When people talk about Banff, they’ll almost always recommend renting a car—and to be fair, having one does make things easier. But as a solo traveler who wasn’t planning on driving, I did a ton of research and found out it’s actually very doable without one.
With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can experience Banff’s highlights just fine on your own.
Day 1: Arrival in Banff + Banff Gondola
I took a shuttle from Calgary to Banff, which is the most convenient way to get there without a car. There are several options like Banff Airporter, FlixBus, and Vivo Green. I went with Vivo Green because their departure times lined up best with my schedule, and their rates were reasonable too.
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| view of Bow River |
I arrived in Banff just before lunch and grabbed a quick meal before heading to my hostel, Samesun Banff. After dropping off my bag, I caught the free shuttle (available if you book your ticket online) to the Banff Gondola. The ride up was about eight minutes long, and the views on the way were already stunning, even better at the top with panoramic lookouts and plenty of things to do.
I spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the town. Banff Avenue has a great mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants, and it’s very walkable. It’s also just a nice place to slow down and take everything in.
Day 2: Lakes Tour
Since I wasn’t driving, I joined a guided day tour to see some of Banff’s iconic natural sights. This tour included stops at Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Vermillion Lakes, and Bow Falls. It was a full day, but it was such a good way to cover a lot of ground and not worry about the logistics.
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| Lake Minnewanka |
Lake Minnewanka was especially nice since Moraine Lake was already closed for the season. Lake Louise looked unreal in person, and I even had time to hike up to the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon. The tour moved at a good pace, and our guide gave just the right amount of information without making it feel like a school trip.
Day 3: Morning Hike at Tunnel Mountain + Exploring the Town
I started the day early with a solo hike up Tunnel Mountain, which is one of the easier and more accessible trails in Banff. The trailhead was close to town, and the views from the top were definitely worth the effort. It took me around two hours round-trip, not including the time I spent for taking lots of photos, and I saw a few other solo hikers along the way too.
The rest of the day was spent exploring Banff a bit more at a slower pace. I checked out some local shops, grabbed coffee, and just enjoyed the town vibe. There are also a few scenic spots just a short walk away from the main street, which makes it easy to stay outdoors without needing a car.
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| view from Tunnel Mountain |
Day 4: Last-Minute Shopping + Heading Home
For my last morning, I just took it easy and did some last-minute souvenir shopping. Banff has lots of nice shops, from local brands to outdoor gear. It was the perfect low-key way to end the trip before catching my shuttle back to Calgary Airport.
I flew out of Calgary to Abbotsford in the afternoon, and getting to the airport was straightforward with the same shuttle service I used on the way in. Even without a car, everything felt pretty seamless.
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| Banff town |
Is it easy to DIY a trip to Banff without a car?
Definitely. It just takes a bit of planning, but everything is doable. Banff is a popular destination, so there’s good infrastructure for travelers who don’t drive. Shuttle services run on time, town is very walkable, and guided tours are easy to book in advance.
Websites like Klook and GetYourGuide were super helpful when it came to choosing tours and experiences. They show reviews, have clear itineraries, and let you book everything online, which saves you from having to coordinate things when you arrive. It gave me peace of mind knowing my main activities were sorted before I even landed.
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| Bow Falls |
Solo traveling in Banff without a car might not be the norm, but it absolutely works. I got to see all the sights I wanted, didn’t feel limited, and even enjoyed the convenience of letting someone else do the driving on the long days.
If you're planning a solo trip to Banff and aren't keen on driving, don’t worry -this itinerary proves it's totally doable.
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