“But how on earth will you get around the Canadian Rockies without a car?” This was the first question we got when we told our friends that we weren’t planning to hire a car for our two week trip to Banff and Jasper.
While you definitely do need a car to travel around some national parks in the Rockies, exploring Banff and Jasper without a car is a lot easier than you’d expect. Despite the sheer size of these two national parks, with some careful planning you can see a lot of the iconic sights in Banff and Jasper by public transport.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to help you explore Banff and Jasper without a car. You’ll also find tips on how to get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, as well as the best places to stay to be close to the main sights.
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In this guide
How to explore Banff and Jasper without a car
VISITING BANFF AND JASPER WITHOUT A CAR: FAQS
I’ve visited Banff and Jasper without a car twice and although it can be daunting at first to figure out the public transport system, it’s actually very convenient. To help you plan your own trip to Banff and Jasper without a car, I’m sharing everything I’ve learnt from my own experience, as well as a few tips and things I wish I’d known on my first trip!
When is the best time to visit Banff and Jasper without a car?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. The first time I visited Banff and Jasper without a car, I went in May. I didn’t realise that a lot of the bus routes wouldn’t be open as it was too early in the season. We were still able to see everything we wanted to but it required a lot more planning and we did have to take a few taxis.
The Canadian Rockies are beautiful all year round but if you’re planning to use public transport then wait until June. It is a lot easier to get around the Canadian Rockies without a car in the summer months! To help you plan your trip and avoid making our mistake, I’ve noted when each service starts.
If you want to see the turquoise lakes you should aim to go between July and September. However be prepared for crowds as these lakes attract visitors from all over the world. Accommodation will also be more expensive and often gets booked up in advance. My recommendation would be to go early in June or towards the end of the season in September or October. This is also when the larches turn golden which is a beautiful sight.
Do you need a car in Banff?
Banff National Park covers 6,641 square kilometres of beautiful scenery. If you want to explore some of the remote parts of the park then you’ll need to hire a car to get to these places. However, if you intend to spend most of your time in the town of Banff and visit some of the lakes and popular sites, you can definitely get around Banff without a car.
The town of Banff is quite compact which makes getting around on foot very easy. The main part of the town stretches from Buffalo Street near Bow River to Moose Street and is less than 1 km long. This is where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants and bars, as well as local attractions like the Visitor Centre and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff has a great public transit system which connects the town to many of the must-do activities outside of the town such as the Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon. I’ve detailed all of the different routes below to help you plan your own trip to Banff without a car.
Parking can be very difficult in Banff, especially on weekends and peak times throughout the day. You can spend a lot of time looking for a parking spot and parking can be expensive in the main town. By visiting Banff without a car, you’ll help reduce traffic congestion and do your part for the environment.
Can you get around Jasper without a car?
At 10,878 square kilometres, Jasper National Park is almost double the size of Banff National Park. Getting around Jasper without a car is definitely more difficult than Banff but it’s not impossible. There are plenty of hiking trails which start close to the town, such as the Valley of the Five Lakes Loop and Pyramid Trail. You also have the option of hiring bikes and cycling around Jasper National Park which is a nice thing to do in the summer months.
Although the town of Jasper is quite compact, many attractions are located further away from the town. Jasper doesn’t have a public transit system like Banff so if you want to visit some of the popular places like Maligne Lake or Jasper Skytam, you will need to book a tour or shuttle bus service. Fortunately, there are lots of great, affordable options and the guides are very knowledgeable so it’s actually a lovely way to explore Jasper without a car.
I spent a lot of time researching how to visit many of the sights in Jasper without a car before my first trip. It wasn’t easy to find the information for some places (like Jasper Skytram) so I’ve included all the details in this guide to save you the time and hassle!
