GETTING AROUND THE NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park’s many transit and shuttle options operate to most key attractions in Banff National Park (including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon and Lake Minnewanka). As parking is limited at most attractions, taking transit or hopping on a shuttle is your best option to get to your destination. Leave the car behind, relax and enjoy the incredible views as you travel by comfortable coach to the park, then on to your chosen adventure using one of Banff’s transit options. Start planning your worry-free adventure today!
New this year - reserve your Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Shuttle to guarantee a seat. It's the best way to make sure you'll see both gorgeous lakes in one day. Learn more, or book now on the Parks Canada website.
COVID-19 and Safety
When taking transit around Banff National Park, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared. COVID-19 safety is a shared responsibility.
Before travelling to Banff National Park
Plan ahead before visiting Banff National Park. Check the Travel Information page before travelling for updates and ensure travel is possible. To ensure the safety of all visitors, don't visit Banff National Park if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Come prepared with your own sanitizer and masks. And for an even more enjoyable experience, don’t forget to also pack your water, snacks, and your camera!
What transit operators are doing to help keep passengers safe:
- All buses are sanitized at least once every 24 hours. In addition to this, On-it sanitize after every trip and Roam Transit have ongoing sanitization of high touch points throughout the day.
- Capacity on transit and shuttles has been reduced to allow for physical distancing. Capacity limits differ according to the transit or shuttle provider.
- Cashless and contactless fare purchase is available on all routes either via Token Transit, Transit App or ticket vending machines for Roam and reservations for Parks Canada and On-it.
- Strict guidelines for drivers include double mask use (mask and plastic screen) and guidance for when to leave and not leave the bus.
- Hand sanitization is available on all buses and at all pay stations.
- Transit Ambassadors in the Town of Banff will be available to assist with mask distribution, general transit information and safety information.
Learn more about Parks Canada, Roam Transit and On-it’s COVID-19 protocols.
What passengers should do to help keep themselves and others safe:
- Wear a mask on buses and shuttles at all times (mandatory)
- Maintaining physical distancing during loading and unloading
Calgary to Banff National Park
Relax and enjoy the scenery, even before you reach the park, using several transit options.
CALGARY TO BANFF
On-It Regional Transit
Operating from June until the end of September, On-It Regional Transit invites you to travel from Calgary to Banff or Canmore on Fridays through Sundays and statutory holidays, with several departures available. Once you have arrived in Banff, show your valid On-It ticket to a Roam Transit driver to transfer for free on local services around the town of Banff.
Banff Express
Choose one of two daily departures to travel from Eau Claire Market, HI Calgary City Centre Hostel or Foothills Hospital to Canmore or Banff on Tuesday through Saturdays.
Prices vary, booking required.
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO BANFF, LAKE LOUISE, CANMORE, JASPER
Banff Airporter
Banff Airporter offers reliable transportation from Calgary to Canmore and Banff. Request a drop-off or pickup through its private car service.
Daily scheduled services resuming July 2.
Prices vary, booking required.
Brewster Express
The Brewster Express connects Calgary to Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Operating from April, 2021.
Prices vary, booking required.
Discover Banff Tours
Discover Banff Tours offers transfers between Calgary Airport and Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. Operating from April, 2021.
Prices vary, booking required.
Banff Chauffeur
Banff Chauffeur is a professional private transportation company that offers courteous Calgary International Airport transfers, in addition to private sightseeing tours for travellers that wish to delve into the rich history of the beautiful Bow Valley and Canadian Rockies.
Prices vary, booking required.
Town of Banff Area
Getting around the town of Banff and vicinity is easy to do with Roam Transit. Go to Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, the Banff Gondola, and more.
ROAM TRANSIT ROUTES
Roam Transit operates several bus routes to many top attractions in Banff and Lake Louise. If you're visiting the sights, take a ride on one of the Roam Transit environment-friendly hybrid buses for a fun, convenient, and inexpensive way to get around and enjoy the views.
COVID-19 update: Roam is operating at a reduced capacity and requires all passengers to wear a face mask or covering.
Route 1: Banff Avenue to Sulphur Mountain
This daily, year-round service runs from Banff Avenue and up Sulphur Mountain to the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs, Rimrock Resort Hotel, and Banff Gondola.
