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Are you looking to book a shuttle from Calgary to Canmore? I have the three best options for you right here!
With so many shuttle services to choose from, sometimes you need someone to point you in the right direction. Well, we live in Canmore and can personally vouch for each of the shuttles below!
We have included the best options for every type of traveler depending on preference, budget, and desired comfort level. This guide is a quick and easy solution to get you on your way.
So keep reading to find the perfect shuttle for you!
What are the best shuttles from Calgary to Canmore?
1. Budget-friendly Shared Shuttle from Calgary Airport to Canmore
What I like about this public shuttle to Canmore is that it’s cheap, reliable, clean, and straightforward. It’s perfect if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t want to rent a car.
With departures starting at 6 am and running until 6:30 pm it’s easy to find a shuttle time that will fit into your schedule. I do recommend booking a time for a couple of hours after your flight lands in case of delays or being held up at customs if you’re coming from outside of the country.
One thing to keep in mind about this shuttle is that it only drops off at three locations, Solara Resort and Northwinds Hotel in Canmore or Mount Royal Hotel in Banff. If you aren’t staying at one of those three places, I recommend using Uber to get to your final destination in Canmore!
But what about your luggage? Each person can bring one checked bag and one carry-on. If you’re like me and travel with a little extra sometimes, additional bags can be paid for when boarding at $10 CAD each.
If getting to Canmore in a cheap and reliable way is what you’re after this shuttle is what you want to book. With a ticket only costing $59 CAD it’s a steal of a deal!
Book the most affordable shuttle on our list here to get FREE cancellation!
Related Read: If you need ideas for your trip, check out our list of 30+ things to do in Canmore!
2. Private Shuttle from Calgary Hotels or Calgary Airport to Canmore/Banff
For me, this private shuttle to Canmore is an easy choice because I can choose what time it picks me up and it will drop me off directly where I need to go. This is an especially great option for groups since seating space is limited in public shuttles.
While this shuttle can go all the way to Banff, if Canmore is where you’re staying, just select Canmore for the drop-off location and give them the address of your accommodation in the email provided.
Since this is a private shuttle your driver will track your flight to make sure they’re there when you land in case of delays. This is one of the best parts of a private shuttle since you don’t have to worry about your ride leaving without you!
If you’re flying internationally your driver will meet you just outside of the doors to customs. For domestic arrivals, they will be near where you pick up your luggage. From there, they will walk your luggage to the vehicle and bring you directly to your accommodation in Canmore.
This shuttle also offers pick-up from Calgary hotels so if you want to spend a couple of days in the city before heading to the Rockies, this is the perfect option!
What really makes this transfer special is that your driver will make stops on the way if you want to take pictures, pick up a snack, or use the restroom. You pay a little extra for a private shuttle, but the service is 5-star!
The cost for this shuttle depends on how large your group is, but the price per person is cheaper the more people you have. It’s our pick for the least stressful, premium, and flexible shuttle to Canmore.
Book this private shuttle here to access the buy now, pay later option!
3. Public Shuttle from Calgary Airport to Canmore (or other destinations)
This shared shuttle to Canmore is a great option for people, solo or in groups, who want to save money, but also have comfortable amenities like WiFi and spacious seats during the ride.
While this shuttle goes as far as Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, it’s an easy way to get to Canmore! It picks up from the Calgary Airport daily with times available between 9:30 am and 8 pm. It drops off at the Coast Canmore Hotel and also picks up there if you need to book a return ticket.
Once you make it to the meeting point, staff will handle your luggage for you and answer any questions. Luggage is limited to one piece of checked baggage and a carry-on per person, with additional bags subject to extra charges at the discretion of the driver. If you’re bringing any outdoor equipment it can be accommodated, but at an extra cost as well.
If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and convenience and also want a cheap transfer to Canmore, this shared shuttle is an easy choice. And for only $90 CAD it’s good for travelers on a budget!
Easily book this shuttle and read recent 5-star reviews right here!
Related Read: Fill up your itinerary with our top 10 tours in Canmore from caving adventures to guided hikes and wildlife spotting!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
How long is the drive from Calgary to Canmore?
The drive to Canmore from Calgary isn’t a long one by any means. When taking a shuttle, you can expect the ride to take no more than two hours, but on average it’s around an hour and a half.
Even though it’s short, there isn’t much to look at in terms of scenery, so I recommend having a book, podcast, or music ready to help pass the time!