HOW TO GET TO BANFF WITHOUT A CAR
If you are flying to Banff, the closest airport is Calgary International Airport which is a 90-minute drive (140 km/ 87 miles) from the national park. There are a few ways you can get to Banff from Calgary using public transport:
Banff Airporter
If you’re planning to go straight to Banff after you land in Calgary, the Banff Airporter runs regular shuttles between Calgary International Airport, Canmore and Banff. It takes approximately 2 hours to get to Banff and the bus will drop you off at your chosen hotel. You just need to let them know where you would like to be dropped when you book.
Prices: A one way ticket costs $72.99 for an adult, $65.69 for a senior and $36.50 for children aged 6 to 17.
Brewster Express
Brewster Express runs regular services from Calgary downtown and Calgary airport to Canmore, Kananaskis, Banff, and Lake Louise. Their winter schedule finishes on April 30th 2022, and the summer schedule starts on May 1st and runs until October 16th. In the summer months, they continue up to Jasper National Park.
They pick up or drop off at the following locations:
- Calgary: Calgary International Airport, Marriott Downtown Hotel, Fairmont Palliser, Sandman Hotel Calgary City Centre and the Westin Calgary Hotel
- Canmore: Coast Canmore Hotel
- Banff: All hotels, B&Bs and home addresses in the town of Banff. You have to call them to arrange pick up or drop off at local addresses.
- Lake Louise: Samson Mall depot, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise Inn, HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre Hostel, Deer Lodge and the Post Hotel
I’ve used the Brewster Express on several occasions over the years and have always been really impressed with their service. The buses are very comfortable and spacious. The large windows are perfect for taking in the scenic views en route to Banff and there was complimentary WiFi onboard. We found them very reliable and the drivers were so helpful and friendly, treating it more like a tour than a bus journey and pointing out all the sites on the way.
Prices: A one way ticket starts from $74 per adult and $37 for children aged 6 to 15 but if you book a round trip you‘ll save 15%.
The Banff Express
If you decide to stay overnight in Calgary then the Banff Express is an affordable alternative to the Brewster Express and the Banff Airporter. The shuttle bus picks up from a few different locations in downtown Calgary and stops at the Canmore Visitor Centre before continuing to Banff where it stops at the Train Station. You can ask the driver on the day to drop you at your accommodation or home in Banff as well. They run two services (one in the morning and one in the evening) daily from Tuesday to Saturday.
Prices: A one way fare costs $40 for an adult and $22 for children aged 12 and under.
On-It Banff & Canmore Service
The On-It Service is another option for those wishing to stay in Calgary for a day or two before travelling to Banff. They only run in the summer months from Friday to Sunday (plus statutory holidays) but at $10 per person, it’s a very affordable way to get from Calgary to Banff. The 2022 service starts on May 20th, 2022.
Prices: A one way ticket costs $10 per person.
A local’s tip
If you’re travelling from Vancouver, you can either fly to Calgary or you can book the Rider Express. They run regular buses from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise. It is a long journey (13 – 14 hours) but if you don’t mind spending a day on the bus, it can be cheaper than flying.
GETTING AROUND BANFF WITHOUT A CAR
Walking around Banff
Getting around the town of Banff without a car is easy. The centre is quite compact and most of the restaurants, attractions and accommodation are within walking distance of Banff Avenue. A lot of hiking trails also start from the town so you can easily walk to the trailheads. For more information, check out my guide on what to see and do in Banff which lists a lot of these trails.
Getting around Banff with Roam Public Transit buses
Banff has a great network of energy-efficient Roam Public Transit buses which cover many of the town’s main sights, including Sulphur Mountain, Fairmont Banff Springs, and Lake Minnewanka. You can buy tickets on the bus, from the Roam Transit customer service centre, and from a number of local partner shops. Alternatively, you can also buy tickets and day passes on your phone via the Token Transit app.
You can find all of the schedules and routes on their website but here’s a quick summary and the main attractions along each one:
Route 1: Sulphur Mountain
This route is open all year and takes you to Banff Park Museum, Banff Hot Springs and the incredible Banff gondola. I highly recommend booking tickets for the gondola in advance as it usually sells out. If you can, try and go up an hour before sunset and watch the mountains turn golden.
