Discover Banff - Canada’s mountain escape in the heart of the Rockies
Hotels in Banff put you right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with mountain views from your window and hiking trails just outside the door. From cosy log cabins to grand castle-style resorts, you’ll find stays that blend wilderness adventure with après-ski comfort, whether you’re here for winter skiing, summer hiking, or soaking in natural hot springs. The town itself is compact and walkable, with hotels ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxury retreats with spas, fireplaces, and easy access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
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A hiking trail to Cirque Peak, Banff, Alberta
Where to Stay in Banff
Banff sits within a national park surrounded by towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife corridors. Most visitors base themselves in Banff town or venture slightly further to Canmore and Lake Louise for different mountain experiences.
Banff Town – The main hub with restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars along Banff Avenue, all within walking distance of gondola access and hot springs. Perfect for first-timers who want convenience, nightlife, and easy access to tours and activities.
Banff Upper Town – A quieter residential area uphill from the main strip with mountain-view hotels, forested surroundings, and peaceful trails. Suits couples and families seeking a more relaxed base still close to downtown.
Lake Louise – A stunning alpine village 45 minutes from Banff, home to the famous turquoise lake, hiking trails, and ski slopes. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers wanting iconic Rocky Mountain scenery right outside their door.
Canmore – A laid-back mountain town 20 minutes east of Banff with breweries, climbing walls, and more affordable hotels outside the national park. Appeals to budget-conscious travellers and locals who prefer a less touristy atmosphere.
Tunnel Mountain – A forested area just above Banff town with spacious resort-style hotels, mountain views, and walking distance to downtown. Great for families and groups wanting extra space and scenic surroundings.
Banff Avenue, Banff Town
Best Hotels in Banff
Banff’s hotels range from historic castle resorts to modern mountain lodges and cosy cabin-style retreats. Whether you’re after slope-side luxury, rustic charm, or a budget base for exploring the Rockies, there’s a mountain stay to match your adventure.
Best Luxury Hotels in Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs (4-star) – An iconic castle-style resort with a world-class spa, championship golf course, and multiple restaurants overlooking the Bow Valley. Perfect for special occasions and travellers seeking grand Rocky Mountain elegance.
Rimrock Resort Hotel (4-star) – A mountaintop retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows, a heated outdoor pool, and panoramic Bow Valley views just minutes from downtown. Ideal for couples and spa lovers wanting elevated luxury with easy town access.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (4-star) – A legendary lakeshore resort with direct views of turquoise Lake Louise, glacier hiking access, and elegant mountain dining. Suits photographers and nature enthusiasts after Canada’s most iconic hotel experience.
Best Ski Hotels in Banff
Moose Hotel & Suites (4-star) – A contemporary downtown hotel with rooftop hot tubs, ski storage, and shuttle service to three ski resorts. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders wanting modern comfort and slope access.
Fox Hotel & Suites (3-star) – A stylish central base with mountain-view rooms, heated underground parking, and walking distance to ski shuttles and restaurants. Great for active travellers and groups balancing budget and location.
Best Mountain View Hotels in Banff
Buffalo Mountain Lodge (3-star) – A rustic log cabin retreat on Tunnel Mountain with stone fireplaces, forest trails, and sweeping valley views. Appeals to couples and nature lovers seeking cosy wilderness charm close to town.
Elk + Avenue Hotel (4-star) – A boutique downtown hotel with chic alpine interiors, a rooftop patio, and Cascade Mountain views from select rooms. Ideal for design-conscious travellers wanting walkable access to Banff Avenue.
Hidden Ridge Resort (3-star) – A condo-style retreat with full kitchens, private balconies, and forested mountain settings just outside downtown. Suits families and longer stays needing space and self-catering options.
Best Budget Hotels in Banff
Banff Aspen Lodge (2-star) – A no-frills motel-style lodge with clean rooms, free parking, and walking distance to downtown and the hot springs. Great for backpackers and budget travellers prioritising location over luxury.
