banff tour bus from calgary

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Discover the Best Banff Tours From Calgary

The town of Banff is located in the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, west of the city of Calgary. Banff is the first town to be incorporated within a Canadian national park and it is the second highest elevated community in Alberta. The town is considered a resort town and attracts many visitors because of its many hot springs and mountains. The town was first settled in the 1880s and later made into a resort town due to its location. Banff is located near many mountains including Cascade Mountains and Sulphur Mountains, and is situated above the Bow Falls, near the Bow River and Spray River.

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Banff National Park Tours & Trips from Calgary

An adventure starting in Calgary is a great way to see Banff National Park. We have 14 tours that range from 6 days up to 10 days. The most popular time for tours from Calgary is July, which has the most tour departures.

14 Banff National Park tours from Calgary with 472 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Canada's Rockies (7 Days, Calgary Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

• In-depth Cultural

Canada's Rockies (Base, 8 Days)

As fortune had it, when we did the Majesty of the Rockies tour, we had the best tour director, Ben Hutchinson, that anyone could hope for. He obviously has a passion for his work in this role as well as a love of his country that translated into every moment we were on tour with him. His geographical, historical and anthropological knowledge combined with a fantastic sense of humour made this the best trip I have ever been on. He was the icing on the cake of this magnificent scenery and it added an extra dimension to this trip that will stay in my memory for ever.

Active Canadian Rockies Adventure

Great people, great adventure off the beaten track.

Classic Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park (2024)

Julie with Collette tours was so personable, informative and overall efficient . The tour was well organized and therefore ran smoothly--weather did not cooperate but no one to blame for that.

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 8 Days, Calgary Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

• Coach / Bus

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Small Groups, 8 Days, Calgary Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

Scenic Trails of the Rockies

I really enjoyed the week of hiking witj Great Canadian Trails. We went on beautiful trails with a very knowledgeable and fun guide. We stayed in comfortable rooms and had great food. Looking forward to doing it again next summer.

Banff Canada - Rocky Mountains - Vacation

Canada's Rockies (7 Days)

Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta (Classic, 8 Days)

Banff & Jasper Adventure

• Sightseeing

Secrets of the Rockies and Glacier National Park (9 Days)

• Mountain Bike

With Family Through the Rocky Mountains

Tours starting from calgary.

• Calgary to Calgary tours (11)
• Explorer from Calgary (12)
• Family from Calgary (10)
• Active from Calgary (6)

Alberta Blue Sky Tours

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• 4 Day Private Tour: Banff Long Weekend Getaway from Calgary
• 5 Day Private Tour: Badlands and Banff from Calgary
• 6 Day Private Tour: Banff and Lake Louise from Calgary
• 7 Day Private Tour: Best of the Canadian Rockies From Calgary
• Banff National Park Tour from Calgary
• Calgary City Highlights Half Day Tour
• Drumheller & Badlands Tour from Calgary
• Kananaskis Country Day Tour from Calgary
• Banff Highlights Half Day Tour
• Icefields Parkway Tour – Banff / Lake Louise and Jasper
• Jasper Highlights Half Day Tour
• Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour – Banff and Lake Louise
• Calgary to Banff Private Shuttle
• Calgary to Golden Private Shuttle
• Calgary to Jasper Private Shuttle
• Calgary to Lake Louise Private Shuttle
• Calgary to Panorama Private Shuttle
• Calgary to Revelstoke Private Shuttle
• Small Group Banff Highlights Tour
• Small Group Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour
• Small Group Jasper Highlights Tour
• Small Group Jasper to Banff Tour
• Small Group Banff to Jasper Tour
• Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours
• VIA Rail Train Tours
• Find My Tour

Private Day Tours

Banff national park day tour from calgary.

Starting from the location of your choice in Calgary, your tour guide will pick you up and the adventure out to Banff National Park begins. Following the 1 hour drive out to Banff your tour guide will show you all of the must-see locations within Banff National Park including two of the most famous lakes in Canada, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The Banff Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain is available as an add-on to this tour.

About this tour

• Guided tour of Banff with an interpretive guide (10 hours total)
• Private vehicle (up to 9 people)
• Pick up and drop off from Calgary and surrounding areas are available
• Banff National Park entrance fees
• Guided tour to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake with free time
• Banff Gondola Admission (Optional add-on)
• Lunch stop (meal not included)
• Tips (not included)

Day Trip to Banff from Calgary Itinerary

Your full-day private tour starts in Calgary, and you’ll experience the changing landscape from prairie to mountains, on this one-hour drive to Banff National Park.

In Banff, you’ll stop for extraordinary views and photos at Surprise Corner, learn about the wind-shaped Hoodoos, and feel the spray from powerful Bow Falls. You may choose to stop for a lunch break on Banff Avenue or we can grab something to go for those who want to maximize their time in the mountains.

*While in Banff, we strongly suggest including the optional Banff Gondola add-on. At the top of Sulphur Mountain, you can visit the Banff Interpretive Center,  take a walk along the boardwalk where you can see the entirety of the Bow Valley, or enjoy a meal at one of the three dining options.

From Banff, you will continue to head west to the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies; Lake Louise. You’ll have some free time to explore the majestic lake before visiting the postcard of Canada; Moraine Lake.

At the end of your tour, your guide will drop you off in the location of your choice; Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise.

Our private tours can also include a variety of additional activities by request, such as: river floating, whitewater rafting, Banff Upper Hot Springs, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, or an alpine helicopter ride. Please let us know of any changes you would like to make prior to booking your tour.

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3 Best Calgary to Banff Tours + What You Need to Know (2023)

For anyone visiting or passing through Calgary, undoubtedly one of the top things to do is visit Canada’s beloved Banff National Park! And, if you don’t have a car, the best way to maximize your time is by going on one of the awesome Calgary to Banff tours!

Within this post, you’ll find the 3 of the best Calgary to Banff tours as well as some options for transportation if you plan on traveling directly from Calgary’s airport to Banff! This way, you can easily include witnessing the stunning beauty of Banff National Park in your itinerary, no matter if you want to spend a day or several days in Banff!

