Canadian Rockies journeys begin between the wide prairies and the towering mountains in Calgary. From there, adventures abound...

Alberta, Canada, is known for the Canadian Rockies — a majestic mountain range housing four stunning national parks, stretching 400 miles across at their widest, and offering frankly jaw-dropping mountain views over them all. The train across Canada does not run between Banff and Calgary, going instead to Edmonton, so this is how to plan a trip to Alberta, and therefore, to the Canadian Rockies, and begin your rail adventure.

As you begin your journey to the Canadian Rockies, most guides tell you to head for Banff National Park, where the adventure begins. While Banff is one of the best places to visit in Canada, the short drive from Calgary to Banff is underrated in terms of the many things to do, and is often overlooked when planning a trip to Canada.

In this guide, we will cover how to get from Calgary to Banff, and what to do on your way. Perhaps by the end, we will even convince you to spend a little extra time on this part of your journey, and add a night in Canmore to your plans.

Our itineraries allow you to reverse the direction of travel on your Canadian Rockies trip. So, while we talk about beginning your trip in Calgary, the advice here applies regardless of which direction you choose — Calgary to Banff, or Banff to Calgary.

Driving through the Canadian Rockies | Credit: Destination Canada

Driving from Calgary to Banff

The main way to get from Calgary to Banff is by road. Beginning our perfect Canadian Rockies itinerary for a Canada road and rail trip, this connects your entry in Calgary to the bulk of your adventure.

You can travel partway by helicopter transfer for an extravagant start to your trip, but the closest landing site to Banff is in Canmore, which is still 20 minutes away.

Driving a Car from Calgary to Banff

It takes around one and a half hours to drive the 90 miles from Calgary to Banff. Specifically, driving from the parking lot in Calgary Airport to a downtown Banff hotel without stopping along the fastest route — the Trans-Canada Highway — takes 1 hour 27 minutes. The drive time is the same whether you drive it yourself, or take a private transfer car.

The drive is extremely easy, following a flat, wide highway, and is accompanied by beautiful views of, first, the Alberta prairies and, then, the Canadian Rockies. This is the start, or end, to many of the best Canadian Rockies train trips, and you will likely want to stop along the way for photos and views of the mountains.

Brewster Express Bus in the Rockies | Credit: Brewster Express

Taking a Bus from Calgary to Banff

For shuttle options, several bus companies offer transport from Calgary to Banff.

Brewster Express

Our favorite bus transfer from Calgary to Banff is Brewster Express.

Brewster Express offers a deluxe motorcoach from several downtown Calgary pick-up locations or Calgary International Airport, and drop-offs throughout Banff. They also make a stop in Canmore for guests visiting there instead.

The Calgary to Banff trip with Brewster Express takes approximately two hours from the airport or three hours from downtown Calgary.

Tickets cost approximately CA$80-90, depending on the season. However, our itineraries have access to exclusive rates and build the cost of the transfer into our packages, so that our guests can enjoy a seamless journey.

Banff Airporter

Another option is the Banff Airporter, which runs between Calgary International Airport and Banff. The transfer takes around two hours, and is similarly priced to Brewster Express, but Banff Airporter does not offer pick-up anywhere in downtown Calgary.

Downtown Calgary | Credit: Nataliia Kvitovska on Unsplash

What to See between Calgary and Banff

On your journey from Calgary to Banff, there are many places to stop, and things to do. From extending your time in Calgary itself to spending an afternoon — or a full day — exploring Canmore to relaxing in Kananaskis Country, there is more to the journey than the transport.

What to do in Calgary

Before you reach the Canadian Rockies, you will have time in Calgary. While you're excited to get to the mountains, there is no reason to rush out of the city — doing so will miss the many wonderful things to do here.

We recommend spending a night in Calgary before moving on to the Rockies.

Arriving in Calgary

Calgary International Airport is the starting point for many of our travelers. We offer accommodations right at Calgary Airport — so that you are close to your bed once you land — or in downtown Calgary.

You can stay the night here and explore the city. And, the following day, you will be nearby easy transport options — car rental, bus shuttle options — ready to head to the Rockies.

Left: The Bow River and downtown Calgary | Credit: Nataliia Kvitovska on Unsplash

Right: Inside Calgary Central Library | Credit: Michael Grimm

Downtown Calgary

While in the city, you should explore Calgary's vibrant downtown.

There, see the Calgary Tower and the Calgary Central Library, both architectural masterpieces and great to visit in both summer and winter. And, for the best city atmosphere, explore 4th St in Mission (a downtown neighborhood) and the connecting 17th Ave for trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and many of Calgary's best restaurants.

Or visit the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Wander Eau Claire Park and the Peace Bridge, and Prince's Island Park, all set along the Bow River and offering city skyline views at once.

French toast at Monki Breakfast Club | Credit: Cailin Charles

Where to Eat in Calgary

There's a strong food scene in Calgary. World-class spots, fine dining, and classic steakhouses can be found across the city.

While here, you should absolutely try some renowned Alberta beef, and a Caesar cocktail (a Canadian classic first made at what is now the Westin Calgary, containing tomato juice, clam broth, hot sauce, and vodka), a local beer at a craft brewery, or some specialty coffee.

We recommend:

• Breakfast: Monki Breakfast Club (the pancake tacos and the reverse French toast are the specialties)
• Coffee: Monogram Coffee Co (get a latte and one of their toasts)
• Lunch: First Street Market Food Hall (try Saffron Street's Indian street food)
• Dinner: River Café (the menu rotates, but try anything with Alberta beef)
• Drinks: The Westin Calgary (for a Caesar, of course)

Rodeo at Calgary Stampede | Credit: Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede

Every year in early July, the Calgary Stampede comes to town.

And for 10 days, the city is transformed by 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.'

Calgary has a long ranching history, now lovingly called 'Cowtown,' and the province continues to produce some of the best beef in the world. Exploring Calgary's heritage through a massive outdoor rodeo (the second-largest in the world), extravagant parade, and wild fair is the perfect introduction to its Western culture.

We have packages designed around the Stampede, with carefully selected departure dates to align with the festivities. For more information, see the end of this post.

Edmonton’s skyline | Credit: Travel Alberta / Sameer Ahmed

Edmonton or Calgary?

Calgary is closer to the Rockies than Edmonton, Alberta's capital. As a result, it is usually the start (or end) point of a Canadian Rockies vacation. However, you don't have to begin there, or even choose between the two cities.

Edmonton is the second largest city in Alberta, the next closest to the Rockies, and closer to Jasper than Calgary is. It offers an excellent alternative experience of an Albertan city and another easy gateway to the mountains. International flights leave both Edmonton and Calgary, so you can come and go with ease.

The train across Canada passes through Edmonton, before venturing on through the Canadian praries. On our Trans Canada Winter Rail Vacation, you will see the city covered in snow as you leave Jasper and the Rockies behind, Toronto-bound. And, along the way, if you want a night in Canmore too, we can do that. Just speak to your Travel Designer, and they will arrange time in the places that matter to you most.

Canmore boardwalk | Credit: Travel Alberta / Brendan Van Son @brendanvanson

What to do in Canmore

When you're in Canmore, the best things to do are explore the downtown and explore the nature.

Canmore is a lesser-known gem in the Canadian Rockies that is only just beginning to get the attention it deserves. It's a beautiful mountain town on the edge of the Rockies, with truly astonishing views of the surrounding peaks, and a quaint but lively downtown core.

In many ways, it feels like you are closer to the mountains in Canmore, where the Three Sisters peaks rise from the end of the Main Street, than in Banff. But, unsurprisingly, the views from both towns are beautiful.

And, still being in the mountains, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do here — many popular excursions from Banff actually take place in or near Canmore.

Driving to the Canadian Rockies

Arriving in Canmore

Arriving in Canmore is easy. The town is even closer in distance to Calgary than Banff is, just 1hr 15 minutes away along the same wide Trans-Canada Highway. Just after crossing Bow River, you will leave the highway on Exit 91 to Canmore, and follow the signs to the town center.

8th Street in downtown Canmore | Credit: Travel Albera / Sameer Ahmed

Downtown Canmore

When in Canmore, you have to explore the bustling downtown.

Wander 8th Street — Canmore's main street — to find cute gift shops, home goods stores, tasteful souvenir stores, and eateries. In summer, 8th Street is pedestrianized, making it a lovely place to wander before or after your adventures in the surrounding wilderness.

