15 Accessible Things to Do in Banff

Everyone should be able to enjoy a national park’s sublime natural beauty. Banff National Park is not just about outdoor adventure sports such as hiking and skiing. The region offers plenty of sights, attractions, and activities that are accessible to anyone.

We love that all can come to these mountains to witness the wonderful scenery and enjoy the health benefits of soaking in the natural spaces. So, with that in mind, we’re happy to share some of our favorite activities.

How to Get to Banff

The town of Banff is located approximately 144 km from Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is the most convenient airport for travelers arriving by air. Renting a car or using a shuttle service are the best options for getting to Banff from YYC. Following the Trans Canada Highway, the trip from Calgary to Banff will take approximately 1.5 hours.

The Banff Airporter shuttle is a convenient and effective option for transportation from Calgary to Banff. However, their shuttles require passengers to manage a few steps when entering the vehicle; wheelchairs can be stored in the luggage space. Booking a private transfer through Banff Sedan or traveling in a rental car may be alternate options depending on mobility needs. You should contact the shuttle or transfer company in advance to inquire about accessibility before your trip.

Note that any visit to Banff requires a national park pass. A Canada Parks Discovery Pass gives unlimited entries at multiple national park locations for 12 months and may be the best value, depending on how long you stay in Banff. The Discovery Pass can be purchased online before your visit or at the park gates or visitors center when you arrive. Single-day Parks Canada passes can be purchased at the park gates or at the visitor center in downtown Banff upon arrival.

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Transportation in Banff

The easiest way to travel between destinations once in Banff, especially if you do not have your own vehicle, is to use the Roam Transit service. This service offers multiple routes between many popular locations in the area, including Banff Gondola, Fairmont Banff Springs, Cave & Basin, Lake Louise, and others.

It is a great sightseeing option for those who do not have a vehicle or want to worry about the hassle of parking at busy tourist stops. Fares on the 1, 2, 4, and 6 routes are $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and youth (children under 12 ride for free). For additional fare and route details, click here. Information on wheelchair securement with Roam Transit can be viewed on the video linked here.

During popular seasons, you might want to reserve your tickets for certain destinations in advance; in this case, you can also purchase a Super Pass, which allows you to travel on all Roam Transit services for the day. These tickets are $25.00 for adults 19 and older, $12.50 for seniors 65 and older, and $12.50 for youth aged 13-18 (children 12 and under ride for free but still require a reservation).

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Accessible Things to Do in Banff

Many of the popular tourist destinations in Banff offer accessible experiences. Read on to learn about the variety of accessible options in the Banff area and plan your next trip itinerary!

Ride the Banff Gondola

Riding the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain is one of the quintessential activities when visiting the area, and the gondola cabins are wheelchair accessible.

The 8-minute gondola ride ends at the upper gondola terminal, a 4-level facility (with an elevator) that offers a variety of amenities including 2 restaurants (Castle Mountain Coffee or the more upscale Sky Bistro), a 360 degree viewing platform, and discovery centre. Unfortunately, the boardwalk at the summit is not wheelchair accessible.

The Banff Gondola can also be easily accessed from downtown Banff, with views of the town and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the area, and you could plan to spend a couple hours here enjoying the views and facilities at the top. Free shuttle rides with Roam Transit to the Banff Gondola are available when you show your gondola ticket. For more information on shuttle times and pickup locations, click here.

Visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Did you know that Banff National Park is the oldest national park in Canada? It’s true! The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is an important part of this history, as the discovery of the thermal springs here in 1883 set off a chain of events leading to the establishment of Banff National Park in 1885. Located near downtown Banff, this location offers exhibits and tours to help visitors learn more about the park’s history.

If you are interested in also visiting the Banff Upper Hot Springs, consider combining this with your admission ticket to the Cave & Basin by purchasing a Thermal Waters Pass (and receive a slight discount on buying separately!). The Cave & Basin National Historic Site can be accessed via Roam Transit Local Route 4.

Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Soaking in the mineral-rich waters at Banff Upper Hot Springs is a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Canada’s highest operating hot springs at an altitude of 1585 meters, the Banff Upper Hot Springs are located on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain near downtown Banff. Advanced reservations are not possible here and tickets are only available in person once you arrive. This is a popular spot for visitors of all ages; if you are looking to beat the crowds, getting here early is your best bet!

