Greyhound (403/260-0877 or 800/661-8747, www.greyhound.ca) serves areas throughout Canada. From Vancouver, the main routes are along the TransCanada Highway to Banff and Calgary, and a more northern route through to Jasper and Edmonton. From the east, buses depart Toronto daily for Calgary and Edmonton along two different routes. If you’re traveling to Alberta from the United States, get yourself to Great Falls, Montana, from where regular services continue north to the Coutts-Sweetgrass port of entry. There you change to a Canadian Greyhound bus. Calgary buses depart from the port of entry daily at 12:10 p.m.

Travel by Greyhound is simple—just roll up at the depot and buy a ticket. No reservations are necessary. Greyhound bus depots in all major Albertan cities are close to inexpensive accommodations and public transportation.

When calling for ticket information, ask about any special deals. Other discounts apply to regular-fare tickets bought 7, 14, and 21 days in advance; to travelers 65 and over; and to two people traveling together. Greyhound’s Discovery Pass, valid for unlimited travel throughout North America, is sold in periods of 7 days ($199), 15 days ($299), 30 days ($399), and 60 days ($499). Passes can be bought 14 or more days in advance online, seven or more days in advance from any Canadian bus depot, or up to the day of departure from U.S. depots.