Is it feasible to visit the Rocky Mountains without a vehicle, but there are some limitations to what you can see. Public transportation is improving, but it’s still not widely available for all attractions and sights. Some hiking trails will only be accessible by booking through a tour company. Self driving remains the best way to fully explore the mountains. It allows you to set your own pace and schedule and go to the places that interest you. However it is possible to have an enjoyable visit without a vehicle.
Getting Around Banff
Walking In Banff
The town of Banff is one of the easiest places to visit without a vehicle. It’s small and compact, making it very pedestrian friendly. Many of the accommodations, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Pick up a map from the Parks Canada visitor center at 224 Banff Avenue. It will show all the main tourist attractions that you can walk to including the Bow Falls, the Banff Park Museum, the Whyte Musuem and the Cascade Gardens.
There are several walking and hiking trails close to town including the following:
- Fenland Trail
- Vermillion Lake Trail
- Spray Loop
- Tunnel Mountain Meadows
- Hoodoo Trail
- Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail
For more information see our post on Easy walks around the town of Banff.
Banff Roam Public Bus System
Banff has an excellent public transportation system. If you spend any amount of time in Banff you’ll see the buses fashioned with giant photographs of the local wildlife including elk, wolves and bears. The local schedule starts as early as 6 am with the latest buses running up until midnight. There’s several ways to pay including with Canadian or US currency as you board, coins and bills up to $20 are accepted. No change is given, the exact fare is required. Other options include the Token Transit mobile app for your smart phone or by purchasing a Roam Smart Card. For fare details see: Roam Transit Fares
Check to see if your hotel is on the Roam route. They may provide free bus passes to their guests. Some of the stops and attractions are the Banff Gondola and the Banff Upper Hot Springs, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Tunnel Mountain. In the peak tourist season the Roam Bus offers services to popular destinations such as Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. For the full bus route and seasonal stops see: Roam Transit.
A brochure with information on shuttle and transport options throughout Banff National Park can be picked up at one of the Parks Canada tourist offices in either Banff or Lake Louise when you arrive.
Free Summer And Fall Mount Norquay Shuttle
Mount Norquay offers complimentary transportation between downtown Banff with pick ups and drop offs at several of the hotels. There’s a summer shuttle that gives visitors access to the Sightseeing chairlift, the Via Ferrata, the Cliffhouse Bistro and hiking trails. In the snowy season visitors can take the shuttle to access all the winter activities the mountain has to offer. For more information see: Norquay Free Shuttle Service
Banff Sunshine Meadows Sightseeing Gondola Shuttle
The Sunshine Village shuttle operates between Banff and Sunshine Village Resort throughout the day. There are pickup spots convenient to all Banff hotels. The shuttle runs from the end of June to early September. For more information see: Banff Sunshine Meadows Hours, Directions, Free Shuttle
Banff Taxi Service
Taxis are a reasonably priced and an efficient option for getting around town. They can also organize custom sightseeing tours. These can be economical if you have a group of people to share the cost.
- Banff Taxi/Taxi Taxi 403- 762-0000
Banff By Scooter
Banff By Scooter rents E-Bikes (electronic bicycles) and Vespa scooters. They are located at the Inns of Banff near the start of the legacy trail. A perfect spot to ride an E-Bike.
Banff By Bicycle
It’s easy to get around the town of Banff by bicycle. There are many popular biking trails including the Banff Legacy Trail. It’s a 26 km paved trail and roadway that spans the Bow Valley Parkway to the East Banff Gate. A bike trail route is available from Parks Canada. Pick up a brochure at one of the Parks Canada offices or find more information here: Where To Cycle In Banff. Bike rental information can be found here: Banff/Lake Louise Bike Shops And Rentals.
Banff Local Tours
Without your own vehicle there are some attractions that are not going to be accessible other than by booking a tour. Below are some tour company options you can try.
If you want to do a walk, easy hike or food tour with a local guide there are several options available through Banff Walk.
Getting Around Lake Louise
Walking Around Lake Louise
The village area of Lake Louise is very small and easy to get around on foot. The ski hill is close enough that if need be you can walk to it from the village, but it is a bit of a trek with your ski gear.
The actual lake is located up a long, steep hill approximately 4 km’s from the village. People do walk it, but it’s definitely a workout.
The good news is that once you arrive at Lake Louise there are several hiking trails that start right near the shores of the lake including the following;
- Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
- Plain Of Six Glaciers Tea House Trail
- Fairview Lookout Trail
- Lakeshore Trail
Lake Louise Transportation
Lake Louise transportation is far improved from the past limitations, there are now some shuttle and bus options. Below are the various offerings.
