So you’re dreaming of exploring Banff’s stunning wilderness without the hassle of a car? Maybe you think Banff’s sprawling landscape and mountain peaks mean you have to drive to really experience it all.
Think again! Banff is surprisingly car-free friendly, and I’m here to show you how you can enjoy the area’s breathtaking views, wildlife, and attractions without ever getting behind the wheel. Plus, it’s easier on the environment and spares you from the stress of parking!
Do You Need a Car to Visit Banff?
The quick answer? Nope. The detailed answer? It depends on what you want to see and do. But thanks to recent efforts, Banff’s transportation options have become so efficient that going carless is entirely doable.
Banff has seen a major increase in visitors, and with that, there’s been a big push to make public transit more accessible. Not only does this ease traffic (making it safer for wildlife), but it also reduces carbon emissions in one of Canada’s most pristine areas. Since 2012, the introduction of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services (a.k.a. Roam Transit) has made getting around Banff without a car a breeze.
The Pros of Visiting Banff Without a Car
- Forget About Parking Stress: Banff is a busy place, and parking is a nightmare, especially in the summer. Parking lots fill up by 8 am, and finding a spot can be like a quest for buried treasure.
- Save Big on Car Rental Costs: Renting a car in Banff, especially during peak season, can be shockingly pricey. Save that cash for a nice dinner or souvenirs instead!
- Enjoy the Scenery: If you’re not the one driving, you’re free to soak in the incredible mountain views instead of squinting at GPS directions.
The Cons of Visiting Banff Without a Car
- Some Remote Spots are Tricky to Access: Without a car, a few of Banff’s more hidden gems will be out of reach.
- You’re at the Mercy of the Bus Schedule: This can be a little annoying, especially if you’re an early bird or a photographer looking for sunrise shots.
Getting to Banff Without a Car
If you’re flying in, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the closest airport to Banff. From there, you can hop on a shuttle service like Brewster Express, which also offers a stopover in Canmore. The ride costs around $75 from Calgary to Banff, but check with your hotel as some offer discounted or even complimentary shuttle services!
Getting Around Banff Without a Car
Once you’re in Banff, getting around town is way easier than you’d expect. The town has pedestrian-only zones (like downtown Banff Ave), so if you brought a car, it’d be a bit of a pain anyway. Roam Transit buses are the real MVP here, taking you to nearly all major spots within Banff and even connecting you to the surrounding areas.
Roam Public Transit
Roam Transit is your go-to for getting around Banff and beyond. You can buy a pass from the Tourism Information office or directly from the Token Transit app. A three-day unlimited pass cost me $12—totally worth it for a hassle-free, budget-friendly way to see all the main sites.
Bonus tip: Download the DoubleMap Bus Tracker app. It shows you where your bus is in real-time, so you can decide if you should wait or just start walking.
Roam’s Main Routes
Roam Transit offers several routes that cover both in-town and out-of-town destinations:
- Route 1 – From Inns of Banff to the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, this route will take you to downtown Banff, the Hot Springs, and the Gondola.
- Route 2 – This is the Tunnel Mountain route, taking you from downtown to Bow Falls and the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
- Route 3 – Runs to Canmore, making it super easy to explore the neighboring town.
- Route 4 – Covers the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, another must-visit spot.
Can You Use Uber or Lyft in Banff?
Banff doesn’t allow rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. However, you can still call a taxi if you’re really in a pinch. That said, taxis tend to be pricey compared to Roam Transit, which is why most visitors stick to the bus system.
Seeing Banff’s Scenic Spots Without a Car
Without a car, you might wonder how you’ll get to the “must-see” locations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Johnston Canyon. Luckily, Roam Transit has specific routes that run to these scenic spots, especially during the peak season.
- Route 6 – Heads to Lake Minnewanka, stopping at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, and Two Jack Lake along the way.
- Route 8X & 8S – These two routes are for Lake Louise. The 8X is the express route, while the 8S is scenic, taking you through stops like Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise village.
- Route 9 – Johnston Canyon route.
- Route 10 – This direct route takes you to Moraine Lake, with no other stops.
Booking Scenic Routes in Advance
Here’s a pro tip: book your tickets for these scenic routes in advance, especially for popular spots like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. Booking.com website allows you to reserve these tickets via various deals, which lets you book in advance.
Try the Hop On Banff Bus
If you’re up for a full day of sightseeing, the Hop On Banff Bus is a great choice. It covers Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake for about $72 a day. Just be careful not to miss the last bus at each stop—it’s a long walk back to town if you do!
Where to Stay in Banff Without a Car
You’ll find plenty of great options in Banff that don’t require a car to access.
- Luxury – The historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a true gem, dating back to 1888. Rooms are pricey (starting at $350/night), but the experience is iconic.
- Mid-Range – The Dorothy Motel in the Inns of Banff area is new, comfy, and conveniently located near a bus stop. Expect to pay around $130 in low season, or up to $350 in high season.
- Budget – Samesun Banff and HI Banff Alpine Centre offer budget-friendly dorms for around $50 a night. They’re well-connected to transit, so you’ll have no problem getting around.
Pro tip:- If you want to explore more hotels, you can check out the deals here according to your need.
Exploring Banff without a Car – Is It Worth It?
Yes! Going car-free in Banff is entirely possible and even has some advantages. You get to skip the parking drama, reduce your carbon footprint, and spend more time enjoying the stunning scenery. But if you’re a photographer hoping for early morning light, be prepared to adjust your schedule a bit since public transit may not run at sunrise or sunset.
Alternatively, if you still wish to explore the car rental option, you can do it here and find better deals. Also, you can check out these amazing attractions to book for your next adventure. Banff awaits, and with this guide, you’ll be ready to explore every breathtaking corner without the hassle of a car!
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