FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Popular activities include hiking, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, exploring Banff Avenue, taking the Banff Gondola, and enjoying local restaurants and shops. There is truly something for every type of traveler.

Yes, the Canadian Rockies offer year-round activities. From hiking and sightseeing in summer to skiing, snowshoeing, and winter walks, there is always something to enjoy no matter the season.

Canmore and Banff are beautiful year-round, with each season offering something unique. Summer is perfect for hiking and lakes, fall brings golden larch trees, winter is ideal for snow-covered scenery and skiing, and spring offers quieter trails and fewer crowds.

Canmore is approximately 120 km (1 hour and 15 minute drive) away from the Town of Canmore. We made a video of the drive from YYC to Canmore that you can watch here: YYC to Canmore Drive

Canmore is approximately 7 km (6 minute drive) to the Banff National Park Gates and 25 km (17 minute drive) away from the Banff Townsite. We made a video of the drive from Canmore to the Banff Townsite that you can watch here: Canmore to Banff Drive

Canmore offers a quieter, more local atmosphere with great value and easy access to Banff National Park, while Banff is busier and more central to many attractions. Both are excellent options depending on your travel style.

Yes, Canmore is very walkable, with dozens of kilometers of walking trails weaving throughout the town! There are also local bus service routes to nearby destinations, though having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

Yes, Roam Transit provides bus service that runs regularly between Canmore and Banff. This is a great way to explore the area without worrying about parking.

This depends entirely upon which activities you wish to partake in during your vacation in Canmore. Many of the most popular destinations in Banff National Park can be accessed by public transit during the peak summer season (May - September). Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Sulphur Mountain (Gondola), various ski resorts, and Lake Minnewanka can all be accessed by public transit.  For travelers seeking  convenience and unlimited access to tourist destinations beyond those destinations covered by public transit, we recommend booking a rental car. A rental car will provide you with flexibility, and will afford you the opportunity to visit destinations which are off the beaten path.

Condo amenities vary depending on the condo complex. For this reason, we encourage you to carefully read through our listings to ensure that you book the suite that best suits your needs!

Access to Moraine Lake is restricted, and private vehicles are not permitted. Visitors can use the Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Transit, taxis, or guided tours. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the summer season.

Yes, a valid Parks Canada pass is required for all visitors entering Banff National Park. This applies whether you are staying overnight or visiting for the day.

No, Canmore Mountain Vacations does not provide a free Banff National Park Pass for use during your stay with us. Banff National Park Passes (Discovery Pass ) must be signed by the park pass owner, and are not transferable once they have been used.  Discovery Passes are reasonably-priced, and available for purchase at the Banff National Park Gates located approximately 7 km away from Canmore.  Alternatively, you may order a Discovery Pass online prior to your trip and have the park pass mailed to you.  For more information regarding Discovery Passes, we encourage you to visit the Parks Canada website.

Passes can be purchased online in advance, at the Banff National Park Entry Gates, or at the visitor center in Banff.

We recommend packing layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable footwear, a light jacket, hat, and a reusable water bottle are all great essentials year-round.