Visiting Banff Without a Car? 

Explore downtown Banff on foot with our guide to the best places to eat and the top things to do - all easily walkable and car-free. For those of you who don’t know, Craig lives just outside of Jasper National Park, so every time he flys in/out of Calgary, he drives right past Banff. He’s been many times and knows the best places based on years of visiting the area. 

I should note that we did have a car for our trip but we ended up in Banff on a snowy late June weekend. Yes SNOW in late JUNE and the road can get pretty bad when it snows and we didn’t want to risk venturing out when the weather was so bad so we spent a good portion of our time in the downtown area. 

Where to STAY

We chose to stay at the Banff Aspen Lodge. The location is wonderful being right in the heart of downtown Banff so everything you want to see in the downtown area is easily walkable. A perk of this hotel was the free buffet breakfast. Banff is expensive enough so whenever you can snag a free meal, it’s a win in our book. 

Other hotels Craig has stayed at previously that he recommends are The Moose Hotel & Suites and Buffalo Mountain Lodge (this one is a bit further outside of the main downtown area). 

Where to EAT

Park Distillery & Restaurant

This is my personal favorite place to eat in downtown Banff. I had one of THE BEST meals of my life here. The rotisserie chicken sandwich was divine, the truffle fries were drool-worthy, the maple whisky was so smooth and the tea infused margarita was perfection. Every single element of our meal here was top notch. 

Block Kitchen & Bar

This is Craig's personal favorite place in Banff. The food here is INCREDIBLE. Just about every local we asked for recommendations mentioned Block and now we know why. This is an Asian-fusion restaurant that offers exceptional quality with so much flavor. We shared the wagyu beef gyozas and Asian lettuce wraps. Both were next-level. The space is small so you might have a bit of a wait, but if you have to wait, just WAIT! Trust us, it’s worth it. 

Magpie & Stump

This is another one of Craig’s favorites. This is a Mexican restaurant with a great happy hour and a super fun environment. Craig makes a stop here every time he comes to town.

Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

A great option with amazing beer and an interesting twist on pizza. They do this thing called reverse fermentation with the pizza dough where they use ice water instead of warm water which essentially slow cooks the dough. 

BeaverTails

Our favorite dessert spot. Get the pistachio BeaverTail. It’s life changing, you won't regret it.

What to DO

Banff Sign

You can't leave Banff without taking the obligatory Banff sign photos. Currently this is located across the street from the Fenlands Recreation Centre; however, there are rumors it will be moving soon to the Banff Train Station. 

Banff Gondola

You'll need to purchase tickets in advance for the gondola here. Prices vary depending on season but you can expect to pay around $80 CAD per ticket.

Parking can fill up fast, so we suggest purchasing the shuttle option ticket when booking. For no extra charge, you can ride the shuttle or ROAM transit from various locations in Banff to/from the gondola. This is what we did and it was super convenient and easy.

When using the ROAM transit bus, you simply show the driver your gondola ticket for that day. When you book your gondola ticket, you will be required to book a time slot; however, your ticket is good for the day so if you need to adjust your time, you can. The only draw back to not getting there at the predetermined time slot is that if there is a line, you may have to wait in the line instead of just skipping the line at the time you had booked. And if the weather is bad on the date you booked, you can always switch to another day; however, you will have to call or talk to someone on site to do this.

The views from the top are unparalleled so definitely add the Banff gondola to your list. It's a MUST DO in our opinion.

Cascade of Time Garden

This is a FREE garden which offers that perfect Banff view of Cascade Mountain. It's open 8am - 11pm. We came here for sunset and it was such a serene and beautiful experience.

Banff Springs Hotel

The Fairmont Banff Springs is an iconic hotel in Banff. It looks like Hogwarts and apparently it's one of Canada's most haunted hotels. It's incredibly expensive to stay here so we didn't but you can still stop by for a wander and a drink at the Rundle Bar, like we did.

Surprise Corner Viewpoint

If you've ever seen pictures of Banff, you've probably seen the picture of the Banff Springs Hotel, surrounded by trees with the mountains behind it. You can get that iconic view here at the surprise corner lookout.

Bow Falls

There's a short trail from town leading to the Bow Falls Lookout. This is a beautiful trail and worth a stop. Fun Fact - the Bows falls were featured in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe film called, River of No Return.

Banff Trail Riders

Just a short walk from downtown is Banff Trail Riders where you can book a horseback ride, carriage ride, or even a sleigh ride! Unfortunately, we didn't have time to do this on this trip but Craig has previously done the horseback trail ride to the cowboy cookout and really enjoyed it and highly recommends it.

