Driving 30 minutes west from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway is the most common way to reach the gorge. Summer visitors can bypass the parking congestion by riding the Roam Transit Route 9 bus for $5 CAD.
Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Roam Transit Route 9 runs directly to the canyon from the Banff High School Transit Hub.
The 25-kilometer ride takes 35 minutes. Summer service operates daily from mid-May to October. Winter schedules drop to weekends and statutory holidays only.
Fares cost $5.00 CAD for adults and $2.50 CAD for seniors and youth. Children under 12 ride for free.
Driving west from downtown Banff on the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) covers 25 kilometers in 30 minutes.
Severe parking congestion plagues the main lot between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from June through September. Arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to secure a spot.
Seasonal restrictions prohibit vehicles on the eastern 17-kilometer section between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM from May 1 to June 25, 2026. Fill your reusable water bottles at the designated station in the main lot before departing.
The Trans-Canada Highway (AB-1 West) provides an alternative driving route spanning 39 kilometers.
This path takes slightly longer than the parkway but bypasses the seasonal nighttime closures and vehicle-free cycling periods. The route ends at the same main parking lot, which fills completely during peak summer hours.
Drivers must purchase a Parks Canada Park Pass to access the lot legally. Daily adult passes cost $12.25 CAD.
Cyclists can ride the Banff Legacy Trail directly to the Bow Valley Parkway.
The eastern 17-kilometer section closes to public vehicles from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily during specific periods (April 30 to June 25 and September 1 to October 6, 2026). Renting an e-bike from Banff Cycle allows riders to bypass trailhead parking congestion entirely.
Bicycles are strictly prohibited on the hiking trail itself. Lock your bike at the trailhead racks before walking to the falls.
A large, free parking lot sits directly at the trailhead along the Bow Valley Parkway, requiring only a valid Parks Canada Park Pass ($12.25 CAD for adults). Severe congestion fills the spaces between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from June through September. Wheelchair users can access the paved, 4% grade trail directly from this main lot, which also houses the area's only heated restrooms.
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| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff High School Transit Hub | Bus | 35 minutes | $5.00 CAD | Roam Transit Route 9 operates daily from mid-May to October. Winter service runs exclusively on weekends and statutory holidays. |
| Downtown Banff (via Bow Valley Parkway) | Car | 30 minutes | Free parking with valid Park Pass | Arrive before 8:00 AM to secure a spot. Travel on the eastern 17-kilometer section is prohibited between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM from May 1 to June 25, 2026. |
| Downtown Banff (via Trans-Canada Highway) | Car | 30+ minutes | Free parking with valid Park Pass | This 39-kilometer alternative route completely bypasses the seasonal spring night closures on the Bow Valley Parkway. |
| Downtown Banff | Bicycle | 1 hour | Free (bike rental extra) | Rent an e-bike from Banff Cycle to ride the Banff Legacy Trail. The eastern parkway section closes to public vehicles from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM during designated spring and fall periods. |
Arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to secure a parking spot in the main lot. Between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from June through September, extreme congestion fills the lot and trail. Early or late arrivals bypass the tour groups entirely.
Board the Roam Transit Route 9 bus at the Banff High School Transit Hub to skip driving. The 35-minute ride costs $5.00 CAD for adults and runs daily from mid-May to October. Winter service drops to weekends and statutory holidays only.
Rent a bike to ride the 17-kilometer eastern section of the Bow Valley Parkway during seasonal vehicle closures. Cars are banned from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM between April 30 and June 25, and again from September 1 to October 6, 2026. This route connects directly to the trailhead via the Banff Legacy Trail.
Rent microspikes or ice cleats in Banff or Lake Louise before driving to the canyon in winter. Packed snow on the elevated steel catwalks turns into slick, dangerous ice. Without traction devices, navigating the steep drop-offs becomes hazardous.
Use the heated restrooms and water filling station at the main parking lot before walking to the trailhead. The trail lacks concession stands and public bathrooms entirely, even on the 11.6-kilometer round trip to the Ink Pots. Pack all drinking water in a secure backpack.
Take the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) west from Downtown Banff for a 30-minute, 25-kilometer drive straight to the main parking lot. You can also take the Trans-Canada Highway (AB-1 West) for 39 kilometers, which takes slightly longer. Check your timing between May 1 and June 25, 2026, as the eastern 17-kilometer section closes to vehicles from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Roam Transit Route 9 runs directly from the Banff High School Transit Hub to the canyon in 35 minutes. Adult fares cost $5.00 CAD one-way, while seniors and youth pay $2.50 CAD. Summer service operates daily from mid-May to October, but buses only run on weekends and statutory holidays during the winter.
A large, free parking lot sits directly at the trailhead, though you must display a valid Parks Canada Park Pass on your dash. Extreme congestion fills the lot between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from June through September. Arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to secure a space and avoid the midday crowds.
Cyclists can ride the Banff Legacy Trail to access the Bow Valley Parkway for a 17-kilometer route to the canyon. The eastern section of the parkway entirely bans public vehicles from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM between April 30 and June 25, and again from September 1 to October 6, 2026. Renting an e-bike in Banff lets you bypass parking traffic completely during these periods.
Hiking the canyon itself costs nothing, but accessing the parking area requires a Parks Canada Park Pass. Daily passes for 2026 cost $12.25 CAD for adults, $10.75 CAD for seniors, and are free for youth up to age 17. Purchase this pass online or at the park gates before driving up the parkway.
Heated restroom facilities operate out of the main parking lot at the trailhead. You must use these before starting your hike. The trails leading to the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, and Ink Pots lack any public bathrooms or water stations.
You will not be able to access the canyon starting October 12, 2026. Parks Canada is closing the entire trail for two to three months to manage rockfall hazards and install safety systems on the limestone walls. Plan your arrival for the summer or wait until the winter icewalk season begins.
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