Lake Louise Ski Transportation
A daily ski shuttle bus operates between Lake Louise hotels and Banff hotels and the ski resort during the winter skiing season. It also runs between Calgary, Canmore and the Lake Louise ski resort on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. More information here: Lake Louise Ski Transportation.
Free Shuttle To And From The Lake Louise Summer Gondola
This complimentary shuttle takes guests Lake Louise, the Samson Mall in the village of Lake Louise and the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola. Additional shuttles run back and forth from the Lake Louise Park and Ride lot on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays.
Shuttles To Lake Louise
The Parks Canada shuttle service runs between the Lake Louise Park and Ride located 6 km’s east of the village of Lake Louise on the Trans Canada Highway. Shuttles run daily from mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are required. More information can be found here: Parks Canada Lake Louise Shuttle.
The Roam Public Bus Transportation To Lake Louise
The Roam Transit offers a regional service between Banff and Lake Louise. Year round there is a bus that runs directly from Banff to the Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise and in the summer months there another option that travels along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. It makes the same stops in Lake Louise but along the way there are additional stops at Johnston Canyon Campground, Castle Mountain Campground, Castle Junction, Baker Creek Chalets, and Protection Mountain Campground. Fares and Schedules can be are here: Lake Louise Banff Regional Shuttle Service.
Lake Louise Taxi Service
An option for getting between Lake Louise village and the lake is taking a taxi. It’s not always readily available and it’s expensive. Between the Lake and the village the fare is a set price per person, not by the meter. The last noted fare was $9 to $12 per person depending on the amount of people and the destination. Mountain Park Transportation (403) 522-522-2525 or (403) 522-2700
Parks Canada Seasonal Summer and Fall Shuttle To Moraine Lake
Parks Canada runs a shuttle to Moraine Lake from late May to mid-October and an early bird shuttle is available from late June to late September. The shuttles are in high demand and require reservations. They leave from the Park and Ride lot located off the Trans Canada Highway 6 km’s east of the village of Lake Louise. Fare, schedule and reservation information is available here: Parks Canada Moraine Lake And Lake Louise Shuttle.
The Roam Bus To Moraine Lake For The Larch Valley Hiking Season
To service the Moraine Lake area during the short, but popular Larch Valley hiking season the Roam Bus offers a direct route from Banff to Moraine Lake. It runs from the 3rd week of September to mid-October. More information is here: Roam Transit Moraine Lake
Getting Around Canmore
Walking In Canmore
Downtown Canmore and the surrounding area is compact and easy to get around on foot. This is where tourists spend most of their time. The other section of Canmore sits across the highway. It’s mostly residential with some hiking and walking trails as well as a few restaurants and shops. The Cougar Creek underpass allows people to safely get between both sections of Canmore on foot or bicycle.
Trails and walks within walking distance of downtown Canmore:
- Bow River Trail
- Canmore Creek Trail
- Three Sisters Pathway
- Larch Island
- Policeman Creek/Boardwalk Trail
- Palliser Pathway
- Benchlands Trail
- Silvertip Trail
More trail information can be found here: Easy Scenic Walks And Hikes In Canmore
Canmore Public Bus System
Canmore now has its own Public Roam bus service. It travels from downtown with stops at Elevation Place, the Seniors Lodge to Cougar Creek and out to Three Sisters. On weekends runs to the Canmore Nordic Centre. For the full schedule and more information see: Canmore Roam Transit Local Service
Canmore Taxi Service
There are a number of taxis in Canmore which for the most part are readily available and reasonable in price for getting to various areas around town.
- Canmore Taxi 250-587-2882
- Three Sisters Taxi 403-493-9990
- Canmore Cabs 403-996-2229
Canmore By Bicycle And Rental Options
Getting around Canmore by bicycle is a viable option and there are a number of scenic areas to ride a bike. The Three Sisters Parkway being one of the most notable. In the non-winter months the cross country ski trails accessed from the Nordic Center become an excellent spot for mountain biking.