You can take a horse or carriage ride along the base of Sulpher Mountain to a location where you'll enjoy a BBQ cookout and a few Western-style games, like lassoing and horse-shoes. Next time, we are definitely making time for this!

Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Not too far from Banff Trail Riders is Cave & Basin, here visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, short films, and seasonal activities.

It's open daily May 15 through October 15 from 9:30am - 5pm. Cost is $9 per adult with kids under 17 being free. Additionally, admission is included with your Parks Canada Discovery Pass. They suggest planning 2-3 hours here to fully enjoy the Cave & Basin, surrounding boardwalks, and gift shop.

We didn't have time for this; however, Craig has been here before and found it educational and a unique experience in Banff.

Downtown Shopping

Don't for get to spend some time popping in and out of the cute shops in downtown for souvenirs. They even have a Christmas store!

Transportation

Shuttle Bus & Shared- Ride Services Information

Banff Airporter (Calgary Airport Shuttle Bus to Banff & Canmore): A popular shared-door-to-door shuttle from YYC to Banff with a stop in Canmore.

Brewster Express: Deluxe motorcoaches offering a scenic transit option. Multiple daily departures Summer and adjusted winter schedule.

Vivo Green Shuttle Service: Offers both public shuttle (daily, starting at CAD $59 one-way) and private/chartershuttles (larger groups, customizable routes). 

Airport Shuttle Express & Sightseeing: Offers scheduled bus services between Calgary Airport and Banff, plus sightseeing day tours. They also provide private sedan, van, and minibus charters. 

Mountain Park Transportation: Operates daily shuttle buses between Banff/Lake Louise and Calgary Airport.

GetYourGuide Shared Transfers: Shared shuttle services that include air-conditioned vehicles, onboard Wi-Fi, local drivers, and multiple pickup/drop-off points in YYC and Banff. 

On-It Regional Transit: Offers summer weekend and holiday commuter bus service from Calgary to Banff (and Canmore). A good lower-cost, scheduled alternative. 

• Public Transit within Banff: Once in Banff, Roam Transit serves as the local bus system connecting Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and other nearby areas. 

Private Transfers & Group Tours

Alberta Blue Sky Tours – Private Shuttle: Private vehicle transfers (up to 9 passengers) with an interpretive guide, includes Banff National Park fees. Convenient door-to-door service from Calgary or YYC. Starting around CAD $700. 

Blacklane Private Shuttle: A luxury transfer featuring professional chauffeurs and high-end vehicles (e.g., Mercedes V-Class, Cadillac Escalade). Perfect for comfort and style. 

Canmore Travel – Group & Private Transfers: Offers flexible group tours, private shuttles, rides, and guided excursions departing from YYC. Ideal if you’re looking for tailored service with sightseeing. 

Discover Banff Tours – Airport Shuttles & Charters: Offers year-round departures between Banff and YYC (with Canmore stop). Charter options available too. 

Transportation options from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff as of 2025:

Shuttle Bus & Shared-Ride Services:

BANFF AIRPORTER

One-way (Adult): CAD$82.90

Return (Adult): CAD$165.80

Senior (65+): One-way CAD$74.61, Return C$149.22

Child (6–17): One-way CAD$41.45, Return C$82.90

• Children under 5: Free

BREWSTER EXPRESS

•One-way (Adult): From approximately CAD$66.75

VIVO GREEN SHUTTLE

One-way (general stop): Adult CAD$59, Kids CAD$49

Customized stop: Adult CAD$64, Kids CAD$54

Summer Early Departure Special: From CAD$19.99 for departures at 6 am or 7 am

AIRPORT SHUTTLE EXPRESS

One-way (Adult): CAD$68.99

Senior: CAD$62.09

Child (6–17): CAD$34.49

MOUNTAIN PARK TRANSPORTATION

Prices start at CAD$70 per person (one-way)

FLIX BUS

One-way fares: Start at around CAD$15 → CAD$26 — one of the cheapest options available

THE CANADA BUS

One-way fares: Range between CAD$27–40

BANFF EXPLORER

One-way fare: Approximately CAD$59

Private Transfers, Taxis & Ride-Share Services:

UberX estimate: Around CAD$219 for the ride from YYC to Banff

Uber Black (premium): CAD$431

Uber Green (eco): CAD$217

UberXL (for groups): CAD$356

Taxi (flat rate): Approximately CAD$250

Towncar: Estimated between CAD$250–350

Private Shuttle: Around CAD$350, though exact operator pricing may vary

Option	One-Way Fare (Adult)	Notes
FlixBus	~C$15–26	Very economical, departs from Calgary (not airport)
On-It Regional Transit	~C$10	Budget option, weekend/holiday only, from downtown
Brewster Express	~C$66–81	Summer service, comfortable coach
Mountain Park Transportation	~C$70	Scheduled shuttle service
Vivo Green (General Stop)	C$59	Comes with cheaper early departures
Banff Explorer	~C$59	Direct bus service
Airport Shuttle Express	~C$69 + GST	Door-to-door within Banff
Banff Airporter	C$82.90	Flexible schedule, reliable, door-to-door
UberX	~C$219	Private ride, higher convenience
Taxi / Towncar	C$250–350	Private, fixed-route pricing
Private Shuttle (Luxury charters)	~C$350+	Customizable, group-friendly, high comfort

Roam Transit

Where Roam Transit Will Take You: Roam Transit operates a network of local and regional bus routes connecting Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and scenic spots.

Local Routes (within Banff and nearby):

• Route 1 – Sulphur Mountain: Serves Banff downtown, Sulphur Mountain (gondola area), Uptown areas.   

• Route 2 – Tunnel Mountain: Links Banff Springs Hotel, Uptown, and Tunnel Mountain neighborhoods.   

• Route 3 – Banff–Canmore Regional: Connects Banff downtown with Canmore downtown (must use regional fare).   

• Route 4 – Cave & Basin: Seasonal (Fridays–Sundays mid-May to Sept), runs between downtown Banff and Cave & Basin area.  

• Route 6 – Lake Minnewanka: Seasonal (mid-May to mid-September), travels between Banff and Lake Minnewanka.   

Regional Routes (to parks and trailheads):

• Route 8X – Lake Louise-Banff Express: Runs between Banff and Lake Louise (regional fare). Advance reservations are recommended.    

• Route 9 – Johnston Canyon: Serves Banff and Johnston Canyon with stops along the Bow Valley Parkway.   

• Route 10 – Moraine Lake Express: Seasonal (usually Sept through October), regional service to Moraine Lake. 

Reservation & Pass Information

Advance Reservations: Required for Route 8X if you want guaranteed access. Super Pass tickets grant unlimited travel for a day (including eligible parks shuttles). Book online up to 2 hours before departure. Includes a $3 booking fee.  

Walk-Up Access: Without reservations, about 40% of seats on the 8X are held for walk-up passengers. Arrive early, particularly in summer peak times. Be prepared to wait in line for a few departures.   

Commuter Flex Passes: Options include 10-ride or monthly 8X passes at discounted rates. Examples: Adult 10-ride pass $78.50, Monthly pass $110.  

Where to Buy Tickets

On the bus with exact cash (no change given).  

Token Transit app — easy mobile purchase.  

Ticket vending machines at:

Banff High School Transit Hub

Elk St West Transit Hub

Canmore 9th Street, Shoppers Drug Mart, Benchlands

Lake Louise Lakeshore  

In-person sales at:

Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave)

Rundle Gift Shop (multi-ride / monthly passes)

Canmore Civic Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rusticana Grocery

Lake Louise Samson Mall  

Route(s)	Destinations	Fare Example (Adult Single)	Ticket Type
1, 2 (Banff Local)	Sulphur Mtn, Tunnel Mtn, downtown	$2	Cash, Token Transit, pass
3 (Banff–Canmore Regional)	Banff to Canmore	$6	Regional fare required
8X (Express to Lake Louise)	Lake Louise ↔ Banff	$12.50	Reserve (Super Pass) or walk-up
9 (Johnston Canyon)	Johnston Canyon	$5	Onboard or day pass
Seasonal (4,6,10)	Cave & Basin, Lake Minnewanka, Moraine Lake	Varies (regional)	Day or system passes

Tips

Local routes (1 & 2): Quick, affordable, ideal for guests with local hotel passes or day passes.

Regional routes (8X, 9): Great for hitting attractions like Lake Louise or Johnston Canyon; 8X needs reservation in summer.

Buy smart: Digital passes via Token Transit are convenient; otherwise, use machines or Visitor Centre.

Seasonal routes: Only run certain months—mention summer vs winter availability.

Walk-up risk: Highlight that without reservation on Route 8X, you might wait for a couple of buses, so plan ahead.

For more inspiration, check out our other Canadian Rockies travel guides:

The Ultimate Guide to Driving the Icefields Parkway

Ultimate 1-Day Lake Adventure in Banff (+Yoho)

CANMORE, Alberta: Hidden Gem of the Canadian Rockies

Check out our YouTube video ↓

If you got this far, thanks for reading and remember to STAY CLASSLESS 😉