It also is highly unlikely that a shuttle will stop for you along the way (unless it’s private) so I would use the restroom and grab some snacks at the airport before you leave. It makes for a comfier ride!
Things to do While You’re in Canmore
If you’re still putting together your trip, check out our blog on how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Canmore and some of my personal favorite activities below that I would recommend to anyone!
- Explore the Canmore Caves – one of the best and most popular adventure tours on the outskirts of Canmore is this Canmore Caving adventure tour. You’ll rappel down into caves to explore underground through narrow spaces before reaching a clear pool of water with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. This tour lasts 6 hours, costs $199 CAD, and includes all climbing gear and a guide so you don’t get lost.
- Go ice skating on a frozen lake – If visiting Canmore in the winter, one of the most epic and non-touristy experiences to have is to go skating on one of the area’s frozen lakes (usually frozen solid by mid-December). A few of my favorites are Gap Lake, Lake Louise, and Vermilion Lakes. If you don’t have your own skates you can easily rent a pair from Gear Up in town.
- Whitewater Rafting – An iconic Canadian activity that is sure to provide lots of scenic views, thrills, and laughs! This whitewater rafting tour will have you splashing through rapids for around 2 hours. It costs $140 CAD and is available in the summer from mid-May until mid-September.
- Wildlife Safari – Canmore is home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzlies, moose, bighorn sheep, elk, wolves, and more. Spotting wildlife on your own is often a coinflip so I recommend going on a wildlife tour with an expert who knows where and what to look for. This private half-day wildlife safari tour is a fantastic option that spends 2 hours on a drive through the Rocky Mountains and a 1.5-hour nature walk to track wildlife.
- Hike to Grassi Lakes – The hike to Grassi Lakes takes you to a naturally emerald-colored lake that is one of Canmore’s main attractions. The color is so bright it’s hard to believe it’s real! This 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) long trail only takes most people about 2 hours to complete. It’s totally doable for most ages and experience levels so you really have no reason to miss out on the incredible views.
Where to Stay in Canmore
The truth is that there are so many hotels in Canmore that it is hard to know which one to choose for your stay. Well luckily for you, Dan and I have stayed in a lot of different hotels in Canmore and have been able to narrow it down to our absolute favorites!
These are our faves including our personal top choice, a budget option, and one for those looking for absolute luxury!
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre – Our Top Choice
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is our absolute favorite place to stay in Canmore. It’s affordable without sacrificing any of the comforts you’ll need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. They have an onsite pool, hot tub, and fitness center along with a delicious bar and restaurant (Table Food + Drink).
Coast Canmore Hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Canmore walking distance from 8th Street (Main Street), and just across the road from restaurants, cafes, and takeout places. Oh, and did I mention the views from the hotel windows are breathtaking!
On top of all of that, they have a variety of rooms to choose from including ones that are pet-friendly (super handy if we are traveling with a pup!).
You can book this hotel on Booking.com. Be sure to book as far in advance as possible because these guys are often fully booked!
The Malcolm Hotel – $$$
If money isn’t an issue, then The Malcolm Hotel may be the luxurious option you’re looking for. It’s an easy walk to the main part of town or there are shops and restaurants on the same street, although you may never want to leave the property! There’s a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub that are especially amazing at sunset. I also like the games room with giant scrabble and a pool table and the views from the rooms are picture-perfect.
However, rooms here don’t come cheap and are often up to twice the price of most hotels in Canmore. But if luxury is calling your name, check availability and book a room at The Malcolm here.
Canmore Downtown Hostel – $
If you’re a budget backpacker and looking for a hostel then Canmore Downtown Hostel is your best choice! These guys offer clean and comfortable facilities, dorm beds as well as private rooms, and a social atmosphere perfect for meeting other backpackers.
You can book Canmore Downtown Hostel on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
While there are lots of ways to get from Calgary to Canmore, a shuttle is one of the most convenient and easy ways to get here. I hope one of the three shuttles to Canmore that we talked about is a good fit for you. I know you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the Rockies and maybe we’ll even see you around!
Before you jump on a shuttle, take a look at our other Alberta blogs. We have lots of travel tips and recommendations to plan your adventures in the Rockies.
25 EASY Hikes in Canmore, Alberta (with seriously EPIC views!)
5 Absolute BEST Cafes and Coffee Shops in Canmore