Banff in 1 Day for Families - Door-to-door pickups on Banff Avenue (commercial bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel)
In Collaboration with The Fairy Bus. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, family-friendly shared shuttle from Banff to Calgary International Airport with convenient pick-ups along Banff Avenue, Canmore and selected Calgary stops. Includes fuel & parking; infant seats available for a fee.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Fairy Bus, inspired by the tour Banff to Calgary YYC Airport Shared Shuttle. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Door-to-door pickups on Banff Avenue (commercial bus parking behind Mount Royal Hotel)
- Stops in Banff, Canmore and Calgary before arrival at YYC (Pillar 15, Domestic Arrivals)
- Infant seats available (C$10) — pre-request recommended
Itinerary
Day 1
Shared shuttle departing Banff with scheduled pick-ups along Banff Avenue, Canmore and selected Calgary stops before arriving at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Please be at the designated pick-up point at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Meet: Mount Royal Hotel — Commercial bus parking lot (main Banff pickup)
Primary meeting point. The shuttle will stop at the commercial bus parking lot behind the Mount Royal Hotel for boarding and luggage assistance.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5 minutes early to help the driver load luggage — luggage help is provided but space is limited for oversized items.
- Restrooms available inside the hotel lobby if you have small children; keep a small travel pack with wipes & snacks handy.
- Stroller note: this service is not stroller-accessible — fold strollers before boarding and keep them with you at check-in.
Short transfer to Samesun Banff / Red Carpet Inn stop
Quick drive along Banff Avenue to the next Banff pickup in front of Samesun and the nearby Red Carpet Inn.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep small items and children’s essentials with you — transfers are brief and luggage is loaded under the coach.
- If you need an infant car seat, request it ahead of time (C$10) — driver can install but must be pre-booked.
- This stop is curbside on Banff Avenue; watch for traffic and hold young children’s hands when boarding.
Pickup: Samesun Banff (in front of building)
Brief stop in front of Samesun Banff to pick up guests. Driver will assist with luggage loading.
Tips from local experts:
- Samesun has family rooms and a guest kitchen — if you need a last-minute snack or drink, grab it before boarding.
- Ask staff to point you to the exact curbside spot if you’re not sure — it’s a busy stretch of Banff Avenue in summer.
- Keep travel documents (boarding passes/passport) in an easy-to-reach pocket — you’ll want them ready at YYC.
Short transfer to HI Banff Alpine Centre stop
Quick curbside transfer to the HI Banff Alpine Centre pickup location.
Tips from local experts:
- If your child needs a bathroom break, request a quick stop before boarding — boarding windows are short.
- Summer months mean busy sidewalks; keep kids close when moving between curb and coach.
- Confirm infant seats or oversized luggage with the driver now if you haven’t already — extra fees apply.
Pickup: HI Banff Alpine Centre (HI City Centre)
Curbside pickup in front of the HI Banff Alpine Centre (HI City Centre).
Tips from local experts:
- HI Banff has family-friendly facilities; ask staff if you need quick access to water or a changing table before boarding.
- Board quickly: group shuttles keep tight schedules — have children and carry-on items ready.
- If travelling with a baby, bring a blanket or familiar toy to help them settle on the coach.
Transfer: Scenic drive Banff → Canmore (Trans-Canada Highway)
Enjoy mountain views on the drive from Banff to Canmore. Short rest/stretch if needed before the Canmore pickup.
Tips from local experts:
- Window seats give the best views — grab one for kids who enjoy scenery; summer light is great for photos.
- Bring motion-sickness remedies if your child is prone to car sickness — the road is smooth but winding in places.
- There are short pull-outs if a quick stretch or restroom break is required — ask the driver politely.
Pickup: Northwinds Hotel Canmore (Canmore bus stop)
The shuttle stops at the bus stop directly in front of Northwinds Hotel Canmore for boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Northwinds sits right on the main road — parents should hold children’s hands when approaching the curb.
- If you have bulky winter gear or sports equipment (off-season lockers), advise the driver — oversized items may incur a fee.
- Canmore has good restroom facilities nearby if you need to change a diaper or top up water bottles before continuing.
Transfer: Canmore → Crowfoot (northwest Calgary pickup)
Longer highway transfer from Canmore towards Calgary; meal/snack time recommended for kids on-board.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack easy-to-eat snacks and bottled water — this leg is the longest continuous stretch on the route.
- Use this time for quiet activities (coloring, tablet with headphones) so other passengers can relax.
- Driver may pause briefly at a service area if pre-arranged — ask ahead if you need a restroom stop.
Pickup: Crowfoot LRT Station (Scenic Acres Parking / ON-IT Loading Zone)
Brief stop at the Crowfoot area to pick up/drop off passengers at the designated loading zone.
Tips from local experts:
- Crowfoot stop is outdoors — summer sun can be strong; keep sunscreen and a hat for young children.
- Crowfoot has short-term parking and washroom options at nearby centers; use them if needed during the quick stop.
- Hold children close during boarding — busy commuter area with vehicle traffic.
Transfer: Crowfoot → Delta Hotels (downtown Calgary) — short downtown drop-off
Drive from Crowfoot into downtown Calgary for the Delta Hotels drop-off on the route to the airport.
Tips from local experts:
- If you or family members are staying downtown, this is a convenient drop — give the driver a heads-up so they can prioritize.
- Downtown traffic can vary — keep your boarding passes handy to avoid delays in the terminal queue later.
- If anyone needs to use a restroom or stretch legs in downtown, request a very brief stop — driver will try to accommodate when safe.
Drop-off / pickup: Delta Hotels Calgary (in front of Harry Hays Building area)
Curbside stop in front of the Delta Hotels (downtown) — convenient for downtown travelers.
Tips from local experts:
- The downtown stop is close to elevators and hotel lobbies — great if you have lots of luggage or a tired child.
- Confirm any hotel bell service if you need help with luggage while parents board with kids.
- If you have large sports gear or extra suitcases, remind the driver — oversized baggage fees may apply.
Final transfer to Calgary International Airport (YYC) — Domestic Arrivals (Pillar 15)
Last stretch to Calgary International Airport. The shuttle will drop guests at Domestic Arrivals; look for Exit Door 3 across the street at Pillar #15.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passports and boarding passes ready — airport security lines can take extra time; domestic arrivals area is easy for families to navigate.
- Expect to be dropped at Pillar 15 (opposite Exit Door 3/4) — this is the designated coach pick-up/drop-off point for the operator.
- Large/oversized luggage (ski bags, snowboards) may incur a C$10 fee each — load these last so the driver can manage space.
Arrive: Calgary International Airport (YYC) — Domestic Arrivals, Pillar 15
Arrival at YYC. The shuttle will stop at domestic arrivals; exit Door 3 across the street at Pillar #15 is the operator's drop-off point.
Tips from local experts:
- Head directly into the arrivals hall for quick access to restrooms, family rooms and airport services for kids.
- If you still need an infant car seat for a connecting ground transfer, many rental counters are inside the terminal — pre-book to avoid waits.
- Allow extra time for checked luggage retrieval if you’ve asked the driver to check pieces; confirm where luggage will be left on the coach before disembarking.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction |
