Snowy ski resort plaza with chairlift station, flags, and skiers.

Parking at Banff Sunshine

Everything you need to know about parking at Banff Sunshine, from where to go when you arrive to reserved parking and other ways to get here.

Parking at a Glance

Free Day Parking

Free day parking is located at the base of the mountain, steps from Creekside Lodge and the Gondola.

Just West of Banff

Banff Sunshine is located 8 km west of the Town of Banff. Take the Trans-Canada Highway to the Sunshine Village exit, then follow Sunshine Road to the Gondola Base.

Or Skip the Car

Staying in Banff? Leave the car behind and take Sunshine’s free daily shuttle from convenient locations throughout town.

Red car driving on a winding forest road beside a no-parking sign.

Arriving by Car

Banff Sunshine is located just 8 km west of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the Sunshine Village exit, then follow Sunshine Access Road for 8.3 km to the Gondola Base.

When You Arrive

Follow the signs and directions from Sunshine’s parking team. The base area includes a Main Parking Lot, Additional Parking and a separate Reserved Parking Lot.  

 

Don’t Forget Your Park Pass

Banff Sunshine is located within Banff National Park, so you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass. Purchase yours online before you arrive or at the Banff National Park gates on your way in.

Sun shining over a snowy mountain ski lift and pine trees.

Reserved Parking

Want one less thing to think about on a ski morning? A Reserved Parking Pass gives you access to Sunshine’s VIP parking area with a guaranteed parking spot until 11 am.  

How It Works

  • Access to the Reserved Parking Lot
  • Guaranteed parking until 11 am
  • Valid throughout the winter season

Buy a Reserved Parking Pass

White shuttle bus parked beside a forested mountain road under cloudy sky.

Skip the Car

Staying in Banff? Sunshine offers a free daily shuttle between the Town of Banff and the mountain, with convenient pick-up locations throughout town.  

Free Sunshine Shuttle

  • Multiple daily departures from Banff
  • Stops at select Banff hotels, the Town Parking Lot and Brewster Bus Depot
  • Return service from Sunshine throughout the afternoon
  • No parking required

Free Shuttle

Parking FAQs

Parking

I have an electric car, can I charge it at Sunshine during the winter?

At Banff Sunshine, we have 5 spaces for electric vehicles to charge, consisting of 2 Tesla chargers and 3 regular wall outlets.

Inside the Reserved Parking Lot (for hotel guests / Reserved Parking Passholders) we have one Tesla destination charger, plus an additional spot where an electric vehicle can use a wall outlet, you must provide your own charge adapter and extension cord should you require a longer reach.  No charging is permitted in the bus parking area.

The second Tesla destination charger, plus an additional 2 wall outlets are located at the back of the parking lot to the right of the Reserved Parking Lot. Again, you must provide your own charge adapter and extension cord if you wish to use one of these two wall outlets.

All our charging locations work on a first come, first served basis. If they are occupied, please proceed to the regular parking lots.

Is there a shuttle if I don’t want to drive?

Yes. Sunshine offers free daily winter shuttle service between the Town of Banff and the resort, with multiple pick-up locations and return departures throughout the day.

Free Shuttle

Do I need a Banff National Park pass to park at Sunshine?

Yes. Banff Sunshine is located within Banff National Park, so you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass when visiting the resort. Daily passes can be purchased online in advance or when driving through the Banff National Park gates.

Purchase online

Can I park overnight?

Sunshine Mountain Lodge guests may park overnight in the reserved parking lot after checking in and registering their vehicle.

Overnight parking in the main lot is discouraged, but we understand that guests may sometimes need to leave their vehicles to get home safely.

For overnight backcountry parking, please use the rear parking lot passed the reserved parking lot.

Camping is strictly prohibited in all parking lots and only permitted in designated campgrounds within Banff National Park.

Is accessible parking available?

Yes, accessible parking is available for guests with a valid accessible parking placard. Spaces are located just past the ticket windows on the right hand side. If you need help finding them, please ask one of our friendly parking attendants for directions.

Can I reserve a parking spot?

Yes. A Reserved Parking Pass provides access to Sunshine’s VIP parking area and guarantees your spot until 11 am. Terms and conditions apply.

What happens if the main parking lot is full?

If the main parking lot is full, our parking attendants will direct guests to additional parking along the access road or in the Healy Creek parking lot near the highway. Sunshine Village provides shuttle service to safely transport guests from these parking areas to the gondola base.

What time should I arrive?

Parking can be busier on weekends, holidays and peak ski days. Arriving earlier will give you more time to park, get ready and make your way to the Gondola.

Is parking free at Banff Sunshine?

Yes. General day parking at Banff Sunshine is free.