Best Places To Stay In Banff
When it comes to Banff, theres certainly no shortage of places to stay. As one of the most popular destinations in all of Canada, Banff has become a tourist mecca. Dont let that scare you though. Despite its immense popularity, it remains extremely beautiful and is home to so much mind-blowing scenery and outdoor adventure, that it absolutely remains a must-do in Canada.
Banff is also a convenient place to find accommodation. Due to its small size, no hotel is really in a bad location. All of them have their pros and cons and almost all hotels are within walking distance to the downtown core and the many incredible and delicious Banff restaurants.
Cheapest Times Of The Year To Visit Banff And The Rocky Mountains
The better advice might be to tell you when not to visit. Summer is peak tourist season and if you plan to stay in Banff during this time youre going to have to be prepared to pay for it. Budget priced accommodation by Banff standards can be shocking. A room in whats considered a two or three star hotel can be $350 a night or more.
Below is a rough breakdown of the seasonal accommodation pricing tiers. These are just general guidelines of what to expect for budget accommodation. Weve based the pricing on a double occupancy room during the week. Weekends during the peak demand during of summer or in the ski season could be as much as $50 to $100 more per night.
Update: The US dollar continues to be of good value against the Canadian dollar which continues to make the Rocky Mountains popular for visitors from the United States. You may find the that accommodation pricing is even higher than what has been listed below.
$$$$ Last week of June through mid-September accommodation is at premium pricing. Some hotels may have a 2 day minimum stay for weekends. Expect most hotel room prices to start at $300 and $350 a night and go up from there. Consider anything less a bargain.
$$$$ Mid- to late September. Prices dont seem to drop as much as they used to for the last half of September. Dont expect much more than a slight decrease from the summer rates.
Best Airbnb In Banff: Contemporary
Cozy up in this riverfront B& B in Banff Town. The fireplace and big comfy couch will keep you warm after a day out on the slopes. Its perfect for couples who want to dine out and explore walking around the town. Conveniently, this home is right next to a laundromat which means one less stop to make on your travels. This is the ideal base for exploring Banff National Park.
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Camping In Banff Alberta
Sometimes all you need is a tent and a yearning for adventure. For those who want to experience accommodations in Banff National Park without walls, there are plenty of beautiful campsites in Banff that eschew the hustle and bustle of a Banff hotel in favour of the wild, rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
We donât always camp in Banff, but when we do, itâs at one of the following campgrounds:
Tunnel Mountain Campground
On the outskirts of town, Tunnel Mountain Campground offers easier access to hiking than it does to the restaurants and bars downtown .
With plenty of sites available for both tenting and RV campers, this campground features indoor washrooms , fire pits, and plenty of trees for privacy. For camping its one of the most popular accommodations in Banff.
Two Jack Lake Campground
Just across the road from Two Jack Lake, this campground puts you smack dab in the middle of nature. A popular year-round destination, with fishing and hiking in the summer, and skating and viewing frozen gas bubbles in the ice during winter, Two Jack lake offers plenty to do â with enough peace and quiet for all campers to enjoy.
Two Jack Lake across from Two Jack Lake Campground
Banff Hostels And Budget Hotels
Theres four budget friendly hostels in Banff. The first three are within a few minutes walk from the core of downtown Banff.
- Banff International Hostel 449 Banff Avenue. Dorms, private rooms and a guest kitchen.
- YWCA Hostel 102 Spray Avenue. Dorms, private rooms and family rooms with kitchenettes. Café and guest kitchen.
- Samesun Backpackers 433 Banff Avenue. Dorm rooms and a bar.
- HI Banff Alpine Center 801 Hidden Ridge Way. 1.8 km from town. Dorms, private rooms and cabin suites, guest kitchens and a restaurant and bar. They offer guests complimentary local bus passes.
Theres far too many Banff hotels to supply a list, but any google search of budget Banff accommodation will bring up the options. Remember that the price of a budget hotel in Banff might be a lot higher than what youre expecting. If being located right downtown is not a priority try some of the properties that skirt the edge of town. They may have cheaper rates. Do your research and read reviews. Lower cost hotels may be older properties that have not have been updated for quite some time.
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Cabin With An Epic Location Gateway To The Rockies Cabin
- $$
- Close to hiking trails
- Firepit
The beautiful landscape of the Canadian Rockies is yours to behold at this wilderness cabin! Not only can you visit Banff, but other great attractions of the area including Ghost Wilderness ice climbing, Norquay, Canmore, and Sunshine Village ski resort.