🏔 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Calgary to Banff Tour

Experience Banff National Park – Private Day Tour – This is a fully customizable private tour that allows you to visit all the crowd-favorite spots as well as less frequented areas!

Table of Contents

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⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – taken by 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 – 10 hours

The  Experience Banff National Park – Private Day Tour includes:

• Visit top sites like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Lake Minnewanka
• Direct pick-up from your housing accommodations in Calgary
• Private tour with only your group
• Customizable & flexible experience
• Park entrance fees
• Private transport in a comfortable SUV

This tour is the highest-rated and most popular Calgary to Banff tour! The full-day tour includes stops at some of the most famous locations in Banff National Park, as well as the option to customize the experience based on what you want to see/do (i.e. Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, ride Banff Gondola Ride, etc.) And with a local guide, you’ll be able to get a unique insight into the history, culture, and wildlife of this stunning region. So if you’re looking for a private, unforgettable experience in one of Canada’s most beautiful destinations, look no further than this Calgary to Banff tour!

“Amazing experience with Jef, an exceptional tour guide. He made sure we did what we wanted and that we had the full experience since we only had one day. It was a day well worth the price. This tour is how you must see Banff and the surrounding lakes. Beautiful and breathtaking!” – Bill M. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

2. Discover Banff National Park – Day Trip

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 70+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  10 – 12 hours

The  Discover Banff National Park – Day Trip includes:

• Visiting Canmore & several iconic spots within Banff
• Encountering unique wildlife
• Exploring true hidden gems spots
• A personal photographer aka your guide :’)
• Pick-up & Drop off in Calgary + Private round-trip transportation
• Ice cleats for shoes (in winter)

For those looking for a more affordable option, this semi-private Calgary to Banff tour is an excellent option. Throughout the full-day tour, you’ll get to experience some of the best attractions in and around Banff, such as Banff Town, Castle Mountain, and Lake Louise, along with a few stops at the lesser-known spots that are only known by locals. And to document your wonderful time in Banff, the highly knowledgeable and friendly guides are more than happy to be your personal photographers for the day! So if you’re looking for an excellent value option that is still a top-notch experience, then this Discover Banff National Park – Day Trip tour is the best choice for you!

“Amazing trip! Natalia was a bright life with lots energy and knowledge. I was thinking of doing the trip by myself but would have missed out without the guide. Many spots off the beaten path that I would have missed. Thanks to Natalia and Steve for an amazing experience. Highly recommend this trip.” – Gregory B. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

3. Icefields Pkwy: Private Day Tour

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  10 – 12 hours

The  Icefields Pkwy: Private Day Tour includes:

• Explore 4 lakes: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, & Peyto Lake
• Visit Bow Summit
• Drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway
• Stop at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre
• Walk around Mistaya Canyon
• Wander Around Banff Town
• Private sightseeing tour

If you’re looking for a luxury, stress-free experience that maximizes your one day in Banff, then the Icefields Pkwy: Private Day Tour is the tour to take! During your full-day tour, you’ll not only see the crowd-favorite spots but also get to drive along Icefields parkway. This parkway features endless breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and is consistently voted as one of the top 5 most scenic drives in the world! Thus, if you’re looking for top-notch service with guides who are very knowledgeable about Banff National Park, then definitely check out this private tour.

“Amazing trip with Jeff, we saw so much and he is brilliant at taking photos of us so we got ones will all three of us at each stop. Spectacular views. It is a long day as it’s a long way but so very worth it. The price for the private tour seemed a lot sat at home but once we got going it was 100% worth it to make our trip unique and go to the places we wanted to.” – Lorraine F. ( sEE MORE REVIEWS )

Honestly, aside from the obvious reasons of having your own car or plenty of time to explore on your own, it’s hard to think of a reason not to visit Banff with a tour. But, if you’re still unsure, here’s why I believe Calgary to Banff tours are worth it.

First of all, it’s a convenient way to get up close and personal with Canada’s number 1 destination. I know we all like saving money, but I genuinely believe it’s worth paying to travel off the beaten path.

Banff receives well over 4 million tourists a year, so more often than not, you’ll see LOTS of tourists around you. But, if you go with a local guide, you’ll actually get the chance to savor a few precious moments in areas unhindered by throngs of tourists. And it feels freaking ✨magical ✨!

In a similar vein, all the tours I’ve recommended offer direct pick-up from downtown Calgary hotels and housing. This means you don’t have to stress about navigating a foreign area or dealing with hairy parking situations in Banff!

It’s insane how chaotic some of the hot spot tourist areas are. Truly, I’m so thankful I wasn’t the one driving, because it’s madness sometimes.

Finally, the best part is that you’ll get to experience the best of Banff without worrying about any logistics. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your day being chauffeured around one of Canada’s most beautiful locations.

Of course, the decision is yours. But, if you have the opportunity to go, I highly encourage it. You’ll be rewarded with such a positive and unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years!

And since I know it can be hard to remember the differences and nuances between different tours, here’s a little chart with a quick overview!

🏔 PRO TIP: If you’re viewing on your mobile device, I suggest turning your phone so you’re reading the information across the long side. This should improve readability and make life a little easier 🙂

Each of the tours above is great if you plan on calling Calgary your home base and only want to do a day trip to Banff National Park . That said, I know some people would rather stay in the heart of Banff and then do a tour that begins in Banff . Or maybe you know someone who lives in Banff but they don’t want to drive 1.5 – 2 hours to pick you up from the airport…cause same lol. Either way, if you don’t plan on renting a car, you’re going to want to book transportation from Calgary’s International airport (YYC) to Banff. Below are three highly rated transportation options I recommend checking out for easy and direct transport between the two locations!

• Round Trip Transportation from YYC airport to Banff | ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5
• One-Way Transport from YYC airport to Banff | ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5
• One-Way Transport from Banff – YYC airport | ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5

To ensure you have the best possible experience, here are a few things you’ll want to bring no matter what Calgary to Banff tour you select!