Route 2: Tunnel Mountain
This service runs between Tunnel Mountain campgrounds, downtown Banff and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It is available daily throughout the year.
Route 4: Cave and Basin
This route runs daily from mid-June to mid-September. There is a limited weekend service from mid-May to mid-June.
Route 6: Lake Minnewanka
This service starts on mid-May and runs 7 days a week until mid-September. It leaves Banff every 30 minutes and takes about 25 minutes to get to Lake Minnewanka. The service stops at Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake and Two Jack Lake.
Route 7: Banff Centre
The Banff Centre bus route connects Banff town centre to the Banff Centre for Arts and creativity. It passes by the trailhead for Tunnel Mountain and Surprise Corner – a beautiful viewpoint that looks out over the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. It has been cancelled until further notice but check their page for updates as it may resume this year.
Route 9: Banff to Johnston Canyon Shuttle
Starting at Banff train station, this service runs daily from mid-May to early October. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the canyon and cost $5 for a round trip (free for youth 17 and under). You can find out more information on the Johnston Canyon bus page.
A local’s tip
If you visit Banff in winter exploring Johnston Canyon’s frozen waterfalls is a must. The lower and upper falls are beautiful all year round, but they’re especially magical in winter. You can book an ice walk tour which will take you to both waterfalls and teach you about the canyon’s history and geology. Tours include round-trip transportation, ice cleats, hiking poles and a hot chocolate to warm up at the end!
Hop on Banff
This hop on/ hop off service is a great way to see some of the main sights without doing a full tour. It stops at places like Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The 2022 season starts on June 10th and runs until September 25th. It costs $61.90 per adult and $47.60 for children aged 5 to 15. You can book in advance and cancel up to 24 hours before your tour and get a full refund if your plans change. All buses return to Banff after their last stop.
Banff Taxis
We had to use a couple of taxis during our trip as we went out of season (a rookie error!) so some of the bus routes above weren’t running. The taxis are reasonably priced and can be a cost-efficient way to get to places if you are in a group. Here are a couple of taxi companies that we used:
Banff Taxi: 403-762-0000
Taxi Taxi: 403-762-3111
BANFF TO LAKE LOUISE, MORAINE LAKE AND CANMORE
Banff to Lake Louise
A trip to Banff wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Lake Louise and the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The village of Lake Louise is quite small and not far from a number of hotels and hostels so it is easy to get around on foot. The actual lake and the Chateau are located 5km (3 miles) from the village of Lake Louise.
Once you arrive at the lake, there are several hiking trails that start near the shore. Lake Agnes Tea House Trail and Fairview Lookout Trail are two of the most popular hikes from Lake Louise.
If you’re wondering how to get from Banff to Lake Louise without a car, don’t worry, you have a couple of options:
Route 8X: Banff to Lake Louise Shuttle (Express)
Roam Public Transit runs a daily, year-round service from Banff to Lake Louise. This express shuttle bus departs from Banff train station and travels directly to Lake Louise lakeshore with one stop at Samson Mall in Lake Louise village. There are 7 daily services during the winter season, but this doubles in summer which makes it a really convenient way to get from Banff to Lake Louise.
I recommend booking in advance to make sure you get seats on your preferred service. In the summer months, parking can be very tricky so a lot of people opt to take the shuttle instead so spots fill up quickly! It costs $10 for a round trip but is free for youth 17 and under. There is also complimentary WiFi!
Route 8S: Lake Louise Scenic
From May to September, there is an additional service from downtown Banff to Lake Louise via the Bow Valley Parkway. This scenic route takes longer than the express service but stops at Johnston Canyon, Castle Junction, and Baker Creek.
Brewster Express
If for any reason you can’t get a spot on the Roam Public Transit buses from Banff to Lake Louise, you can book a ticket with Brewster Express. However, it’s more expensive and doesn’t run as frequently so you’re restricted by the set times.
