Where to Stay in Banff: The Best Hotels & Travel Tips
Are you looking for the best place to stay in Banff? We recommend you the best hotels, hostels, and campgrounds in Banff town and the national park in our travel guide. We also share tips on when to reserve your accommodation to save money, outline all the budget options you have, and other accommodation alternatives in Lake Louise, Canmore, and Calgary.
Banff. The iconic resort town in the Canadian Rockies is the place every traveler visit when road tripping Banff National Park, the crown jewel of this hiker's paradise.
Under normal circumstances, Banff would have been a sleepy mountain town tucked away in the hills, but the stunning surroundings, those incredibly blue glacier lakes, thick forests, and snow-capped peaks are the reasons why all nature lovers and adventure seekers put Banff on their itinerary.
Banff is for sure not anymore a sleepy town, rather the opposite. In the summer, when the season in the Canadian Rockies is at its peak, Banff is a super-popular destination where every traveler wants to spend at least a night to immerse in the beauty.
In a nutshell, rooms in Banff are in short supply, and you should keep that in mind when planning your Canadian Rockies holiday.
We visited Banff several times in the past, and each time we were struggling to find suitable accommodation. Prices for accommodation in peak season are skyrocketing, and as we travel on a budget, we always had a hard time finding a budget hotel in Banff or other places.
That's why we have decided to create this travel guide aiming to give you tips on the best hotels in Banff National Park.
If you are narrowing down your Canadian Rockies itinerary, you are in the process of booking accommodation and looking for an answer to a question about where to stay in Banff; you've come to the right place.
Finding a place to stay in Banff when the season is in full swing might be a daunting task, but we hope that you will discover your perfect place after reading this post.
After all, Banff will be your base for exploring Banff National Park, and you will likely spend here more than one night.
ACCOMMODATION IN BANFF
Despite the small size, Banff offers a large number of accommodation options. You can opt to stay in the town's center, where the main street is lined with B&Bs, pubs, and restaurants, which is perfect for those looking for nightlife and socializing.
You can decide to stay a bit away from the center in a lodge and enjoy the evenings by the fireplace; it is possible to stay overnight in a campground, in case you are backpacking and sleep in a tent, or if you travel in a campervan or RV; and last but not least, you can find accommodation in other villages near Banff.
As you can see, options are plentiful, so let's dive into it.
Where to stay in Banff? Keep on reading; our Banff accommodation guide has all the answers.
WAYS TO FIND CHEAP HOTEL ROOMS IN BANFF
Before you start searching for a place to stay in Banff, there are a couple of things you should know. The rule of thumb is to come prepared and don't leave things till the last minute.
We learned some things the hard way, so hopefully, you will find these travel tips useful.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE
First, as the number of accommodation options is limited, you might be wondering how far in advance you should book a hotel in Banff.
In our experience, you should reserve your hotel, hostel, or even campground in Banff three to six months before your arrival.
Even if it seems like a long time (we know, we also usually book hotels last-minute), trust us, it will certainly pay off here in Banff.
This travel destination has been incredibly popular lately, and the best deals are gone soon. In a nutshell, there are many reasons to start planning your Canadian Rockies itinerary as quickly as possible, and the shortage of suitable accommodation options is one of them.
Also, you have a higher chance to secure a good deal when booking well ahead (and if you select a non-refundable rate) because last-minute reservations can surprise you with heartbreakingly high rates.
The cheaper rooms are usually sold out first, and even securing a spot in the campground can be pretty hard in the season.
WHEN TO VISIT
Second, the prices skyrocket during the summer season, so between June and September, be prepared to pay more even for second-quality rooms, and hostels are also not afraid to charge much more, even for dormitories, because the demand is high.
But you should also know that even in the winter, the demand can be high because Banff is close to popular ski resorts.
Every winter is different, and it depends on when the snow arrives in the mountains, but in general, the peak winter months are December till February.
So when can you find the best deals for hotels in Banff? If you are a budget traveler, plan your travels in November or between March and May.
Campsites usually have fixed prices, which are significantly lower than in hotels and hostels, but it is also the reason why these spots are often sold out just after the reservation system opens.