• ❄️  Jacket  – Even if your travel plans fall within the summer season, make sure to pack a lightweight jacket or some warm layers. The days may be quite warm but early mornings tend to bring cooler temperatures and it’s often chilly on mountain hikes!
• 🥾 Good Hiking Shoes – You’ll be doing lots of walking and possibly some hiking, so make sure you wear shoes that offer plenty of grip and traction. Plus, the ground can become pretty slippery when wet.
• 🌞  Sunscreen/Sunglasses/Hat  – Since the air is thinner in Banff at higher elevations, the sun’s radiation has a more potent effect. Therefore, protect yourself by lathering on sunscreen! I neglected to do this my first day and ended up with blistered, sunburnt lips 🥲 Additionally, sunglasses are an absolute must-bring item because let me tell you — the reflections off of the lake water can also be quite intense!
• 🍎 Water & Snacks — Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle and plenty of snacks! You’ll have the opportunity to grab a meal in Banff Town, but like every other touristy place, prices are heavily inflated. I recommend packing some energy-boosting snacks like nuts, granola bars, and trail mix to tide you over and minimize your chances of becoming hangry!
• 📸 Camera — Last but not least, don’t forget to bring a camera! I’ll be honest, they won’t do the views justice, but they can still capture the feeling in the air and all the memories you make along the way! And regardless, you’ll be thankful for them later on when you get to show off all the amazing things that you got to see and do!

And in case you haven’t figured out where to stay in Calgary, here are a few highly-rated places I recommend checking out. They are all centrally located in Downtown Calgary, so each of the tours I suggested should be able to pick you up from them 🙂

Low-Cost Stay

• Wicked Hostels – Calgary — best hostel that’s clean & centrally located | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
• The Westley Calgary Downtown — 4-star hotel w/ restaurant | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Le Germain Hotel Calgary — 4-star hotel w/ spa | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Residence Inn by Marriott — 4-star hotel w/ breakfast & bar | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10

Fancy Stays

• Fairmont Palliser — 4-star hotel w/ indoor pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire — super family-friendly 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

This is probably a little redundant by now, but YES! You most definitely can do a day trip to Banff! You’ll be exhausted by the end of the day, but I promise Banff is worth visiting! The views are unmatched and I was practically in a state of disbelief the entire time I was in Banff!

The peak summer season is between June and August, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try and plan your trip for May or September. That said, winter sports enthusiasts or people who enjoy lots of snow will want to visit between October and April for the full winter wonderland effect!

If you can, I recommend spending a couple of days in Calgary. It’s a pretty neat city, and I spent almost two weeks in Calgary thanks to WestJet for canceling my flight and rescheduling it 5 days later. That said, I know most people only spend 24 hours in Calgary and then continue on their way. As for time in Banff, I suggest a full 4 days in the National Park . This will give you enough time to see lots of what Banff has to offer without feeling rushed!

The road to Banff is not scary at all! If anything, it’s gorgeous…it’s not Icefields Parkway level of beauty, but it’s so green and beautiful with the towering mountains!

If you’re visiting during the winter season, it can be rough because the snow makes the roads tricky to navigate. But, if you have chains and take your time, it’s not bad.

From all the gorgeous lakes and majestic mountain views to the ethereal wildlife encounters and quaint shops, Banff has endless activities for both tourists and locals alike.

And, if you’re only in the city for a few days and don’t have a car, the best way to discover Banff is by going with one of the fantastic Calgary to Banff tours . You’ll be able to sit back and relax as they help you make the most out of your limited time!

So if you’re ready to experience one of the most magical places in Canada, then I cannot recommend visiting Banff enough! And with that, I wish you an incredible time exploring the Canadian Rockies!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

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YOU'LL LOVE SEEING BANFF LIKE THIS

Banff’s 3 Summer Must-Do’s

Experience Lake Louise This Spring

Tour one of the most beautiful and iconic lakes in the world—Lake Louise. Famous for its jewel-like water and nestled between rugged mountain peaks, Lake Louise is sure to take your breathe away.

Experience Banff on Horseback

A ride along the tranquil Bow River is a perfect introduction to horseback riding in Banff National Park. Home to wildlife, thick marshes and grassy meadows, guests often spot eagles or hawks soaring through the sky on this ride.

Discover Banff's Wildlife at Twilight!

Where do you find the animals of Banff when the sun goes down? Your guide will know! So keep your eyes peeled for twilight wildlife encounters.

Popular Summer Tours

Discover Banff & Its Wildlife

Horseback Ride – Bow River 1 Hr

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Discover Banff Tour with Gondola

Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting

Wagon Ride + Cowboy BBQ Cookout

Sundance Overnight – 1 Night

Our favourite ways to experience banff.

Horseback Tours

Horseback ride – sundance loop 2 hrs, horseback ride – bow valley loop 3 hrs.

Bus Sightseeing Tours

Evening wildlife safari, lake louise spring & fall tour.

Summer Adventures

Guided signature hikes, discover grizzly bears, columbia icefield tour, why choose discover banff tours, locally owned and operated.

We love Banff & we’ve been doing this since 1999.

Small-Group Tours

A more personal experience in small groups & vehicles.

Worry-Free Cancellation

Changes and refunds are free & easy.

See What Others Miss

No cookie-cutter tours. See things only our guides know.

Carbon Neutral since 2019

We plan to do more too, see our  full sustainability plan .

Banff's Best Package Deals

Banff Gondola + Hot Springs

Kananaskis River Raft + Horseback Ride

Horseshoe Canyon Raft + Horseback Ride

What our guests are saying about us.

