Phone 403 762 0270

Home , Banff Park Museum, Lake Louise (Alberta)

Phone 403 762 0270

www.banfflakelouise.com

2 P.O. Box 1298, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1B3

4 5 6 10 12

If you would like a printed copy of this guide please contact Althea Smith-Hay, Member & Board Relations Manager with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, at [email protected] .

Summer is a very popular time in Banff National Park as Canadians and visitors from around the world travel to this awe-inspiring place.

Parks Canada, The Town of Banff, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism need your help to encourage visitors to park their vehicles and take transit, walk or bike during their time in Banff National Park, so everyone can help reduce traffic congestion, and foster environmentally responsible transportation.

And we need your help. Everyone who lives and works in Banff National Park and provides visitor information, accommodations, attractions, food service, rentals, or other services are the park’s ambassadors. We all have an important role to play in supporting our community and visitors. When you speak to visitors, please encourage them to use transit and shuttle options, or to walk or bike.

We have assembled this toolkit with the information you need to help visitors have their best Banff National Park experiences. The toolkit includes:

● Important tips to encourage visitors to take transit ● Recommendations for the best times to visit key attractions ● Transit and shuttle options, routes, fares, and schedules connecting Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise ● Suggestions for alternative transportation options such as cycling, walking, and group tours ● Tips for RV users

In addition to spreading the word with visitors, there are other ways to get informed: ● Familiarize yourself with www.explorethepark.ca and all the available trip planning options. ● Distribute transit guides from your front desk or point of sale. If you don’t have a stack and would like them, contact Althea Smith-Hay, Member & Board Relations Manager with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, at [email protected] ● Sign up for Banff & Lake Louise Tourism’s High Points newsletter. You will receive email updates with additional information about ways to best enjoy Banff National Park throughout the summer. o Subscribe by contacting Althea Smith-Hay, Member & Board Relations Manager with Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, at [email protected] or sign up on our member website at banfflakelouise.com/member-information ● Model the behaviour we want from others: Actively commute by walking, cycling or using the many transit options. Try out the new transit and shuttle services for yourself when traveling daily or going for a weekend trip.

With everyone’s support, this program will help visitors choose other ways than their own vehicles to explore the park. We want all visitors to Banff National Park to share a sense of responsibility and respect for local culture, wildlife, and the environment. Choosing to use alternative transportation options is part of that responsibility.

Banff National Park is a Canadian treasure that can be explored in numerous ways during the popular summer months. Visitors can make the most of their experience by planning ahead, staying informed and taking advantage of the multiple transit opportunities to and within the park.

When you talk to visitors, please share these important messages that will help them understand how convenient it is to reach many of Banff National Park's iconic tourism attractions when they take transit to access and explore the park.

 Public Transit is a convenient way to reach most of Banff National Park's key tourism attractions.  For a more enjoyable experience, and to help protect Banff National Park's wildlife and clean air, park your vehicle and explore on foot, by bicycle, or use transit and shuttles.  To make the most of your experience, visit key attractions such as the Banff Gondola, Johnston Canyon or others in quieter times (before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.) or consider some of the lesser known sites, especially if you’re a repeat visitor. There’s lots to explore in our national park (See www.explorethepark.ca for inspiration).

 Many options exist to experience Banff National Park car-free this summer: ○ Use Roam Public Transit within the Town of Banff, Canmore and to and from Lake Louise ○ To visit Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, the Banff Gondola, Banff Upper Hot Springs, or the Cave and Basin use Roam Public Transit (www.roamtransit.com) ○ Ride Lake Louise shuttles to access Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ○ Use the free shuttles to visit Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, or Lake Louise Summer Gondola ○ Check out a group or hop-on tour instead of driving yourself ○ The Banff townsite is walkable, so enjoy the fresh mountain air on foot, by bicycle, scooter or other means of transportation ○ Pick up a Banff National Park Transit Guide  Cycling is a fun and easy way to explore Banff. There are 700 bicycle parking stalls in the town. The Banff Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore is a scenic paved pathway that is suitable for families.

● Plan your visit to Banff National Park with www.explorethepark.ca. ● Visit pc.gc.ca/BanffNow to receive real time information on parking capacity, major traffic events and more ● For Calgary Visitors ○ Remind visitors from Calgary that, next visit, they can use On-It Regional Transit to travel to Banff National Park by bus, to avoid the need to find parking. www.onitregionaltransit.ca/

Use this information to help visitors navigate Banff and Lake Louise in the summer – without their personal vehicle. Options include the Roam Public Transit, Parks Canada shuttles, and BLLT private member tours and transfers.