The cabin has a full kitchen for you to prepare your own meals and theres a fire pit with firewood provided for you to roast marshmallows in the evening. You wont have to deal with any pesky neighbors since the cabin is remotely located and its the perfect spot to really reconnect with nature.
Banff High Country Inn
Comfortable, clean, pet friendly and close to downtown, the Banff High Country Inn is one of our recommended budget friendly, accommodations in Banff while offering easy access to everything the mountain town has to offer.
This budget-option hotel has lots of good amenities including free-wifi, free parking and its perfect for those looking to save their money for more activities in and around town â perhaps like skiing!
High Country Inn Banff photo provided by Booking.com
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Where To Stay In Banff In Winter
Since Banff receives heavy snowfall, there are a lot of roadsor hikes that are not accessible in Winter. That said, you can capture somereally amazing photos in the wintertime that you cant capture for the rest ofthe year.
Lake Louise in particular is a very popular ski resort that attractslovers of winter sports from all over the world. If youre interested in skiing,you might want to visit Lake Louise for that reason.
Amazing Luxury Lodge The Rundlestone Lodge
- $$$
- Swimming pool
- Indoor fireplace
Treat yourself to an exceptionally relaxing trip at the Rundlestone Lodge, located just 2 miles away from the Banff Center. Your private room has a refrigerator and coffee maker, large TV, and a comfy seating area.
Theres a gym and indoor swimming pool for guests to use, plus a restaurant located onsite which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. You can park your own vehicle for free at the lodge, but theres also a bus stop nearby to take you directly to the downtown area of Banff.
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Adorable Bed And Breakfasts In Banff
No list of places to stay in Banff would be complete without a few locally-owned bed and breakfasts. If youre hoping to come back in the evenings to a home-like environment, look no further than these two bed and breakfasts in Banff:
Banff Boutique Inn Pension Tannenhof
In its prime location within a short walk from Banff town center, Banff Boutique Inn is a charming little home where you can rest during your travels in Banff.
With a full-size kitchen, private bathrooms, in-room fridges, and included breakfast, the Banff Boutique Inn is the perfect place for people who are looking for a hybrid between a home and a hotel.
Free parking and WiFi is the cherry on top of one of the coziest Banff accommodations there is.
The Poplar Inn
If historic, Victorian-style houses are more your jam, The Poplar Inn is a fabulous choice. This B& B is located in a lovely historic home in Banff town.
The Inn is super cozy, with only TWO guest rooms! Because of this, youll be sure to get a personalized experience throughout your stay. The Inn features an included breakfast each morning at 8 AM, and spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Lake Louise Budget Accommodation And Dining
The amount of accommodation in Lake Louise is limited and theres not much that fits into the budget category. During the summer months and early fall its expensive and books up fast. The lowest price option would be the HI Lake Louise Alpine Center. If you dont usually stay in hostels dont be so quick to dismiss this option. Its situated in an attractive log cabin style building and offers some private rooms. You might be surprised that in the summer months the cost is over $50 a night for a shared 4 to 6 bed dorm room. Private rooms for up to two people are over $150 a night and in excess of $200 a night if you want one with your own bathroom. However, this is a bargain compared to other options in Lake Louise. The Mountaineer Lodge, the Lake Louise Inn and the Deer Lodge would be the next best options. The only accommodation right at Lake Louise is the Fairmont Chateau Hotel, but its in the luxury category of pricing. Theres only a dent of dining options in Lake Louise compared to Banff. Finding low cost places to eat can be a challenge, weve covered the choices here: Cheap Eats In Lake Louise.
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Tips For Visiting Banff On A Budget
A trip to Banff National Park is a bucket-list vacation for many. With towering, rugged Rocky Mountains, exciting wildlife, lush forests and turquoise-blue lakes, Banff is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
As youd expect in a place with scenery this incredible, Banff is pretty expensive, but our money-saving tips make it easier to travel to Banff on a budget without sacrificing experiences.
Tips for Visiting Banff on a Budget
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Learn About Attractions And Sights In Banff
What are the most popular attractions in Banff?
Banff has many outdoor attractions for tourists to enjoy. Tourists often visit Banff National Park, near the TransCanada Highway, to go hiking and canoeing in the warmer season and skiing or snowshoeing in the colder months. Bow Falls is a beautiful waterfall that many tourists enjoy seeing. It is in on Bow Falls Drive, by River Road. If you are a fan of history and nature, take a tour of the nearby Cave and Basin National Historic Site on the west side of town. Get to this attraction on the Roam Bus route 4.