Don`t just dream about visiting Banff National Park, make it a reality. ⛰️ Visit our website to learn more: Link in bio. ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff

With our small group tours, you can feel empowered to explore Banff in any way that you want. On foot, by bus, on horseback or by air; the opportunities are endless. Check out our website today to learn about our favorite ways to explore beautiful Banff. 🚁🚎🚠 Visit our🔗 in bio! ----- #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #springinbanff #mybanff #banfftours

Local days are here! We offer $45 off rafting on Horseshoe or Kananaskis river for residents of Banff, Lake Louise, Cochrane, Morley or Canmore from May 12 - June 23. For booking please drop by our office in Sundance Mall in Banff or give us a call on: 403-760-5007 and have ready your local ID. You can find more information on: https://banfftours.com

We believe that your vacation should be everything you hoped for and more. That’s why booking a Private Trip with Discover Banff Tours means “Your tour, Your way.” This is your chance to customize an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? See Banff like never before: banfftours.com/private-trips ----- #DiscoverBanffTours #BanffNationalPark #BanffNationalParkTours #CanadaTours #springinbanff #mybanff #banfftours

Did you know that Discover Banff Tours is a carbon neutral company? We work with several organizations to ensure our emissions are neutralized through various sustainability projects. Our most recent contribution went to @switch2zero who is doing exciting work in sustainability projects all around the world. Scroll through the slides to find out more or check out our full sustainability strategy at https://banfftours.com/sustainability/

Join our guides on a small group excursion, and see Banff National Park from different points of view. ⛰️🚠 Learn more about our Discover Banff Tour with @banffgondola experience by visiting our site. ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff #banffgondola

While we`re headed into our spring tours, we still love seeing all of the pics from your adventures with us. Make sure to tag us @banfftours to be featured on our page! 📷: Thank you for exploring with us, @courtney_rothhunt! ----- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff

Since opening in 1999, our goal at Discover Banff Tours has remained the same— create fantastic and memorable experiences of the Canadian Rockies for our guests. We continue to provide small, personal tours that immerse our guests in larger than life experiences. Visit our website today and start planning your adventure with us: banfftours.com ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff

We had a great time this winter with all who have joined us on an excursion. Remember to tag us @banfftours for a chance to be featured on our page! 📷: Thank you, @carolusrexmanilensis for sharing your photos and for joining our guides on a snowshoeing tour this winter! ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff

Small group excursions. Larger than life experiences. ⛰️ Discover your next adventure for this upcoming summer and book today: banfftours.com ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banff

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of choice with our flexible gift vouchers! You choose the amount, they choose the experience. It`s that simple! You can find them on banfftours.com . . . #GiftVoucher #FlexibleGift #banfftours #discoverbanff

You`ll never know who you might see on your excursions with us! 🐻 Remember, when encountering wildlife: - Keep your distance, these are wild animals not pets. - Be respectful of their home & make sure to leave no trace. - Listen to your guide, they are trained & there to make sure you have an incredible & safe experience ---- #Discoverbanfftours #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #banffnationalparkcanada #banfftours #banffwildlife

Banff Tips & Insights

The All Season Guide To What To Do In Banff

5 Best Hikes In Banff And Lake Louise

5 Awesome Things To Do With Kids In Banff

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More lakes. More mountains. More of the Canadian Rockies.

With a history of outstanding service dating back to 1892, we're proud to provide the best travel experience, connecting Calgary to Banff , Canmore , Lake Louise and Jasper . Sit back and relax in one of our comfortable coaches — with large viewing windows and complimentary Wi-Fi (when service allows). Take advantage of your driver’s extensive knowledge and passion for the Rockies — our entire team is here to make your visit unforgettable.

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Excludes taxes and fees   Transportation Safety Promise Guest Information & Reservation Policy View Terms & Conditions

Winter Schedule

November 1 – April 30, 2023

Westbound Calgary Airport > Banff

Eastbound banff > calgary airport.

View complete winter schedule

Summer Schedule

May 1 – October 31, 2024

View complete summer schedule

View complete summer schedule

The Best Experience

Cozy seats, large viewing windows and modern onboard amenities provide a scenic and stress-free travel experience. We take care of the driving so you can focus on just enjoying the ride.

We value experience and expertise. This is the core of our business and has been since our founders began guiding visitors in 1892.

Our drivers are the best in the world. Their knowledge comes from over a century of guiding guests through the Canadian Rockies, passed down from one generation to the next.  

Our service connects each of the iconic destinations in the Canadian Rockies. Banff and Lake Louise are easily accessible, allowing you to create your own itinerary in one seamless experience. 

We travel some of the world’s most spectacular roads in the wildly beautiful Canadian Rockies. When service allows, we offer complimentary Wi-Fi for further exploration and connection, too.

We are not your standard airporter service. From our drivers and guest services team to multiple storefront locations hosted by our destination experts, we are your local resource and strive to make sure your visit is simply perfect.

15% discount on return trips More stops in the Canadian Rockies No change/cancellation fees*

*Modify or cancel your trip online or by calling our reservation center 48 hours and up to 90 minutes prior to your departure.

Going from Banff to Jasper?

Get a direct shuttle transfer between Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise with the Mountain Connector.

Stories from the Rockies

A member of our team will respond within 24 hours (weekdays) and 48 hours (weekends).

Regardless of when you visit, you can travel with confidence knowing your safety is our priority. This includes the peace of mind to cancel and receive a full refund up to 48 hours before your visit.

Read our full safety promise

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Bus Banff to Calgary: Trip Overview

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Based on 2620 reviews, the company was rated 3.3 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the temperature but often complained with the WiFi. FlixBus ticket prices on this trip start at $9.00

According to multiple reviews, customers have expressed their satisfaction with the service provided by the driver. They mention that the driver was amazing, very polite, and made them feel safe during their journey. However, some customers have mentioned an issue with the seats not staying up straight.

The Canada Bus Banff Calgary recent customer reviews

The driver was nice enough to call me when I was a little lost getting to the bus. He waited (not long) for me to get there. I was brought directly to where I needed to be.

All went well after all, but the pdf file which was sent as ticket was not readable!

Everything! Bus was at the stop promptly. Driver very helpful and professional. Clean and nice buses.

According to multiple reviews, customers had a great experience with this bus service. They mentioned that the driver was friendly, attentive, and calm throughout the trip. The seats were comfortable and the overall experience was positive. However, some customers expressed difficulty in finding the bus stop and suggested having signs for better visibility.

