You have until Monday, September 4, Labour Day Weekend, to take advantage of the Parks Canada free Park & Ride shuttle service.

The pilot program, which was launched on August 1, offers a free Park & Ride shuttle service from the Minnewanka Scenic Drive into the town of Banff. It's offered between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily. 

Those who want to enjoy the town of Banff, but don't want the hassle of parking issues can try out a free shuttle service. (Map Credit to Parks Canada / Google Maps)Those who want to enjoy the town of Banff, but don't want the hassle of parking issues can try out a free shuttle service. (Map Credit to Parks Canada / Google Maps)

The shuttle runs approximately every 30 minutes and travels in a loop between Elk Street in downtown Banff and the Park & Ride, which is located on Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. No reservations are needed as it is a first-come, first-served service. Parking at the site is also free.

However, Parks Canada is reminding those wishing to try out the service, that there is no Roam Public Transit stop at the Park & Ride and that the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.

"Vehicles with a blue accessible parking placard can park in designated stalls in the town of Banff for free for 3 hours."

But due to limited space, the shuttle can't accommodate any watercraft or bike and it has the capacity for one large backpack or one piece of luggage or one cooler per passenger. Storage space is also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It's also important to remember that if you're coming back to your car after 5:30 p.m., and depending on the capacity, Roam Public Transit Route 6 and/or a local taxi service may be available to return you to the Park and Ride.

"Follow on-site instructions for after-hour gate access procedures to retrieve your vehicle after 5:30 p.m.," Parks Canada officials stated.

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