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On-it Starting May 18, for $10 one way and free for children 5 and under, on weekends and holiday Mondays, choose from several departures per day, from downtown Calgary, Crowfoot LRT, or Somerset-Bridlewood LRT, to Canmore, the Banff Train Station or Banff – Elk Street. Once in Banff, riders can transfer for free onto Roam Public Transit to travel around Banff. Bicycle transport is $5 return. On-it booking required. http://www.onitregionaltransit.ca/

Banff Express From Eau Claire Market, Foothills Hospital, to Canmore or Banff, visitors can book the shuttle which leaves twice a day from Calgary. Prices vary, booking required through www.thebanffexpress.com

Brewster Express From May 1-October 31, 2019, depart from Downtown Calgary or Calgary International Airport and stop in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise at hotels. Prices vary, booking required. www.brewsterexpress.com/

Discover Banff Tours Year round, transfers are available between Calgary International Airport, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. Prices vary, booking required. www.banfftours.com/

Banff Airporter From the Calgary International Airport, visitors can request a drop-off or pickup at home addresses or hotels in Banff, or the Coast Canmore Hotel. Prices vary, booking required through www.banffairporter.com/

Luna Express From the Calgary International Airport, visitors can book the shuttle which leaves four times per day. Prices vary, booking required through www.lunaexpresstours.com

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INCLUDES DOWNTOWN, GONDOLA, HOT SPRINGS, TUNNEL MOUNTAIN, BANFF CENTRE FOR ARTS & CREATIVITY, CAVE AND BASIN, LAKE MINNEWANKA, JOHNSON LAKE

Town of Banff local Roam Public Transit Routes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 Roam operates numerous routes to many top attractions in the park, including Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake, Tunnel Mountain, Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and Sulphur Mountain including the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs. Fares $1 (youth) to $2 (adults) one way or $2.50-$5 for a day pass.

A one-day Super Summer Pass allows travel on any/all Roam routes, including from Canmore to Banff, around the Town of Banff, and to Lake Louise, for $25 (adults), $12.50 (seniors), $12.50 (youth)

For more information on Roam Public Transit, schedules and fares visit http://roamtransit.com/

Banff Gondola Free Shuttle May 18 – October 14, 2019, the free shuttle picks up from Elk + Avenue Hotel and Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel every 20-30 minutes. For the shuttle schedule: www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff- gondola/getting-here/

Mt. Norquay Free Shuttle Starting June 14, the free shuttle runs between the Banff Train Station, Banff Avenue, Banff Park Lodge, the Juniper Hotel and Mt. Norquay starting at 7:55 a.m., with the last shuttle returning to Banff at 8:20 p.m. Learn more: https://banffnorquay.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/shuttle-service/

Sunshine Village Free Shuttle June 28 – September 8, 2019, the free shuttle runs between the town of Banff and Sunshine Village every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last bus leaving Sunshine). Pick-up points in Banff include Rundlestone Lodge, Delta Royal Canadian Lodge, High Country Inn, Ptarmigan Inn, and the Banff Train Station.

Private transfers, Hop-On, and guided tours Available for many areas of Banff – see list at end of the page.

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INCLUDES JOHNSTON CANYON, BAKER CREEK RESORT, CASTLE MOUNTAIN AND LAKE LOUISE

Roam Public Transit Route 8S (NEW FOR 2019) June 21 - September 15, Roam Public Transit will offer a scenic summer service from Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway with stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain and Baker Creek. Fares $8 (adults) to $4 (youth) one way or $7.50-$15 for a day pass.

Roam Public Transit Route 9 (NEW FOR 2019) June 21-September 15, 2019, a direct daily summer service between Banff and Johnston Canyon will be provided via the Bow Valley Parkway. Fares $2 (adults), $2 (youth) one way or $2.50-$5 for a day pass. For more information on Roam Public Transit, schedules and fares visit http://roamtransit.com/

Private transfers, Hop-On, and guided tours Available for stops along the Parkway – see list at end of the page.

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Roam Public Transit Route 8X Starting May 17-September 15, 2019, Roam Public Transit will offer daily express service between Banff Townsite and Lake Louise via Highway 1. Fares $8 (adults) to $4 (youth) one way or $7.50-$15 for a day pass.

Private transfers, Hop-On, and guided tours Available for stops along the Parkway – see list at end of the page.

