Stories from the Trails: Banff Airporter Goes Beyond Sustainable Transportation
Story written and submitted by Banff Airporter as part of the Stories from the Trails series.
For more than two decades, Banff Airporter has been more than a shuttle service, it has been a welcome mat to the Canadian Rockies. As the first and last point of contact for thousands of travellers each year, the company plays a quiet but essential role in shaping the visitor experience.
And behind every smooth airport pickup, every warm greeting, and every safe arrival in Banff is a deeper commitment: building a thriving community while reducing the environmental impact of travel in one of Canada’s most treasured landscapes. Banff Airporter’s mission is simple but powerful: to make travel seamless, stress-free, and sustainable.
As part of the destination’s vision to Lead Tourism for Good, transportation plays a critical role. Banff is a world-class destination with unique challenges—limited commercial development inside the park and close proximity to Calgary and an international airport means traffic congestion is a reality that’s being addressed.
Businesses like Banff Airporter help lead this shift. By championing sustainable travel while elevating the visitor experience, they show how tourism can be a force for good—reducing environmental impact, supporting community wellbeing, and creating meaningful connections to place.
Reducing environmental impact through smarter travel
Every full Banff Airporter shuttle represents fewer private vehicles on mountain roads, a tangible step toward more sustainable tourism in Banff National Park that sees millions of visitors each year.
By moving people in fuel-efficient, well-maintained vehicles, the company helps reduce congestion, emissions, wildlife collisions, and parking pressure.
“Every full shuttle is up to 20 fewer cars on the roads. It’s a practical, everyday way that we lighten the footprint in a place we all love,” explains our Sales Manager, Annie Demanche.
The company further reduces environmental impact by optimizing schedules, minimizing empty runs, and educating guests about responsible travel.
Drivers play a quiet but influential role, sharing insights about local wildlife, community culture, and park stewardship; often making the ride a traveller’s first meaningful connection to the Rockies.
Every full shuttle is up to 20 fewer cars on the roads. It’s a practical, everyday way that we lighten the footprint in a place we all love
Annie Demanche, Sales Manager at Banff Airporter
Supporting community wellbeing
As a locally owned and operated business, Banff Airporter’s impact begins at home. The company provides year-round employment, professional development, and long-term stability for Bow Valley residents, a meaningful contribution in a region where seasonal work often dominates.
“Our team lives here, plays here, and raises families here. When we succeed, it strengthens the whole valley,” says our General Manager, Aaron Sands. “It’s always been important to us that our success is shared with the community we call home.”
That community commitment extends outward through multi-year partnerships with schools, tourism groups, event planners, and non-profits. Whether transporting students, volunteers, or international delegates, Banff Airporter consistently invests in the relationships that help the region thrive.
One conference planner shared glowing appreciation, after we managed to understand their needs and come up with a solution that fit their preferences perfectly: The Banff Airporter team was nothing short of amazing when providing transportation for our group of attendees. Trusting their advice was the best decision we've ever made! They managed all the bookings for our party (over 400 people) and were able to quickly and seamlessly pivot when needed.
Elevating the visitor experience
That sense of care defines the Banff Airporter experience. From clear communication to multilingual drivers to dependable winter operations, the company is known for reducing stress and setting the tone for a guest’s entire stay.
“We’re often the first smile people see after a long flight. That moment of connection matters more than most realize.” says our Marketing Manager, Meagan Jensen.
What guests don’t see is the careful behind-the-scenes coordination that ensures no traveller is left behind, from large group logistics to last-minute delays. Banff Airporter takes pride in going the extra mile to ensure every visitor feels supported.
Looking ahead
As tourism evolves, Banff Airporter continues to look for new ways to lead: exploring fleet improvements, strengthening local partnerships, and deepening its role in sustainable transportation. The company sees its responsibility clearly: not just moving people but helping shape how they experience and care for this extraordinary place.
What does “Lead Tourism for Good” mean to Banff Airporter?
“For us, it’s about leaving things better than we found them—our community, our visitors, and the landscapes we’re privileged to operate in. Leading Tourism for Good means hospitality and responsibility working hand in hand, every single day."