Rider Express Banff Calgary recent customer reviews

I enjoyed the journey. However the delay not so much. I do understand that the delay was caused by natural causes on the route.

The driver was amazingly kind and even stayed with us until our ride came at the end of the trip!

The bus was supposed to pick me up at 9:40, it didn’t arrive until 11:00 pm. The pick up area is far from a space to keep clients warm on cold days and being a woman alone in the dark and cold, it was very nerve racking. The positive is the staff over the phone, the person called me to 2 after hours to ensure to me that the bus was coming. I had a flight at Calgary airport at 8:00 and I was worried to miss it. I didn’t return to my hotel until 1:10 am

Banff to Calgary Buses

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Banff to Calgary is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from Banff to Calgary.

Discover how much the bus trip from Banff to Calgary will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Information on this bus route

Where are the popular bus stations and stops in banff and calgary.

100 Gopher St, In FRONT of Brewster Sightseeing (by the curbside ON the street) , Banff, AB T1L 1J3, Canada

Banff - Mount Royal Hotel, 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A7, Canada, Mount Royal Hotel, Caribou St - Coach Bus Parking

222 Lynx St, Banff, AB T1L 1K5, Canada

Red Carpet Inn 425 Banff Ave, Banff, Outside by bus Shelter

327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1, Canada

501 Banff Ave, To note: Stop is outside on street, Banff, AB T1L 1A9, Canada

304 35 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2K6, Canada

Entrance #2, 112-261055 Crossiron Blvd, Balzac, AB T0M 0E0, Canada

Whitehorn LRT Station, Calgary, AB T1Y, Canada

850 16 St SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3V7, Canada

3953-3971 Brentwood Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2L 1L1, Canada

Frequently asked questions on the trip Banff - Calgary

How much does a bus ticket from banff to calgary cost.

The average bus ticket price from Banff to Calgary is $60. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Banff to Calgary is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the bus ride from Banff to Calgary?

The average travel time between Banff and Calgary is around 1h 55m, although the fastest bus will take about 1h 15m.This is the time it takes to travel the 105 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily bus connections are there between Banff and Calgary?

The number of buses from Banff to Calgary can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 88 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Banff to Calgary by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which bus companies travel from Banff to Calgary?

When taking the bus from Banff to Calgary, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, The Canada Bus, Rider Express.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Banff to Calgary?

Buses travelling between Banff and Calgary leave from Brewster Depot or Mount Royal Hotel and arrive at Calgary International Airport, North Red Arrow Office, Crossiron Mills.

Is Banff in Calgary?

Banff is just 90 minutes west of Calgary, making it an easy day trip out of the city. Staying in Calgary is a great way to save on accommodations and experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy the city life in Calgary, while also experiencing the beautiful scenery in Banff wth its stunning, majestic landscape.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Banff to Calgary, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $31 to $77 for a bus ticket from Banff to Calgary based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $31 which is on 2024-05-01.

Usually VIVO Green, Rider Express will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus travel tips.

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while travelling from Banff to Calgary.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you’re bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Banff to Calgary.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Banff to Calgary will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Banff to Calgary, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

Will you be returning to Banff by bus?

Top travelled bus routes.

Why choose Busbud?

The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Popular Buses Connecting Banff

Buses leaving from banff.

• Bus from Banff to Calgary
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• Banff - Canmore
• Bus from Banff to Vancouver
• Bus Banff - Edmonton
• Banff - Revelstoke
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• Banff - Radium Hot Springs

Buses Going to Banff

• Bus from Lake Louise to Banff
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Popular Buses Connecting Calgary

Buses leaving from calgary.

• Bus from Calgary to Medicine Hat
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• Bus from Calgary to Lethbridge
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• Bus Calgary - Lake Louise
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• Bus from Calgary to Winnipeg
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Buses Going to Calgary

• Bus Saskatoon - Calgary
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Popular routes in this country

• Bus from Toronto to Ottawa
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Popular airport transfers

• Banff to Calgary International Airport
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Popular international trips

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Tours From Calgary

3-day calgary to vancouver, banff national park, lake louise, johnston canyon, johnston canyon and kamloops tour tour code : gol-cgy-0011.

Departure City : Banff AB, Calgary AB

Available Days : Wednesday

Highlights : Welcome to Canada’s first national park: Banff! It is also known today as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the abundant wildlife and all the amazing views along the scenic drives to Banff National Park. Enjoy a complimentary Banff Hot Spring ticket and fully get to experience the original ecological Sulphur Mountain Hot Spring. Visit the beauty of Canada’s greatest adventures for an unforgettable tour filled with many memories to cherish!

• For groups departing on 12/15/2023-01/07/2024, an additional fee of CAD$157.5/USD$120 per room per night will be charged in peak season.
• If the order includes children, please make sure to note and inform them of their age in advance when booking the itinerary, otherwise fees will be charged on-site according to adult standards.
• A minimum of 2 people are required to book this tour. 

3-Day Calgary to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Revelstoke, Kamloops and Vancouver Tour Tour code : GOL-CGY-0013

Departure City : Calgary AB

Available Days : Mon, Tue, Thu, Friday, Sat, Sun

Highlights :

4-Day Vancouver to Banff Town, Rocky Mountains, Calgary, Yoho National Park, ColumbiaIce Icefield and Kamloops Tour Tour code : GOL-VAN-205A

Available Days : Mon, Tue, Wed , Thu, Fri & Sun

• If the order includes children, please make sure to note and inform them of their age in advance when booking the itinerary, otherwise fees will be charged on-site according to adult standards.  

4-Day Calgary to Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park, Kamloops, Bow Falls, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Vancouver Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CGY-0012A

Available Days : Tuesday

• For groups departing on 12/15/2023-01/07/2024, an additional fee of CAD$157.5/USD$120 per room per night will be surcharged.
• If the order includes children, please make sure to inform us their age in advance when placing the order, otherwise they will be charged according to adult standards.

