man biking

How to Travel Green: Bus, EV & Bike Rentals in Canmore

26/09/2024

Looking to take a trip to Canmore but hoping to keep it green and sustainable? You’ve got so, so many options. Whether it’s bike rentals in Canmore, public transit, or a car-free vacation loaded with walking, hiking and everything in between, the Rocky Mountain getaway has everything guests need to travel green. The Town of Canmore has a long commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. As does Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. 

Canmore government has made it remarkably easy to get around town without a car, so you won’t have any trouble leaving your vehicle behind while you enjoy your mountain adventures, feeling content in the knowledge that your visit is eco-friendly.

If You Want to Travel Sustainably in Canmore, You’re Spoiled for Choice 

Getting Around Town

1. Bike rentals

Whether you’re looking for something simple to get around town, a road bike to pick up serious speed or a mountain bike to get really adventurous, you’ve got many options for bike rentals in Canmore.

Canmore is practically built for biking. The Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff offers 22.3 km of paved pathways and is a once-in-a-lifetime ride for anyone up for the challenge. The Canmore Riverside Trail is also stunning.

If you’re looking for bike rentals in Canmore to explore the town, here are some options:

Kananaskis Outfitters                              Rebound Cycle and Adventure Centre             Trail Sports                           Gear Up Mountain Sports and Rentals 
1 Mount Sparrowhawk Crescent            902 Main Street                                                   2003 Olympic Way               1302 Bow Valley Trail
403-591-7000                                            403-678-3668                                                       403-678-6764                        403-678-1636
 

2. E-Bikes

While Canmore is accessible by traditional bike, anyone wanting to make their rides a little easier has options for renting e-bikes. Many stores listed above offer e-bike rentals in Canmore, but here are a few more that specialize in them.

Sports Garage                                        Pedego Electric Bikes                            E-Kruise
125B Industrial Place Canmore             Unit 100, 1350 Railway Avenue            633 Main Street
403-679-2630                                         403-675-3900                                         403-688-5950

 

3. Public Transit

The ROAM Transit system is easy to use, gets you all over town and is free for trips around Canmore. Yes, you read that right—it won’t cost you a dime to hop on a bus and ride to whatever destination in Canmore you want to visit. 

If you’re staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, we offer parking for $10 per night per room. Leave your car at the hotel and hop on the bus to explore the town. Some additional tips for riding ROAM include:

  • The ROAM Transit system also provides service to both Banff and Lake Louise if you choose to explore the national park, although you do have to pay to ride.
  • If you brought your bike or took advantage of one of the many Canmore bike rental options available, you’re welcome to bring it on the bus. 

4. Walking

If you’ve never visited Canmore, you may not yet understand how walkable the town is. You won’t miss your car if you leave it behind and take off on foot, especially as Canmore has over 80 km of multi-use trails that connect the town and nearby recreational areas.

Popular and easy-to-access attractions include:

  • Main Street: Packed with restaurants, a couple of bars and dozens of shops specializing in mountain culture and local goods, you could easily spend a full day meandering down Canmore’s Main Street. No need for a car here.
  • Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk: Located right outside downtown, this calm and beautiful boardwalk takes you through wetlands and ensures you won’t disturb any surrounding ecosystems.
  • Riverside Park: This relaxed park is a favourite haunt for locals and is easily walkable from downtown. The views of both Ha Ling and the Three Sisters peaks are truly stunning.


Getting to Canmore

Rent an Electric Vehicle

If you’re renting a car in Calgary, the road to Canmore offers a spectacular drive that takes just under an hour and a half to go from prairies to foothills to right in the thick of the Rocky Mountains and into the town of Canmore.

Many rental companies in Calgary, both at the airport and around the city, offer electric vehicle rentals, perfect for anyone looking to travel green. Canmore has many charging stations around town, too, so no one who rents an electric car needs to worry about getting back home before their battery runs out.

With all the options to get around town without your car, you can easily leave your vehicle at your hotel for free and get around Canmore without it. While there are paid parking spots in the town centre, you can easily find free parking in Canmore in many areas.


Other Ways of Getting to Canmore from Calgary

If you’ve read this blog and thought, “It really doesn’t sound like I need a car in Canmore at all,” you won’t be wrong. 

From Calgary, visitors have many choices when it comes to getting to Canmore and travelling green. Consider using one of these options to get from Calgary to Canmore.

  • Banff Airporter: Offers regular transportation to Canmore from the Calgary airport, and also has the option of private charters.
  • Mountain Park Transportation: Shuttles from both downtown Calgary and the airport.
  • Vivo Green: Public and private shuttles from the Calgary airport to Canmore town.

It’s Easy to Travel Green in Canmore

If you’re looking to travel sustainably in Canmore, there are oh-so-many options for doing it the green way. Bike rentals or e-bike rentals in Canmore? Easy. Public transit in Canmore? It’s free. Walking around Canmore? It’s like they designed the town for it.

Located right in the thick of all the action is the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, which is perfect for anyone looking to park their car and take off by foot, bike or bus. 

Book your stay with us today, call (403)678-3625 or save on your stay by checking out our latest deals.


Getting Around Canmore FAQS

How to get around Canmore without a car?

You’ve got lots of options. There are bike and e-bike rental shops all over town, walking is an easy option with an extensive trail network that winds through Canmore and into the surrounding areas, and the ROAM Transit System offers a free and reliable bus service that makes it easy to get around Canmore.

Is Canmore walkable?

Canmore is extremely walkable. There’s public parking all over Canmore, so leave your vehicle in a designated area or at your hotel and take off exploring. A bike rental makes it even easier, but anyone with a pair of shoes can happily enjoy a day strolling around Canmore.

Why is Canmore so popular?

It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream that also features a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants that pack a distinctly local flavour. The gorgeous mountains surrounding Canmore offer ample opportunities for visits to hike, bike, climb or just admire the stunning scenery.