Some campgrounds work on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you are on a strict schedule, we know you might want to have something secured in advance.
Some places or trails in Banff National Park are seasonal; also, be sure to check trail conditions before you start planning your trip.
For example, the Johnston Canyon hike is open even in winter. Cory Pass is open year-round, but you should have proper winter gear and understand avalanche danger.
Keep in mind that some seasonal closures might be less obvious than you would think.
For instance, the area around Lake Minnewanka, where you can find Aylmer Lookout Trail, has a population of grizzly bears and is known for having restrictions and closures even in summer.
BANFF ALTERNATIVES
Last but not least, if you aren't able to find a hotel in Banff according to your liking or budget, you can always search for accommodation in the towns and villages nearby, such as Canmore, Kananaskis, or Lake Louise.
However, especially Lake Louise is another place where it is not that easy to find budget accommodation.
Some travelers decide to stay in Calgary the night before visiting Banff, which is not ideal, but there are more hotel options, and prices are usually a little bit lower.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF
Banff offers a large selection of hotels, chalets, lodges, and campsites, so all types of travelers will be able to find here the right place to stay.
Same as Jasper, Banff is not a typical, quiet mountainous town, so set your expectations right. The town center is lively in the evenings when travelers return from day hikes and sightseeing.
If you want to be in a more tranquil area, it is for sure possible, but that means you must have your own transport to travel forth and back.
Needless to say, we recommend having a rent a car even to those staying in the center as road tripping around the Rockies is the way to see the best places this region has to offer.
We've handpicked the best options for every budget.
BUDGET HOTELS IN BANFF
We won't lie to you; the first time we saw the prices in the Canadian Rockies in high season, the reality almost made us cry.
Prices are for sure higher even for dormitories, but later, after our visit, we had to admit that every penny we spent in Banff was worth it.
Just expect that the word budget means something entirely different in Banff than in other travel destinations around the world.
Samesun Banff | We would say this option is the best for budget travelers, who do not need much privacy, do not mind sleeping in dormitories, and simply look for a comfortable and clean place for an overnight stay. Samesun Banff offers dormitories for 6, 8, 10, or 14 people, WiFi, continental breakfast, and a fireplace in most of the rooms.
HI-Banff Alpine Center | From dormitories to private rooms with private bathrooms, this accommodation offers perfect comfort only a couple of minutes' drive out of Banff's center. For those of you, who want to save on food, we have great news. A public kitchen is available on this property. Also, all guests will receive a free bus pass for the local transport.
MID-RANGE HOTELS IN BANFF
The prices of hotels in Banff change depending on the season, but in general, it is pretty easy to find a hotel in the town in the mid-range category.
Always check the reviews first. Sometimes hotels in the area are not afraid to charge a lot of money for a mediocre product.
Douglas Fir Resorts and Chalets | Pleasant hotel, a bit away from the center (it is best if you have a car), has an older decor, but the rooms are comfortable and friendly staff will make sure your stay will be remarkable.
Banff Inn | Perfectly located hotel is a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
High Country Inn | Indoor pool, mountain views, coffee and tea making facilities in the rooms, this hotel is a perfect choice in its budget category. The property offers free parking, which is a big plus if you are on a road trip.
LUXURY HOTELS IN BANFF
As Banff turned in the past in an upscale mountain town, it won't take you by surprise that there is a quality selection of top hotels waiting for demanding guests looking for comfort and perfect services.
Here's a list of the best hotels Banff has to offer.
Rimrock Resort Hotel | Beautifully furnished rooms, amazing views from windows, indoor pool, and hot tub, this resort hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for stylish accommodation.
Canalta Lodge | Wonderfully appointed rooms, tasty breakfast, and the settings make this hotel the top choice. If you can, book a room with a balcony.
Fairmont Banff Springs | An iconic hotel from 1888 is a national heritage site, and if you decide to make a reservation here, we promise you will have the best experience ever. Except for the amazing rooms, the hotel is exceptional for a lap pool and heated outdoor pool. Services are top-notch here, and if you can afford them, we highly recommend you to stay at this property.
