Wondering where you can fuel up in Banff National Park? In this article, you’ll read where to find all the park’s gas stations, their fuel type, and where to charge your electric vehicle. I also included some tips about fueling up in Banff and how to economize on gas.
There are plenty of gas stations to make sure you can fill up when needed. They’re scattered throughout the park, so despite the distances you’re likely to cover, you should always be able to find a gas station not too far away.
Let’s have a look!
Gas Stations in Banff National Park
If you plan a road trip to Banff, you’ll need to know where to fuel up. Here’s a breakdown of Banff gas stations by location.
Downtown Banff
There are four gas stations in downtown Banff, making it easy to fill up before heading out to explore the town or nearby attractions.
There are two gas stations on Banff Avenue. There’s a Husky station at the beginning of Banff Avenue on the right-hand side, seen from the Canmore direction, and a Shell station not too far from the shopping district, also on the right-hand side.
There’s another Shell on the corner of Lynx and Wolf Street. There’s also a Petro-Canada station at the intersection of Lynx Street and Wolf Street.
Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) is a scenic drive that connects Banff and Lake Louise. There is one gas station along the way, the Castle Mountain Chalets Gas Station. You’ll find it at the intersection of the Bow Valley Parkway and the Banff-Windermere Highway. It offers regular, midgrade, and premium gas options.
Trans-Canada Highway
The Trans-Canada Highway runs through Banff and has several gas stations along the highway. They include the Fas Gas on Banff Gate Mountain Resort and the Petro-Canada on Bow Valley Trail. Both stations offer regular, midgrade, and premium gas options.
When fueling up in Banff, remember that gas prices can vary depending on the location and time of year. It’s always a good idea to check gas prices online to ensure you get the best deal.
Lake Louise
The hamlet of Lake Louise has two gas stations, a Husky and a Shell station. They’re both located along Village Road, near the Samson Mall.
Icefields Parkway
If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, fill up first. This scenic drive to Jasper is 232 kilometers (144 mi) long. The only gas station along the way is at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, 81 kilometers (50 mi) from Lake Louise. Prices at The Crossing Gas Station and Store tend to be high.
After the Saskatchewan Crossing, the closest gas station is in the town of Jasper, 153 kilometers (95 mi) further down the road.
Here’s a table, listing all gas stations in Banff National Park:
| GAS STATION | ADDRESS | DISTANCE FROM BANFF | DISTANCE FROM LAKE LOUISE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petro-Canada | 201 Banff Ave, Banff | 2.1 km (1.3 mi) | 24.9 km (15.5 mi) |
| Esso | 229 Bear St, Banff | 2.2 km (1.4 mi) | 25.1 km (15.6 mi) |
| Husky | 317 Banff Ave, Banff | 2.5 km (1.6 mi) | 25.4 km (15.8 miles) |
| Shell | 229 Banff Ave, Banff | 2.7 km (1.7 mi) | 25.6 km (15.9 miles) |
| Lake Louise Husky | 210 Village Rd, Lake Louise | 59.9 km (37.2 mi) | 4.5 km (2.8 mi) |
| Saskatchewan Crossing | David Thompson Hwy, Saskatchewan River Crossing | 102.8 km (63.9 mi) | 45.7 km (28.4 mi) |
| Castle Junction | Castle Mountain Junction | 30.7 km (19.1 mi) | 31.1 km (19.3 mi) |
Types of Fuel Available
When fueling up in Banff, you have several options for types of fuel available. Here are the three main types of fuel you’ll find at most gas stations in Banff:
Regular Unleaded
Regular unleaded gasoline is the most common type of fuel available at gas stations in Banff. It is typically the cheapest option and is suitable for most vehicles. Regular unleaded has an octane rating of 87 and is suitable for cars that do not require high-performance fuel.
Premium Unleaded
Premium unleaded gasoline has a higher octane rating than regular unleaded, typically around 91 or 92. This fuel type is suitable for high-performance vehicles requiring a higher octane rating to operate efficiently. Premium unleaded gasoline is more expensive than regular unleaded and is not necessary for most everyday vehicles.
Diesel
Diesel fuel is also available at gas stations in Banff. This fuel type suits diesel-powered vehicles, such as trucks and some cars. Diesel fuel typically costs more than regular unleaded gasoline. Not all gas stations in Banff offer diesel fuel, so check ahead of time if your car requires this type of fuel.
