• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact
  • Route Guides
    • Best Alberta Road Trips
    • Calgary to Banff
    • Calgary to Edmonton
    • Edmonton to Jasper
    • Banff to Jasper / Icefields Parkway
    • To Drumheller
    • Other Popular Routes
  • Destination Guides
    • Banff
    • Calgary
    • Canmore
    • Drumheller
    • Edmonton
    • Jasper
    • Lethbridge
    • Medicine Hat
    • Waterton
  • Accommodations
    • Banff
    • Calgary
    • Canmore
    • Edmonton
    • Jasper
    • Lethbridge
    • Waterton
  • Blog
  • Plan Your Trip
    • Alberta Itineraries
    • Plan an AMAZING Alberta Vacation
  • Book an RV
  • Shop
Home » Alberta Route Guides » How to Get From Canmore to Banff (updated for 2022)

How to Get From Canmore to Banff (updated for 2022)

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information and our Privacy Policy. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication.

 

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on June 1, 2022

Getting from Canmore to Banff is extremely easy considering how close the two mountain towns are. There are several ways to make the trip so read on for details on the variety of ways to get there, including your own two-feet to a luxurious limo.

Banff Avenue
Town of Banff – photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism

About the Route

The distance from Canmore to Banff, is 26 kilometres and is a straight shot west on Highway 1 (The Trans-Canada Highway). Driving it should take no longer than 25 minutes in optimal conditions. As you get closer to Banff, follow the signs off of the highway onto Banff Ave, which will take you directly into the heart of the town.

Canmore-to-Banff-Map
Map from Canmore to Banff (cars and bicycles) – click to open in Google Maps

Canmore to Banff by Car

Driving from Canmore to Banff is the easiest option. Note that if you don’t have your own vehicle for this drive, there are currently no options for car rental in Canmore (you will need to get a car rental from Calgary).

Upon arrival to the town of Banff there are two exits off of Highway 1 to get into the townsite.

Alberta Drive
Driving in the Alberta mountains – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit FOODBOOM

Banff National Park Fees

Entry into Banff National Park requires a National Park Pass. There are a number of ways to purchase a pass. There are park gates located just after leaving west of Canmore (in summer months prepare for long lines of vehicles) where you can purchase your pass. Alternatively you can purchase your pass online or in the Banff townsite.

Effective January 1, 2022 daily fees are:

  • Adult: $10.50
  • Senior: $9.00
  • Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
  • Family/group (up to 7 people): $21.00
  • Commercial group (per person): $9.00

The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. If you’re looking to enter multiple times or staying longer, consider the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. It gives you unlimited admission for a year to all the national parks in Canada.

Discovery Pass fees are as follows:

  • Adult: $72.25
  • Senior: $61.75
  • Family/group: $145.25

Canmore to Banff by Bus

Roam Transit is your #1 choice for transport within Canmore and for getting from Canmore to Banff. In fact, if your plan is to visit Banff for the day this is the recommended mode of transportation, especially in the summer months.

Roam Transit Canmore
Roam Transit from Canmore to Banff – photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism credit Damian Blunt

Hop on Route 3 and this will bring you to and from Banff including several stops in each town. There are early morning departures and buses typically run until 10 PM. Bus fare for Route 3 will cost you $6.00 one way, and they have a variety of pass options available.

See this page for details on the route, schedule, and to track the bus movement live.

Canmore to Banff by Private Transfer

Celebrating a special occasion? Prime Limos is one of the leading limousine service providers in Canmore. They provide reliable, luxury limousine services with packages starting as low as $749.

Canmore to Banff by Other Options

Taxi to Banff

Three Sister’s Taxi is one of Canmore’s main taxi companies. The company offers both basic transportation and tours.

Ride Sharing to Banff

Ridesharing via Poparide is a solid option. There are usually several carpools traveling from Canmore to Banff (and vice versa), and you can select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are traveling with skis, bikes, etc.

Walk or Cycle To Banff

Go by your own power on the Banff Legacy Trail! If you’re feeling energetic, head up the popular Legacy Trail by foot or bike. Walking will take you around 2 hours and 45 minutes and roughly 45 minutes by bicycle. Need some wheels to get you there? There are rental options in Canmore – check out Pedego Bikes for some electric options to help you with the inclines.

