Banff National Park, a jewel in the Canadian Rockies, is undeniably iconic. While famed for its winter sports, Banff truly shines in the summer. Having explored Banff extensively on two separate week-long trips, we’ve fallen in love with its breathtaking landscapes, from world-renowned Moraine Lake to countless trails for hiking and biking, and abundant wildlife.
If your time in Banff is limited, choosing the right accommodation becomes crucial to maximize your experience. The question of Banff Where To Stay is paramount for making the most of your visit.
This comprehensive guide draws on our personal experiences in Banff to provide you with all the information necessary to decide where to stay in Banff that perfectly suits your style, budget, and travel preferences.
We’ll delve into three key areas, each offering a distinct base for your Banff adventure. For each location, we’ll share our firsthand insights, outline the advantages and disadvantages, and suggest some exceptional places to stay.
Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to confidently select the ideal banff where to stay option, ensuring an unforgettable trip tailored to your needs.
Ready to discover the perfect banff where to stay for you? Let’s dive in.
Contents
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1. Banff Geography: An Essential Overview
2. Where to Stay in Banff: Top Locations for First-Timers
2.1. Banff Town: The Heart of the Action
2.2. Canmore: Value and Vibe, Minutes from Banff
2.3. Lake Louise: Gateway to Iconic Lakes
1. Banff Geography: An Essential Overview
From our experience crafting Banff itineraries, we strongly advocate for a split stay in Banff. We recommend dividing your time, spending part in Banff town or nearby Canmore, and the other portion closer to Lake Louise.
Why this strategy for banff where to stay?
The drive from Banff town to Lake Louise ranges from 45 to 60 minutes. Furthermore, parking at Lake Louise is notoriously challenging. To secure a spot in the Lake Louise parking lot, you often need to arrive before sunrise (around 6:30 am in peak summer), even then incurring a daily parking fee.
Lake Louise, a quintessential Banff National Park landmark and arguably a Canadian icon, attracts massive crowds throughout the day, except during the serene sunrise hours.
Staying near Lake Louise offers a significant advantage. A mere 7-minute drive compared to 45-60 minutes allows you to bypass the crowds, capture stunning early morning photographs, and start your hikes ahead of the rush.
On our initial Banff trip, we followed this advice, staying at Paradise Lodge and Bungalows (a fantastic choice!). The experience was transformative.
During a more recent trip, we had booked a campsite at Lake Louise Campground. While the campsite was great, our dog, Lupine, proved to be less than thrilled about tent life.
We ultimately relocated to Banff town. The 45-60 minute drives to trailheads near Lake Louise became a significant drawback, impacting our time and enjoyment of the banff hikes.
To maximize your time and minimize travel hassles, we highly recommend basing yourself near Lake Louise for 2-3 nights. This duration is perfect for exploring both Lake Louise and the equally stunning Moraine Lake. This strategic approach to banff where to stay will significantly enhance your overall Banff experience.
2. Where to Stay in Banff: Top Locations for First-Timers
Now that we’ve established the optimal strategy for banff where to stay – utilizing multiple base locations to reduce travel – let’s delve into specific locations.
Having personally stayed in Banff town, Canmore, and Lake Louise, we can offer firsthand insights into the pros, cons, and unique highlights of each area based on our Banff adventures.
For those eager for a quick answer to banff where to stay, here’s a brief overview before we dive into the detailed guide. However, we encourage you to read the full section for your area of interest, as you might uncover hidden gems and accommodation options you hadn’t considered.
Here’s a quick guide to banff where to stay:
| Location | Best For | Vibe | Convenience to Banff Attractions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Town | First-timers, central access, amenities | Bustling, tourist-centric, lively | Excellent | Expensive |
| Canmore | Value seekers, cooler vibe, food & drink | Relaxed, local-tourist mix, outdoorsy | Good (Slight drive to Banff) | Moderate |
| Lake Louise | Lake Louise & Moraine Lake access, scenery | Scenic, quieter, nature-focused | Limited to Lake Louise area | Pricey/Limited |
Visualize these locations with the map below, showing drive times for choosing the right banff where to stay:
Map of Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore
Let’s explore our detailed recommendations for banff where to stay in each of these locations.
2.1. Banff Town: The Heart of the Action
Panoramic view of Banff town and Mount Rundle
Banff town, in many ways, is the Disneyland of the Canadian Rockies. However, instead of Mickey ears, you’ll find families adorned with hiking boots and backpacks. Like other popular tourist destinations, Banff town grapples with common challenges.
Similar to trendy urban neighborhoods or gateway towns near national parks, Banff experiences a twofold issue.
Firstly, hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants often operate at peak capacity. This constant demand can sometimes reduce the incentive for upgrades and renovations.
Secondly, high operating costs can deter new businesses, potentially limiting innovation in dining, shopping, and experiences. For a more cutting-edge, local vibe, consider Canmore.
Banff town can feel crowded and expensive, and some establishments may seem overrated due to the high volume of tourists. Parking can also be a significant challenge, so ensure your chosen banff where to stay option includes parking.
Despite these points, Banff town remains the most convenient banff where to stay, particularly if you’re not planning to split your stay.
It’s centrally located, providing easy access to Lake Minnewanka, Sunshine Meadows, and the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, all within a 15-30 minute drive.
Banff Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare, is where most hotels are situated, either directly on the avenue or just a few blocks away. Tunnel Mountain also offers a selection of accommodations, including budget-friendly hostels.
