So you are about to walk out of your home in Halifax and hop on a plane, bus or train for a summer in Banff!  Before you go, make sure you have the proper documentation with you!  You could be way out of luck, karma and just common sense if you leave home without making sure you have the right documentation you need to get a job and even have a beer!

What documentation do young adults must need to have with them?

If you are an International Visitor click here for visa information! 

Drivers license or photo ID such as an Alberta Identification Card

Both can be obtained with the proper supporting documentation, through the Banff Bureau of Licensing & Registrations.  The Bureau is located in the basement of 229 Bear St (below the Lux movie theatre) 403-762-2177. 

The legal age in Alberta is 18

That is how old you must be to be served liquor, or even enter a bar or lounge, in the province of Alberta. However, new Alberta Liquor and Gaming laws require Alberta liquor operators – whether bars, restaurants or liquor and wine stores to ask patrons of their establishments for photo ID, such as a driver’s license or Alberta Identification Card, if the patrons looks to be 25 years of age or younger! So make sure you have photo id!

Social Insurance Number card (SIN Card)

You must have this card with you to get a job in many places, Human Resources and Development Canada (HRDC) required employers, in some instances, to see the actual SIN card.  The employer was not authorized to hire someone until they had a photocopy of the employee’s SIN card.  For information on obtaining a social insurance card and your age of majority card (if you do not have a driver’s license) please CLICK HERE or visit the Job Resource Centre in Banff or an application form.

Health coverage

Bring your provincial health coverage number and if you have additional health insurance, for example - Blue Cross, have your documentation to support that such as your insurer’s Card with you e.g. Blue Cross card. It is really important to make sure you have this with you – without it and you may be required to pay up front for services at hospitals, medical or dental clinics…. dragggg!

Vehicle Registration and proof of insurance

When you are bringing a vehicle to Banff with you, you must have up to date vehicle registration and insurance coverage.  Check your license plate to ensure your registration sticker is current – it is an expensive ticket to be pulled over with an expired registration and without proof of insurance, your vehicle can be impounded.