The Town of Banff is implementing new parking fees and traffic management measures as it prepares for another record-breaking summer season in Alberta. Following a year that saw nearly 7 million vehicles enter the community, officials have increased downtown pay parking rates to $12 per hour to help manage congestion and fund essential local services.
The new parking rates, which apply from May 1 to October 31, were approved by the Banff Town Council in December 2025. This increase is intended to encourage higher turnover of the town’s 600 paid parking stalls. Revenue from these fees, which exceeds $6 million annually, is used for wildfire risk reduction, improvements to Roam Public Transit, and the maintenance of local roads and trails.
Visitors are advised that parking availability is expected to be limited, as the town typically sees between 24,000 and 30,000 vehicles daily during the summer months. On days with favourable weather, town officials report that all available parking spaces often fill up by 10 a.m. Traffic challenges are further complicated by ongoing water main replacement work at the intersection of Caribou Street and Lynx Street, which is diverting vehicles toward Banff Avenue until early July.
To assist with transportation needs, the town is launching a three-year car-sharing pilot program in June 2026. This initiative will begin with at least five vehicles stationed at two locations to provide residents with alternatives to personal vehicle ownership. Additionally, Parks Canada has announced the return of the Canada Strong Pass, which offers free admission to the national park from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly, as traffic volumes are expected to remain high throughout the summer.