CAMPGROUNDS IN BANFF
Undoubtedly, staying at campgrounds is the cheapest way to explore the Canadian Rockies. We must say that traveling in a campervan was much more comfortable than the car plus tent combo we also tried, but a bit more expensive.
Unfortunately, it's not for everyone. A week of camping in the rain isn't fun, and you should consider if this is the way you want to spend your holiday. And it's not just the rain you should worry about, but the nights are often freezing cold even in the summer.
The best campground in Banff town is Tunnel Mountain Village I and II. Despite its enormous size, it's often sold out.
Tunnel Mountain Village I has 618 sites, Tunnel Mountain Village II has 209 sites, Tunnel Mountain trailer court is for trailers and larger units and has 322 sites.
There are also several campgrounds in Banff National Park run by Parks Canada. Remember, if you are traveling by car, campervan, or RV, have a tent, or can sleep in the car, booking a spot in a campground is the cheapest option in the Canadian Rockies.
Some of the campgrounds are open all year round, while some only in the season between May and October.
The best campgrounds outside Banff are Johnston Canyon, Two Jack Main, or Two Jack Lakeside.
The reservation system for the next year is usually available from January, and the most sought-after dates are often quickly booked out, so do not hesitate if you want to save some money.
To reserve a spot in a campground, search Parks' Canada official website.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN CANMORE
Only 20 minutes drive from Banff is another small mountain town, Canmore, which can also serve you as a base for exploring Banff National Park.
Canmore is a perfect alternative for travelers who won't find a hotel in Banff, but it is also a great destination on its own because Canmore is surrounded by beautiful mountains as well, and there is a large number of hiking and biking trails.
Surprisingly, Canmore offers an almost larger selection of hotels than Banff, so there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
If you are deciding whether it's better to stay in Banff or Canmore, both towns are very similar and close to each other, so choose the one that offers better rates/reviews ratio.
Budget | Canmore Inn and Suites - For the price, this hotel is one of the best options in Canmore. Clean rooms, perfect location in the heart of Canmore, hot tub, and gym, are in short the main leading magnets here.
Mid-range | Blackstone Mountain Lodge - This mountain resort has it all. Perfect views, it is easily accessible, and there are an outdoor pool and fitness center. In case this hotel is not available, try its sister hotel Stoneridge Mountain Resort.
Luxury | Fire Mountain Lodge - A charming place to stay for families with kids and travelers who prefer to have bigger rooms with kitchenettes.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE LOUISE
Yes, we know that getting a room in Lake Louise is sometimes even more complicated (and more expensive) than in Banff, but as we want to outline in this guide all relevant options, we cannot fail to mention this upscale resort town.
Lake Louise is probably an even more sought-after destination than Banff because of iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Since Banff is only 40 minutes drive from here, if you will be lucky enough, you can base yourself near Lake Louise, and then visit the top attractions around Banff on day trips.
So what are the best hotels in Lake Louise?
Budget | HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre - If you are looking for cheap accommodation, you should hope this hostel will be available for your dates. Dormitory rooms are comfortable and clean, and you will for sure appreciate the communal kitchen and the common room with a fireplace.
Mid-range | Lake Louise Inn - Newly renovated rooms, on-site restaurants, and an indoor pool, this hotel is a perfect place to stay either during the summer and in the winter as well.
Luxury | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - We are not far from the truth when we say this is the most famous hotel in the Canadian Rockies. Located on Lake Louise's shore, this castle-like hotel is the best place to stay in the mountains, of course, assuming that you have enough cash for it.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALGARY
We know it is not ideal, but in the peak season, it simply can happen that rooms in the Canadian Rockies won't be available on your requested dates.
But no worries, Calgary is only an hour and a half drive from Banff, and we think you will always find a room here, for much friendlier prices than in mountain towns.
According to us, staying in Calgary is the best option, either when you are visiting Banff National Park on a day trip or on the way back when you are finishing your holiday.
Here is a list of the best hotels in Calgary.
Budget | Aloft Calgary University - Modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with great service.
Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook.
Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - Newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