Some options for renting bicycles are below:
Transportation Between Banff, Lake Louise And Canmore
- Brewster Bus has several runs a day between Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. It’s reliable and generally on time. Reservations are required for all pick up locations. Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time online or in person at a depot. The pick up/drop off in Canmore is at the Coast Canmore Hotel. In Banff pickups can be arranged at hotels and bed and breakfasts. In Lake Louise there are several hotels where you can request pick a pick up or drop off. For the full schedule and fares see: Brewster Express Schedule And Locations
- The Roam Bus – A public bus transportation route has been implemented between Canmore and Banff. There is daily year round service, the trip takes approximately 25 minutes. Canmore/Banff Roam Transit and year round service is available between Banff and Lake Louise. Roam Transit Banff To Lake Louise and during the peak tourist season between Banff and Moraine Lake Roam Transit Moraine Lake/
- HopOnBanff operates a bus seasonally from late May to early October. You can utilize their stops and schedule for hiking or sightseeing. They pick up and drop off in the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise gondola, Lake Louise village (Sampson Mall), Lake Louise (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel) and Moraine Lake. For more information see: HoponBanff
Transportation Between The Calgary Airport/Downtown Calgary And Canmore, Banff And Lake Louise
Banff Airporter -Daily scheduled shuttles that run between the Calgary Airport and various downtown Calgary hotels to Canmore and Banff. Drop offs can be arranged to hotels and home addresses in the town of Banff and pick up/drop off in Canmore is at the Coast Canmore Hotel. They have departures from the Calgary Airport until midnight and leave from Banff starting at 3am. For more information see: Banff Airporter
Brewster Express -Daily departures from the downtown Calgary and the Calgary airport to Kananaskis, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. You shouldn’t have a problem timing one of them with your flight arrival unless it is arriving very late in the evening. In this case you would have to overnight in Calgary. Banff Jasper Brewster Express
On-it Regional Transit – Offers seasonal transportation from Calgary to Canmore and Banff from mid-May to early September and only on Friday nights, weekends and holiday Mondays. Important Note: It does not offer service for the Calgary Airport. More info here: Onit Regional Transit
The Banff Express – a shuttle bus service offering travel between downtown Calgary to Banff and Canmore two times a day, seven days a week. For more information and tickets see: BanffExpress
Private Shuttle Services – A private shuttle can be the most expensive option for getting to and from the airport, but sometimes the convenience is worth the cost. If you have four or more people to share the costs it becomes a more reasonable choice. A few companies offering the service are
Getting Around The Icefields Parkway
There is no standard public transportation for the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N) runs from Lake Louise north to Jasper. You can book a shuttle or tour from one of the local companies below.
Brewster Express – offers direct transportation from Banff to Jasper from Daily departures from early May to the end of October. More information here: Banff Jasper Brewster Express Schedule
Sundog Tours – offers a one-way tour from Banff or Lake Louise to Jasper. The total tour time from Banff is 11 hours and 10 hours from Lake Louise. It runs from late April through to the 3rd week of October. It stops at several of the key attractions along the way including a four hour stop at the Columbia Icefields to take the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier and/or explore the Glacier Skywalk. More information here: Sundog Tours Banff Lake Louise To Jasper
In the winter if you want to directly go from the Calgary Airport to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway has a once a day run between Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary that operates from the 3rd week of October to the end of April. More information here: Sundog Tours Jasper Banff Calgary Shuttle
Discover Banff Tours – offers a once daily shuttle service between Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in both winter and summer. More information here: Banff Tours Resort Transfers
Getting Around Jasper
Walking In Jasper
The town site of Jasper is navigable by foot, it spans a few kilometers with a central downtown. Many of the accommodation options are within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants. Make a stop at the Jasper Information center to pick up a brochure and map to get orientated with the town and it’s attractions. The only way to get to some of the trails and attractions such as Maligne Canyon and Miette Hotsprings is to book a tour or hire a taxi. Jasper does not have a public transportation system. The Discovery Trail wraps around the perimeter of the Jasper townsite and makes for a nice way to explore some of the surrounding nature on foot. It can be accessed from several points around town. More information on the Discovery Trail here: Hikes Close To The Town Of Jasper
Shuttles To Jasper Attractions
- When the Maligne Lake boat tours are operating from May until early October they offer a shuttle from town out to the lake.
- The Jasper Tramway also offers a shuttle to and from town.
Jasper Taxi Service
There are taxis that are readily available and fairly reasonably priced to take you to different areas around town. They may be cost effective to organize a custom tour if several people are sharing the cost.
- Caribou Cabs (780) 931-2334
- Mr. Taxi And Tours (780) 931- 2931
Jasper By Bicycle And Rental Options
Biking Jasper and the surrounding area is a viable option, there are several bike trails connected to the town site and many road riding options as well. There are plenty of low grade or flat areas, which make biking a great way to explore.
Bike rentals are available at:
Jasper Local Tours
- Sundog Tours
- Jasper Adventure Center
- Brewster Sightseeing
- Jasper Hikes And Tours
- The Jasper Tour Company
Getting To Jasper From Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise Or Edmonton
There is no standard public bus transportation to get to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway. The options would be to book through Brewster Express or Sundog Tours. Sundog Tours also provide service from the Edmonton Airport and West Edmonton Mall to Jasper. More information and the website links for these companies are provided up above in the Getting Around The Icefields Parkway heading.
I am so glad I found this article, thank you so much for writing this. I am not a very experienced driver, so driving in the Rockies will definitely be a challenge. Knowing that its possible to get around the Rockies area without a vehicle is so helpful!!