Best of the West Fest

Please review below and accept or decline your swimmer here prior to Confirmation Deadline:  Monday, February 23 8:00 PM. 

THIS IS A TEAM TRAVEL EVENT

Swimmers Attending:       Qualfied Swimmers* (See attached List of current qualifiers) Time Standards in Meet Package

Event:  Best of the West Fest

Travel Dates:  April 22 - April 27, 2026

Flights:

WS - 228    A   WED 22APR26    CALGARY/YYC - WINNIPEG/YWG	08:45  11:52
WS - 221    A   MON 27APR26    WINNIPEG/YWG - CALGARY/YYC	06:30  07:40

 

Meet Times: April 23 -26, 2026

Day 1 – Thurs, April 23, 2026 Finals Warm-up: 1:00 PM Start: 2:30

Day 2 – Fri, April 24, 2026 Prelims Warm-up: 7:30 Start: 9:00 Finals: Warm-up: 3:30 Start: 5:00 PM

Day 3 – Sat, April 25, 2026 Prelims Warm-up: 7:30 Start: 9:00 Finals: Warm-up: 3:30 Start: 5:00 PM

Day 4 – Sun, April 26, 2026 Prelims Warm-up: 7:30 Start: 9:00 Finals: Warm-up: 3:30 Start: 5:00 PM

Hotel:              

Best Western Plus Pembina, 1714 Pembina Highway| Winnipeg| Manitoba |R3T 2G2

Pool:               Pan Am Pool, 25 Poseidon Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3E4

Host Club:      Swim Manitoba

Meet Entry Fees:     $125/ Swimmer + $15. 00 swimmer surcharge  

Equipment:   Bring all your Cascade Team Gear

Estimated Travel Costs:

Flight	$501
Hotel	$535
Meals	$474
Management	$235
Total	$1,745

1. *We will assume we are booking a team flight for your swimmer unless written in "notes" at declaration (NO EXCEPTIONS). Please state in notes "No flight required, booking own flights - same flights as team." If you are booking your own flight for your swimmer, you will be responsible for transport to and from the airport to accommodations unless you are booking the same arrival and departure.
2. Chaperones - Please email the office if you are interested in chaperoning this event. *Cascade will provide a link for Screening Questionnaire to be completed for all chaperones selected to attend the event. Police checks must be completed every three years. Chaperones will be required to drive and shuttle swimmers for this event.
3. Meals: All meals are catered. Snacks supplied by chaperones.
4. This event is subsidized by the Cascade High Performance Fund. 

By confirming your attendance you are also agreeing to a possible 20% cost overrun to cover unforeseen expenses. 

Confirmation Deadline:  Monday, February 23 8:00 PM

Team Travel information

Travel Dates: April 22 – April 27, 2026

Flight Information:

- Departure (April 22): WestJet WS 228 | Calgary (YYC) to Winnipeg (YWG) | 08:45 – 11:52

- Return (April 27): WestJet WS 221 | Winnipeg (YWG) to Calgary (YYC) | 06:30 – 07:40

Please refer to the attached flight grid for individual reservation codes and ensure you check in online 24 hours in advance.

Meet Schedule:

- Day 1 (April 23): Finals Warm-up: 1:00 PM | Start: 2:30 PM

- Days 2–4 (April 24–26): Prelims Warm-up: 7:30 AM | Start: 9:00 AM; Finals Warm-up: 3:30 PM | Start: 5:00 PM

Accommodations & Venue:

- Hotel: Best Western Plus Pembina, 1714 Pembina Highway

- Pool: Pan Am Pool, 25 Poseidon Bay

- Host Club: Swim Manitoba

Logistics & Arrival:

- Airport Check-in: Please arrive at the airport at least 1 hour and 45 minutes prior to departure. Swimmers must check in with chaperones at the WestJet area for attendance.

- Uniform: Cascade team gear (hoodies, black pants, and shirts) must be worn on travel days.

- Transportation: A school bus will transport swimmers between the airport and the hotel. Coaches and chaperones will provide transportation between the hotel and the pool.

- Funds: Ensure swimmers have extra funds for food at the airport and for a meal after checking into the hotel (swimmers will head to the pool for practice after checking in).

- Identification: All travelers 18 and older must present government-issued ID. While not strictly required for those under 18, it is strongly recommended that they also have government-issued ID available.

Luggage & Packing:

- Checked Bags: One checked bag is included.

- Carry-on: Please pack all racing gear, required medications, and empty water bottles in your carry-on or personal item luggage.

Meals & Health:

- Catering: Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Lunches and dinners are catered, and snacks will be provided. Swimmers are also welcome to bring their own favourite snacks.

- Dietary/Medical Needs: These have been noted from your family accounts and communicated to the chaperones and caterer. Please contact us immediately if there are any updates.

Staff Contacts:

- Attending Coaches: Wendy Johnson, Dave Johnson, and Andrew Miller

- Chaperones (Emergency Only):

- Tara McNeil: 403-828-5500

- Doug Harper: 403-612-6215

- Jillian Sayarh: 403-828-5500