Car-Free Banff and Lake Louise
- 6 Days
- 20 Experiences
Exploring Banff and Lake Louise without a car is not only easy in the summer - it’s an incredible way to experience the best of the Canadian Rockies stress-free. With a well-connected network of public transit, shuttles, and guided tours, you can visit Banff National Park’s most iconic destinations without the hassle of driving or parking.
To ensure you don't miss out, book all of your transit, shuttles and tours in advance.
Who's it For?
- Eco-conscious families
- Sustainable travellers
- Nature Enthusiasts
When to Go
- June - October
Trip Itinerary
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise
With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.
Learn about getting here.Day 01
Kick off your Banff and Lake Louise adventure by ticking off the must-see icons. Grab a Roam Transit Super Pass and take Route 8X to Lake Louise, where you can soak in the views or hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse (7 km round trip, 400 m elevation). Afterward, hop on the Parks Canada connector bus to Moraine Lake for breathtaking scenery and iconic photos. Return via the shuttle to Lake Louise, then ride Roam Route 8X back to Banff. End your day with a well-earned dinner at Three Bears, enjoying local brews, cozy vibes and delicious eats.
Public Transit
Distance: 60km
Use Roam 8X to travel from Banff to Lake Louise with a Super Pass. This must be booked in advance.
Walk
Distance: 7km
Take the hiking trail to the tea house. This is a moderate hike with elevation gain so be prepared with the right gear and plenty of water.
Shuttle
Distance: 12km
After you've completed your hike jump on the Parks Canada connector shuttle to Moraine Lake.
Day 02
Start your day in Banff by grabbing sandwiches to go from Good Earth before hopping on Roam Route 6 for a scenic ride to Two Jack Lake. Take a stroll by the lake and marvel at the mountain reflections before jumping on the bus and continuing to Lake Minnewanka. Here, set sail on the Minnewanka Cruise, where you'll learn about the lake’s rich history and wildlife. After a day of adventure, return to Banff and unwind with a delicious Japanese-inspired dinner at Shoku.
Public Transit
Distance: 11km
Take Roam Route 6 from downtown Banff to Two Jack Lake.
Public Transit
Distance: 2km
Take Roam Route 6 to Lake Minnewanka where you'll board your afternoon boat cruise.
Day 03
Head out to Johnston Canyon for a morning or a day of hiking. Hiking to the lower and upper falls is a must and if you want to enjoy a longer hike continue on to the Ink Pots. We recommend jumping on the first scheduled bus so you can hit the trails early and have the best experience. Head back to town to grab a well deserved lunch at Farm & Fire and if you have the energy, take a stroll to nearby Cascade Gardens in the evening.
Public Transit
Distance: 25km
Use Roam Route 9 to catch the bus directly from Banff to the Johnston Canyon trail head.
Public Transit
Distance: 25km
Take Roam Route 9 back to downtown Banff and then head to Farm & Fire across the road for lunch.
Day 04
Today's easy, sit back, relax and let your local guide take you on an exciting full-day adventure along one of the most scenic roads in the world - the Icefields Parkway. You'll make stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and you'll even get to take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
Day 05
Walk to Mountain Folk to start your day with a delicious breakfast. Then take the free shuttle to Mount Norquay and enjoy a chairlift ride up to one of the best viewpoints in Banff! If you're feeling adventurous book yourself onto a Via Ferrata tour or grab a meal and enjoy the view from Cliffhouse Bistro.
Shuttle
Distance: 7km
Mount Norquay operate a free shuttle in the summer months with regular departures from downtown Banff.
Day 06
Today's mode of transportation is people powered! Start your morning by renting a bike or an e-bike and take a tour around the golf course loop. Keep your eye out for Banff's resident elk herd but remember to always keep a safe distance. Grab a sandwich at Downtown Sally to refuel and then head to the Banff Canoe Club to rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard for a paddle on the Bow River. When you're done take a short walk to Bluebird and enjoy fondue on their patio to finish your day.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Moraine Lake
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Guided Icefields Parkway Tour
Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
Climb the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro
Bike the Golf Course Loop
Paddle the Bow River
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Get a Park Pass
Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance
Book public transit and shuttles in advance
Check the weather forecast