To best experience Banff National Park this summer, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Parks Canada, and the Town of Banff urge visitors to plan ahead, make reservations in advance and go car-free to create great memories instead of driver frustration.
“Planning ahead and taking transit to, from and within Banff National Park continues to be the best way to see this awe-inspiring place,” says Leslie Bruce, President & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. “Our visitor services team is here to help you plan your trip before you head to the mountains, giving you every opportunity to be present and make the most of your time in Canada’s first national park. Leave your car behind and take advantage of the great transit options we have available this summer.”
In 2022, more than 2.6 million vehicles entered the town of Banff from May to October with major increases in volume surrounding long weekends. By choosing alternative modes of transportation like public transit, shuttles or tours led by knowledgeable guides, visitors can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to positive environmental impacts and a better visitor experience, while gaining a stronger connection and appreciation for Banff National Park.
“Banff National Park is a special place that is enjoyed by millions of visitors from around the globe each year,” said Salman Rasheed, Superintendent for the Banff Field Unit. “By working with partners like Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and the Town of Banff, we are helping visitors plan ahead so they can explore the park car-free, which is the best and most hassle-free way to experience the national park.”
Visitors have several convenient options to travel to and throughout Banff National Park car-free by bus and shuttle:
- Take On-It Regional Transit from several locations in downtown Calgary to Banff and Canmore for only $10 one-way through September 14 (free for children 5 and under). The service is subsidized by the Town of Banff and Parks Canada. Consider other Calgary-Banff public transit services. Visit explorethepark.ca for services such as Banff Express, Banff Airporter, Brewster Express, Discover Banff Tours, Mountain Park Transportation and Banff Chauffeur. Advance booking is required.
- Roam Public Transit provides safe and reliable transportation within Banff National Park and nearby Canmore. Purchase a Super Pass for unlimited travel on all Roam Transit services and access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle linking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This regional transit provider has added capacity this year, boosting the frequency of buses on these routes.
Visitors who need to drive to Banff National Park can still make the choice to minimize their footprint and maximize their experience. Free all-day parking is available at the Banff Train Station (located at the entrance to the Banff townsite via Mt. Norquay Road), an 8-minute walk to Banff Avenue and Roam Transit stops with service to and throughout many of the park’s popular attractions.
“The best way to experience Banff National Park is out of a vehicle, so it is essential that more people use public transit to get here, and those who need to drive to Banff, park as soon as possible in the large parking lots at the entrance to town and walk, bike or hop on transit to get around,” said Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno.
Visiting Moraine Lake & Lake Louise
As of 2023, in an effort to reduce visitor impacts, Moraine Lake closed year-round to personal vehicles and is accessible only by buses and shuttles this summer. Simultaneously, parking at Lake Louise continues to be extremely limited.
Those staying in the Banff townsite should leave their vehicle parked at their hotel or campsite and hop aboard the convenient Roam Public Transit. Reserve your seat on route 8X for easy access to the Lake Louise Lakeshore or upgrade to Roam’s Super Pass for access to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake via the Lake Connector shuttle.
Lake Louise-based travelers staying in the village are recommended to leave their vehicles parked and use the free Park and Ride Connector Shuttle, linking the Lake Louise Campground, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise Park and ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Those visiting for the day can Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and board a Parks Canada Shuttle. Reservations should be made in advance to avoid disappointment. For those who prefer a self-propelled adventure to these iconic lakes, e-bikes are available to rent at Lake Louise Ski Resort and Wilson Mountain Sports.
To guarantee your visit to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise this summer, book shuttle seats in advance. If a timeslot is sold out, additional seats are released in a rolling window, at 8 a.m. MDT two days prior to the departure day. Reserve your shuttle here and find more information on how to get around Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
Upgrade to a Guided Experience
Discover Banff National Park with expert guides on organized tours, offered by reputable local companies. Choose from a variety of experiences, including hikes, cycle tours, and high alpine adventures. Leave your car keys behind and enjoy the adventure. Visit Banff & Lake Louise Tourism for a full list of tour providers.
To learn how to explore Banff National Park car-free ahead of the long weekend, visit Explorethepark.ca or contact a Destination Expert at banfflakelouise.com/contactus.
ABOUT BANFF AND LAKE LOUISE banfflakelouise.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world. Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness are cultivated every day of the year by visitors from across the globe. Home to three ski resorts, countless glacier-fed lakes, two vibrant townsites, and authentic Canadian culture and cuisine, this place is unforgettable, and it’s truly alive.
Further information
John Doherty