Looking for the best ways to get from Canmore to Banff in the Canadian Rocky Mountains?

You’re in the right place!

Getting from Canmore to Banff isn’t hard, but it is worth exploring all the options out there to find what suits you best.

As you’re probably aware, both these Canadian towns are surrounded by majestic peaks, ancient glaciers and so much to do around the two destinations in Alberta.

Depending on your mode of travel, there are a number of ways to get from these popular spots in Alberta – let’s get into it!

 

Where is Canmore

Canmore is located just outside the Banff National Park boundary on the Trans Canada Highway.

If you’re driving west from Calgary, you’ll hit Canmore in around 1hr and 10minutes, and just under an hour from Lake Louise in Alberta.

This small Albertan town was named after a small Scottish town, after King Malcolm III of Canmore and is one of the lesser-visited gems of the Candian Rocky Mountains.

 

Where is Banff

Banff is within the boundaries of Banff National Park and is a short 20-minute drive north of Canmore along the Trans-Canada Highway.

If you’re driving west from Calgary, expect to hit Banff in 1.5 hours and around 40-45minutes driving east from Lake Louise.

Much more popular than Canmore, Banff is often very busy with visitors, cars and coach tour buses. There is still plenty of Banff to be enjoyed, both in and out of the town itself.

 

How to get from Canmore to Banff

Banff to Canmore takes 20 to 25 minutes by vehicle, whether by bus or car. The two towns in Alberta are separated by 25km of Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

The drive along this section of the TransCanada Highway is often driven along with the Icefields Parkway – one of Canada’s most scenic sections of highway.

 

Driving from Canmore to Banff

The easiest way to get from these two Albertan towns is by driving. Head north along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) and you’ll get to Banff in about 20 minutes. Of course, you can alternatively head from Banff to Canmore going the opposite direction.

Driving between Banff and Canmore (or reversed) relies on you having your own set of wheels.

You can always rent a vehicle in Canada to make this trip between these two towns super easy and flexible – one of the best reasons for driving yourself is the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want.

Take a bus from Canmore to Banff

If you’re not keen on driving, you can always catch the bus between the two towns – it’s cheap and easy to book a seat.

The best thing is there are multiple companies running the same route, so if one is booked out, there are other buses to choose from.

Below are a few options to book a seat from Canmore to Banff:

• Roam Transit – Departing every half hour from 6am to 9am and 3pm to 7pm on weekdays. Weekends and outside these times the schedules are every hour. Fares run from $2 for a one-way trip, $5 for an all-day pass and $17.50 for a 10 ticket bundle. There are multiple drop off/pick up locations in both Banff and Canmore.
• On it – Another company running shuttle buses between the two. The regular ticket heads from Calgary to Banff, with a stopover in the middle in Canmore. Regular tickets are $10 each and kids under 5 ride free.
• The Banff Express – Another campus company that does Banff to Calgary and return, stopping at Canmore in between. For a full priced ticket, you’re looking at $31.50 at the time of writing.

 

What is the fastest way between these towns in Alberta

The fastest way between Banff and Canmore has to be driving yourself – you’re not waiting for anyone else and can leave whenever you like.

While the driving time by car and bus would be almost identical, you don’t need to wait for departure times or other passengers – you go when you want.

It’s that freedom of having your own wheels, you just can’t beat it!

 

Budget accommodation in Banff

Staying overnight in Banff? Below are some of the highest-rated places to stay in Banff. There are some pretty cheap places to stay in Banff.

There are four hostels around Banff that can be booked as little as $38 CAD. With the cheapest hotels in Banff coming in anywhere from $60-80 CAD for a double room.

Just click the links above for current prices.

As the Canadian destination is quite popular, I suggest booking your Banff accommodation with plenty of time to spare.

Not sure which to stay in? Check out hostels vs hotels, hostel FAQs and a complete hostel survival guide – you’ll know what you’re after by reading these posts.

 

Budget accommodation in Canmore

Staying overnight in Canmore? Below are some of the highest-rated places to stay in Canmore.

Places to stay in Canmore are very similar to Banff with prices and style of accommodation.

There are two hostels in Canmore and one bed in an 8-bed mixed dormitory, the price can be as low as $22CAD. The cheapest hotels in Canmore are around $50-60 CAD a night, for a double room.

Just click the links above for current prices.

Even though Canmore isn’t as popular as Banff, booking your place to stay in Canmore in advance is advised, especially in the peak months.

 

Summary on getting from Canmore to Banff

No matter which option suits you better, car or bus, these two towns are surrounded by towering peaks with plenty to do and see in the area. Whether you want to hike some memorable mountain trails or canoe some bright blue lakes fed by ancient glaciers – the Rocky Mountains in Alberta have activities for you.

If this post helped you, please give it a share to social media, and if you would like to download the offline PDF of this article, click the button below!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown