Community Goals

By 2030, the Town of Canmore seeks to reduce vehicle kilometers traveled by 30% below 2015 levels. We hope that at least forty percent of trips within the community will use sustainable modes (i.e., public transit, carshare, biking, or walking).

REDUCING VEHICLE USE

Public Transit in Canmore and the Bow Valley

Since 2016, the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission has operated Roam Transit, which offers year-round local bus service in Canmore and Banff and regional bus service from Canmore to Banff and to Lake Louise. For more information on fares, route and scheduling information, visit roamtransit.com. Passes are sold in Canmore at the Civic Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Market Bistro, Fergies Bakery and Rusticana Grocery, and in Banff at several locations including Banff Town Hall.

Summer Transit Service

Banff National Park: From May to October, Parks Canada operates a bus service to many popular locations within Banff National Park. For a full listing of transit and shuttle routes please visit the Banff National Park website.

Roam Transit: From May to September, Roam Transit adds an additional bus route between the Town of Banff and Lake Minnewanka.

On-It Regional Transit: On-It provides weekend service from Calgary to Banff and Canmore from May to September. Tickets are $10 for one-way travel, including complimentary Roam transfers for local travel in Banff and Canmore. Other regional routes in the Calgary area are also available. Visit onitregionaltransit.ca for scheduling information.

Airport Transfers

Banff Airporter: Shuttle service between Banff, Canmore and the Calgary Airport. Service is available multiple times a day. Pick-up and drop-off location in Canmore is at the Coast Canmore Hotel on Bow Valley Trail. For more information on schedules, fares and to book, visit banffairporter.com.

Brewster Express: Shuttle service to and from Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, Calgary Downtown and the Calgary Airport. Service is available multiple times a day.

Ski Resort Transportation

Winter driving in the Rocky Mountains is often challenging, and parking at the ski hills on busy days can be difficult. There are several options for getting from Canmore and Banff to some of the major ski resorts in the area:

Sunshine Coach: Free shuttle service from Calgary and Canmore to Sunshine Village with the purchase of a lift ticket. Shuttle-only tickets are also available for purchase. Reservations are required. Sunshine Village also offers free shuttles from Banff (not Canmore) to Sunshine for seasons pass holders or those with a current lift ticket.

Lake Louise Ski Bus: Free shuttle service from Calgary and Canmore to the Lake Louise Ski Area with the purchase of a lift ticket. Shuttle-only tickets are also available for purchase. Reservations are required.

Kicking Horse Powder Express: Shuttle service to and from Banff and Kicking Horse Ski Resort. Reservations are required.

Banff Shuttle to Panorama: Shuttle service to and from Banff to Panorama Mountain Village every Tuesday during ski season. Reservations are required.

Carpooling

There are a number of websites and free services for connecting with fellow carpoolers. Some options include:

I need a ride Calgary/Canmore/Banff (Facebook group)
Banff Canmore Calgary & Area Rideshare Travelmate Finder (Facebook group)
Safeway Community Notice Board or Sobeys Community Notice Board
Kijiji.ca ridesharing and carpooling
eRideShare
carpool.ca

Buying or renting a home?

Where you chose to live has a significant impact on your daily transportation and commuting requirements. Using a website such as Walk Score (www.walkscore.com) or Google Maps can help you better understand your transportation options. Walkscore allows you to type in an address and check to see the average travel times and distances to downtown or your workplace. The website will also display nearby amenities and facilities such as schools, stores, and restaurants.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

Canmore has an impressive network of walking and biking trails that provide recreational and commuter options to most areas of the community. The Town of Canmore is continually upgrading and expanding the infrastructure, routes, and signage for active transportation. Grab your bike or go for a walk and leave your car at home! Visit the Town of Canmore's website, canmore.ca, for more information and maps.

Trails between Canmore and Banff

There are several options for hiking or biking between Canmore and Banff, ranging from a paved commuter path to rugged single track. A full map of all the trail options is available from the Town of Canmore. Some of the most popular routes include:

Legacy Trail (paved): For road bikes, commuter bikes, and power assisted e-bikes
Goat Creek Trail and the Spray River Loop (gravel double track): For mountain bikes
Rundle Riverside (via the Canmore Nordic Centre): Extremely rough and remote single track suitable for well prepared mountain bikers only

Only interested in riding one way? ROAM transit buses are equipped to carry bikes at no extra charge.

Need a shower after your commuter ride to Banff? Facilities are available at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (at the Banff Centre) or the Fenlands Recreation Centre. Drop-in rates and/or membership fees apply.

Purchase or rental of bicycles and accessories

Canmore has many retail and rental outlets for new and used bicycles, parts, accessories, or repairs:

Don’t forget to purchase a helmet and lights for your bike so that you can be seen and stay safe.

Pedal Assist Bicycles (E-bikes)

A new and increasingly popular way to travel, e-bikes are particularly useful for those recovering from injury, with limited fitness/mobility, or for anyone living at the top of a big hill! Regulations around e-bikes are currently developing and changing in many jurisdictions, so please check with local municipalities or land management agencies for the latest information and regulations.

In the Bow Valley, e-bikes are currently permitted on:

Town of Banff roads/trails
Town of Canmore roads/trails
The Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore

E-bikes are currently prohibited on:

All trails (except for the Legacy Trail) in Banff National Park
All Alberta Parks trails (Including the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park)

DRIVING

Driving More Efficiently

While using public transportation and choosing active transportation are great options, many of us still need a vehicle for our daily lives and tasks. Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle, adopting an efficient driving style, and keeping up-to-date on vehicle maintenance all have a big impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

Choosing a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

What size and style of vehicle best suits your typical needs? Carefully choosing the most efficient vehicle can significantly reduce your fuel consumption. Natural Resources Canada has some great resources ranking vehicles for fuel consumption and fuel efficiency:

Fuel-Efficient Driving and Maintenance

Regardless of the vehicle you’re driving, minimizing fuel consumption requires a commitment to efficient driving techniques. High speeds and a ‘lead foot’ will burn fuel quickly! Here are some helpful suggestions to reduce your vehicle’s fuel use. More details and information are available from Natural Resources Canada.

By accelerating and decelerating gently and maintaining a steady speed, you can reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 25%.
Roof racks or roof-top accessories like ski boxes and bike racks can increase your highway fuel consumption by up to 20%. Remove them when they’re not in use.
Keep your vehicle maintenance up-to-date and check tire pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires increase fuel consumption and wear unevenly, requiring more frequent replacement.
Stopped for more than 60 seconds? Turn off your engine! Idling can burn 300 ml or more of fuel every 10 minutes.