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Banff is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. But, like any small town, it has limited roadway space and parking. During peak times, you can help ease traffic and enjoy your experience with one of Banff’s many public transit or sustainable travel options.
A fleet of hybrid and electric buses run throughout the Town of Banff, plus Canmore and Lake Louise. In summer, buses also run to popular scenic locations, such as Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and Johnston Canyon. One-way fares are C$2 for adults, with discounted seniors/youth fares (kids under 13 ride for free). Multi-day passes are also available.
Find all route schedules, fares, and service details on Roam Transit. Use the Token Transit app to purchase passes in advance, or purchase them in person at one of these vendors. Track buses in real-time right here.
Note: Lake Louise routes may require advanced reservation.
In peak season, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must see destinations, but parking is limited or restricted. (Please note, as of 2023 private parking is no longer available at Moraine Lake). To avoid missing these spectacular locations, use the Parks Canada shuttle, which allows you to see both in one day. The shuttle, which departs from the Lake Louise Park and Ride lot, must be reserved in advance through the Parks Canada Reservation Service. Fares (C$8/adults, C$4/seniors, C$2/youth and free for kids under 6) include a return trip and a connector shuttle between lakes. For booking assistance, visit BanffLakeLouise.com.
Additional commercial transportation options are available to Moraine Lake, including Moraine Lake Bus Company, Mountain Park Transportation and WowBanff.
Use public transportation to access the Banff Gondola, the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. There is limited parking at each of these attractions. Use Roam Transit or the Banff Gondola shuttle to make the experience more enjoyable for you. Bow Falls is walkable from town using the pedestrian bridge or from the Roam Transit stops.
Hop On Banff is an independently run shuttle service available in peak season, from June to September. Tickets must be reserved for the yellow school bus (C$61.90/adult, C$47.60/child 5-15, free for under 5). It stops in Banff, Lake Louise (village, lake and gondola), Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon. View their suggested itineraries to help you maximize your Hop On Banff ticket, or plan your own using their set schedule and route map.
Exploring Banff on a bicycle gives you a chance to take in the scenery at a slower pace. To make cycling easier and safer, Banff has bike-friendly road markings, slow speed limits for vehicles, and numerous bike racks. Don’t miss scenic cycling routes, such as the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore, Sundance Canyon Road, or Vermilion Lakes Road. Hardy cyclists can also ride on the Lake Minnewanka Road and Bow Valley Parkway (see more on the enhanced BVP cycling experience available in the months of May, June and September).
With the popularity of e-bikes, local bike shops have added them to their fleet of rental options. Find more information on BanffLakeLouise.com. Your hotel may also have bikes available for rent.
The Train Station Parking Lot is a 500-stall lot where you can park for free for up to nine hours. The walk to downtown is 10 minutes or less, or you can hop on the free shuttle (weekends only, every 15 minutes). Access this lot by taking the Mt. Norquay Road/Lynx Street exit. Take your first left after the train tracks and follow the signs.
If you choose to park downtown, use BanffParking.ca to find paid parking spots in the Town of Banff, as well as to locate the closest pay station (the cost is C$3/hour in summer). You can also pay online with PaytoParkBanff.ca or the Blinkay app. Download it in advance to save time and set up your payment method. The system uses license plate recognition; no dashboard receipt is required.
