Parking in Banff can be a challenge during the summer months, so much so that many people decide to visit without a vehicle to avoid the stress of parking. Many hotels in Banff offer free parking, but if you are visiting Banff for the day and they don’t, it’s important to know your options and where to park your vehicle.
Parking in Banff during the winter months.
Outside of the holidays, parking around Banff is rarely a problem during the winter months (mid-October to mid May).
Parking in Downtown Banff
The Town of Banff is just 4 square kilometers in area, which makes walking and cycling a great way to get around. Parking is extremely limited in Downtown Banff. In the summer, it’s recommended to park at the Banff Train Station Public Lot. Parking here is free for up to 9 hours. From the train station, it is a 10-minute walk to Banff Avenue.
Paid parking is available closer to Downtown Banff. Pay parking is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day throughout the year. Rates are $6/hour in summer (May 1 – Oct. 31) and $5/hour in winter in the downtown core.
How to Pay
- You can pay at any pay station machine on streets and in parking lots in the paid zone – using Canadian Coins ($1, $2, 25¢), credit cards or debit cards. An exact fee is required if paying by coins (no change is provided).
- Card payment can be made through mobile devices via the PaytoParkBanff.ca website or the downloadable Blinkay parking app. (Google Play – Blinkay Smart Parking app / Apple Store – Blinkay iParkMe).
Free Parking in Banff
- There are 500 free stalls (and some of the only RV or camper parking) at the Banff Train Station Public Parking lot which is an 8-minute walk to downtown or a 2-minute walk to the river trail and scenic walk to Central Park or downtown.
- Bow Avenue has 94 free parking spaces, but they fill up fast. This is a 2-minute walk from downtown’s main street.
- There are free stalls on the top floor of the multi-level Bear Street parking structure (parkade) in the downtown core. These fill up fast during the summer months.
Up To Date Parking Information is Available on BanffNOW
Parking at the Banff Gondola
In the summer, the Banff Gondola’s parking lot typically fills up by 10 a.m. It’s recommended that you use Roam Route 1 to get there between 10am and 5 pm.
Parking at Lake Louise
Parking at Lake Louise is extremely limited in the summer months and costs $36.75 per vehicle per day from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m. between May 17th and October 14th. It’s recommended to get to Lake Louise via alternative methods such as the Parks Canada Shuttle or on a private tour such as the Banff Hop On Hop Off Bus. You can read all the details here about parking at Lake Louise.
Parking at Moraine Lake
Private vehicles can no longer park at Moraine Lake unless they have a blue accessibility tag. See your options for getting to Moraine Lake here.
Parking at Lake Minnewanka
There is ample parking at Lake Minnewanka, but it can fill up during the summer months. Roam Public Transit Route 6 is available from town.
Parking at Two Jack Lake
There is very limited parking at Two Jack Lake. It’s recommended to take Roam Route 6. Please do not park on Lake Minnewanka Loop Road.
Parking at Johnson Lake
Parking is limited at Johnson Lake. Use Roam Route 6 to get there by public transport.
Parking at Johnston Canyon
There are two lots at Johnston Canyon, P1 and P2. They fill up quickly during the summer months. Alternatively, there are other ways to get from Banff to Johnston Canyon, including using Roam Route 9.
Parking at Bow Lake
There is ample parking at Bow Lake, but it can fill up between the hours of 10 and 3 in the summer. Please do not park along the Icefields Parkway.
Parking at Peyto Lake
Parking is limited at Peyto Lake. For the best chance to find parking, arrive outside the hours of 10 and 5.
Parking at Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is very popular and fills up fast during the summer months. To find parking close to the lake, we recommend getting there before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
