How to Travel Sustainably in and Around Canmore, Alberta
- Attractions & Sightseeing
- Spring, Summer & Fall
- Transportation
- Winter
- Tourism Canmore Kananaskis & Travel Alberta - June 27, 2024
- Share
Canmore is a premier destination for eco-conscious travellers who seek to combine adventure with environmental responsibility. As an astonishing mountain destination nestled among protected provincial and national park land in the Canadian Rockies, we make sure sustainability is a priority to preserve our stunning natural spaces for generations to come. Discover how you can travel sustainably in Canmore, Alberta.
Where is Canmore?
Canmore is conveniently located just a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC), making it easily accessible from major cities across North America and beyond. It’s also a short 20-minute drive from Banff National Park and approximately a four-hour drive from the U.S. border.
Getting to Canmore
The commute from Calgary to Canmore offers breathtaking views of prairie landscapes, rolling foothills, and the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Shuttle Services
WonderGo Adventures Inc.: Private shuttles from downtown Calgary and YYC to Canmore and beyond.
Banff Airporter: Frequent daily transportation and private charters between YYC and Canmore.
Mountain Park Transportation: Shuttles between downtown Calgary, YYC, and Canmore.
ABest Transport and Tour Services: Private cars and shuttles from YYC to Canmore.
Patagonia Chauffeur Services: Private transportation from YYC to your destination in the Rockies.
Explore Banff Tours & Transfers: Comfortable transfer services between Calgary and Canmore.
Car Rentals
While bringing a vehicle offers flexibility, Canmore provides various options to minimize your carbon footprint once you’re here. Rental vehicles are available at Calgary International Airport. From there, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Canmore.
Parking in Canmore
Canmore offers convenient parking options for both short visits and extended stays. Hotels provide dedicated parking, and downtown features a paid parking system accessible via parking stations or the Blinkay app.
For electric vehicles, public charging ports are available throughout the town:
- ArtsPlace (950 8th Ave) – one Level 2 charger, free to the public
- Petro Canada (1731 Mountain Ave) – four Level 3 (DC fast) chargers – available to the public for a fee
- Peaks to Prairies station in Miner’s Hall parking lot (718 7th Street) – one Level 2 charger and one Level 3 (DC fast) charger – available to the public for a fee
- Shops of Canmore (302 Old Canmore Road) – four Level 3 (DC fast) chargers – available to the public for a fee
Getting Around Canmore
Sustainable Options
Once you’ve parked your car, it’s easy to leave your car behind and get around town. We recommend keeping the car parked at your hotel and travelling sustainably on foot, by bike, or on our free local transit service.
Walk: Explore over 80 km (50 mi) of multi-use trails that connect the town and surrounding recreational areas. Use our virtual map to plan your routes to check out all the natural attractions in Canmore.
Rent a bike/e-bike: Traverse Canmore’s multi-use trails, including the Canmore Riverside Trail to the Three Sisters Mountain Village or the Legacy Trail to the Town of Banff. Rent bikes or e-bikes from local shops like GearUp Mountain Sport and Rentals, Rebound Cycle, Trail Sports, Sports Garage, Pedego Electric Bikes, or Kananaskis Outfitters.
Bus: Roam Transit offers FREE bus service within Canmore (Routes 5C, 5T, and 12) and affordable regional transit to Banff National Park (Route 3).
Taxi and Rideshare
Local taxi services are available for convenient travel around town. Currently, Uber and Lyft are not operational in Canmore.
Regional Transportation
Roam Transit
Roam Transit provides eco-friendly transportation to key attractions:
Grassi Lakes (Route 12): Access stunning natural sites like Grassi Lakes, Quarry Lake, and the Canmore Nordic Centre. Check the current schedule for bus timings.
Banff and Beyond: Travel between Canmore and Banff with ease. From Banff, continue your journey to Lake Louise and other iconic locations. Buses run frequently during peak times, with schedules and tickets available online or via the Token Transit app.
Shuttles
There are several shuttles and private transportation services that provide seamless connection between Canmore and regional attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in neighbouring Banff National Park.
Park Passes
While a park pass isn’t needed for Canmore itself, exploring beyond requires:
Kananaskis Conservation Pass: Access to provincial parks and protected areas in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor, including Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
National Park Pass: Required for Banff National Park and other national parks in Canada.
Sustainable travel not only benefits the environment but also enhances your experience of Canmore and Kananaskis’s natural beauty.
In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.