4-Day Calgary to Rocky Mountains, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Kamloops and Vancouver Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CGY-0014A

Available Days : Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun

• During maple season from 07/04/2024-07/14/2024, staying in Calgary during this period is subject to an additional peak season surcharge of USD$90/room/night or CAD$120/room/night. If the order includes children, please make sure to note and inform them of their age in advance when booking the itinerary, otherwise fees will be charged on-site according to adult standards.

4-Day Calgary to Banff National Park, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park Tour Tour code : GOL-CGY-0016

Available Days : Mon, Thu & Sun

Highlights : Stay in two major national park towns: Banff Town and Jasper TownFour major national parks + two provincial parks --- Rich attractions, value-for-money experienceJasper National Park + Banff National Park + Yoho National Park + Glacier National ParkRobson Provincial Park + Wells Gray Provincial ParkIce Explorer - Giant Snowmobile Tour to the Columbia IcefieldMaligne Lake Cruise – Visit the second largest glacial lake in the world and the largest glacial lake in the Rocky Mountains, and explore the mysterious Elven IslandJohnston Gorge - a stunning natural attraction carved by thousands of years of water erosionExclusive visit: BC Wildlife Park,

5-Day Calgary to Rocky Mountains, Banff, Moraine Lake, Kamloops and Free time in Banff Town Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CGY-0010

Available Days : Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun

5-Day Calgary to Rocky Mountains, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Kamloops and Vancouver Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CGY-0015A

Available Days : Mon, Thu & Sat

• During maple season from 07/04/2024-07/14/2024, staying in Calgary during this period is subject to an additional peak season surcharge of USD$90/room/night or CAD$120/room/night.

5-Day Calgary to Yoho National Park, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Vancouver and BC Wildlife Park Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CYG-017A

Available Days : Wed, Sat & Sun

5-Day Calgary to Banff, Jasper National Park, Jasper, Kamloops, BC Wildlife Park, Maligne Lake and Vancouver Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CGY-0018A

Highlights : Stay in two major national park towns: Banff Town and Jasper TownFour major national parks + two provincial parks --- Rich attractions, value-for-money experienceJasper National Park + Banff National Park + Yoho National Park + Glacier National ParkRobson Provincial Park + Wells Gray Provincial ParkIce Explorer - Giant Snowmobile Tour to the Columbia IcefieldMaligne Lake Cruise – Visit the second largest glacial lake in the world and the largest glacial lake in the Rocky Mountains, and explore the mysterious Elven IslandJohnston Gorge - a stunning natural attraction carved by thousands of years of water erosionExclusive visit: BC Wildlife Park

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Banff Day Trip From Calgary: A One Day Itinerary

Of course, you’ll always want to spend more time in the Canadian Rockies, but if you find yourself with just one day to spare in Banff, we have the ultimate day trip itinerary for you.

Don’t think you can get that much done in a day? Think again! If you’re visiting Banff in the summer, remember that days start as early as 5 am, and last until nearly 11pm in late June and July! That’s a whole lot of time to see some amazing sights.

Yes, you’ll be tired, but it will be more than worth it after seeing lakes like Lake Minnewanka, Vermilion Lakes, and even the iconic Moraine Lake.

We’re sharing a very realistic version of what you can enjoy on a Banff day trip from Calgary . The first section caters to a self-driving individual, and we have tried to limit hours in the car and instead have focused on the quantity of sights. For that reason, self-driving tourists will spend more time in Canmore and Banff and stop sightseeing at Vermilion Lakes. Yes, there are a lot of hours in the day, but enjoying all that Banff has to offer, plus driving to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, is too much.

The second half of this article focuses on tours that leave from Calgary. These tours are long day trips and focus on all the main highlights in the park! Note that these are just suggestions, and if you’re looking for more tips, you can see our full example itinerary for Banff .

Banff Day Trip from Calgary: Self-Guided Itinerary

Stop in canmore for breakfast.

Any Banff day trip from Calgary will always involve a drive through Canmore, the mountain town right before Banff. If you have time to stop and take a walk down Main Street, do it! Our favorite thing to do in Canmore early in the morning is to grab a coffee at Eclipse and a proper Canmore breakfast (a bagel at Rocky Mountain Bagels). Eat it in-house or take it away so you can have your breakfast somewhere quieter.

Have Your Breakfast at Cascade Ponds

Continue driving from Canmore to Banff to Cascade Ponds . Cascade Ponds is about 15 minutes from Downtown Canmore and is just off the Trans Canada. Once at Cascade Ponds, you’ll notice plenty of picnic tables, making it the perfect place to enjoy your breakfast under Cascade Mountain.

In the early morning, the area is very quiet and peaceful, and you may get lucky and see some ducks passing by in the water. Always remember to pack out what you brought in and do not litter – there are plenty of bear proof trash cans around to dispose of your waste.

Catch Early Morning Light on Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is your next stop after Cascade Ponds. Continue along Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road and follow the signs for Two Jack Lake. Here you’ll get great views of Mount Rundle, and if it’s still early morning, you can nab some fantastic photos of the calm waters without the crowds. If you have any water devices like a paddleboard or kayak, Two Jack Lake is a fantastic place for a paddle.

(Psst – have any extra time? Johnson Lake is also nearby!)

Enjoy a Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Once you are done at Two Jack Lake, continue on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road, and you’ll make it to beautiful Lake Minnewanka in under five minutes. Lake Minnewanka, stretching 21 kilometers in length and plunging to a depth of 142 meters, not only serves as a crucial source of hydroelectric power for Banff, but it’s one of the best lakes to head in Banff for recreation.

During the summer, the lake is a bustling place for activities such as hiking, picnicking, and canoeing. Mount Inglismaldie looms over the lake and offers awe-inspiring views throughout the year. One of the best things to do here is enjoy a scenic cruise which takes you back to Devil’s Gap and provides a different perspective of the area. During the cruise, the captain will provide interesting history tidbits as well as tell about Lake Minnewanka’s significance to the indigenous people of the area.

