Are you wondering how to get from Calgary to Canmore by shuttle bus, private transfer, or by driving? Do you need to know how long it will take and how much it costs?
I’m a Calgary local, and a regular visitor to Canmore who has travelled this route hundreds of times. This is a very easy and short commute when you know the way.
If this is your first trip from Calgary to Canmore, you may not be aware of all of the options available. Whether you want to drive, take a bus, or get a ride from Calgary to Canmore there are many options available.
I’ve included everything you need to know to decide the best way to get from Calgary to Canmore.
What is the distance from Calgary to Canmore?
The distance from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Canmore is 120 kilometeres (75 miles).
How long does it take to get from Calgary to Canmore?
If you are driving from the Calgary International Airport to Canmore on the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) it will take approximately one hour and 15 minutes to drive. If you take the scenic route, Highway 1A it will take about one hour and 30 minutes.
A direct shuttle bus will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Calgary to Canmore. Expect at least 30 minutes of additional time if there are multiple stops or during poor weather conditions.
Can I fly or take a train directly to Canmore?
There is no airport in Canmore and there’s no train that travels from Calgary to Canmore. The nearest airport is the Calgary International Airport (YYC). Your three choices are to either drive yourself, take a shuttle bus, or to book a private transfer.
Renting a Car
If you’re planning to rent a car, I always start with Booking.com. I like it because it lets me compare prices, vehicle types, and pickup locations across multiple rental companies, making it easy to find the best deal. If you are part of the Genius Loyalty Program for Booking.com you can also save an additional 10-15% off of car rentals.
Pro tip: Rent your car in Calgary or Edmonton, not in Banff, Canmore, or Jasper. Options in the mountain towns are limited, more expensive, and often sell out during peak season. Booking ahead ensures you get the car you want at a reasonable price.
If you don’t need to pick up your rental directly at the Calgary or Edmonton airport, you can save money by choosing another location in the city. Since you’ll be driving long distances in the Canadian Rockies, make sure to rent a car with unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges.
1. Calgary to Canmore Drive
I typically drive to Canmore because I have my own car and it is the fastest, most flexible, and most convenient.
The drive from Calgary to Canmore is on major well maintained highways, with good signage, and the potential for stops along the way. The views of the mountains are spectacular and one advantage of driving is that you can stop to take photos, go for a hike or visit towns along the route all at your own pace.
I highly recommend driving if possible because many locations and hidden gems in the Canadian Rockies are only accessible by car. If you decide to visit other towns such as Banff or Lake Louise, go on hikes, or drive to other parts of Canmore it will be a lot easier with a car.
The fast route or the scenic route and stops along the way
The fastest route from Calgary to Canmore
The fast route is the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Once you leave the city of Calgary the first part of the drive is flat with rolling fields of hay, cows grazing, and the mountains in the background.
Unless it is an unusually foggy day you will see the mountains in the distance and you just keep driving West towards the mountains until you see the big green signs with the exit for Canmore. Even if you miss the first sign there are several other exits to Canmore so it is pretty hard to miss.
During your drive the mountains will envelop you on all sides and you will be amazed by their massive size and beauty. Should you have some extra time and want to stop along the way there are a few places you can visit.
- The town of Cochrane is a short drive off of Highway 1 to the North and is known for its western heritage and buildings and shops that are western themed. Many people enjoy stopping for ice cream at MacKay’s while browsing at the shops on the main street.
- The hamlet of Bragg Creek is a short drive off of Highway 1 to the South. There are a wide range of recreational activities in Bragg Creek Provincial Park such as hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The town itself is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering through antique stores, local shops and galleries.
- One of the first turnoffs just outside of Calgary is Calaway Park, a Flintstones themed amusement park that attracts many families over the summer months.
- Open year round, the Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary is a great place to learn about the importance of wolves in our ecosystem during a guided tour. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with the dogs and to take photos.
