Banff Townsite

Banff is a vibrant mountain town located within Banff National Park, Alberta’s first national park and Canada’s oldest, established in 1885. Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff townsite is surrounded by towering peaks, dense forests, and glacier-fed rivers, making it one of the most scenic communities in North America.

The area around Banff has been inhabited for thousands of years, with Indigenous peoples using the valleys and natural hot springs long before European explorers arrived. In 1883, the discovery of these hot springs brought the Canadian Pacific Railway to the region, transforming Banff from a small mountain settlement into a world-renowned travel destination.

Today, the town of Banff offers a lively mix of outdoor adventure and mountain culture, with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic landmarks set against a backdrop of dramatic alpine scenery.

The Best Things to do in Banff Townsite

Explore Banff town, with plenty to see and do, from cultural spots and scenic walks to hot springs, local shops and cafés, perfect for anyone searching for things to do in Banff townsite.

Top Attractions in Banff National Park

Venture into Banff National Park to explore stunning lakes, dramatic mountains, abundant wildlife, and world class hiking trails that showcase the best of the Canadian Rockies.

Where to Stay in Banff

From luxury lodges to budget-friendly stays, Banff offers accommodations to suit every traveler, all set against breathtaking alpine scenery. Nearby towns like Canmore provide additional options and can often offer better value.

Itinerary Ideas

Whether you have a day or a full week, Banff offers a variety of itinerary options to help you experience the best of the Canadian Rockies at your own pace.

Activities

Banff is an outdoor playground year-round, offering everything from scenic hikes and wildlife viewing to skiing, paddling, and relaxing in hot springs.

Travel Logistics

Getting There

xxxxx

Getting Around

Banff is easy to navigate thanks to its compact townsite, excellent public transit, and abundant walking and cycling paths. Most major attractions in and around the town can be reached without a car, and visitors are encouraged to use transit to help reduce congestion during peak seasons.

While many sights such as the Bow River trails, Cascade Gardens, and the Banff Park Museum are walkable from downtown, destinations like the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, and Lake Louise are best accessed by Roam Transit or dedicated shuttles.

Driving

Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to get around Banff, especially if you plan to visit sights farther from the town centre or are embarking on a wider Canadian Rockies road trip. Many visitors hire a car in Calgary and make the straightforward drive into the park. Parking within the town of Banff is limited, particularly mid‑day, and spots fill quickly. A free long‑stay lot is available at the Banff Train Station, but it often reaches capacity early. Visitors are encouraged to park once and use Roam Transit to explore, while campground guests are advised to leave RVs and vehicles at their site and rely on transit for local travel.

Parking

Parking within the town of Banff is limited, especially mid‑day. A free public lot is available at the Banff Train Station, but it fills early. Visitors are encouraged to leave their vehicle and use Roam Transit to explore. Campground guests are likewise advised to leave RVs and vehicles on‑site and take transit.

Roam Transit

Banff is served by Roam Public Transit, an efficient bus network covering the townsite, nearby Canmore, and major attractions throughout Banff National Park. Buses run frequently and are environmentally friendly, using hybrid and electric vehicles.

Local routes operate year‑round, including:

• Route 1 – Sulphur Mountain (Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs)
• Route 2 – Tunnel Mountain (Hotels, campgrounds, trailheads)
• Route 3 – Canmore ↔ Banff
• Seasonal routes such as Route 6 – Lake Minnewanka, and regional routes to Lake Louise (8X) and Johnston Canyon (9) operate during peak months.

Fares start at C$2 one‑way, with discounts for youth and seniors, and kids under 13 ride free. Multi‑day and “Super Pass” options are available, including connections to the Parks Canada shuttles.

Walking

Banff is highly walkable, and many popular attractions are accessible on foot from town. Trails such as Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos, Fenlands Loop, Sundance Canyon, and Marsh Loop begin within or near the townsite, making it easy to explore without transportation.

Bicycles

Cycling is another convenient way to get around. Bikes and e‑bikes can be rented in town, offering easy access to popular routes like Tunnel Mountain Drive, Vermilion Lakes Road, and Sundance Canyon. Cycling is especially useful in summer when parking areas become crowded.

Shuttles

Several shuttle services operate between Calgary and Banff, including:

• Brewster Express
• Banff Airporter
• Banff Chauffeur
• On-It Regional Transit (summer only)
  These provide direct connections from the Calgary Airport or downtown Calgary to Banff.

For popular attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, parking is restricted or unavailable in peak season. Visitors must use the Parks Canada shuttle, which requires advance reservations. It includes return transport and a connector between lakes.

Shopping

Food & Drink

Helpful Resources