Route 2: Tunnel Mountain to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
This daily, year-round service runs from Tunnel Mountain Village 1 and Village 2 campgrounds to the town centre, and then on to Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Registered campers enjoy free departure from the campgrounds from May 21 - September 19, 2021.
Route 3: Banff to Canmore
This daily, year-round service departs every 30 to 60 minutes from Monday to Friday, and every 60 minutes on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Route 4: Cave and Basin
This daily service from May 21 to September 19 runs along Banff Avenue to the Banff Park Museum and the Cave and Basin national historic sites.
Route 6: Lake Minnewanka
This daily service from May 21 to September 19 runs between the town of Banff and Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake, as well as campgrounds and day-use areas on Lake Minnewanka Road.
Registered campers enjoy free departure from the campgrounds from May 21 - September 19, 2021.
ROAM TRANSIT FARES
Frequency and fares vary by route number, please see the section below for prices.
The easiest way to pay is to use the Token Transit app which you can use to purchase any of the Roam transit fares. Using the app, you can purchase passes using credit or debit cards and board the bus by showing the driver the unique pass displayed on your phone.
You can also purchase fares or passes and redeem vouchers at the Roam Transit customer service centre, participating partners, or on the bus with exact change.
Where to purchase Roam Transit passes and redeem change vouchers:
- Bow Valley Regional Transit Customer Service Centre
- Banff Town Hall
- Rundle Gift Shop
- Wild Rose
- Rx Drug Mart Banff
- Canmore Civic Centre
- Shoppers Drug Mart Canmore
- Rusticana Grocery, Canmore
- Oh! My Gift Shop, Canmore
- Fergies Bakery & Convenience, Canmore
- Experience Lake Louise (Samson Mall, Lake Louise)
Find schedules, fares, maps, a trip planner, and live bus tracker at Roam Transit.
**All schedules are subject to change.
Banff to Lake Louise
Roam Transit makes it easy and safe to move between Banff National Park’s two popular hubs, Banff and Lake Louise. Parks Canada shuttles are also available to access the Lake Louise lakeshore.
ROAM TRANSIT ROUTES
Route 8X: Lake Louise Express
Departing year-round, daily from downtown Banff, this service travels directly to Lake Louise's lakefront with a quick stop at Samson Mall in the village of Lake Louise.
COVID-19 update: Roam is operating at a reduced capacity and requires all passengers to wear a face mask or covering.
Route 8S: Lake Louise Scenic
Departing from May to September, daily from downtown Banff, this service travels to Lake Louise's lakefront via the Bow Valley Parkway with stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Junction, Protection Mountain, Baker Creek and Lake Louise Village. Reservations for this service may be made in advance.
COVID-19 update: Roam is operating at a reduced capacity and requires all passengers to wear a face mask or covering.
Schedule, route map & online reservations
Parks Canada Shuttle
Drive from Banff to the Lake Louise Park and Ride (6 km east of Lake Louise village) and take a Parks Canada shuttle to the Lake Louise lakeshore. Operating daily service from May 14 - October 11, 2021.
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Reserve a shuttle to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Park and Ride.
Parks Canada Shuttles
New in 2021: Parks Canada is offering daily shuttles from the Lake Louise Park and Ride (6km east of Lake Louise village) to the Lake Louise Lakeshore and Moraine Lake. Available from May 21 – October 11, 2021. Shuttles must be reserved ahead of time to guarantee a seat. Walk up seats are not available.
Find out more on how to reserve your shuttle with our helpful How To Book guide.
Looking to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the same day? This is the best way to guarantee you see both lakes:
From Banff: Drive to the Park and Ride (6 km east of Lake Louise village) and take a Parks Canada shuttle to the Lake Louise lakeshore (advanced reservation required). Hop on the free Park and Ride Connector shuttle and transfer to your reserved seat on the shuttle to Moraine Lake. (Daily service between June 1-Oct 11, 2021). A Parks Canada shuttle will take you back to the Lake Louise Park and Ride. This trip is also possible in reverse (Moraine Lake first, then Lake Louise lakeshore).
From Lake Louise village/campground: Hop on a free Park and Ride Connector shuttle to the Park and Ride (daily service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Use your advanced reservation for the Parks Canada shuttle to access either lake or you could access both using the Lake Connector.
Mountain Park Transportation Shuttle
Mountain Park Transportation Shuttles to Moraine Lake are available multiple times daily with pick from Lake Louise hotels and Wilson Mountain Sports. Reserving your seat in advance is recommended.