- Heart Creek Trail is easily accessible from Highway 1 by turning off at exit 105 near Exshaw and continuing a short way down Range Road 91 to the signed Heart Creek Trail parking lot and trailhead. This is a really easy, out and back, introductory hike that is just under 5km (3mi), criss crosses a creek, and ends at a small waterfall. We hike this trail at least once every year and it only takes about an hour and a half.
- Just past exit 105 near Exshaw you will see a small lake called Lac Des Arc and the Lafarge Exshaw Cement Plant. There is a pullout off the highway and many people stop here to take photos of the mountains.
Scenic Drive from Calgary to Canmore
The scenic route is the Trans-Canada 1A Highway. This route passes directly through the town of Cochrane.
Should you have some extra time and want to stop along the way there are a few places you can visit in addition to the town of Cochrane.
- Ghost Lake is a reservoir West of Cochrane and is a popular place for watersports, sailing, and fishing. Its also a great place to pull off the highway and get photo on your way to Canmore.
- The Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary is just a short drive from Cochrane so you could visit from the 1A route as well as Highway 1.
- We regularly hike Grotto Canyon Trail which is popular and easily accessible from Highway 1A. The Grotto Canyon Trail parking lot is signed and is a short distance past the hamlet of Exshaw. This is a moderate 7.1km (4.4mi) out and back hike through a canyon that ends in a waterfall which freezes in the winter. If you go in the winter be sure to bring ice cleats as you will be walking on a sheet of ice.
General tips for the Calgary to Canmore drive
- Drive during daylight hours to avoid getting lost and encounters with wildlife. Wildlife such as deer are most frequently on the road during dusk and dawn.
- Peak periods for highway traffic are on the weekends as many people from Calgary travel on day trips to the mountains. Friday nights, Sunday late afternoon or Mondays on a long weekend are particularly busy
- Before you leave Calgary check 511 which is a website that has useful information on weather and road conditions on highways as well as construction activity and road closures.
- Familiarize yourself with Alberta road laws and rules by visiting this website.
- Gas is more expensive in Canmore than in Calgary so fill up before you go or stop in Cochrane or at the gas station along Highway 1 near the turnoff to Cochrane.
Winter driving
- If you are driving during the winter (November to April) adjust your speed to the road conditions and go slow. Plan for more time than you think you might need to get to your destination particularly after fresh snowfall when the roads may not be cleared yet.
- Daylight hours are much shorter in the winter so be sure to take this into consideration when planning the start and end of your drive.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes on icy roads. This will lock up your wheels and could send your car into a spin. Pump your brakes gently, then release and pump again repeatedly.
- Ensure you warm up your car or plug in your block heater overnight if you are leaving your car outside and the weather is below -25 to -30 degrees Celsius. If you don’t it may not start the next day.
- Be prepared by bringing emergency supplies while driving through the mountains such as snacks, water, a blanket, warm clothing and footwear, and a roadside emergency kit.
- If you are renting a car during the winter let your rental company know in advance and ask for winter tires to be included. During the winter, winter tires are mandatory on some roads or you can be fined.
- Chinook winds are common along this route and you may feel your car blowing if the wind gusts are particularly strong. Drive with care.
2. Calgary to Canmore Bus and Shuttle Options
If you don’t have a driver’s license, don’t want to rent a car, or just prefer not to drive, there are a wide range of shared shuttle busses that travel from Calgary to Canmore at a reasonable price.
Shuttle buses are modern and comfortable with heating and air conditioning, space for luggage, and some will also take larger luggage like snowboards, skis, or bikes if room allows (extra charges may apply).
Some buses may be equipped with a USB charger and WiFi unless there is limited connectivity in the area you are travelling in.
Schedules vary in the winter and summer months so check the website for the most up to date information. It is possible to catch a shuttle bus as early as 5:40am and as late as 10:30pm from Calgary.
If you are going from Calgary to Canmore to Banff or to other locations in the Rockies several companies offer additional shuttle routes. Routes go to popular locations like Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Kananaskis, and Jasper. Some companies also offer tours that will take you to specific tourist sites like Johnston Canyon.