Which neighborhoods in Banff have a large selection of bars and restaurants?
There are numerous restaurants in Downtown Banff, and conveniently every bus route goes in and out of downtown. Some of the restaurants in this area serve Asian fusion cuisine, barbecue, seafood, grilled steaks, and pizza. Go up the mountain to dine while enjoying scenic views of the Rocky Mountains or the town of Banff. Many of these restaurants can be reached via the Banff Gondola. You can get to the Banff Gondola on the Roam Bus, route 1. Stop by the Sundance Mall, on Banff Avenue, to grab a bite to eat. You can choose to dine on ramen, Mediterranean fare or local Canadian cuisine. There is also an Italian, sushi and steakhouse restaurant nearby. Take bus route 3 to get to the mall.
What popular events take place in Banff?
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How Can I Stay In Banff For Cheap
Banff is one of the most expensive places to travel in Canada. You can stay in Banff for cheap by staying in low season, or by finding an inexpensive hotel or hostel. Affordable accommodations in Banff typically sacrifice a downtown location or expensive amenities like a pool in order to keep costs down for guests. We have listed the best affordable places to stay in Banff within this post.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Banff
Banff is an unforgettable travel destination. Its one of the most beautiful small towns in Canada and is home to some of North Americas most iconic scenery. Whether youre keen to hit the slopes, hike the trails, or simply relax in nature, Banff is the town for you!
In this guide, Ive highlighted the top five neighbourhoods in and around Banff, breaking them down by interest and budget. If youre still not sure where to stay, heres a quick recap.
Samesun Banff is my pick for the best hostel. Set in Banff itself, this hostel has spacious dorms, stunning views, and satisfying breakfast is served daily.
Another great option is the Hotel Arts Kensington. Located in lively Calgary, this elegant and luxurious hotel has comfortable rooms, and modern amenities, and is close to great restaurants and bars.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below!
Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email to find out how.
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Staying At A Lodge In Banff
The best lodges in Banff are designed with luxury in mind! Its sort of like a hotel, except a nature-themed focus so the property combines the best of both worlds enabling guests to have access to great modern comforts as well as natural wonders.
Banff is home to some of the best skiing in Canada and since outdoor activities are so popular, many lodges are right next to these slopes, lakes, and hiking trails. Often there are small shops or restaurants onsite so everything you need during your trip will be right on hand.
You can count on having your own private room at a lodge, and just like hotels, these rooms vary in size and comfort depending on your budget. Its possible to find a great spot at a lodge whether youre a solo traveling photographer or a big family taking a mid-winter vacation to hit the ski slopes!
Usually, lodges are fairly close to towns and cities, and parking is available either for free or a small fee. Depending on the location, some properties are close enough for you to use public transportation or a shuttle service might be offered to reach top park attractions or the airport.
Since Banff is a year-round destination, lodges are available during all seasons. Many places have outdoor pools for you to enjoy during the summer, while in winter skiing options are always close at hand. If youre traveling during the holidays, its a good idea to book a spot at a lodge well in advance since places can fill up quickly.
Canmore Coolest Neighbourhood In Town
A short twenty-minute drive outside of Banff is Canmore. This resort town is packed with great options for shopping, dining, drinking and exploring. It is well-equipped to welcome travellers any time of year and boasts panoramic views of this stunning region.
Canmore also gets our vote for the coolest neighbourhood in Banff. Despite being larger than Banff town itself, Canmore is often overlooked by travellers. This helps it maintain its authentic feel and laid-back Canadian charm, while also allowing it to stay off the beaten path. In Canmore, you can enjoy all the best bits of Banff without the throngs of tourists.
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Best Hotel In Canmore: Blackstone Mountain Lodge By Clique
This elegant and modern hotel is a great place to stay during your time in Canmore. Situated in the town, this hotel is close to cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars. Its stylish and comfortable rooms come complete with spa baths, kitchenettes, and refrigerators. Theres also an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and a fitness centre.
Best Hotel In Banff: Canalta Lodge
This charming and rustic hotel is well situated for exploring the region. It is within close proximity to restaurants, cafes and bars. This hotel offers a myriad of great amenities including a Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool, and a relaxing sauna. Enjoy spacious rooms and stunning features at this three-star lodge.
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