Getting Around Banff
Frequently
Asked Questions
Transit services in Banff National Park are expanding each year making it easier than ever to go car free. Here we have compiled some of our top questions to help plan your trip.
Faqs
Seasonality
When is the most popular season to visit Banff National Park?
Banff National Park is popular year-round. Summer months have the greatest number of visitors. Be prepared to share this special place with other visitors. Visitors should always plan ahead to avoid disappointment within Banff National Park.
The peak visitation period is between June and September, when the park experiences a lot of congestion. An extensive network of public and private transport options exists to help get you where you need to go during this period.
What are the best times to visit popular spots to avoid crowds?
Early mornings or late afternoons are typically less crowded at popular sites around the town of Banff. Summer evenings in Banff provide parking lots with capacity, fewer transit riders and less busy attractions, perfect for mountain experiences easily until 10 p.m. sunsets and beyond.
Parking lots at Lake Louise are often full before dawn and remain full throughout the day.Note that in summer, driving to Lake Louise is not recommended without a transit reservation.
Visiting in spring and late fall are great options for visiting when fewer people are in Banff and Lake Louise and summer activities are still available, and winter brings an abundance of opportunities unique to the mountains.
How can I help reduce road congestion in Banff National Park?
Leave your vehicle at home, at your hotel or campground, or park at a free parking lot and choose alternative transportation methods like transit, tours, walking, or cycling.
Consider visiting at different times of the year. Banff National Park is a four-season destination with year-round attractions.
Getting around
What are the best ways to get around Banff National Park?
Many popular attractions can be accessed via public transit, with commercial offerings also available to get you there and beyond to areas not covered. The town of Banff is only 4 square kilometers – it’s easy to get around by walking, cycling or taking transit. There are numerous bike rental locations within the townsite – bikes can even be taken on Roam Public Transit services.
Driving to top attractions may not be possible, so arrive with a plan for getting around the park.
What transport options are available between Calgary and Banff?
On-It Regional Transit offers a regular scheduled seasonal service between downtown Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. It’s convenient and affordable – one-way tickets cost $12.50 for adults, $10 for youth and seniors.
Several other large coach companies offer reliable scheduled services between Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise. Check rates and schedules on Busbud.com.
Private shuttles offer services from Calgary International Airport to Banff. Use the transit directory to find out what other transport options are available between Calgary and Banff National Park.
What public transit options are available in and around the town of Banff?
Roam Public Transit provides multiple bus routes throughout the Banff and Lake Louise area to popular locations including Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, and more. Purchase a $5 Roam Day Pass for transport to numerous attractions all day, or a $25 Reservable Super Pass for 1 day of unlimited travel on all Roam routes from Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise.
Use the transit directory to find out what other transport options are available in the town of Banff.
What public transit options are available in and around the Lake Louise area?
Parks Canada operates a shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from mid-May to mid-October. Shuttles run every 30 minutes from 6.30 am to 6 pm with the last shuttle at 7.30pm. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for youth (17 and under). Reservations are required and parking at the Lake Louise Park and Ride is included in your ticket.
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Parks Canada shuttles and licensed commercial vehicle operators are permitted from June to mid-October.
Use the transit directory to find out what other transport options are available in the Lake Louise area.
Are reservations required for shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake?
Yes, reservations are required for the Parks Canada shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Most commercial operators in the Lake Louise area also require reservations, so it is highly recommended to secure a reservation prior to traveling to Lake Louise.
Parking Solutions
If I must drive in Banff National Park, where can I park my car?
Park once at one of the following locations and leave your car there for the duration of your visit:
- Lake Minnewanka Park and Ride connects with Roam Public Transit to the town of Banff, where you can take Roam to every major attraction in the national park
- Banff Train Station parking lot offers free parking for 9 hours and is a short 10-minute walk to downtown Banff and the Roam Transit Hub.
- Paid parking in downtown Banff is limited and fills up early on nice summer days.
- People who stay overnight in a hotel or campground should leave their vehicle parked and take transit to destinations. It’s free on Roam Transit into the town of Banff, and most hotels offer free transit passes.
Parking tips:
- Parking lots in town fill up by 10 am on summer days, so consider arriving early or later in the day. Parking spaces become much more available in the town of Banff after 5 p.m. and the late sunsets provide ample opportunities to see the attractions and enjoy mountain experiences.
- Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles year-round, and limited paid parking is available at the Lake Louise lakeshore.
- Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort offers free parking for visitors with a shuttle or tour reservation.
- Limited paid parking is available at the Lake Louise lakeshore. Day rate of $36.75 applies.
Where can I get real-time parking information for parking lots in Banff National Park?
BanffNow provides real-time information to visitors including availability of parking, major traffic events, suggestions on places to visit and more. Plan ahead, stay informed and get the most out of your next trip to Banff National Park.
Banffparking.ca identifies parking lot capacity in the town of Banff.
What transportation options are available if I’m staying in a hotel?
Leave your vehicle at the hotel and take transit, cycle, or walk as you explore the destination. Many hotels offer free transit shuttles within the townsite, transit passes, or loaner bikes for guests. We recommend taking a shuttle from the Calgary Airport directly to Banff. If you’ve planned ahead, you’ll find you do not need a car once here.
What should I do if I’m camping or driving an RV in Banff National Park?
If camping near the Banff townsite, leave your vehicle in the campground and take free Roam Transit to town to explore or pick up supplies. There is little to no parking available and almost no space for RVs in the town of Banff.
RV divers visiting Lake Louise with a transit reservation may park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Limited RV spaces are available at the Lake Louise lakeshore. Day rate of $36.75 applies. Learn more about parking at Lake Louise.