Our favorite spots downtown are Stonewaters, a curated general store carrying everything from hand-made homewares and local art to artisanal pantry goods and an onigiri (rice ball) vending machine. There’s also Rocky Mountain Soap Company, with soaps and lotions made right in Canmore, and Project A, a spot hosting local artists and giving their small businesses a storefront.

Being so close together and so similar, the comparison between Banff and Canmore can't be helped. The big difference is that Canmore has a larger population of permanent residents and fewer international visitors. The result is a lived-in feeling with more small and local businesses than major and iconic Canadian brands.

Dining at the Bridgette Bar in Canmore | Credit: Travel Alberta / Cakewalk

Where to Eat in Canmore

Despite being a small mountain town, there are plenty of wonderful places to eat in Canmore. We recommend:

• Breakfast: The Stirling at The Malcolm (we recommend the Sunday buffet)
• Coffee: Eclipse Coffee Roasters (get a cappuccino and a mushroom or apple pie)
• Lunch: Rocky Mountain Bagel Company (try the rosemary sea salt bagel with garlic cream cheese)
• Dinner: Bridgette Bar (we liked the wild mushroom pizza and the zero-proof cocktails)
• Drinks: Tavern 1883 (for a local craft beer)

Helicopter tour in the Rockies | Credit: Rockies Heli Tours

Seeing Nature in Canmore

Like anywhere in the Rockies, getting up-close with nature is the true draw. And from the sky by helicopter tour, the hiking trails snaking off into the backcountry, or below the ground on a cave tour, there is nature all around in Canmore.

The town is set alongside Bow River, and within a two-block short walk of downtown are many easy trails, like the Bow River Loop, following Bow River to Engine Bridge. More challenging hikes also start here, and venture up into the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and backcountry lakes. Popular routes include the Grassi Lakes trail and the Ha Ling Peak.

To see the summit without the effort, though, helicopter tours with Alpine Helicopters leave directly from town. Within 10 minutes of takeoff, they will have you among the Three Sisters Peaks.

On the other hand, Canmore Cave Tours let you take a look under the mountains and adventure through their ancient foundations.

Kananaskis Nordic Spa | Credit: Travel Alberta / Karl Lee

Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country borders both Banff National Park and Canmore. This is where you come for true wild nature. Whether hiking to backcountry lakes or to the top of the surrounding peaks, it's the rural Rockies at their best.

If you're not looking to hike, though, a trip to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa lets you relax in self-guided hydrotherapy through hot and cold pool rotations, shadowed by Mount Kidd all the while.

Looking over the mountains from Canmore | Credit: Travel Alberta / Ernest Hon @ernest_hon

Why Stay in Canmore

Bordering Banff National Park, just 20 minutes from Banff, and under an hour from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Canmore makes for both a more affordable and quieter stay in the Canadian Rockies. It makes for a wonderful alternative to staying in Banff, or, for visitors looking for that local feeling, a stand-out destination of its own.

Of course, visiting Banff is a must during any trip here, and we still recommend you spend a night in the town itself.

If you'd like to spend more time here, we can do that, too — just speak to your Travel Designer. Regardless of whether your chosen package includes a night in Canmore, our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, letting them be tailored to your unique desires.

How to Get Between Canmore and Banff

Banff is easily accessible from Canmore. The drive takes just 20 minutes along the same Trans-Canada Highway you arrived on, continuing heading north. If you don't have your own car, getting between the two towns is still extremely easy.

Private transfer options are available between Canmore and Banff, and can be arranged for you by your Travel Designer at your time of booking.

Bus routes also run every 20 minutes. Taking the ROAM transit Regional Route 3, the trip takes approximately 40 minutes.

For a more leisurely route, and a scenic excursion, you can bike between the two towns on the paved Banff Legacy Trail. This lets you travel vehicle-free and see the Bow Valley the slow way as you enjoy the 1hr 20 minute ride. Bike rentals are available in both Banff and Canmore.

The Vermillion Lakes and Banff in Bow Valley | Credit: Parks Canada

Entering Banff National Park

Shortly after leaving Canmore, following the Trans-Canada Highway, you will reach the entrance to Banff National Park.