Bus and shuttle comparison chart
| Company | Frequency | Pickup & Dropoff | Cost Calgary to Canmore |
| Banff Airporter Year round | 10 times daily | Calgary – YYC Airport Canmore – Coast Hotel Shuttle also goes to Banff | One way -Approximately $77 CDN Roundtrip – Approximately $154 CDN Seniors Discount available 65+ |
| Brewster Express Year round | Schedule varies from winter to summer 8 times daily to and from YYC Airport 2-3 times daily to and from downtown | Calgary – YYC Airport or one of 6 downtown Calgary hotels Canmore – Coast Hotel Shuttle also goes to Banff, Lake Louise, and Stoney Nakoda Lodge for Kananaskis transfers; Jasper transfer in summer only | One way -Approximately $81 CDN 15% Discount for return trips booked online |
| Banff Express Year round | Twice daily | Calgary –Eau Claire Market, Foothills hospital, HI Calgary City Centre Hostel Canmore – Visitor Information Centre Shuttle also goes to Banff | One way -Approximately $35 CDN |
| Discover Banff Year round | 10 times daily | Calgary – YYC Airport Canmore – Coast Hotel Shuttle also goes to Banff | One way -Approximately $70-78 CDN |
| RTB Tours Year round | 3 times daily (morning, mid afternoon and evening) | Calgary – YYC Airport or one of 6 downtown Calgary hotels Canmore – Coast Hotel Shuttle also goes to Banff | One way -Approximately $51 CDN Roundtrip – Approximately $99 CDN |
| Vivo Green Public Shuttle Year round | 6-8 times daily | Calgary – YYC Airport or Crowfoot LRT station Canmore – Northwinds by Basecamp or Solara Resort Shuttle also goes to Banff and Lake Louise; Moraine Lake route is available in the summer | One way -Approximately $55 CDN Roundtrip – Approximately $99 CDN |
| On It Bus Summer Weekends Only | Only available seasonally May-September Only Fridays-Sundays and long weekend Mondays 2-3 times daily | Calgary – Downtown Calgary (606 5th Ave SW), Bridlewood/Somerset LRT station, Crowfoot LRT station Canmore – Bus stop at Benchlands & Bow Valley Trail Bus also goes to Banff | One way -Approximately $10 CDN On-It tickets are valid for complimentary travel on Roam services, on same-day travel. |
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Bus options: cheapest, best value, most frequent, most popular
- Cheapest – The On It Bus is the cheapest but services are limited to only the summer, only weekends, and only a couple of daily busses. This route is more convenient for a Calgary local to go from Calgary to Canmore for the day than for tourists.
- Best value – Banff Express, Vivo Green, or RTB Tours offer the best value with several choices for pickup and drop off locations, routes and bus frequency at a lower price point than other alternatives.
- Most frequent bus service – Banff Airporter or Discover Banff offer the most frequent daily bus service.
- Most popular – The two most popular shuttle bus options are Banff Airporter and Brewster Express
3. Private Transfer Calgary to Canmore
A private transfer from Calgary to Canmore is not inexpensive but it is convenient and may be cost effective if you are travelling as a group.
Private Transfers
Prices will vary depending on the number of people and type of vehicle selected but expect to pay a minimum of $300+CDN for a one-way private transfer. Here are some potential options:
- Banff sedan
- Banff transportation
- Limo to Go – Prices range from $285-$585CDN
- Vivo Green – Private shuttle service ranging from $349CDN (six seats) to $849 (24 seats) depending on the number of seats needed.
Taxis in Calgary include:
- Associated Cab – Phone: 1-403-299-1111
- Checker Cabs – Phone:1-403-299-9999
- Calgary Cabs – Phone:1-403-777-1111
Uber and Rideshare:
Uber is available from Calgary but you should be prepared to pay for a return trip for the driver and ensure you have an agreement with the driver on the total cost. This is not a common way to travel from Calgary to Canmore.
