Driving Directions from Calgary International Airport to Banff
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When leaving Calgary International Airport, take Barlow Trail South
for about 5 km (3 miles). Approximately 4 traffic lights.

At the 16th Avenue intersection, turn right (west) toward Banff.
The exit is on the right hand side. Note that 16th Avenue is also
known as the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1).

Follow 16th Avenue West slowly through the city of Calgary.

At the west edge of Calgary, 16th Avenue speeds up and becomes
Highway 1 West. Follow Highway 1 West for about 1 hour until you
have passed the town of Canmore.

You must stop at the Banff National Park gates and obtain a valid
park pass if you do not have one already. It is illegal to stay
overnight in the national park without a valid permit. Prices range
from $10 CDN to $100 CDN depending on the number and age of the people
in your vehicle, and the planned length of your stay.
Credit cards are accepted.

After the Park Gates keep following Highway 1 west.

There are two Banff exits on the Trans-Canada Highway. The first
exit, called Banff/Lake Minnewanka, is the one to use when traveling
west to Banff from Calgary. The exit is on the right hand side of the
highway. After taking the exit ramp, turn left to head toward the town
of Banff. Follow this forested road for several minutes as it leads
you onto Banff Avenue in the heart of the town of Banff. (The second
exit, called Banff/Mount Norquay, is the one to use when returning to
Banff from the Lake Louise area, or if you missed the first exit.
Head into Banff, find Banff Avenue, and turn right toward the river.)

Watch out for construction on Banff Avenue starting in Summer 2007.

Continue along Banff Avenue until you are on a bridge crossing the
Bow River. At the end of the bridge, turn left at the traffic lights,
staying in the left lane to follow the curving road of Spray Avenue
for about 1 km. The castle-like hotel will loom ahead on your left.

Valet parking ($26 CDN per day) is available at the main hotel entrance.
Self-parking ($19 CDN per day) is available in the parkade just past 
the hotel, after the statue and roundabout (traffic circle). Feel free
to drop off your luggage at the main hotel entrance prior to parking.
No tipping of hotel staff is required. Really!