

Regular weekly social and co-working meetups of the Banff Writers Group take place on Sundays, from 2-4pm, at the Happy Camper Café & Bar (545 Banff Ave). Our format is: half an hour of social time, followed by an hour of quiet co-working, then another half an hour at the end for wrap up. All experience levels and projects welcome, whether you're working on a book, blog, paper, personal journal, script, or anything else, so long as it is “written.”

We’re not a critique or reading group, so there’s no need to bring anything to share with other members.

“Join us for an author talk and community conversation with Shannon Hurst whose work explores grief, loss, resilience, and life transitions.

When: Thursday, April 16  |  6:30pm
Where: Friends Program Room

Shannon will be presenting her latest book, My Love/Hate Relationship with Death, which draws from lived experience and thoughtful observations on how grief and loss can affect us and how we carry it over time.

In this gently facilitated session, Shannon will invite participants to reflect on grief and loss as a natural, ongoing part of life and how to make space for it without rushing the healing process.

Shannon Hurst is an Okotoks-based author and speaker who offers accessible and inclusive workshops to individuals and teams navigating change, loss, and high-stress environments. Her sessions allow for reflection, conversation, and connection.

For more information about Shannon and her work, visit her website. ”

Hosted by the Canmore Public Library.

“Celebrate new writing at Literary Cabaret, featuring writers-in-residence from the Late Spring Writing Residency at Banff Centre.

This showcase features original work by writers-in-residence, with emerging and established writers sharing fiction, nonfiction, prose, and hybrid forms. Canadian author and creative writing teacher Jessica Westhead, whose fiction has been shortlisted for the CBC Literary Awards and whose story collection And Also Sharkswas a finalist for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award, will host the evening and share a reading from her own work.

Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse a curated selection of books at Pages Books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., readings begin at 7:00 p.m., and you’re invited to stay and mingle with artists and faculty until 9:00 p.m.”

Hosted by the Banff Centre at CLVB ’33.