Canmore & Banff Downtown Pedestrian Zones
Our mountain towns have closed a portion of their downtown core to vehicle traffic again this spring through fall to create a vibrant outdoor destination for visitors and residents.
The Town of Canmore has closed Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue to create a pedestrian zone which will operate until October 14, 2022. View a map of alternate traffic routes and free and paid parking zones by visiting Canmore Main Street Pedestrian Zone.
In Banff, the 100 and 200 blocks of Banff Avenue and a portion of Caribou Street is closed to traffic this summer and next. For further information on navigating through Banff, free and paid parking lots, and what to expect on Banff Avenue, visit Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone.
Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks Water Sports Permit
Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks are taking extra steps this summer to protect park waters from harmful aquatic invasive species. Before hitting the water, read the rules and obtain your self-certification permit for your canoe, kayak, paddleboard, inflatable, and all water related gear.
Canmore Town Centre & Quarry Lake Paid Parking
Starting late June, Canmore will implement paid parking in the town centre which will operate year-round, seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Peak season rates, May 15th – October 14th, are $3/hour. Low season rates, October 15th – May 14th, are $2/hour. For further details including free, paid, and resident parking maps, permits, and other information, visit Town Centre Paid Parking.
Due to overwhelming visitation and impact on one of Canmore’s most picturesque and popular recreation areas, paid parking will take effect at Quarry Lake Park starting late June. Paid parking at Quarry Lake will operate year-round, seven days a week during park hours. Peak season rates, May 15th – October 14th, are $10/two hours. Low season rates, October 15th – May 14th, are $2.50/hour. For further details including parking maps, resident permit, and other information, visit Quarry Lake Paid Parking. Note that visitor parking in the surrounding neighbourhoods is not permitted. A new bus route to Quarry Lake, the Nordic Centre, and Grassi Lakes will launch in 2024.
Popular Trails Closed This Summer
Grassi Lakes, Ha Ling, Miner’s Peak, East End of Rundle, and Goat Creek hiking and biking trails, climbing areas, and associated parking lots are closed through to the end of the year. Visitation has increased substantially and has placed pressure on these popular areas. Construction will attend to issues such as site degradation, public safety, emergency access, parking congestion, and waste management. Conservation officers will enforce the area closures so please do not cross construction barriers and follow all signage. For further details on all the areas affected, please visit Construction Closure: Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek Areas.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley corridor. Learn more and purchase your daily or yearly Kananaskis Conservation Pass online.
Be WildSmart
As spring and summer unfold, Bow Valley wildlife are increasingly more active. Elk calving season is underway and bears and cougars are foraging the valley for food. As you explore the mountains this spring and summer please remember to be WildSmart and know before you go!
Sign up for the bear report.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Know what to do to avoid or manage a negative wildlife encounter.
Know the current trail warnings and closures.
Understand how to manage attractants.
Visit WildSmart to keep yourself and our wildlife safe!
Where to Stay, Play, Dine & Shop in Canmore & Banff
There are excellent resources available to assist you in planning an amazing mountain getaway to the beautiful Alberta Rockies! Visit the websites below for plenty of guidance and suggestions on accommodations, things to do, places to dine and shop, calendar of events, what to pack, and much more!
Alberta Parks Kananaskis Country