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INCLUDES LAKE LOUISE PARK AND RIDE, LAKE LOUISE LAKESHORE, VILLAGE, AND MORAINE LAKE

Moraine Lake Shuttle (NEW FOR 2019) New for 2019, from May 24 to October 14, daily shuttles will now be available from the Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake departing every 20 minutes from 8:40 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. with shuttles returning to the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Tickets for the Moraine Lake Shuttle are available at the Lake Louise lakeshore. Fares: $6 (Adult), $3 (Senior over 65), $3 (Youth - under 18), $3, and Free (Child - under 6).

Early Bird Shuttle to Moraine Lake (NEW FOR 2019) From June 24 until September 29, Parks Canada will offer daily morning shuttles from the Lake Louise Park and Ride to Moraine Lake every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for visitors wanting to get an early start to their day. Tickets for the Early Bird Shuttle will be available at the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Fares: Adult: $8, Senior (over 65): $4, Youth (under 18): $4, Child (under 6): Free

Village and Campground Shuttle (NEW FOR 2019) May 17 - October 14, visitors can now leave their car or camper at their campsite and ride a free daily shuttle between the Lake Louise Park and Ride, Lake Louise Village and Lake Louise Campground. Shuttles leave the Park and Ride every 15 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fare: free

Lake Louise Park and Ride (NEW FOR 2019) May 17 - October 14, the Lake Louise Overflow Parking Area (5.5 km east of Lake Louise on Highway 1) will be known as the Lake Louise Park and Ride and will help visitors to Banff National Park easily access the Lake Louise area. Overflow camping will still be available.

Tickets for the Early Bird and Lake Louise shuttles will be for sale at the Park and Ride. Tickets may only be purchased by credit or debit. Cash will not be accepted on-site.

Lake Louise Lakeshore May 17 to October 14, Parks Canada will continue to offer shuttles to the Lake Louise Lakeshore departing every 15 minutes from 8 am to 4:30 pm from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Tickets for the Lake Louise Shuttle will be available at the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Fares: Adult: $4, Senior (over 65): $2, Youth (under 18): $2, Child (under 6): Free.

Lake Louise Summer Gondola Free Shuttle (between gondola and village/lakeshore) Starting May 17, 2019, the free shuttle runs between the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and the Lake Louise Village and Chateau Lake Louise at the lakeshore, from 8:40 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. Call 403 760 1222 for more information.

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Hop On Banff May 25-September 29, 2019 Book ahead and get everywhere you want to go easily within Banff National Park. Stops include Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Lake Louise Village, Lake Louise lakeshore and Moraine Lake. $60 for adults, $45 for child 5-15 and free for children under 5. View schedule at www.hoponbanff.com

Discover Banff Tours Offers a variety of daily interpretive sightseeing tours as well as adventure tours all around Banff National Park. www.banfftours.com/

Great Divide Nature Interpretation Offers various guided hikes throughout the summer. www.greatdivide.ca

Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection With a tour for everyone, visit the very best of the Rockies – choose your tour to places like the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Icefields Parkway, and more. 8

www.banffjaspercollection.com/brewster-sightseeing/tours/

White Mountain Adventures Offering guided hikes, nature and custom tours around Banff National Park all summer. www.whitemountainadventures.com/

Walking Tours Learn about the area and its history with a walking tour. www.banfflakelouise.com/sightseeing-tours/walking

Bike Rentals Several companies offer rental bikes by the hour or day. www.banfflakelouise.com/biking

Scooter Rentals Explore the Banff area on a Vespa or scooter. There are two options: Banff By Scooter or Banff Scooter Company.

There are must-see key attractions across Banff National Park, which most visitors make a point to see at some point over their stay.

In general, if you’d like a quieter experience, consider visiting Monday to Thursday or early morning, or later in the evening.

Take Roam Transit (Route 1) from the Banff High School Transit Hub to the gondola, or take the gondola shuttle from the Elk + Avenue Hotel or the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (free with a gondola ticket).

If you must drive, go early. The gondola opens at 8 a.m. and magic happens in the mornings – enjoy a peaceful walk on the gondola boardwalk marveling at the surrounding peaks as you sip your coffee. Plus receive one free child pass for each regular-priced adult pass before noon.

Stay later – Enjoy sunsets on the mountaintop. Banff experiences long summer nights and you can take the gondola until 9:30 p.m. May 17-June 27, or 10:30 p.m. June 28-September 2.

