The most effective mode of transportation for exploring Banff is the good old automobile. While the park has more than enough space for the millions of tourists who visit the Rockies each year, parking in Banff National Park can be difficult in some areas. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about this big city topic.
First off, let me alleviate the worries you might have after reading the introduction to this article. You will have no problem parking your (rental) car in most park areas as most tourist attractions have ample parking spaces. In many instances, you can even park close to the actual attraction. How about that?
Now, let’s get onto the topic at hand. Banff has some very touristic locations. And yes, there you’ll have more difficulties parking your vehicle. In these locations, you WILL have trouble finding a parking place. Which ones those are, I will discuss below so you won’t have to ask yourself the question where to park in Banff. Let’s dive in.
Finding a Parking Place in the Town of Banff
The town of Banff is the park’s tourist center with many hotels and restaurants, so you’re likely to have difficulties finding a public parking place here. The good news is that the town is very compact, which means you can walk pretty much anywhere within ten minutes.
Only people staying at the campgrounds or hotels on the slopes of Tunnel Mountain are a bit further away from the downtown area. However, a Roam Public Transit shuttle takes you downtown for free.
Pay to Park Banff
On 5 July 2021, the town of Banff introduced paid parking to tackle the increasing parking problems in town.
You need to pay to park in Banff, seven days a week, between 8 am and 8 pm. In summer (1 May until 31 October), you pay CAD 5 per hour and CAD 4 per hour in winter.
Furthermore, parking in Banff’s residential areas is prohibited.
How to Pay for Parking in Banff
In Banff, you can pay for parking at pay station machines on the streets in three ways: cash, card and app. If you want to pay with cash, use coins; otherwise, use your debit or credit card. Please note that foreign debit cards might not be accepted.
If you want to pay by app, you need to install the Blinkay App on your smartphone (available for both Android and Apple devices). Another way you can pay for parking online is through the website PayToParkBanff.ca. If you pay online or through the app, you do NOT need a receipt or pass for a dashboard display.
What if You Get a Parking Violation Ticket?
If you get a Town of Banff parking violation ticket, you must pay the fine within fourteen days (or be prosecuted by the Provincial Court of Alberta).
You can do so in person at the town of Banff (110 Bear Street / +1 403 – 762 1200 / Monday to Friday from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm).
You must pay this Town of Banff Violation Ticket in Canadian dollars. You can pay with cash, money order, cheque, credit card and debit card.
PLEASE NOTE: A parking violation ticket can be issued by either the town of Banff or the province of Alberta. They can be easily distinguished. Town of Banff violation tickets are white; provincial violation tickets are yellow.
They must be paid accordingly. In other words, if you get a yellow parking ticket while parking in the town of Banff, you cannot pay for it at the local town hall.
You can also pay your Banff violation ticket online. Just visit Banff’s dedicated payment site. You can pay by providing your ticket number or license plate number.
There are even other options. It goes too far to describe them in detail here. If you want to find out what they are, please visit the appropriate section of the town of Banff’s website.
PLEASE NOTE: make sure you always park your car in the direction of traffic. If you park in the opposite way – with your car facing the oncoming traffic – you’ll also prone to getting a parking violation ticket.
How Much Does a Parking Violation Ticket Cost in Banff?
If you get caught, you need to pay CAD 55.
Is There Free Downtown Parking in Banff?
Yes, free Banff town parking still exists, though it is limited, both in duration and availability. You can park for free in the Bear Street parkade (187 spaces), except for the first floor, and on Bow Avenue (97 spaces). A 9-hour limit is in place at these locations. You can also park for free on Bear Street, but only one hour.
Free Banff Parking Near the Train Station
If you’re planning on staying for a day in the town of Banff, it’s probably wise to park your car at the Banff Train Station parking on Railway Avenue.
There are roughly 500 parking spaces available, and you can even park your RV or van there. Parking is free for up to 9 hours, and a free shuttle to the center is available on weekends. Walking downtown from this parking lot is a breeze. It only takes 8 minutes.