Banff to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been. You’ve probably seen photos of this beautiful turquoise lake. The road to Moraine Lake is closed during the winter months as there is a high risk of avalanches as the snow melts. It re-opens at the end of May or the beginning of June depending on the conditions.
It’s a popular attraction and parking is extremely limited so I recommend taking the shuttle bus to Moraine Lake even if you do have a car. Here’s how to get to this incredible lake:
Parks Canada Shuttle: Lake Connector
A daily shuttle service is available from June to October between Lake Louise shoreline and Moraine Lake. This is a great option if you plan to visit both lakes in one day. You can take the express shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise, spend some time at Lake Louise, and then get on the Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake. The Lake Connector shuttles run every 15 minutes from 9am until 6pm.
Route 10: Moraine Lake Express
From September to October, Roam Public Transit runs direct buses daily from the Banff High School Transit Hub to Moraine Lake. There are normally 7 or 8 express trips starting at 6.30am each day. The last shuttle service leaves Moraine Lake at 5.30pm. Book in advance if you can to secure your spot.
MOUNTAIN PARK TRANSPORTATION SHUTTLE
A private company, Mountain Park Transportation, also runs daily trips from Banff and Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. It costs $25 per person so it is more expensive than the other shuttle buses but it is a good alternative if you can’t get onto the other ones. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Banff to Canmore
Located just 20 minutes from Banff National Park, Canmore is a beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain Town. A lot of people pass through Canmore on their way to Banff and don’t realise that this town is also worth exploring. It is home to some incredible hiking trails as well as the stunning Three Sisters peaks. Canmore is a great place to stay as it’s generally cheaper than Banff but still close enough to get to all of the main sights. Getting from Banff to Canmore without a car is simple:
Route 3: Canmore/ Banff Regional
This route goes from Banff to downtown Canmore. Buses run every 30 – 60 minutes throughout the day and take approximately 25 minutes.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Although you can explore most of the main sights in the town of Banff without a car, you may want to explore more of the national park. There are a number of great sightseeing tours that will take you to spots that aren’t accessible by public transport and usually require a car. Here are a few tours that I would recommend looking into:
Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway
On this full-day sightseeing tour, you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery in Banff National Park. Not only will the tour take you to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but you’ll also stop at one of the best viewpoints in Banff, Mount Norquay, where you can see the entire town of Banff, the Vermillion Lakes and the Bow Valley. You’ll then head up the Icefields Parkway to Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake. If you’re visiting Banff without a car, the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway tour is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on seeing the best attractions.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake
Although you can see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake via public transport, it’s very difficult, if not near impossible, to visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park without a car. There is no public transport in Yoho National Park so many visitors without a car miss out on seeing this incredible lake. The Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake tour is a full-day tour which allows you to explore more of Banff National Park and learn about the history of the railroad. You’ll discover how railway engineers overcame the Continental Divide’s challenging terrain and marvel at the Spiral Tunnels – an impressive engineering feat! The tour continues on to Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park and finishes with Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
HOW TO GET TO JASPER WITHOUT A CAR
Getting to Jasper from Edmonton
Sundog Tours offers daily shuttle buses between Edmonton, Edson, Hinton and Jasper. Buses depart Edmonton International Airport at 3.15pm and arrive in Jasper at 8pm. You can also get picked up in downtown Edmonton.
Prices: A one way ticket costs $99 for an adult and $49 for children.
Getting to Jasper from Banff
There isn’t any public transportation to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway but shuttle services are available. Brewster Express runs a daily service from 1st May to mid-October and then Sundog Tours takes over from mid-October to May. Sundog Tours operates on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays.
They can drop you off at most of the hotels in Jasper, including the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Chateau Jasper, Maligne Lodge, Marmot Lodge, Mount Robson Inn and The Crimson.