This location can be reached via the Roam Transit Local Route 1, headed towards Banff Gondola from Downtown Banff. Alternately, there is wheelchair-accessible parking available here for those traveling by car, and the facility offers a water-accessible wheelchair. Note, however, that parking is limited and arriving early gives the best chance of snagging a parking spot. For additional information about accessibility at Banff Upper Hot Springs, click here.

Indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs

Looking for a way to feel like royalty for the day? Check out the afternoon tea experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Here you’ll get to try an assortment of baked goods and small savory items while sipping tea (or champagne) in the hotel’s restaurant, Rundle Bar. While it can be a bit pricey at $85 per adult and $42 for children, it’s an experience that is fun to do at least once.

You can reach the Banff Springs Hotel from downtown Banff on Roam Transit Local Route 2. For more information on accessibility at the Banff Springs Hotel, click here.

View Bow Falls

If you are looking to cross a Canadian Rockies waterfall off your list, Bow Falls might be the perfect one! While not necessarily the most jaw-dropping waterfall in the area, the draw of Bow Falls is its proximity to downtown Banff and the serene surroundings along the Bow River.

The Bow Falls lower viewpoint can be reached either by Roam Transit (Banff Local Route 4) or in your own vehicle. Accessible parking is in the large lot next to the falls viewpoint. Stay as long as you’d like, snap some pictures, and enjoy the sound of the rushing waters as you view from the shoreline.

Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewanka

Located only 15 minutes from downtown Banff, Lake Minnewanka holds the title of the largest lake in Banff National Park. It is a popular location for picnics along the shore and taking a boat cruise along the lake is a relaxing way to get a sense of the area and the surrounding scenery. Many of the boats for the Lake Minnewanka Cruise are wheelchair accessible, however, you need to contact the ticket office after booking your reservation to make arrangements. More information on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise can be found here.

Parking at this location is limited and can be very busy in peak tourist season. However, there are handicap spaces available. If traveling without a car, Lake Minnewanka can be reached via Roam Transit Route 6 and is free with your cruise ticket!

Drive Vermillion Lakes Road

Just outside the Banff townsite, Vermillion Lakes is a peaceful spot with great views of Mount Rundle. If you have your own vehicle, the Vermillion Lakes Road will take you to several photo spots where you can view the lake and surrounding mountains.

Because this road is flat and paved, it is a great spot for a walk or bike ride and would be accessible to those with wheelchairs or walkers as well. Some of the viewpoint spots have benches or places to sit where you can relax and take in the views. It’s a great way to spend some time in the evening after a busy day!

Take Your Photo at the Banff Sign

While this is a quick experience, many visitors enjoy taking their photo at the Banff sign to commemorate their trip. The sign is located along Mt. Norquay Road just before the train station on your way into town; convenient parking is located just across the road. Also, this can be easily done and accessed on your way to or from Vermillion Lakes Road!

Check Out the Sunshine Gondola

The Sunshine Gondola is located approximately 8 km west of the Banff townsite and is a popular destination both in winter (skiing and snowboarding) and summer (sightseeing and hiking). Accessible parking is located at the base of the mountain, across from the hotel check-in area.

While not all of the experiences at the top of the Sunshine Gondola are wheelchair accessible, namely the Sunshine Meadows hiking trails, visitors are able to ride the gondola and visit the resort at the top. Lift attendants will assist those with mobility issues with loading the gondola. The Sunshine Meadows Interpretive Center at the top of the gondola is wheelchair accessible and you can also visit the Sunshine Mountain Lodge (or extend your visit by staying the night!).

Visit Lake Louise

No visit to Banff National Park is complete without viewing the unbelievably turquoise waters of Lake Louise. The Lake Louise Lakeshore path is paved and takes visitors along the shore of this iconic Canadian lake. Truly, even sitting on a bench and enjoying the views makes the lake worth a visit. Simply put, I would not miss out on visiting Lake Louise if you are staying in Banff and you have the time in your itinerary.