Is There Free Parking at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel?
No, unfortunately not. Hotel guests and visitors pay for parking. The hotel has a three-level parkade with 415 parking places and complimentary charging for electric vehicles. The parkade has unlimited access. You pay CAD 35 per night for self parking and CAD 49 per night for valet parking.
Parking at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site has a sizeable parking lot, where you can park for free. However, in summer it fills up quite easily, so you may want to arrive early to ensure you get a spot.
If you want to make sure to avoid parking issues, you could also walk here. It’s a 2-kilometer (1.24 mi) walk from Banff Avenue.
Parking at the Banff Gondola and the Banff Hot Springs
The Banff Gondola and the Banff Hot Springs share a large parking lot at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff. Parking here is free.
Within 30 meters of the gondola’s entrance, the Banff Gondola has disability parking. At the Banff Hot Springs there’s handicapped parking near the entrance. A narrow lane leads around the back of the building to these parking places.
As the Banff Gondola and the Banff Hot Springs share their parking lot it fills up quickly in summer. Sometimes this even results in a traffic jam on Mountain Avenue.
If you want to avoid this, you can take a shuttle bus service in summer. You can take the Roam Transit public bus (Route 1) to the Banff Gondola. Get in on Banff Avenue.
Parking for People with Disabilities in Banff
People with a disability who have a parking placard can park in designated areas. You’ll find these areas in all parking lots near major park attractions. In the town of Banff, people with a parking placard can park in designated areas for free for three hours.
There are 28 parking stalls for people with disabilities in downtown Banff. You can find them here (number of stalls between brackets):
- Banff Avenue (6)
- Bear Street Parkade (3)
- Beaver Street (6)
- Buffalo Street (2)
- Central Park Parking Lot at the corner of Buffalo Street and Bear Street (4)
- Lynx Street (3)
- Lynx Street Parking Lot (2)
- Wolf Street (2)
Parking at Lake Louise
There is an upper and a lower parking lot for cars and RVs at Lake Louise. You must pay to park in at one of the lake’s two parking lots (CAD 21.00 per vehicle for general parking per day, and CAD 8.00 for accessible parking) from 19 May to 9 October, between 7 am and 7 pm.
You’ll find pay-by-plate pay stations near the parking lot, so make sure you take a pic of your license plate! You are not required to return to your vehicle or RV for a dashboard display of your receipt.
However, in the high season, the lakefront parking lots are so crowded that they are fully occupied before 7 am and remain packed until sunset. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to wait for parking stalls to become available.
In that case, you can park your car or RV in the Park and Ride car park in Lake Louise Village (formerly Overflow).
You’ll find this car park six kilometers east of Lake Louise Village on the Trans-Canada Highway in the direction of Banff.
From there, you can take the (paid) shuttle bus to Lake Louise and/or Moraine Lake.
Is there Free Parking at Lake Louise?
Yes, you can park for free at Lake Louise, from 9 October until mid-May. You can park for free in Lake Louise Village year-round, but it’s too far away from the lakeshore. Unless you don’t mind a 4-kilometer uphill walk.
Is There Free Parking at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise?
Like the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, there is no free parking at the Château Lake Louise. Hotel guests pay CAD 30 per day for self parking. Valet parking costs CAD 45. The hotel’s gated parkade is not available for people who are just visiting the lake. You can park your car at the lake’s day parking (CAD 21.00 per day, see above).
Parking at the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola has plenty of free parking at the base of Whitehorn Mountain. However, the Lake Louise Summer Gondola is a popular attraction, so the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
If the lot is full you can take public transportation. The Hop on Hop off bus stops at the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola parking lot.
Parking at Moraine Lake
Parking at Moraine Lake has become so problematic over the years that as of 2023 you can’t park your vehicle at the lake anymore. To get to the lake you’re required to take the (paid) shuttle bus. You need to book it in advance.