When driving a rental vehicle through the park, always ask your car rental company what fuel type the car requires. The wrong fuel type can damage the engine and reduce your vehicle’s performance.
| GAS STATION | ADDRESS | REGULAR | MIDGRADE | PREMIUM | DIESEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petro-Canada | 201 Banff Ave, Banff | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Esso | 229 Bear St, Banff | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Husky | 317 Banff Ave, Banff | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shell | 229 Banff Ave, Banff | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lake Louise Husky | 210 Village Rd, Lake Louise | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Saskatchewan Crossing | David Thompson Hwy, Saskatchewan River Crossing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Castle Junction | Castle Mountain Junction | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Gas Prices in Banff
Fuel costs are among the most important considerations when planning a road trip. In Banff, gas prices can vary depending on the time of year, the location of the gas station, and the current market conditions. Here are some tips to help you find the best gas prices in Banff:
Check GasBuddy
GasBuddy is a website and app that helps you find the cheapest Banff gas prices. Simply enter your location, and GasBuddy will show you a list of gas stations in your area and their current prices. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Look for Discounts
Many gas stations offer discounts for certain groups of people, such as AAA members and/or military personnel. Be sure to ask if discounts are available when filling up. Some gas stations also offer loyalty programs that can help you save money on gas over time.
Fill Up in Town
Gas prices are higher near tourist attractions, so filling up in town before exploring the national park is a good idea. You’ll likely find lower gas prices in Banff than in the park.
Alternative Fuels
If you’re driving a hybrid or electric car, you may be able to save money on fuel costs by using alternative fuels. Banff has several charging stations for electric vehicles, and some gas stations offer alternative fuels like propane.
Wanna know more about driving through Banff National Park in an electric vehicle? Read the post Banff by Electric Vehicle.
Keep an Eye on Market Conditions
Gas prices can fluctuate depending on the current market conditions. Keep an eye on the news to see if any major events could impact gas prices. If prices are expected to rise, filling up before an increase may be a good idea.
Tips for Fueling Up in Banff
When driving through Banff National Park, having enough fuel to get you where you need to go is essential, obviously. Here are some tips to help you fuel up in Banff:
Fill Up Before Entering the Park
Banff and Lake Louise’s gas prices are generally higher than those in nearby towns. To save money on fuel, try to fill up outside the park, like in Canmore. The most affordable place not too far from Banff is Calgary. My favorite place for gas close to Banff is Dead Man’s Flats, which is cheaper than Canmore. There are two: a Husky and a Shell station.
Use GasBuddy to Check Prices
If you’re looking for the cheapest gas prices in Banff, use the GasBuddy app to find the best deals. GasBuddy is a free app.
Be Prepared for Long Lines
During the peak tourist season, gas stations in Banff can get busy. Be prepared to wait in line for a while, especially if you’re filling up at a popular gas station. To avoid long lines, try to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night.
How to Economize on Fuel in Banff National Park
When exploring Banff National Park, fuel can be a significant expense, especially if driving a lot. Here are some tips to help you economize on fuel and save some money:
Plan Your Route
Plan your route to minimize driving. Try to group activities together so you’re not unnecessarily driving back and forth.
Drive Efficiently
Driving efficiently can save you a significant amount of fuel. Accelerate gently, maintain a steady speed, and avoid idling. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption.
Avoid Carrying Unnecessary Weight
Carrying unnecessary weight can increase fuel consumption. Remove any heavy items from your vehicle that you don’t need.
Use a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
If you’re renting a vehicle, consider renting a fuel-efficient model. Smaller, more fuel-efficient cars can save you money on fuel. Ask the rental company about which one is the most fuel-efficient. It could save you quite some money during your stay as you’re likely to drive a lot in the Canadian Rockies.
EV Charging Stations
If you’re driving through Banff National Park in an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll need an EV charging station to charge your vehicle’s batteries. There are several in the park. Below, I’ve listed the charging stations in the towns of Banff and Lake Louise.
Banff EV Charging Stations
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Bear B&B | 108 Otter Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 431 2997 | 24 hours |
| Banff Hot Springs/Gondola | 100 Mountain Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | not specified | 24 hours |
| Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity | 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 6100 | 24 hours |
| Banff Centre Parkade | 110 Julien Way | Level 2, J1772 | not specified | 24 hours |
| Banff Sunshine Village | 1 Sunshine Road | Level 2, Tesla | +1 403 – 705 4000 | 24 hours |
| Bear Street Parkade | 128 Bear Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 1110 | 24 hours |
| Best Western Siding 29 Lodge | 29 Lodge 453 Marten Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 5575 | not specified |
| Fairmont Banff Springs | 405 Spray Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403 – 762 2211 | 24 hours |
| 229 Bear Street | 229 Bear Street | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 866 – 379 0021 | 24 hours |
| Moose Hotel & Suites | 345 Banff Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403 – 760 8570 | 24 hours |
| Rimrock Resort Hotel | 300 Mountain Avenue | Level 2, Tesla | +1 403 – 762 3356 | 24 hours |
| 95 Banff Avenue | 95 Banff Avenue | Level 2, Tesla | not specified | not specified |
Lake Louise EV Charging Stations
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Lake Louise | 111 Lake Louise Drive | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403-522-3511 | not specified |
| Lake Louise Ski Resort | 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise | Tesla | – | 24 hours |