Stroll Downtown Banff

Next stop is the Town of Banff, where we are guessing you will want to spend some time, especially if it’s your first time in Alberta’s most beautiful town . Enjoy all the shops on Banff Avenue, take your photo with the Banff Sign, hop into Jolenes Tea House on Bear Street, or grab a snack at Whitebark Cafe.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll really enjoy Banff Avenue as it is closed off to vehicles. Enjoy a Banff patio without engines and exhaust!

Smell the Roses at Cascade Gardens

Wait for a little bit longer for lunch and walk from Banff Avenue to Cascade Gardens . These are free gardens that offer an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll from the town center. Whether you possess a passion for nature or botanical knowledge or just want to see the first administration building of Parks Canada, it’s well worth heading here for at least 30 minutes for your daily dose of plant goodness.

As you wander through the gardens, you’ll encounter various plant groupings and plenty of COLORS. In addition to the captivating flora and fauna showcased, the gardens boast ponds, a waterfall, and meandering paths leading to picturesque vistas.

Walk to Bow Falls

From the gardens, you can continue your walk along the Bow River to Bow Falls . There’s a nice walking path that runs parallel to the river, ending at a scenic viewpoint out to one of the most iconic waterfalls in Banff .

Snap your photos of the nine-meter waterfall. No, it’s not a huge waterfall in Alberta by any means, but it is still one of the best sights to see near the townsite and is completely surrounded by natural scenery and rocky cliffs.

Have Lunch in Downtown Banff

After Bow Falls, you’ll walk back to Downtown Banff. You’ve walked a lot by this point so hopefully you’re counting your steps! You’ve likely worked up a big appetite with all that walking! Thankfully, there are plenty of restaurants in Banff that will satisfy any craving.

Craving something cheap and quick? Hankki will have you some Korean street food in under five minutes and under $12. Want something healthy? We recommend Nourish on Bear Street , while you can’t go wrong with a delicious pizza and beer at Three Bears Brewery. If you just want to soak up the sun and vibes, Tooloulous has one of the best patios in Banff!

Head Up the Banff Gondola

Don’t spend too long eating – the day is getting away from you, and you’ll want plenty of time to head up the Banff Gondola , which is one of the best attractions in Banff.

There are multiple gondolas in Banff , but the Banff Gondola offers absolutely incredible panoramic views over the Town of Banff and the Bow and Spray Valley. The gondola takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes, and no matter age or ability, it allows everyone to see what being on top of a mountain feels like.

We’ve now been up the Banff Gondola nearly 10 times, as it’s a popular thing to do when our family or friends visit. Everyone that we bring up the gondola says it’s their favorite thing to do on their entire trip! You’ll want 1.5 to 2 hours to spare up here as you can walk the boardwalk to the historic Sulphur Mountain Weather Station and see Cascade Mountain from a different perspective.

Catch Sunset at Vermilion Lakes

No visit to Banff would be complete without catching evening light somewhere spectacular. For us, that special place is always Vermilion Lakes. You’ll see Vermilion Lakes on your way out of Banff and if you head here around sunset, you could be in for a treat (if the mountain weather cooperates)

Vermilion Lakes (or Lake Vermilion) reflect the iconic Mount Rundle that looms over the town of Banff and there are a few docks here to enjoy the view from.

Have Dinner in Canmore

While you can have dinner in Banff, we recommend hitting Canmore once more for a meal before returning to Calgary. There are plenty of Canmore restaurants to enjoy, and we think many of them are better than those in Banff.

For lively pub food, we recommend The Tavern , while if you’re looking for a romantic evening Sauvage is a great choice. If you have kids, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co might be a great place to stop with them!

Day Trip Tours to Banff From Calgary

Banff area & johnston canyon 1-day tour from calgary or banff.

This long-day tour leaves from Calgary and takes visitors to Banff Avenue, with an optional visit to the Banff Gondola. Instead of some of the sights I mentioned in the self-guided section, this tour brings guests along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon , where you can hike to the Lower and Upper Falls at the famous attraction. There is also a stop at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner , and a 15-minute stop to see the hoodoos nearby before heading back to Calgary.

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Banff Tour

This is one of the top-selling tours in the summer as it brings visitors to the most sought-after spots in Banff National Park – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake after there’s also a stop at Johnston Canyon. This is the ideal tour if your main agenda is seeing Moraine and Lake Louise.

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake

This tour not only takes you into Banff but also into Yoho National Park to set the dazzling Emerald Lake . Besides the lakes, you’ll also pass by Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Bridge on your way to Emerald Lake. This is a great tour if you don’t want to worry about any of the hassles of getting to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. National Park Fees are also included in the tour.

Hop On/ Hop Off

If you truly want a hassle-free experience, you can’t go wrong with the hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus. You can begin your adventure in Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, or the Lake Louise Gondola ; the decision is entirely yours. This tour really lets you explore Banff at your own pace, and that includes a visit to Moraine Lake. Take as long or as short as you need at each stop.

The only bad news is this tour does not leave from Calgary, but instead from The Moose Hotel in Banff. So as long as you can get yourself there to start your day, you’ll be on a fabulous day in the Rockies. This summer-only tour runs from June 7th to September 22, 2024.

Icefields Parkway (Stops at Peyto Lake)

This tour is for those whose main interest is hopping on the Icefields Parkway . Tours depart early morning from Banff or Canmore (not Calgary) and take visitors to Lake Minnetonka, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, and then hop on the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake before turning around and heading back!

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Calgary

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown is our go to hotel when we’re staying in Calgary. It’s a beautiful modern hotel that is located in downtown Calgary. It’s convenient to Chinatown, the Bow River, and the downtown core. We also love the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and rewards nights.
• Fairmont Palliser Hotel has an impressive portfolio of Canada’s most iconic hotels such as the Banff Springs, The Empress, and Le Château Frontenac. The Palliser is no exception and is the best hotel for luxury in Calgary.
• aLoft Calgary is a great option for a trendy, affordable hotel. We’ve stayed at several aLofts, and they always offer a reliable level of service and comfort. The hotel offers a spa, fitness center, pool, and bar.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

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'Massive undertaking': Province eyes commuter, Edmonton-Calgary passenger rail links by early 2040s

In what’s being called its biggest initiative, the UCP government is forging ahead with plans to study and likely build a rail network with commuter service around Alberta’s two biggest cities, and a high-speed link between Edmonton and Calgary.

