Getting Around Banff: Roam Public Transit, Parks Canada Shuttles and Parking Rules

In summer, trying to park a private car at Lake Louise in the late morning is a recipe for frustration, and at Moraine Lake, private cars are banned completely. Fortunately, the Bow Valley operates North America's best national-park bus system: Roam Public Transit and the Parks Canada Lake Louise / Moraine Lake Shuttles.

1. The 6 Essential 'Roam Public Transit' Routes (From Downtown Banff)

Wrapped in giant photographs of bears, wolves and elk, modern hybrid Roam buses depart from the Banff High School Transit Hub right on Banff Avenue:

• Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain, standard fare): runs every 15 to 20 minutes from Banff Avenue directly to the Banff Gondola & Upper Hot Springs (plus free gondola ride-back if you show a pre-booked Banff Gondola ticket).
• Route 2 (Tunnel Mountain & Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, standard fare): links downtown with Bow Falls and the Banff Springs Castle.
• Route 3 (Canmore, Banff Regional, standard fare): runs every 30 minutes between Canmore and downtown Banff.
• Route 6 (Lake Minnewanka Loop, Seasonal): covers Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka.
• Route 9 (Johnston Canyon, Seasonal, standard fare): drops you right at the catwalk trailhead of Johnston Canyon.
• Route 8X (Lake Louise Express) & Route 10 (Moraine Lake Express): reserve the Roam 'Super Pass' online to ride Route 8X from downtown Banff to Lake Louise AND connect onto the Parks Canada Lake Connector shuttle straight up to Moraine Lake and back.

2. Where to Park for free in Banff Town (Skip Paid Street Parking)

Downtown streets around Banff Avenue charge standard fare, standard fare/hour for parking in summer. Instead, park 100% free for up to 9 hours at the large Banff Train Station Public Parking Lot (at the end of Lynx/Elk Street, just a flat 5-minute walk to Banff Avenue) or at the 4-storey Bear Street Parkade.