However, cars with handicapped placards, commercial vehicles, taxis, and Moraine Lake Lodge guests will still be permitted entry.
Parking at Lake Minnewanka
There’s a quite large parking lot with two areas at Lake Minnewanka at the most northern corner of the loop road. It has space for both small vehicles and larger campervans and motorhomes. Parking here is free.
On an average day, it’s usually not too tough to find a spot, but during the summer months, the lot can fill up quickly. The busiest times are usually from 10 am to 3 pm.
If you do visit during peak times and the lots are full, don’t worry – there’s overflow parking available at nearby Cascade Ponds. You can park there and take the Roam Transit shuttle to Lake Minnewanka. It’s a great option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of circling the parking lot looking for a spot.
One more thing to note – if you’re planning to launch a boat at Lake Minnewanka, there’s an unloading ramp and a separate parking lot for trucks with boat trailers.
Parking at Two Jack Lake
There are two free parking lots for Two Jack Lake – the Lower Lot and the Upper Lot. Both of them have a limited number of spots, so it’s a good idea to get there early to snag a spot. On an average day, it’s usually not too tough to find a spot, but during the summer months and on sunny weekends, the lots can fill up quickly. Similar to Lake Minnewanka, the busiest hours are often between 10 am and 3 pm.
If the lots are full, there’s overflow parking available at nearby Lake Minnewanka. You can park there and take a shuttle to Two Jack Lake.
Parking at Cascade Ponds
Parking at Cascade Ponds is free but limited. As with all lakes near Lake Minnewanka, the lot can fill up quickly during the summer months and on sunny weekends. The busiest times are usually from 10 am to 3 pm.
If the lot is full, you can take the Roam Transit shuttle service. It runs from early June to mid-September.
Parking at Johnson Lake
There’s a quite large parking area at Johnson Lake. Parking here is free. However, during the summer months and on weekends, the lot can fill up quickly. If you’re planning to visit during peak times, try to get there early. If the parking lot is full, be aware that parking on the road could result in a ticket.
Parking at Vermilion Lakes
Vermilion Lakes does not have any dedicated parking areas. So most people park along the road briefly to take in the views. However, it can get busy in summer and on weekends.
Alternatively, free parking is available at the Fenland Trailhead off Mount Norquay Road. Vermilion Lakes is a three-minute walk from there.
Parking at Johnston Canyon
The super-popular Johnston Canyon has two sizeable parking lots. Your best bet is the main parking lot, as it’s closest to the canyon. If it’s packed (which is very likely in summer, depending on your time of arrival), you can try the new P2 a bit further down the road on your right-hand side.
The good thing about these parking lots is that parking here is free.
Parking at the Banff Ski Resorts in Winter
Banff’s three ski resorts Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay all have their own parking lots. All parking lots are free. However, during peak ski season, all three lots fill up quickly, so make sure you arrive early to ensure you get a spot.
Overnight parking, camping or picnicking in these parking lots is prohibited.
- The parking lot at Banff Sunshine has room for 1,600 vehicles, and is located right at the base of the resort, so it’s just a short walk to the lifts. If the lot is full, there is no overflow parking available. In that case you need to go back to Banff and take the free shuttle bus to the resort.
- At Lake Louise, there are several parking lots available, including one right at the base of the resort. If the lot is full, you can opt for taking a free shuttle bus. They drive between the resort and various hotels in Banff and Lake Louise.
- At Mount Norquay, the parking lot is located right at the base of the resort, so it’s just a short walk to the lifts. If the lot is full, there is a free shuttle bus service to nearby Banff.
Online Status Updates on Parking in the Park
Parks Canada’s convenient webpage BanffNow shows you the most recent status updates on parking in the park.
On this page, you can see how full the parking lots are ahead of time. It’s well worth visiting this page if you plan to visit one of the park’s busiest areas.
Can I Park Alongside the Road in Banff National Park?
