Getting Around in the Bow Valley
Here's the deal, it's difficult to get around the Bow Valley without a private vehicle. The best things to see and do in the Canadian Rockies are simply out-of-the-way.

However, local public transport has greatly improved over the past three years and there are a number of convenient and inexpensive methods for getting from town to town, to the ski areas, and around the towns. Also, because there are a number of great services, hitch-hiking is less acceptable than it was a few years ago..... especially with snowboards.

Link Transit
Transport from Banff to Canmore and Canmore to Banff; regular hourly service from several points in each town. Check out their maps and schedule above.

Taxis

Banff Happy Bus
Regularly scheduled shuttle service within the Banff townsite, runs from one end of town to the other every half hour from 4 pm to midnight. Nominal fee charged.

Daily Ski Bus Service
Services operate from December to mid-April. Hourly, and during peak seasons every half-hour, shuttle service that runs from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise, to the big three ski areas in Banff National Park. Pick-ups and drop-offs are from the major hotels in each town. Check the link above for prices, locations and schedules.

Currency
Visitors to the Bow Valley are advised to use Canadian currency during their visit. To find out the current rate of exchange, click here.

For best rates, exchange money at Canadian Chartered Banks, Credit Unions or currency exchange outlets in Banff and Lake Louise. Cash machines (ATM) are available everywhere, and the most widely accepted credit cards are VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.

Taxes
Our Goods and Services Tax (GST), applied at a rate of 7%, is charged on a broad base at the time of purchase. It is similiar to value added taxes in other countries, and visitors may claim a rebate on GST paid on goods which they take out of Canada with them within 60 days of the purchase and on short term accommodation (less than 30 days per location). Forms and further info is available in Banff at F-1 Refund Services at 403-760-3316 and at Customs House Currency Exchange.

Alberta is the only province in Canada that has no provincial sales tax, however a 5% provincial tax is charge on accommodation.

National Park Entry Fees
It costs money to park a vehicle in the National Parks. Park entry fees are $10 per day or $70 for an annual Great Western Pass (all the National Parks in Western Canada). Passes can be purchased in person at the Banff Park East Gate, at the Visitor's Centres, or by email with a credit card at the link above.

Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.