Because of its overwhelming popularity, getting to Lake Louise can be a bit tricky. It can be near impossible to find a parking spot at the lake during the summer months, unless you arrive very early in the morning or later in the evening. However, those with a handicap placard are able to park more easily for the discounted fee of $8 (usually $37).

Also Roam Transit service offers direct service between Banff and Lake Louise (use Route 8X Lake Louise – Banff Express); making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

Ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola

If you can’t get enough of the gondola views, Lake Louise Summer Gondola is another option. While the gondola experience is not 100% wheelchair accessible, efforts have been made to accommodate those who require accessibility support. Lift attendants will provide assistance with both loading and unloading the gondola (open chairs and gondola cars are available); however, wheelchairs need to be folded and fit within the gondola car.

One thing that makes the Lake Louise gondola stand out from others in the area is that there is higher potential for seeing wildlife along the way, including grizzly bears (from a safe distance!). At the top of the gondola, enjoy a meal at the Whitehorn Bistro or visit the Wildlife Interpretive Center; ask your lift attendants for assistance with accessing the complimentary shuttle to check out these two attractions. For more information about accessibility at the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, see here.

Visit Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is the most famous lake in Canada, and every visitor to the park dies to see it. However, there are parking restrictions, and personal vehicles are no longer allowed to drive to Moraine Lake. However, those with a blue accessibility placard are still permitted to drive their vehicles up Moraine Lake Road, park, and visit.

Once at the lake, the most accssible thing to do is walk around the lakeshore trail and take in the views of the stunning 10 peaks.

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Along the Icefields Parkway

The experiences listed below are along the Icefields Parkway, which starts just past Lake Louise on Highway 93 and leads all the way to Jasper National Park. These are popular and worthwhile stops, particularly if you are traveling with a vehicle of your own. These three locations are doable on a day trip from Banff.

Peyto Lake Viewpoint

Peyto Lake is a popular glacier-fed lake, and views of its turquoise waters can be found approximately 100 km from the Banff townsite. During the summer months, the path to the Peyto Lake viewpoint is wheelchair accessible and offers accessible parking.

The path to the viewpoint is paved, although somewhat inclined. Depending on your level of accessibility and comfortability with the sloped path, this stop may or may not be something to add to your list.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers unique views of the Sunwapta Valley along the Icefields Parkway. The flat 1km interpretive accessible walkway includes a glass-bottomed skywalk that is suspended 280m above the valley. Along the way, you will learn more about the area’s geographical features, landscape, and animals. It is a great option for those looking to experience mountain views without having to scale a mountain or complete a difficult hike.

Tours begin at the Glacier Discovery Center, and visitors ride an accessible shuttle to the skywalk. The Columbia Icefield is technically located in Jasper National Park, about 185 km from the Banff townsite (an approximately 2-hour drive).

Pursuit, the company that operates both the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Icefield Explorer (described below), has made diligent efforts to offer accessible experiences to all visitors. Wheelchair-accessible tours are offered at select times at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. To make arrangements and inquire about these tours, contact the Columbia Icefield team 72 hours prior to your visit.

Columbia Icefield Explorer

The Columbia Icefield Explorer offers visitors the opportunity to ride an Ice Explorer vehicle to get up close to the Athabasca Glacier. During select times, wheelchair-accessible tours are offered aboard vehicles equipped with a wheelchair lift.

Accessible vans transport visitors to the Icefield Explorer to access this tour. However, to avoid disappointment and ensure all of the necessary arrangements are made, contacting the Columbia Icefield team 72 hours prior to your visit is required. Tours depart from the Glacier Discovery Centre.

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Additional Resources

For visitors requiring mobility scooters, Banff Scooter Company offers rentals that can be picked up from their office in the lobby of the Banff train station or delivered anywhere within the Banff townsite (for a fee). The electric mobility scooters can be rented for up to 5 days at a time.

Rocky Mountain Adaptive is another great resource for accessibility support and experiences in the Bow Valley. It is a non-profit organization promoting access to mountain sports and recreation activities. Their website also provides information on activities and experiences beyond the Bow Valley region.

I hope that this guide helped you to plan for your accessible trip to Banff and that you enjoy the many activities that the area has to offer!