Cyclists on the Banff Legacy Trail
Cycling the Banff Legacy Trail – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Paul Zizka

Upon Arrival in Banff

Welcome to Alberta’s most popular tourist town! It is a world-class destination for a good reason, and for a small town, there are an incredible amount of things to do. As a result, it can be pretty daunting to decide what to do with your time in Banff, no matter how long you intend to stay.

But don’t fret! With our guide on the best things to do in Banff, we’ll help you choose which sights must be seen and narrow down the activities that are worth the hype.

Aerial View of Banff
A View of Banff – photo provided by Travel Alberta credit Parks Canada/Paul Zizka

Where to Stay in Banff

Luxury –  The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel will take your breath away with its luxury suites and old-world charm. It is THE hotel in Banff that comes to mind when thinking of a luxurious place to stay. Amenities include a world-class spa and amazing restaurants that offer breathtaking views of notable peaks. 

Mid-Range – Canalta Lodge is a more budget-friendly hotel that has recently been renovated. With a hot tub, free breakfast, and underground parking, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.

Canalta Lodge Banff
The outdoor area at the Canalta Lodge Banff – photo provided by Booking.com

Budget – If you’d rather spend more on exploring all that Banff has to offer and don’t want to splurge on any form of accommodations then look no further than the Banff International Hostel. It’s located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre and has a fully equipped kitchen for all guests to use. It also offers free breakfast and is highly rated.

Before you head into Banff…don’t forget to enjoy all the amazing things to do in Canmore! We’ve got guides on popular Canmore hikes and walks, which Canmore restaurants to eat at, and a rundown on Canmore hotels, too.

And when you get to your destination, don’t miss these Banff restauarnts, or these Banff hikes, and make sure to enjoy the top attraction there: the Banff Gondola.

Related Posts

A reflection in an pond in Canmore, Alberta. The ULTIMATE Guide of Best Things To Do in Canmore (for 2022)
Mountain views in downtown Banff The ULTIMATE Guide of Best Things To Do in Banff, Canada (for 2022)
Canmore Feature Image The BEST Canmore Hotels to Stay At (for 2022)

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet

Primary Sidebar

Play Alberta Road Trip Bingo!

We've created THREE Alberta specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. Included are some insider tips on what to see and eat in the province!

Buy Alberta tshirts, prints, stickers, and more!

Road Trip Alberta Shop

We Won!

Before Footer

Instagram Inspiration

Live long and prosper. 🖖 Live long and prosper. 🖖
People don't often think of Alberta for beaches... People don't often think of Alberta for beaches...but there are some good ones! Check our blog (link in bio) for where to find the best. 😍
One of the best parts of these warmer days is the One of the best parts of these warmer days is the amazing markets that pop up across the province! 🌼 What are your faves?
These are our most golden days of the year, Albert These are our most golden days of the year, Alberta. 😍  Let's make the best of them!
Did you know that Banff Ave is going to become a p Did you know that Banff Ave is going to become a pedestrian street again this summer (and next)?! 🚶 It just closed to vehicles a couple of weeks ago and will remain that way until early October. 😍
Load More... Follow @roadtripalberta on Instagram

Footer

Resources

We're here to help you plan your Alberta vacation with real, local advice!

  • Destination Guides
  • Route Guides
  • Driving Advisories
  • Alberta Driving Guide
  • Alberta Weather
  • Shop for Alberta souvenirs

Play Alberta Road Trip Bingo!

We've created THREE Alberta specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. Included are some insider tips on what to see and eat in the province!

Disclaimer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
We acknowledge that what we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territory of many peoples, presently subject to Treaties 6, 7, and 8. Namely: the Blackfoot Confederacy – Kainai, Piikani, and Siksika – the Cree, Dene, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Stoney Nakoda, and the Tsuu T’ina Nation and the Métis People of Alberta. This includes the Métis Settlements and the Six Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.
© 2022 Road Trip Alberta
X

Road Trip Alberta

Free Road Trip Bingo Cards!

Join our mailing list to receive exclusive content, contest alerts, and much more. Plus when you sign up you will receive a free set of printable road trip bingo cards!