Visitors to Banff National Park (and any National Park in Canada) will need a National Park Pass which is CA$11 per adult (18+), or CA$9.50 for seniors (65+) per day. Youth under 17 are free. You need a Park Pass regardless of whether you are driving or not.

Lake Louise and Chateau Lake Louise | Credit: Destination Canada

Visiting Banff and Lake Louise

Once here, you are free to explore Banff and Lake Louise over the next few days.

There are many must-do experiences in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Some of our personal favorite activities in Banff — and the ones we recommend the most — are guided hikes of Johnston Canyon, cruises of Moraine Lake and Lake Minnewanka, a wildlife tour of Banff and beyond, and a trip up Banff Gondola, particularly to dine at Sky Bistro once you're up there.

In addition to Banff, we recommend seeing both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We love recommending tours that take visitors to both lakes in one seamless trip, but Parks Canada Shuttle bus services also service both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We do not recommend driving yourself, so you can avoid the busy summer parking at Lake Louise, and access Moraine Lake. The Parks Canada Shuttle costs C$8 per adult (18+) or CA$4 for seniors (65+). Youth under 17 are free.

And, beyond, the Icefields Parkway offers a stunning drive through the deepest heart of the Canadian Rockies, and luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train trips are ready to whisk you onward to Vancouver on Canada's West Coast.

For a more detailed look at what to do once you're there, see our travel expert's guide to Banff and Lake Louise, published by our sister brand Canada By Design.

Crossing the Stoney Creek Bridge onboard Rocky Mountaineer | Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Best Tours from Calgary to Banff and Beyond

Calgary, at the edge of the Canadian Rockies, is the perfect place to begin our packages to the mountains, the West Coast, and beyond. Each of these trips takes you from Calgary to Banff before exploring a different part of what makes Canada such an alluring destination.

Western Canada Highlights Train Tour

Seven days of highlights with a luxury train through the Canadian Rockies.

Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Rockies Train Tour

Ten days of mountain exploration ending in a rodeo extravaganza.

Limited departures each year — specially designed to coincide with the Calgary Stampede!

Best of the Canadian Rockies Winter Train Trip

Seven days of the Canadian Rockies in their white winter coat.

Book Today with Canada Rail Vacations

Reach out to a Travel Designer at Canada Rail Vacations to begin creating your tailored journey. We work one-on-one with you to make it right and arrange everything you need for a seamless trip. Book today, or simply start the conversation.

For more curated packages, inspiration, and travel tips from coast to coast, subscribe to our newsletter. We can't wait to hear from you.

The Canada Rail Vacations team exploring the Canadian Rockies

FAQs

What is the best way to get to Banff from Calgary?

The best way to get between Banff and Calgary is by car. However, if you don't want to drive, there are a multitude of options from Brewster Express to taking a private transfer for a more premium experience.

Is the drive from Calgary to Banff nice?

The drive from Calgary to Banff is beautiful, beginning in vast golden prairies and ending deep in the towering Canadian Rockies. The drive is easy, following a wide and flat highway for the majority of the journey, and only takes around an hour and a half.

Is 2 days in Banff enough?

Two days are enough to see Banff itself as well as some of the surrounding nature. However, we usually recommend guests spend at least three days in Banff National Park, spending nights in both Banff and Lake Louise, to get the full experience.

How much is the shuttle from Calgary Airport to Banff?

The price of a bus shuttle from Calgary International Airport to Banff with Brewster Express ranges from $60-90, but prices vary depending on the time of year. Our itineraries arrange the transfer for you and build this into the overall package cost, so you can enjoy a seamless experience.

For the most enjoyable experience, we recommend taking a private transfer. This can also be arranged by your Travel Designer — just ask.

What is the best town to stay in near Banff National Park?

The best place to stay near Banff National Park would be either Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise, depending on what activities you are looking to do. Briefly: Banff is best for amenities and Canmore is best for a local feel. Staying on Lake Louise is amazing for lakefront views, but should be treated as a destination stay rather than a home-base for your time in the National Park.

Is it better to stay in Banff or Canmore?

It depends on what you are looking for during your trip. Banff is typically more convenient for most visitors, having more shops, restaurants, bars, and amenities directly in town. But Canmore offers a more intimate and local experience, with a quieter town and more affordable accommodations, while still providing many places to eat, drink, and shop while you're there.