April 16, 2018, Banff, Alberta — The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission (BVRSTC) and Parks Canada are excited to announce several 2018 transit initiatives to and within Banff National Park. It all starts with getting to Banff National Park from Calgary. After the success of last year’s pilot program, Calgarians will once again be able to leave their vehicles at home and choose affordable regional transit to the Bow Valley this summer with Southland Transportation’s On-It behind the wheel.

Once it gets rolling, Calgarians will have the opportunity to arrive in Canmore or Banff. In Banff, visitors to the national park will be invited to take advantage of several new and continuing transit options enabling them to travel quickly and easily. On-It riders can transfer for no charge onto any local Roam transit, including the Town of Canmore or Town of Banff, where Roam goes to destinations like the Banff Gondola and the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, or to the Lake Minnewanka area. Parks Canada will also offer affordable shuttles to Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise.

The Calgary-Banff service is a joint effort between Parks Canada, the Town of Banff, and the Town of Canmore to financially support the Calgary service, with the BVRTSC managing the contract with Southland to continue the On-It Regional Service. In 2017, over 11,000 people rode the service on weekends and holiday Mondays from mid-June to early September. 2018 will see the weekend and holiday Monday service start May 19.

“The Commission, along with Parks Canada and our municipal partners, are pleased to see On-It headed back to the Bow Valley. On-It is an invaluable part of the local transportation system and was instrumental in helping visitors get to the valley without the use of their vehicle,” CAO of BVRTSC Martin Bean says.

“The best Banff National Park experience happens when you step out of your vehicle and explore the park,” says Banff Field Unit Superintendent, Sheila Luey. “Parks Canada is pleased to continue its partnership with Roam Transit to provide a number of transit options to visitors to Banff National Park. This supports Parks Canada’s commitment to preserving our national parks, while providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful experiences. We encourage visitors to plan ahead and take transit.”

Service details at a glance:

Banff to Lake Louise

May 18 to October 8, 2018. Departing from the Banff train station fares to travel to Lake Louise for passengers over the age of 18 will be $10.00. Passengers 17 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased from Parks Canada staff at the Banff train station.

Banff to Johnston Canyon

May 18 to October 8, 2018. Departing from the Banff train station, fares to travel to Johnston Canyon for passengers over the age of 18 will be $5.00. Passengers 17 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased from Parks Canada staff at the Banff train station.

Minnewanka Services

The Minnewanka services will be a part of the local Roam service from May 18 to September 16 with standard $2.00 fares for passengers aged 19 and older, and $1.00 for passengers from 6 to 18 years of age.

Banff Area

Parks Canada is contributing funding to extend Roam services from the Tunnel Mountain campgrounds between May 18 and September 16, and to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site on weekends from May long weekend to June 17, and daily from June 18 to September 16.

Registered campers can travel for free when departing from all Parks Canada campgrounds in Banff National Park.

Lake Louise Area

Parks Canada will continue the free shuttle service from the overflow parking area to the upper lake and village of Lake Louise from May 18 to October 8, and service to Moraine Lake from September 10 to October 8.

Calgary-Banff Regional Service

One way trips from and to Calgary will be $10.00 each direction. More details about the On-It Regional Service including schedules, stops, and fares will be available in May.

Associated Links

Banff National Park

Roam Public Transit Service

For More Information:

Corrie DiManno
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission
403-762-0606 – corrie.dimanno@roamtransit.com

Christie Thomson
Public Relations and Communications
Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada Agency
403-762-1502 – christie.thomson@pc.gc.ca