Poparide is an inexpensive carpooling option ($15-20CDN one way) but it is not always convenient or practical for travellers. On their website you can post if you are looking for a ride or find someone who is already driving to Canmore and pay for a seat in their car. The time of the ride is based on the driver’s schedule and luggage and other logistics are negotiated on a one-to-one basis.
4. Local transportation in Canmore: Things to know
If you are driving in Canmore you may be required to pay for parking in high traffic areas like Canmore’s downtown or Quarry Lake.
Canmore is not a large town but it is not easy to walk across the whole town and is divided by the Trans-Canada Highway. If you stay in a hotel near main street there are many restaurants, shops and things to do within walking distance. If you do need a local taxi call Three Sisters Taxi at 403-493-9990.
Biking is a popular mode of transportation in and around Canmore and there are fantastic, paved bike trails including the popular Legacy Trail connecting Canmore to Banff. Rebound Cycle is a popular bike shop that rents fat bikes, electric bikes and mountain bikes in Canmore.
Roam Transit is offers inexpensive public transit to travel within Canmore as well as to other popular locations like Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, or Lake Minnewanka. Fares will vary depending on the route and whether you are buying a single ticket or a day pass.
If you are interested in booking a tour to get to popular sites outside of Canmore there are many options available through Viator or Get Your Guide. Several of the shuttle bus providers, like Brewster Tours and Discover Banff Tours also provide tours and transportation to popular tourist sites and between the towns in Banff National Park.
Do you need to buy a park pass to go to Canmore?
You do not need to purchase a park pass if you are staying only within Canmore.
If you travel to a national park including Banff National Park (Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefield Parkway, Bow Valley Parkway) you do need to purchase a park pass online or at a visitor centre. You need to purchase a park pass even if you are not driving and you arrive in a national park by other means like a bus or bike.
If you visit Kananaskis, this is a provincial park and you have to purchase a different pass to visit this area called the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can purchase this pass online or at a provincial park visitor centre.
Final Tips for Travel from Calgary to Canmore
As you prepare for a trip from Calgary to Canmore, consider a few final tips to enhance your travel experience.
Where to stay near the airport
Over night Stays in Calgary
If you fly into Calgary late and need a place to stay overnight before driving out the next day there are several great hotels near the airport such as Hotel Clique Calgary Airport, The Westin Calgary Airport, or Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North.
Renting an RV or Motorhome
I highly recommend Motorhome Republic for motorhome and RV rentals. They are one of the world’s largest sites, very reputable, and they have an extensive inventory to choose from. You can easily compare prices of different types of RV’s as well as different rental companies.
Summer is busy and there are limited campground sites available, especially on weekends, so be sure to reserve a spot well in advance. Parks Canada reservations start in January and Alberta Parks reservations can be booked a maximum of 90 days in advance.
Canmore is a culinary destination with a wide selection of great recommendations. These are my suggestions for 14 of the best restaurants in Canmore and 22 best Canmore breakfast and brunch restaurants.
Best Accommodations Near Canmore
If you need ideas for places to stay in Canmore and things to do in the Rocky Mountains these are my top recommendations.
Canmore
Luxury: The Malcolm or Stoneridge Mountain Resort
Mid Range: Creekside Villas or Lamphouse by Basecamp or numerous condo rentals
Affordable: The Georgetown Inn
Banff
Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs or The Rimrock Resort
Mid Range: Mount Royal or Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Affordable: Banff Boutique Inn, At Wits End B&B, or Holiday Lodge B&B
Lake Louise Area
Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or The Post Hotel & Spa
Mid Range: Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
Affordable: Mountaineer Lodge or Lake Louise Inn
Cabins
Luxury: Moraine Lake Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge or Emerald Lake Lodge
Mid Range: Storm Mountain Lodge or Baker Creek by Basecamp
Affordable: HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre Hostel
Whether you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective shuttle bus, the freedom of driving, or the convenience of a private transfer each mode of transportation offers its own unique perks and downsides. Enjoy the ride and the scenic views along the way!
