Canada Day Road Closures to Affect Travel Across Canmore and Banff

Anyone planning to drive through downtown Canmore or Banff on Canada Day should expect delays, detours and limited vehicle access as both communities shut down major streets for their annual parades.

Road closures will begin in stages during the morning before the parades get underway, with access to downtown areas significantly restricted for several hours. Municipal officials are encouraging people to leave their vehicles at home, allow extra travel time, and use Roam Transit where possible.

Here's what to expect in each community.

Canmore

Downtown Canmore will see the most significant impacts between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the Canada Day parade moves through the town centre.

Several blocks surrounding Main Street, Railway Avenue, 8 Avenue and neighbouring streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, with no parking permitted along much of the parade route.

The Town of Canmore says drivers should expect limited to no vehicle access into downtown during the closures.

Residents heading to the Canmore Nordic Centre or Kananaskis are encouraged to use Highway 1 and Three Sisters Parkway instead of travelling through downtown.

Access to Elevation Place will also be limited while the parade is underway, and the town recommends completing errands before July 1 if they require driving into the downtown core.

People attending the celebrations are encouraged to walk, cycle or take free local Roam Transit, which will continue operating on detours throughout the day.

Banff

Banff's parade will result in road closures between 9 a.m. and noon, with preparations beginning even earlier.

The most significant closure will be Banff Avenue, which will be closed to vehicle traffic from Fox Street to Buffalo Street beginning at 9 a.m.

Additional closures include sections of Buffalo Street, Lynx Street and nearby intersections as the parade travels through downtown.

Drivers entering or leaving Banff will also encounter temporary changes.

The Norquay Road entrance will be closed between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., with motorists directed to use the Banff Avenue entrance instead.

Traffic entering town from the south will be diverted from Banff Avenue to Muskrat Street, while vehicles leaving the south side of town will be directed toward Otter Street and Tunnel Mountain Road to access the Trans-Canada Highway.

Earlier in the morning, Cougar Street and Fox Street will be closed for parade staging, with no on-street parking beginning at 6 a.m. and no vehicle access from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Town of Banff is advising residents and visitors to avoid driving downtown between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. whenever possible.