With limited parking, this day-use area is most popular on weekends. For alternative picnic locations, consider Upper Bankhead, Muleshoe, Valleyview, or Fireside day-use areas.

Arrive earlier in the morning or later in the evening for a more peaceful and quiet experience.

There is ample parking available here, but the lot can fill up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Arrive early or take Roam Transit (Route 4), walk, or bike. It is a 15 to 20-minute walk from downtown Banff. The nearby recreation grounds are a great spot for a picnic dinner.

The best way to explore Johnston Canyon is by taking transit. Starting June 21, Roam Transit (Route 8S) offers a scenic summer service from Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway stopping at Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain and Baker Creek. Or, take Roam Route 9 (also starting June 21) directly to Johnston Canyon and back. Hop on the bus at either the Banff Train Station or the Banff High School Transit Hub.

The parking lot is often full between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on weekends.

Parking on Bow Valley Parkway is not recommended, due to wildlife and safety. Park in designated parking areas. Arrive early or later in the day or consider nearby Marble Canyon in Kootenay or the Inkpots hike via Moose Meadows trailhead as close-by alternatives.

Transit is the best way to get to Lake Louise during the summer. Roam Transit (Route 8X) runs between Banff and Lake Louise. Or the scenic route (8S) goes from Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway stopping at Johnston Canyon, Castle Mountain and Baker Creek.

If you drive, you can also park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride lot (5.5 km east of the village) and take a Parks Canada shuttle to Upper Lake Louise or into the village. Lake Louise shuttles run every 15-minutes from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to Upper Lake Louise, return trips running from 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Or check out the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and park there with ample parking, and take a free shuttle into the village/lakeshore.

On weekends, the peak time when the parking lot fills up is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Park at the Banff Train Station and take Roam Transit (Route 6) to Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack, Johnson Lake, or Cascade Ponds. Or, rent a bike and ride there!

The best way to visit Moraine Lake is on transit. Starting May 24 daily Parks Canada shuttles are available from the Lake Louise Lakeshore to Moraine Lake departing every 20 minutes from 8:40 a.m. to 4 p.m. with shuttles returning to the Lake Louise Park and Ride.

Starting June 24, an early bird shuttle will go from the Lake Louise Park and Ride to Moraine Lake every 30 minutes from 6-7:30 a.m.

For more information on visiting Banff and Lake Louise vehicle-free this summer, go to www.explorethepark.ca

Check out www.pc.gc.ca/banffnow to receive real time information on parking capacity, camping, major traffic events and more.

Banff National Park welcomes recreational vehicle (RV) users. Provide RV users with these tips to manage the challenges they may encounter when negotiating traffic and parking with these larger vehicles. Provide a Banff National Park Transit Guide to keep and use during their visits. If you do not have copies of the free transit guide, please contact [email protected]

● The best Banff National Park experience happens when you step out of your RV and explore the park. ● Leave your RV in the campsite, park in the designated long-term areas and use transit and shuttles to explore the park. It’s free for registered campers at Tunnel Mountain and Two Jack campgrounds to ride Roam Public Transit into Banff.

● There are designated, long-term parking areas for RVs in Banff and Lake Louise: o In Banff ▪ Fenlands on Norquay Road – 12-hour parking ▪ Wolf & Lynx Street (Health Unit, surface lot) – 3-hour parking ▪ Baseball Diamonds – 12-hour parking ▪ Bow Falls – 3-hour parking ▪ Surprise Corner – 12-hour parking ▪ Visit banffparking.ca for more information

Please note: RVs are not permitted to park in any of the surface lots other than the Health Unit or in parkades. RVs are allowed to park on the street.

o In Lake Louise ▪ Behind the Husky gas station in the village of Lake Louise ▪ Lake Louise Park and Ride (located on Highway 1, 5.5 km east of the exit to Lake Louise) ▪ If you are camping in Lake Louise, leave your RV parked and use shuttles to visit Lake Louise ● It’s easy to get around Banff National Park on foot, by bicycle or with transit. ● There are many transit and shuttle options within Banff National Park: o Use Roam Public Transit to Park and Roam in Banff, Canmore and between Banff and Lake Louise and to Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain, and more o Ride Lake Louise shuttles to access Upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake o The town of Banff is walkable, just four square kilometres in size so enjoy the fresh mountain air on foot or by bicycle

Please take a Banff National Park Transit Guide or visit www.explorethepark.ca for current transit and shuttle information.