Pros & cons
PROS
- Open 24/7 on Banff Avenue
- Exceptionally clean, modern restrooms
- Water bottle fill and free Wi‑Fi
CONS
- Prices are higher than outside the park
- Midday lines at pumps and inside during peak season
Overview
If you’re rolling in at odd hours or heading out before sunrise, Co-op Gas Bar is the ace up your sleeve. Set at the north end of Banff Avenue beside A&W, it’s a true 24/7 fuel stop with a modern convenience store—exactly what you want before big driving days or early trail starts.
What to Expect
- Fuel and more: Regular gas plus diesel, and a propane exchange on site.
- Grab-and-go: A well-stocked convenience store with snacks, drinks, and hot coffee stations (including nitro and cappuccino).
- Useful extras: Free Wi‑Fi and a water bottle fill station make this a smart resupply stop.
- Standout bathrooms: Travelers rave about the spotless, high-tech restrooms—far nicer than you’d expect from a gas station.
Why Stop Here
It’s the rare Banff spot that never sleeps, so you can top up, caffeinate, and stock essentials whether you’re arriving late, leaving early, or squeezing in a dawn patrol. The location right on Banff Avenue makes it an easy in‑and‑out before hitting the highway.
Good to Know
- Expect higher prices than in nearby towns—that’s normal for in-park services.
- Midday (especially weekends) can bring short queues at the pumps and cash registers.
- There’s an A&W in the same building if you need a quick meal.
Wildlife & Etiquette
You’re in wildlife country even in town—keep food sealed, don’t leave trash accessible, and never approach animals if you see them near the roadway.
Best Time to Visit
- For the quickest stop: early mornings or evenings on weekdays.
- Peak crunch: late morning through mid‑afternoon, especially on weekends and in summer.
- Open round-the-clock, so if you want a calm experience, go off‑peak.
Where it is
51.1858, -115.5561Tips for Co-op Gas Bar
- 01Refill your bottles at the water station before hitting the trails.
- 02Early mornings and evenings are the quietest times to fuel up.
- 03Use the free Wi‑Fi to download offline maps before you head into the backcountry.
- 04Check a fuel‑price app before you go if you’re price sensitive.
- 05Need a hot meal? The attached A&W makes this an easy one‑stop.
Amenities
Near Co-op Gas Bar
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayHotel Canoe & SuitesNew Banff Ave hotel with hot pools and a handy on-site eateryLodging · Parking
0.1 mi awayBanff Legacy TrailPaved Banff–Canmore ride with big-mountain views and highway humEasy · 16.6 mi · 1.5 hr
0.3 mi awayBuffalo Mountain LodgeRustic Tunnel Mountain retreat with fireplaces, hot tub, and forest viewsLodging · Restaurant
0.3 mi awayHI Banff Alpine CentreLively Tunnel Mountain hostel with free bus passes and mountain viewsLodging · Food
0.6 mi awayTunnel MountainShort summit hike with huge views and iconic red chairsTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayTunnel Mountain Summit TrailBanff’s quickest summit for big town views with minimal effort.Easy · 2.8 mi · 1.7 hr
1 mi awayBow Falls TrailEasy riverside stroll from Banff to a wide, thundering waterfallEasy · 1.5 mi · 42 min
1.1 mi awayBow River Trail (Banff)Scenic, flat riverside stroll from downtown to Bow FallsEasy · 1.5 mi · 1 hr