The coaches are modern with comfortable seating, large viewing windows, complimentary Wi-Fi and charging points which makes the journey much more enjoyable.
Prices: A one way ticket from Banff to Jasper costs $79 for an adult and $39 for children.
Sundog Tours (one-way)
Sundog Tours also offers a one way, full-day tour in the summer between Banff and Jasper. This is a great way to get from Banff or Lake Louise to Jasper without a car and see some of the Rockies’ most beautiful sights along the way. Stops include Lake Louise, Bow Lake, the Columbia Ice Fields and Athabasca Falls. The tour runs May 1st to October 11th 2022.
GETTING AROUND JASPER WITHOUT A CAR
Jasper National Park doesn’t have a public transportation system like Banff but you can still get around Jasper without a car with some careful planning
Walking around Jasper
A lot of walking trails start from the town so you can explore the local area on foot. If you enjoy walking then Lake Beauvert, Lake Annette and Lake Edith are accessible from town and you can follow the trail which runs along the Athabasca River. From the town it is an 8km walk to Lake Edith and takes around 2 hours to walk there.
Hiring bikes in Jasper
You can also hire bikes to explore Jasper and the surrounding area. Bike rentals are available in several shops located in the town, including Source for Sports and Vicious Cycle.
Jasper Taxis
There are plenty of taxis in Jasper which are reasonably priced. We decided to take a taxi up to Pyramid Island to see Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake as it was quite a steep walk and our feet were a bit tired by this point. It cost us about $35 so this can be a cost effective way if you are travelling in a group.
Jasper National Park Sightseeing Tours
If you’re visiting Jasper without a car and want to explore further afield, there are plenty of great tours available that will take you to the iconic sights.
Jasper Skytram
Located just 7 km from the town centre, Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada and offers easy access to some beautiful hiking trails. You can book a shuttle bus ticket from the Jasper Adventure Centre which will pick you up from downtown Jasper and take you directly to the Skytram. Many hotels in Jasper also offer regular shuttle buses to and from Jasper Skytram so it’s worth asking them if this is available when you book.
Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island
The Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island tour takes you to three of the park’s most incredible sights. It’s operated by Sundog Tours who will pick you up and drop you back at your hotel in Jasper, making it a very convenient way to explore the park! The first stop on the tour is Maligne Canyon where you’ll walk over a few of the bridges and see deep into the canyon. You’ll then continue on to Medicine Lake and finally to Maligne Lake where you have the option of doing a guided hike or going on a boat cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Jasper.
Maligne Canyon Ice Walk
If you’re visiting in winter, I highly recommend booking the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk Tour by Sundog Tours. This 3-hour tour takes you deep into Maligne Canyon which is one of the deepest canyons in the Canadian Rockies. The tour covers about 3.5 km of the canyon’s trails and is mainly downhill. You’ll see frozen waterfalls, magical ice caves, and learn about the interesting geological formations. Sundog Tours provides all of the gear you need and will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Jasper.
CONVENIENT PLACES TO STAY IN BANFF AND JASPER
If you are planning to visit Banff and Jasper without a car, you’ll want to stay somewhere central so can easily get to the main sights and hiking trails.
Where to stay in Banff without a car
For easy access to the shops, restaurants and beautiful walks, I recommend staying on Banff Avenue. There are plenty of hotels to choose from but here are a few of my favourites:
Moose Hotel & Suites
Moose Hotel & Suites is located on Banff Avenue, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the heart of downtown. The rooms have beautiful views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and they even have rooftop hot pools with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.
BANFF CARIBOU LODGE
Banff Caribou Lodge is located a bit further down Banff Avenue but is still only a 10 to 15 minute walk to all the shops and restaurants. It’s a beautiful hotel and features a full service spa with a hot pool, steam room and a gym. The hotel offers free WiFi and free passes for some of the bus routes.
Samesun
If you’re travelling on a budget, there is a Samesum hostel on Banff Avenue in between Moose Hotel and Banff Caribou Lodge. They have a mix of 6 and 8-bed dorms, female only dorms, and private rooms. It’s a good option if you need a base to explore Banff and want to meet new people.
