Skip to main content
Header

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When and where is the conference? 

The Summit for Animals will be held at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler from April 19 to 21, 2026 in Whistler, British Columbia.

Here's a detailed breakdown of each day:

  • Saturday, April 18:
    • BC SPCA Vancouver Shelter Tours
       
  • Sunday, April 19: 
    • Pre-conference Deep Dives, sponsored by Edmonton Humane Society. Optional. Additional registration is required. There are six tracks to choose from; you can view them here.
    • Yappy Hour sponsored by Veterinov. Complimentary for all attendees. No sign-up required.
    • BC SPCA Vancouver Shelter Tours - Complimentary for all attendees. Optional shuttle to Whistler (additional cost). Multiple times; view schedule here.
       
  • Monday, April 21:
    • Summit, Day 1
      • Five concurring tracks; view schedule at a glance here
      • Main stage sessions
      • Discovery Hub with exhibitors
      • Wellness activity. Optional and complimentary for all attendees.
      • Eighties Après Ski Social - hosted by BC SPCA (costumes highly encouraged!)
         
  • Tuesday, April 22:
    • Summit Day 2
      • Six concurring tracks; view schedule at a glance here
      • Main stage sessions
      • Discovery Hub with exhibitors
      • Wellness activity. Optional and complimentary for all attendees.

What is the event format of the conference?

The Summit for Animals is a three-day conference broken into two parts:

  1. Pre-Conference Deep Dives on Sunday, April 19
  2. Summit on Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21

Let's break it down:

  1. Pre-Conference Deep Dives (sponsored by Edmonton Humane Society) – These are optional, add-on sessions held before the main two-day Summit. Participants choose one of six focused educational tracks and stay within that track for the full day, allowing for in-depth, immersive learning on a specific topic. Explore the six pre-conference deep dives educational tracks here.
     
  2. Summit for Animals – The main conference runs for two days, offering 5 to 6 tracks each day. Unlike the Deep Dives, attendees can move between tracks and explore a variety of sessions. The Summit also features main-stage presentations, exhibitors, and the full delegation experience, providing participants with opportunities to connect, learn, and engage across the entire animal welfare community.

In short:

  • Deep Dives = Pre-conference, additional fee, focused on one educational track all day.
  • Summit = Main event with multiple tracks, exhibitors, main stage sessions, and full community participation.

What is the cost to attend the conference?

Super Early Bird rates are now available! These limited-time discounts can save you up to $185, so be sure to register by January 8 to unlock these savings!

* Humane Canada members and associates are organizations that hold official membership or associate status with us. These include humane societies, SPCAs, rescues, TNR groups, municipal shelters, and more. Learn more about becoming a member or associate here.

Why should I register for the Summit for Animals?

Because this is the one place where the entire animal welfare community comes together. By registering, you gain access to leading experts, practical tools you can use right away, and real conversations that shape the future of our sector. You’ll make meaningful connections, discover new ideas in the Discovery Hub, and return home energized with solutions you can bring back to your team.

If you want to learn, grow, recharge, and be part of a national movement improving animal welfare, the Summit is where you need to be. Explore more reasons to attend here.

Are there hotel and travel discounts?

Yes, there are. You can explore hotel and travel discounts here.

Rooms at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where the conference will take place, start at $299 per night (plus applicable taxes and fees), which is more than 50% off Fairmont’s regular pricing. 

Once you register for the Summit, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to book our discounted hotel rate.

"I registered, but can’t find the booking link. What should I do?"
If you can’t locate your confirmation email or need assistance with your hotel reservation, please get in touch with our events team at events@humanecanada.ca, and we’ll be happy to assist.

"Can I book through the hotel website directly?"
The group rate is only available through the special link provided after registration, so please be sure to use that link to secure the discounted price.

"Is there a deadline to book the hotel at the group rate?"
Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage attendees to book early using the link in their confirmation email to ensure availability.

Getting to Whistler

Can I fly directly to Whistler?
No. Whistler does not have a commercial airport. The nearest major airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Harbour Air does fly into Whistler however. 

So, how do I get to Whistler?
Getting to Whistler from Vancouver is very easy. Most attendees take one of the regularly scheduled shuttle services that run between YVR or downtown Vancouver and Whistler. The trip is about 2 to 2.5 hours along the beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway. You can see options, pricing and book your shuttle here. 

Is it expensive?
No. Shuttle services are typically $33.50–$120 CAD each way, depending on the provider and time of day. Many run multiple times daily and drop off directly at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or a nearby stop.

Can I rent a car instead?
Yes. Car rentals from YVR are widely available, and the drive is straightforward with incredible views. Parking is available in Whistler for those who prefer to drive. Reader's Digest has called the drive from Vancouver to Whistler "One of the most beautiful drives in North America." Watch this video and get inspired.

Do I need to worry about transportation once I’m there?
Not at all. Whistler Village is walkable, and most Summit activities take place within or very close to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Who can attend the Summit for Animals?

The Summit welcomes anyone working in, supporting, or interested in animal welfare, including shelter staff, veterinarians, advocates, volunteers, students, fundraisers, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners.

Is the conference hotel pet-friendly?

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is pet-friendly, but fees and restrictions may apply. Attendees bringing pets should confirm details directly with the hotel.

Is there financial assistance to attend the conference?

We know that cost can be a barrier for some, and we’re constantly working to secure grants and other financial support to make it easier for you to attend the Summit for Animals in Whistler in April.

Who organizes this conference?

Humane Canada.

We are the federation of humane societies and SPCAs, and the convener of animal welfare in Canada.

To learn more about us, visit our website. If you have additional questions, please reach out to info@humanecanada.ca.

I am interested in speaking, what should I do? 

Thank you for your interest in speaking at Humane Canada's Summit for Animals. The call for speakers is now closed. We appreciate your interest and hope to see your submission at a future conference. To see this year's education, please visit the Education page for more details.