Planning Ahead

The 2026 GSRC Team is happy to offer in-person attendees the following free transportation options from Edmonton to Athabasca and back.

 All times listed as Mountain Time

 Friday, Oct. 23

• 2:00 pm pick up from Century Park Transit Centre 
• 2:35 pm pick up from Trail Business Centre
• 4:45 pm arrival at Athabasca University

Busses will shuttle attendees between the Athabasca Days Inn and Super 8 and the university on the 23, 24, and morning of the 25.

 Sunday, Oct. 25

• 1:00 pm departure from Athabasca University
• 3:00 pm drop off at Trail Business Centre
• 3:35 pm drop off at Century Park Transit Centre

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How to Get to Athabasca:

Athabasca is located 150 kilometres north of Edmonton:

To Athabasca, AB - Google Maps

To Athabasca, AB - Apple Maps

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Car rental options at Edmonton International Airport (YEG):

Thrifty Car Rental

Hertz Rent a Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Budget Rent a Car

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Rideshare and Carpool

Log into your Whova App to chat with other attendees about ridesharing!

Rideshare Information

The 2026 GSRC organizors have secured room blocks and discounts* for two Athabasca hotels for Oct 22, 23 & 24th. There are limited rooms available so book early. 

Days Inn

2805 - 48 Avenue, Athabasca, AB T9S 0A4

P: 1-780-675-7020

Super 8

4820 Wood Heights Rd, Athabasca, AB T9S 1V4

P: 1-780-675-8888

*When booking tell them its for the "Graduate Student Research Conference" to recieve booking discount

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Other Accommodations

Athabasca Tourism Guide

There are funding sources outlined below. Graduate students, undergraduate students, and alumni presenting at the conference are encouraged to look through the links. Deadlines vary. 

Graduate Student Research Fund  (search GSRF in the search bar)

AUGSA Bursaries 

General Graduate Studies Fund (GGSF) (see notes below)

Funds from the AU General Graduate Studies Fund (GGSF), administered by the Research Office, are available to support graduate students who are 1) currently enrolled in an AU graduate degree program in NSERC or SSHRC disciplinary areas, and 2) presenting a paper or poster (in-person or virtually). In-person presenters will be given priority but we encourage all eligible students to apply. The application deadline is TBD. 

The GSRC Steering Committee is organizing various social activities throughout the conference. Stay tuned for details.

Athabasca also offers many outdoor activities, history, arts, and culture. Check out Athabasca Region Tourism for more information.

Athabasca, Alberta, has a rich history that dates back to the fur trade era. The town was first called Athabasca Landing in 1889 and was incorporated as a town in 1911. It was known as Athabasca Landing prior to August 4, 1913, and the provisional district was established in 1882. Athabasca was an important transportation center for Canada's North, especially during the Klondike era. The town's name has changed several times, reflecting its historical significance and development. Athabasca is also home to Athabasca University, Canada's "online university," and the world's largest bleached kraft pulp mill. The town's history is deeply connected to the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, whose culture and traditions are deeply rooted in the region's natural resources.

Source: Athabasca, Alberta - Wikipedia

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for all conference attendees. The venue is fully accessible, featuring step-free entryways, elevators to all floors, and wide corridors to accommodate mobility devices. Accessible restrooms are conveniently located throughout the building and designated accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance. 

We offer closed captioning through MS Teams for both in person and online attendees, as well as the translation capabilities of MS Teams for online attendees. If you require additional accommodations, please let us know in advance so we can make your experience as comfortable as possible.

In-person registration fees include appetizers on Friday evening, coffee/tea breaks and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.  The Athabasca Days Inn and Super 8 provide breakfast for hotel guests and conference attendees are responsible for all other meals.

Please refer to the Athabasca Tourism Guide for a listing of great local eats!

Special dietary needs and food allergy information is collected during registration for catering purposes.