A GOOD NITE’S REST B&B
Although it’s not technically on Banff Avenue, A Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast is a great option if you want to be close to the main attractions. This family run Bed & Breakfast is located on Marten Street just behind Banff Avenue and is a 10 minute walk to the visitor centre. It is very homely and managed by a lovely family who went above and beyond to make our stay as memorable as possible. Wifi and breakfast are included and the rooms are very comfortable which we needed after a busy day hiking!
Fairmont Banff Springs
For the ultimate Banff experience, book a stay at the luxury Fairmont Banff Springs, also known as the castle in the Rockies. It’s located on the other side of Banff near Bow River so it’s a lovely 30-minute walk to get to Banff Avenue.
Where to stay in Jasper without a car
There are some incredible hotels to choose from in Jasper. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Pyramid Lake Resort are two of my favourites; however, they’re further from the town. If you’re planning to visit Jasper without a car then you’ll want to try and stay in the townsite. Luckily, there are lots of great hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
CHATEAU JASPER
Located in the town just off Connaught Drive, Chateau Jasper is a short walk from the shops and restaurants. It’s an environmentally friendly hotel and has a modern gym, indoor pool, and a hot tub. Wifi is included and the rooms are very comfortable.
Crimson Jasper
Located on Connaught Drive, the Crimson is a relatively new hotel offering easy access to all the main sights and walking trails. It has a lovely hot tub, indoor pool, and a range of rooms and suites if you are looking for a self-catered option.
MALIGNE LODGE
Maligne Lodge is located on the outskirts of the town and is a more affordable option if you plan to spend some time in Jasper during the peak summer months. It has good facilities in the room and also benefits from a sauna, indoor pool, and outdoor hot tub.
HI Jasper
Another affordable option during the peak months is the HI Jasper hostel. They have a range of shared rooms, private ensuites, and family rooms. We stayed there earlier this year and were really impressed with the facilities. They have a huge kitchen and plenty of fridges and lockers where you can keep your food if you choose to eat in. It’s located on the other side of the railway on Sleep Hollow Road but you can easily walk under the bypass into town when the long freight trains are passing through.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON EXPLORING BANFF AND JASPER WITHOUT A CAR
Although self-driving is the best way to truly explore the Rockies, visiting Banff and Jasper without a car is a lot easier than you’d expect. With some careful planning, you can see a lot of the parks’ best spots, including lakes, viewpoints, and hiking trails.
Banff has a fantastic public transit system which makes getting to places like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake very easy. If you’re planning to visit Banff and/ or Jasper without a car, I would highly recommend that time your trip to coincide with the shuttle bus schedules. Many of the shuttle bus routes mentioned in this guide don’t start until June. If you visit Banff or Jasper before they start, you may not be able to visit some of the lakes or canyons which are located further away from the town.
In total, we spent about $400 on travel during our trip which was half the cost of the car rental quotes we got. While having a car would have given us more flexibility, you can definitely see the Canadian Rockies without a car. It just takes a little bit of planning, but for us that’s all part of the adventure!
Where next?
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Banff and Jasper, check out the following guides:
- A guide to Banff National Park
- Where to find the best photo spots in Banff National Park
- The best things to do in Jasper National Park
Love from Steph
SAVE FOR LATER
PLAN FOR THE CANADIAN ROCKIES WITH THESE GUIDES
The Best Photo Spots in Banff National Park
The most incredible things to do in Jasper in winter
The best things to do in Banff in winter
Everything you need to know about visiting Banff National Park in winter
15 stunning stops for your Icefields Parkway Itinerary
Hi Steph thank you so much for the wonderful information and intuitions let me try to plan this summer
Once again thank you so much
Anthony
Hi Steph,
Thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information. I’m heading there during the coming long-weekend in September (2-10). Are 2 days in Banff, 1 day in Lake Louise and 3 days in Jasper be enough to visit main spots. Did you update the article with changes you mentioned above? Please let me know.
