Two Alberta bus routes rank among North America's fastest-growing this summer

Two Alberta intercity bus routes are among the fastest-growing in North America this summer, reflecting a shift in how Canadians are planning summer travel amid rising costs.

Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound and the continent's largest intercity bus network, released its top 10 fastest-growing summer travel routes for 2026. The Banff to Calgary route landed in fourth place, while Calgary to Edmonton placed seventh on the list.

The rankings highlight how travellers are adapting to economic pressures. Rather than abandoning summer travel altogether, many are becoming more selective about how they spend their money, opting for shorter regional trips that offer convenience and value closer to home.

"What we're seeing is that travellers aren't giving up on summer travel; they're becoming more selective about how they spend their money," said Karina Frayter, head of communications at Flix North America. "The routes seeing the strongest growth are regional corridors where bus travel offers a compelling combination of affordability, convenience and reliability. Whether it's a weekend getaway, visiting friends and family, or attending a major event, travellers are increasingly choosing transportation options that help them maximize their budgets."

Other popular routes on the fastest-growing list serve leisure destinations including Banff, Vancouver, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, reflecting continued demand for outdoor recreation, entertainment, and weekend travel experiences.

Flix North America has been expanding its network across FlixBus and Greyhound, now connecting more than 1,800 destinations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Earlier this year, the company launched a new Calgary to Drumheller route priced under $20 on some days.