Health Care
Within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, healthcare needs can vary, so having services that acknowledge and address those differences is important. Banff National Park may welcome the world to visit, but services provided reflect the reality of living in a small rural community.
The Bow Valley Primary Care Network supports the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is working towards addressing the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Link below relevant resources compiled by BVPCN Health Care Services Resources , Gender Related Resources
Additional local-ish resources:
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counselors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, Open 7 days a week (and is also queer friendly).
Visit the Hope for Wellness Website
Alberta’s One-Line for Sexual Assault
Provides 24hr emotional support, resources, referrals to specialized Sexual Assault Services throughout Alberta.
Call or Text | 1-866-403-8000 (toll-free)
BVVSA – Bow Valley Victim Services
The Bow Valley Victim Services Association (BVVSA) provides assistance to people who have experienced trauma and loss due to a crime or a significant event. They also assist individuals such as friends, family and co-workers who have been impacted by a crime or traumatic event. These occurrences include domestic abuse, sexual assault, sudden deaths and serious accidents.
Visit | the BVVSA Website
Access Mental Health
Provides non-urgent information, consultation, and referrals for individuals with addiction and mental health concerns.
Call | 403-943-1500
Visit | Access Mental Health Website
Distress Centre Helpline
Provides 24hr crisis intervention services and emotional support, over the phone and via online chat sessions. Text or chat between 3pm-6am weekdays or 12pm-6am weekends.
Call | 403-266-4357
Visit | the Distress Centre Website
AHS Mental Health Helpline
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, offering confidential support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
Call | 1-877-303-2642
Visit | the AHS Mental Health Helpline Website
YWCA Banff
Empowers clients to make safe and informed decisions through awareness, prevention, and one-on-one support, with a primary focus of programs and services for people who are experiencing domestic violence, sexualized violence, and/or are unhoused.
24/7 Crisis Line: 403-760-3200
Visit | the YWCA Banff Website
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Visit | the Trans Lifeline Website
Call | (877) 330-6366
Calgary Outlink
Calgary Outlink is a community-based, not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing support, education, outreach, legal information, and referrals for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied communities in Calgary, Alberta. Including in-person and online social and support groups.
Call | 403-234-8973
Email | info@calgaryoutlink.ca
Visit | the Calgary Outline Website
You Matter!
Calgary Outlink Peer Support & Resource Hotline. You Matter is a non-crisis peer support and resource line for 2SLGBTQ+ community members, run by Calgary Outlink. You can call about anything you’re looking for support with, including identity, relationships, coming out, transitioning, community, resources, and more!
Call | 587-800-4121 (Monday - Thursday, 5:00 - 9:00 PM)
Visit | the You Matter! Website
LGBT Youthline
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.
Call | 1-800-268-9688
Text | 647-694-4275
Visit | the LGBT Youthline Website
New to Banff?
Banff is a strong and diverse community and newcomers play an important role in making our town a great place to live.
NewToBanff.ca is a dedicated website for newcomers to access a variety of programs, services, and community resources in one convenient location, in five different languages: English, Japanese, Tagalog, Tigrinya and French
Newcomer Guides
English Guide (PDF) | Tigrinya Guide (PDF) | Japanese Guide (PDF) | Tagalog Guide (PDF)