Also, Is there anyone travelling during that period and if so, please leave a comment.
Thanks,
Sumanth
Steph – Thank you so much for posting this information. I did not want to rent a car or take the train to Banff/Jasper, so I found your post extremely helpful and will be using it to plan my trip this summer. 🙂 You have provided more comprehensive and complete information than any other website I’ve found. Thank you for taking the stress and aggravation out of the planning process.
Best wishes.
Seema
Hi Seema – You’re so welcome! I’m glad it’s helpful as I remember how hard it was to find all the info when we went. I will be updating this blog post in the next couple of weeks as I know there have been a few changes this year so stay tuned!
I sure will! Thanks again!!!
Hi Steph,
Do you know how early I have to book hotel rooms in Banff and Jasper? They seem to already be sold out for the summer months.
Thanks,
Seema
really helpful, and contains all the necessary information.
what a fantastic report. looking into going this september and this has eased alot of worries. thanks so much steph
Hi Claire! I’m so glad it was helpful. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time!
I am so thankful to have found this website. So much useful information. I will certainly be using your tips and guides.
I’m so glad it was helpful Debbie!
Dear Steph
Thank you so much for the comprehensive guide. It would be very helpful when a group of us travel to Canadian Rockies. Just wanted to know, if there is a public transport from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops please. Is the rockies trip suitable for over 6Os. Wish I was young again.
Have you written on any other journeys?
Thank you and best wishes.
Amarjit
Hi Amarjit,
Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you found this helpful. As far as I know there isn’t any direct public transport from Jasper to Vancouver via Kamloops. Rocky Mountaineer does run a route between the two via Kamloops from April to October and the train is a lovely way to experience the Rockies, especially for those over 55, but it is a holiday experience in itself rather than public transport.
The good thing about the Rockies is that there is something for everyone. There will be things that would be harder to do for people over 60 but there are lots of easy flat trails in and around Banff (I have an article about things to do in Banff which might be helpful) and walking around Lake Louise is also quite an easy trail. It really depends what you want to do but I’ve seen a lot of older people in the Rockies so it definitely is suitable!
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Steph
Some really nice stuff on this website, I really enjoy it.
Thank you so much! I’ve been very busy the past few months with the move to Canada but will be posting lots of new articles over the next few weeks 🙂
Thank you very much steph . Hope you will settle well in Vancouver . Did you go to emerald lake at yoho Park ? I want to go there but no public transport is going there . Looks like I have to spend for the expensive taxi.
Hi Lynn – apologies for the very slow reply. I haven’t had much time lately to work on the blog. We didn’t go to Emerald Lake unfortunately as it was too far and like you said, there wasn’t any public transport. I hope you had a great trip!
Thanks steph for the info . It’s of great help to me . But would you mind to share with us on where to stay that’s convenient ?
My friend and I are going to Canadian Rockies during September . But we are lost on what to do because we don’t dare to drive during the stay and the tours are very expensive.
Hi Lynn,
Apologies for the slow reply. I’ve just moved to Vancouver so the past couple of weeks have been so hectic! The Canadian Rockies are so beautiful – you’ll have a great time! If you don’t have a car then I would suggest sticking to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper as there are a lot of trails and activities you can do from the centre so you won’t need a car. I actually wrote a detailed post on what to do in Banff where I listed out a lot of things to do – hikes, attractions etc. In the summer months it is a lot easier to get around as there are several shuttle buses in Banff which will take you to different places like Lake Louise, the gondola and Johnston Canyon. Double check but they should still be running in September which would mean you could get around quite easily! In Banff we stayed at A Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast which was 15 minutes walk into town and was really lovely. In Lake Louise we stayed at Lake Louise Inn which I would really recommend and in Jasper we stayed at Maligne Lodge which was also very good 🙂