Included in a feasibility study to be completed in the summer of 2025 would be rail connections between Calgary and Banff, and Edmonton and Jasper, said Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen.

A provincial Crown corporation modelled after Ontario’s Metrolinx agency would be created to build and operate regional commuter rail lines in the Calgary and Edmonton regions, while networks in the rest of the province would be privately run, but all would ultimately feed into a common network, he said.

“This is bundling together an entire province, interconnected like a nervous system,” said Dreeshen.

“This is a massive undertaking . . . probably the biggest announcement this government’s made and is likely to make in its four-year mandate.”

It’s all part of the province’s master rail plan that emerged last year in a mandate letter from Premier Danielle Smith.

“She’s taken a very personal interest that this gets rolled out and executed,” said Dreeshen.

But before anything is done, the government is embarking on a $9-million feasibility study to assess ridership demand and infrastructure needs to be completed in the summer of 2025, when requests for proposals will be issued to private firms, a process that would take two years.

The government predicts Alberta’s population, now nearly 4.9 million, will reach about 7.1 million by 2051.

Depending on the results of the study, Dreeshen said building out the network would take about 15 years. The price tag and funding formula is uncertain, but would “cost many billions of dollars.”

Its centrepiece would be a high-speed line linking Edmonton and Calgary with a stop in Red Deer, said the minister.

“The prime focus is on Edmonton to Calgary, where 80 per cent of (Alberta’s) population is,” said Dreeshen.

He noted it’s been a transportation vision for decades but the province has always lacked the critical population mass to make it viable.

In recent years, there have been a number of proposals to link the two major cities, one of them a 1,000 km/h magnet duo-monorail put forth that would reduce the travel time to 30 minutes.

Another is for a more conventional, $9-billion high-speed train, dubbed Prairie Link , that would travel between 350 to 400 km/h with a midway stop in Red Deer.

Also in the mix is a plan by Banff-based Liricon Capital to build a 150-kilometre, $2.6-billion hydrogen-powered passenger line between the Calgary Airport to the mountain resort.

Dreeshen said all of those players could ultimately submit proposals.

Also on track is linking the Calgary International Airport with the Blue Line LRT , to which the province has devoted $3 million to study. The assessment of that plan should be finalized this summer with a connection completed in three years, said Dreeshen.

Group concerned over apparent ‘lack of acceptance of private-sector investment’

Proponents of the Calgary airport to Banff rail proposal (CABR) have said that rolling out the master plan study and request for proposals over several years would effectively kill their plan, whose funding and collaboration with Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway (CPKC) is dependent on a quick commitment from the province.

“Time is of the essence,” said Bruce Graham of the group Friends of CABR, who say proponents signed a memorandum of understanding with CPKC in May 2021 that’s now in jeopardy.

CABR project director Nick Hann said the announcement confirms his concerns that Dreeshen’s ministry doesn’t understand the role the private sector can play in rail development.

“We are particularly concerned by the apparent focus on establishing a ‘Metrolinx style’ provincial rail Crown corporation, which we think reflects a lack of acceptance of private-sector investment,” he said.

But Dreeshen said assessing the province’s overall rail needs has to be done before any commitment is made to one component or service provider.

“CPKC are actually supportive of this overarching view on how this will all be connected,” he said.

“We wouldn’t want to have a project that precludes other parts of the network.”

He said there’s considerable international corporate interest in Alberta’s strategy, but that CPKC’s focus is on freight, not passenger rail.

Proponents of rail transport have long called for more regional commuter links and passenger connections between major cities as a way to spur economic development and tourism, combat climate change and reduce traffic congestion.

“We’ll see where things go from plans to action,” said Justin Simaluk, president of the Rail for Alberta Society .

But he welcomed the announcement, calling it a major step toward a strategy that could make easy use of existing rail corridors with a strategy that’s worked in other jurisdictions.

“The establishment of a governing and planning body similar to Metrolinx in Ontario is something we feel is a critical part of the big picture plan,” said Simaluk.

“We are pleased to see the province is moving in the right direction to ensure that passenger rail in Alberta isn’t just a fad, it’s poised to greatly benefit how we move for generations to come.“

Liricon Capital, the Banff-based company proposing a Banff-Calgary line, said the province’s announcement is a positive step forward, but still leaves open risk that the project never gets off the ground.

Jan Watrous, managing partner at Liricon, said the CABR proposal must advance in tandem with the master plan studies for it to be able to secure more than $1-billion in financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) ahead of the next federal election.

“Assuming the province advances CABR’s financial evaluation and project development agreement in parallel with the rail master plan, thus allowing us to secure CIB funding, CABR could drive the first spike in 2027 and last spike in 2029,” Watrous wrote.

Premier taking notes from Toronto’s transit system

Smith said at a Monday news conference that commuter rails in and around Calgary and Edmonton’s respective areas will be the most immediately feasible projects “right off the hop.”

The premier suggested a city-to-airport rail line would come next, followed by the development of the long-distance rail lines to national parks and between Calgary and Edmonton.

The premier made it clear she’s taken notes from the transit system in and around Toronto, adding she was given a tour of that city’s commuter transit system last summer. Smith said she returned from that trip and shortly after asked Dreeshen whether it was time to initiate a “broader discussion” of the province’s rail plan.

She said Toronto’s Union Station — which connects local transit, Ontario’s GO Transit system and the Via Rail line — is a helpful model for Alberta, and is why the province should lead the development of the rail plan.

“To understand why we felt the need to step in and create a master plan is that collection point, that central station, is something I think only we can do, because there’s just so many different players that have to be involved in that,” Smith said.

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