No, unfortunately you can’t. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
What About Overnight Parking or Boondocking in Banff?
If you’ve read the question above, you should be able to guess the correct answer: no you can’t, unfortunately. Overnight parking in Banff National Park is illegal. Parks Canada requires you to spend the night at designated campgrounds.
Tips to Avoid Parking Stress in Banff National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Banff National Park, you might be worried about finding a parking spot, especially during peak season. But don’t stress – I’ve got some tips to help you avoid parking headaches and make the most of your time in the park.
1. Avoid the (long) weekends and the summer. Banff is especially busy during the summer and the (long) weekends. Other than that, finding a parking place shouldn’t be too difficult.
Statutory holidays in Alberta (2023-2024):
- Canada Day: Saturday, 1 July 2023
- Labour Day: Monday, 4 September 2023
- Thanksgiving Day: Monday, 9 October 2023
- Remembrance Day: Monday, 13 November 2023
- Christmas Day: Monday, 25 December 2023
- New year’s Day: Monday 1 January 2024
- Alberta Family Day: Monday 19 February 2024
- Good Friday: Friday 29 March 2024
- Victoria Day: Monday 20 May 2024
Optional general holidays (whether an employee gets a day off on these days depends on the employer, 2023-2024):
- Heritage Day: Monday, 7 August 2023
- Boxing Day: Tuesday, 26 December 2023
- Easter Monday: 1 April 2024
2. Come early. The first-come, first-served principle applies to the busiest parts of the park. It, therefore, applies to the town of Banff, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake.
3. Take public transport. Roam Transit buses service the area around the town of Banff, covering all major attractions. So if you want to make sure you won’t have any parking stress, take the bus. It takes you to the following areas:
- Town of Banff
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Banff Gondola / Banff Hot Springs
- Lake Minnewanka
- Two Jack Lake
- Johnston Canyon
- Lake Louise (you can take a shuttle bus to Moraine Lake here)
- Town of Canmore
If you need to travel a bit further, you’ll need a car, although parking shouldn’t be an issue. One exception is Peyto Lake (which isn’t served by Roam Transit). However, the local parking lot has recently been expanded.
4. Use the park’s shuttle service to Lake Louise. By taking the shuttle, you can avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot and enjoy the ride with some stunning views along the way. It also saves you from getting up crazy early to secure a parking spot at the lake.
5. Try to get to the park early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This way you can snag a spot before the crowds arrive. And if you’re heading to the town of Banff, park at the Train Station Public Parking Lot for up to 9 hours for free.
It’s just a short walk to downtown Banff, so you can enjoy all the shops, restaurants, and sights without worrying about your car.
Your Alternative: Use the Park’s Shuttle Service
If you’re considering visiting Banff National Park, you may be interested in using the park’s shuttle service to get around parking issues. Below, you’ll find the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
The pros
- One of the biggest benefits of taking the shuttle is that it can save you time and hassle. During peak travel times, parking lots can fill up quickly and finding a spot can be a challenge. By taking the shuttle, you can avoid the stress of searching for parking.
- Another advantage of the shuttle is that it’s eco-friendly. The shuttle helps to minimize the environmental impact of tourism in the park. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to protect the environment.
The cons
- One of the biggest drawbacks of the shuttle is that it can be crowded, especially during peak travel times. You may have to wait in line to board the shuttle, and once you’re on, you may have to stand if all the seats are taken.
- Another potential downside is that the shuttle has limited routes and schedules. While it does cover many of the park’s popular destinations, it may not be the best choice if you want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas or have a more flexible itinerary.
- And lastly, taking the shuttle can be more expensive than driving and parking yourself. However, it may be worth it for the convenience and environmental benefits.
Other articles you might be interested in:
• How to Make Sure Mosquitoes Don’t Ruin Your Stay in Banff
• Plan Your Banff Itinerary – Know the Distances
• How Much Does a Banff Vacation Cost in 2023? (Crazy Numbers)