Homestead Inn Banff (2-star) – A simple, affordable base with basic rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to Banff Avenue shops and restaurants. Perfect for hikers and road trippers needing a clean bed after mountain adventures.
HI Banff Alpine Centre (hostel) – A social hostel with dorms and private rooms, a café, and stunning mountain views from the common areas. Ideal for solo travellers and groups wanting affordable stays with a community vibe.
Top Things to Do in Banff
- Banff Gondola – Ride a cable car up Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, an interactive interpretive centre, and a summit boardwalk. A must for first-time visitors and photographers.
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – Two iconic turquoise glacial lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, offering canoeing, hiking, and some of Canada’s most photographed scenery. Perfect for nature lovers and day-trippers from Banff.
- Banff Upper Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools high on Sulphur Mountain with mountain views and year-round bathing, especially magical in winter snow. Great for families and anyone seeking relaxation after hiking or skiing.
- Johnston Canyon – A dramatic gorge with catwalk trails, waterfalls, and ice formations in winter, accessible for most fitness levels. Ideal for walkers, families, and photographers wanting Banff’s most popular short hike.
- Banff National Park Wildlife Viewing – Spot elk, bighorn sheep, bears, and moose throughout the park, especially at dawn and dusk along Bow Valley Parkway. Appeals to wildlife enthusiasts and families with patient kids.
- Skiing at Banff’s Three Resorts – Access world-class slopes at Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort, all within an hour of Banff town. Suits skiers and snowboarders of all levels seeking legendary powder and terrain.
Breathtaking views of Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Getting to and Around Banff
By Car: Banff is a 90-minute drive west of Calgary via the scenic Trans-Canada Highway. A car offers flexibility for exploring Lake Louise and Jasper, though parking in Banff town can be limited in peak season.
By Bus: Direct shuttles run from Calgary Airport to Banff town in around two hours, with services like Brewster Express and Banff Airporter offering affordable transfers.
By Air: Calgary International Airport is the nearest gateway, 130 kilometres east of Banff. Shuttle buses and rental cars are available from the airport for onward travel.
Getting Around: Banff town is walkable, but free Roam transit buses connect hotels, ski resorts, and attractions including Lake Minnewanka and the gondola. Parks Canada also runs seasonal shuttles to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
When to Visit Banff
Spring (April to May) – Melting snow and warming trails make this shoulder season ideal for wildlife spotting and fewer crowds. Hotel prices drop and hiking routes open gradually, though higher elevations remain snowy.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warm, sunny days perfect for hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking, though Lake Louise and Moraine Lake require timed entry reservations. Expect higher hotel rates and busy trails.
Autumn (September to October) – Golden larch trees, crisp air, and fewer tourists create ideal conditions for hiking and photography with mid-range hotel prices. Elk rutting season adds wildlife drama to Banff’s meadows.
Winter (November to March) – World-class skiing, frozen waterfalls, and snowy mountain vistas define Banff’s busiest season alongside summer. Hotels fill quickly during Christmas and ski season, with prices peaking in February.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average price for a hotel in Banff?
Mid-range hotels typically cost £130 to £250 per night, with luxury mountain resorts ranging from £300 to £600 or more during ski season.
Which Banff areas are best without a car?
Banff town centre offers walkable access to restaurants, shops, and free transit buses to ski resorts, hot springs, and nearby lakes.
Are Banff hotels family-friendly?
Yes, many hotels offer family suites, pools, and easy access to gentle trails, hot springs, and wildlife viewing suitable for children.
Do Banff hotels include parking?
Most hotels offer free parking, though some downtown properties charge fees. Always check before booking if travelling by car.
When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Banff?
Shoulder seasons in spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to October) offer the best value with fewer crowds and lower rates.
Can I book Banff hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Banff Today
From castle resorts to mountain lodges, hotels in Banff put you at the heart of the Canadian Rockies with peaks, wildlife, and wilderness adventure right outside your door. Whether you’re chasing powder days, turquoise lakes, or simply breathing in alpine air, there’s a perfect mountain base waiting.
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