Schedule & online reservations
Please Note: Traffic management will be in place in Lake Louise, including daily traffic flaggers to help maintain the flow of traffic, ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, and to ensure parking lot capacity is maintained.
Visitation to the Lake Louise area remains high with regional visitors and Canadians. Visitors should anticipate wait times for parking during peak times, including weekends, and good weather conditions.
Paid parking will be in effect at the Lake Louise Lakeshore from mid-May to mid-October, 2021. Visit the Parks Canada website for further details.
Banff to Johnston Canyon
Use Roam Transit's Service for easy access from Banff and Johnston Canyon.
Route 9: Johnston Canyon
Departing daily from May 21 to September 19 from the Banff High School Transit Hub, this service travels directly to Johnston Canyon. Reservations for this service may be made in advance.
Schedule, route map & online reservations
COVID-19 update: Roam is operating at a reduced capacity and requires all passengers to wear a face mask or covering.
Please note: This spring/summer, the eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway (from the junction of the Bow Valley Parkway and Highway 93 South to Fireside day-use area) will be closed to public vehicle traffic (as it was in 2020). The road closure will provide an enhanced cycling experience and assist in maintaining appropriate COVID-19 protocols on the Johnston Canyon trail. As of May 21, 2021, access to Johnston Canyon day-use area will be available by public transit via Roam Transit Route 9.
Banff to Moraine Lake
Use Parks Canada's shuttle service to access Moraine Lake from June to October or use Roam Transit's fall service for easy access during larch season.
Parks Canada Shuttles
From Banff: Drive to the Park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride (6 km east of Lake Louise village) and take a Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake (advanced reservation required).
From Lake Louise village or campground: Hop on the free Park and Ride Connector shuttle and transfer to your reserved seat on the shuttle to Moraine Lake from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. (Daily service between June 1-Oct 11, 2021).
ROAM TRANSIT ROUTES
Route 10: Moraine Lake Express (fall service).
Departing daily from September 20 and October 11 from the Banff High School Transit Hub, this service travels directly to Moraine Lake.
Roam Transit's Banff to Moraine Lake 2021 fall service details coming soon.
COVID-19 update: Roam is operating at a reduced capacity and requires all passengers to wear a face mask or covering.
Sightseeing Tours
Guided tours are a great option if you would like to explore Banff National Park without having to make the bookings and arrangements yourself.
BREWSTER SIGHTSEEING
Brewster Sightseeing offers an array of tours that operate in Banff, along the Icefield’s Parkway, and in Jasper. World-renowned guides, complimented by onboard tour hosts, can teach you the natural and human history of Banff National Park.
DISCOVER BANFF TOURS
Discover Banff Tours offers a variety of daily interpretive sightseeing tours as well as adventure tours throughout Banff National Park.
GREAT DIVIDE NATURE INTERPRETATION
Take a guided hike with Great Divide Nature Interpretation and discover the story behind the scenery.
HOPONBANFF
From June 15 – September 19, 2021, experience the highlights of Banff National Park at your own pace with HopOnBanff. Book your spot ahead of time and get everywhere you want to go easily within Banff National Park. Stops include Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Lake Louise village, Lake Louise lakeshore, and Moraine Lake.
OPEN TOP TOURING
Explore the people, places and moments that have made Banff into what it is today on a vintage tour operated by Pursuit. Its vintage-inspired coaches have the look and feel of the 1930s—including a fully-open roof and a guide in period costume.
WHITE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES
Explore Banff National Park on a guided hike or custom tour with White Mountain Adventures.
Ski Shuttles
Leave the car behind, enjoy the ride, and hit the slopes with ski shuttle services that run regularly to all three ski resorts.
Mount Norquay Shuttle
The Mt. Norquay shuttle is not running until further notice. Please check the Mt. Norquay website for updates.
Banff Sunshine Ski Resort
Banff Sunshine Village offers daily bus service to and from Banff to Sunshine. The Banff Shuttle Buses are FREE with any Sunshine Village or Ski Big 3 season pass or lift ticket.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Enjoy free and comfortable return transportation between Banff and the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Buses run daily from a variety of convenient locations in Banff and Lake Louise
Pour obtenir des renseignements en français sur les autobus et les navettes, cliquez ici.