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get from Calgary to Canmore?
The cheapest way to get from Calgary to Canmore is to take the On It Bus (summer only) or the Banff Express.
Is it better to drive, book a private transfer, or take the bus from Calgary to Canmore?
I think it is better to drive if you want to see places in Kananaskis and Banff National Park that cannot be reached without a private vehicle.
Is it worth it to drive from Calgary to Canmore?
Yes – The drive from Calgary to Canmore is relatively short with beautiful scenery and interesting places to stop along the way.
What is the fastest way to get from Calgary to Canmore?
The fastest way to get from Calgary to Canmore is to drive on Highway 1.
Is there a direct bus from Calgary to Canmore?
Yes, there several busses that will take you from Calgary to Canmore including the Banff Airporter or Discover Banff bus.
How much does a bus ticket from Calgary to Canmore cost?
The price of a one-way bus ticket ranges from $10CDN to $81CDN.
Can you do a day trip from Calgary to Canmore?
Yes, many local Calgarians and visitors go to Canmore for the day and return to Calgary the same day.
My Favourite Travel Resources
I often get asked about where I book my travel. I’m always looking for deals that are a good value and these are the companies that I go back to again and again to book my own vacations.
Accommodation
My favourite site for booking hotels and vacation rentals is Booking.com. I get a lot of perks and discounts from their Genius Loyalty Program and I like the flexibility of their cancellation and “pay when you stay” policies.
Hotels.com has similar flexible booking options but they sometimes list additional properties not on Booking.com. VRBO has an extensive selection of vacation rentals that can sometimes be lower cost compared to a hotel. Hotels.com, VRBO, and Expedia have a great One Key loyalty program where you where you will earn points called One Key Cash that can be used toward booking accommodations, car rentals, and flights through any of them.
Flights
I regularly use Hopper which has a special feature to predict future prices for your flights. If Hopper doesn’t tell you to “Book now” then you can “Watch the trip” to be notified when there is a great deal or when prices are expected to rise.
CheapOAir is compares flights offered by over 500 airlines and I really like the fare alert feature to notify you of deals.
You can also set an alert with FlightHub and the “Deals of the Day” list on their homepage from your preferred airport will save money.
Transportation
If you need a rental car I would highly recommend using RentalCars.com to compare prices, types of cars, and pickup locations across numerous car rental companies to find the best deal.
I usually prefer to book a transfer service, reserved at a set rate, to avoid taxi scams and Suntransfers is my go to provider for reliable, reasonably priced airport or port transfers.
When I travel by train I search Omio or Trainline to compare routes, schedules, and prices for trains to my destination. Rail Europe is also a good place to search for trains in Europe.
Motorhome Republic is the best place to find an RV or Mototorhome and compare prices of RV units.
If you travel by bus, use Bus Bud to find tickets anywhere you want to go as they have the world’s largest selection.
Tours
I regularly book day or multiday tours through Viator or Get your Guide which offer a wide range of tours across the world. Both allow you to compare costs of reputable tours, and to reserve first and pay later with flexible cancellation policies.
G Adventures is one of the most reputable group tour companies worldwide and I would highly recommend them.
I usually book a hop on hop off tour by bus or river cruise through Big Bus Tours whenever I visit a new city.
You can save a lot of money by using a CityPASS to bundle entry to multiple North American attractions.
Eat With offer unique food tours in that match travellers with local hosts for an authentic culinary experience.
Cruises and Ferries
I’ve used Direct Ferries to search for routes and schedules, to compare prices of ferries, and to book Greek island vacations.
Use Cruise Direct to search for deals on multiple cruislines worldwide. They have a huge selection and some deals are only found on their website.
ESIM
I am a huge fan of eSIMS and my favourite provider is Airalo. I have used this eSIM on several continents and it is always reliable and inexpensive. I’ve literally saved thousands of dollars in roaming charges!
Insurance
Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
SafetyWing is a travel insurance company built for and by digital nomads, with several out of country travel packages.
