A premier destination in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore keeps the environment front-of-mind for the five million visitors who visit each year. Here, sustainable travel is more than just a way to get around. It's a mindset that lets you fully appreciate the stunning landscape while doing your part to preserve it. Here’s how.
How to Go Car-Free and Travel Sustainably in Canmore
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From bikes to buses and an extensive trail network, Canmore is devoted to making your next trip to the mountains hassle (and car) free.
- Take an eco-friendly shuttle from Calgary International Airport.
- Enjoy 80 km (50 mi) of multi-use trails.
- Hop on the Roam bus to travel in and around Canmore.
Where is Canmore?
Canmore is only a 1.5-hour drive away from Calgary International Airport (YYC), Alberta’s largest airport. This brings the town within reach of every major city in North America and destinations worldwide.
Canmore is about a 4-hour drive from the U.S. border and only 20 minutes from Banff National Park.
Getting to Canmore
The drive from Calgary to Canmore is a scenic one and takes you through prairie country and foothills as you climb your way up to the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Shuttles from Calgary to Canmore
Let someone else do the driving! There are many shuttles and buses that travel between Calgary and Canmore.
- Banff Airporter provides frequent daily transportation (and private charters) between YYC and Canmore.
- Mountain Park Transportation offers shuttles between downtown Calgary, YYC and Canmore.
- Brewster Express has a shuttle between downtown Calgary, YYC and Canmore.
- Vivo Green offers a shuttle between YYC, Calgary LRT Downtown Station and Canmore.
- FlixBus provides busing between two Calgary locations (11th Ave SE and Crowfoot Way NW) and Canmore.
- Abest Transport and Tour Services provides private cars and shuttles between YYC and Canmore, plus private sightseeing transportation.
- Patagonia Chauffeur Services offers seamless private transportation between YYC and your final destination, not to mention private transportation for you to explore the Canadian Rockies.
- On-It Regional Transit offers shuttles between Calgary and Canmore from May to October.
- Travel Beyond provides airport transfers between Calgary and Canmore, as well as private charters throughout the Rockies.
- WonderGo Adventures offers airport transfers from Calgary as well as sightseeing, hiking and paddling adventures in Canmore and Banff.
- Explore Banff Tours & Transfers offers shuttles from the Calgary airport to Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore.
Car rentals
Canmore is within driving distance of many destinations, so bringing a vehicle may be best for you. Once you’re in Canmore, you’ll have options to get around without a personal vehicle.
Vehicle rentals are also available at or near Calgary International Airport. From there, make your way to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and follow the signs to Canmore.
Parking in Canmore
Whether you're stopping for a day or planning an extended stay, Canmore’s parking options will make your visit smooth and enjoyable. Hotels and accommodations come with allocated parking. Looking to park downtown? Canmore has a paid parking system that can be paid easily using a parking station or the Blinkay app.
If you’re driving an EV, charging ports are located throughout town so you can plan your trips accordingly.
Getting around Canmore
There are many eco-friendly options for making your way around Canmore or to nearby trails and sightseeing.
Walk
In Canmore, you can get to many places on your own two feet. The town boasts 80 km (50 mi) of multi-use trails that stretch from end to end and into the surrounding recreational areas. Use this virtual map to plan your visit!
Rent a bike/e-bike
Where there’s a path, there’s a way! Canmore’s multi-use trails are prime for two-wheeled exploration so you can venture farther and faster than ever before. Options include the Riverside Trail or the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff, as well as several mountain biking trails.
- Find bikes/e-bikes for rental and additional info at: GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals, Rebound Cycle, Trail Sports, Sports Garage, Pedego Electric Bikes or Kananaskis Outfitters.
- Canmore has bike maintenance stations throughout town. Stop for a quick tune-up and pump your tires to ensure your ride is smooth and hassle-free.
- Many hotels in Canmore offer bike storage facilities to guests. Be sure to inquire prior to your arrival.
Take the bus
The Roam transit system is free for everyone within Canmore! Hop on Routes 5C, 5T and 12 from anywhere in Canmore to ride within town. To open up your transit options further, bring your bike on Roam buses and connect with regional transit (more information below).
Taxi
The town of Canmore has several taxi companies. Uber and Lyft are currently not available.
Regional transit with Roam
Roam to some of the regions best-known sightseeing and recreation areas through an affordable regional transit system!
Grassi Lakes Route 12
Roam Transit offers convenient access to Grassi Lakes, one of Canmore’s most stunning natural attractions, as well as Quarry Lake and the Canmore Nordic Centre. The bus runs Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays from mid-May to mid-September. However, it's essential to check the current schedule before embarking on your adventure.
Banff and area
Roam Transit also offers convenient and eco-friendly travel between Canmore and Banff. From Banff you can journey further to Lake Louise and other sightseeing locations!
- Buses to Banff: These typically run about every 30 minutes during peak times. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time. Tickets can be bought online or with the Token Transit app.
- Buses from Banff High School Transit Hub to Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka: Check the schedule ahead of time to plan your trip (summer only). Tickets can be bought online or with the Token Transit app.
- Buses between Banff and Lake Louise: These must be reserved in advance. Find fares, schedules and booking options here (summer only).
For additional information about Banff transit, check out How to Get Around Banff with Ease.
Park passes
If you’re driving into Canmore, a park pass isn’t required. However, visitors with a vehicle will need to purchase park passes to explore further.
- The Kananaskis Conservation Pass grants access to several provincial parks and protected areas in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor. The pass includes Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
- A National Park Pass is required for Banff National Park and other national parks in Canada.
Not only is car-free and sustainable travel better for the environment, it’s a better way for you to enjoy the natural beauty of Canmore and the surrounding area.
Need more info? Visit explorecanmore.ca.