In summary, Banff town is a solid base for exploring Banff National Park. While it can be crowded and expensive, like many world-class outdoor recreation destinations, its central location is a major advantage when considering banff where to stay.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Banff
View of Banff town from Tunnel Mountain hiking trail
Pros of Staying in Banff:
- Central Location: A primary reason to choose Banff for banff where to stay. Within 15-30 minutes, you can reach destinations east of Lake Louise, including Johnston Canyon, Sunshine Meadows, Canmore, and Lake Minnewanka.
- Excellent Amenities: Banff town offers a wide range of amenities including grocery stores, gas stations, and diverse dining and drinking options. While busy, the choices are plentiful. The IGA grocery store in Banff is well-stocked. Canmore offers arguably even better amenities, but Banff surpasses Lake Louise in this aspect.
- Good Public Transit: Surprisingly efficient for a mountain town within a national park. ROAM Transit provides bus services from downtown Banff to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (seasonal), Lake Minnewanka, and Canmore. Check ROAM Transit for schedules and routes when planning banff where to stay and transportation.
Cons of Staying in Banff:
- High Cost: Accommodation in Banff town tends to be the most expensive among the three areas. Be prepared for higher prices when choosing banff where to stay in Banff town.
- Dated Accommodations: Some hotels in Banff town, similar to US national park lodges, are older and may need updating. High occupancy often leaves little time for renovations. Some options may feel a bit dated.
- Parking Challenges: If your banff where to stay option doesn’t include free parking, parking can be difficult and costly. Hotel parking fees or navigating town parking can be inconvenient.
Find your perfect Banff accommodation here
The Best Places to Stay in Banff Town
Banff town offers a plethora of accommodation choices. Here are seven standout options for banff where to stay, selected for their appeal, amenities, and value, catering to different budgets and preferences. We’ve intentionally excluded the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel due to its exceptionally high prices, which we feel are not justified despite its grandeur. While Banff is generally not a budget destination, the Fairmont’s pricing is in a different league.
Moose Hotel & Suites: Luxurious Downtown Banff Hotel
We frequently pass by the Moose Hotel and Suites and are always drawn to the impressive moose statue outside. Its location on Banff Avenue, slightly removed from the busiest section, offers a balance of convenience and relative quiet.
This banff where to stay option leans towards luxury, with rooms ranging from standard hotel rooms to spacious suites featuring sitting areas and balconies. A unique touch is the two-way fireplace in rooms, perfect for winter warmth. However, suites lack full kitchens, a notable drawback for some travelers.
Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, and two rooftop hot pools with panoramic Banff views. The rooftop also features fire pits. Guests receive complimentary ROAM Transit passes, encouraging use of public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, select rooms are pet-friendly with a $25 nightly fee per pet. Advance notice is required. Pet amenities include treats, water bowl, and blanket.
Parking: Free underground parking is available, but height restrictions (6’7”) may affect vans, RVs, and vehicles with roof boxes. Offsite parking options are provided for oversized vehicles.
Basecamp Banff Suites: Central Suites with Kitchens
We consistently recommend Basecamp across our Canadian Rockies guides. Having enjoyed a stay at their Revelstoke resort, we appreciate their comfortable beds and modern kitchens. Basecamp properties, prevalent in Banff and Canmore, are expanding.
Their “suite” hotels are ideal for travelers who value kitchen facilities, especially those with dietary needs like gluten-free, allowing for safe and convenient meal preparation. These aparthotels combine apartment amenities with hotel services, our preferred banff where to stay style.
Basecamp Banff Suites is conveniently located one block from Banff Avenue, near IGA Banff grocery store. It offers one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and modern amenities.
Pet-Friendly? No, this location is not pet-friendly.
Parking: No free parking. Street parking (free but may require a walk) or nearby garage parking at $30/day (no in/out privileges) are available.
Tunnel Mountain Resort: Mid-Range Resort with Mountain Views
Tunnel Mountain Resort, where we recently stayed, presents a mixed review. Our priorities were pet-friendly rooms with kitchens, which it met.
However, our room, essentially a basement apartment, lacked natural light and had a minor mouse issue, which staff dismissed. Facilities could benefit from updates.
The location on Tunnel Mountain offers quiet surroundings and easy parking. Free transit passes are a plus, with a bus stop outside providing quick access to downtown Banff.
Overall, Tunnel Mountain Resort is an adequate, reasonably priced banff where to stay option, especially for pet owners, but better options may exist in Banff or Canmore.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, in select rooms with a $25 nightly fee.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
The Dorothy Motel: Budget-Friendly Banff Option
The Dorothy Motel offers a modern refresh of a classic motel. Renovated interiors provide a contemporary feel while maintaining reasonable Banff prices, representing good value for banff where to stay.
Rooms are straightforward, with king or queen bed options, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee/tea facilities. Located on Banff Avenue, it’s slightly further east from the main action but still accessible.
Owned by Banff Lodging Company, which manages many Banff properties including Tunnel Mountain Resort.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, with a $25 nightly pet fee.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
HI Banff Alpine Centre: Hostel for Budget Travelers
For budget-conscious travelers, HI Banff Alpine Centre, operated by Hostelling International, is the top budget banff where to stay choice. Located on Tunnel Mountain, a short bus ride from downtown.
Hostel accommodations include bunk rooms (including women-only) and private rooms with ensuite or shared bathrooms. Shared facilities include a kitchen, laundry, and free parking.
Onsite restaurant and bar with events, and a transit pass is included, facilitating access to Banff Avenue amenities.
Two Jack Lake Campground: Best Campground near Banff Town
Scenic view of Two Jack Lake shoreline
For camping near Banff town, Two Jack Lake Campground, particularly Two Jack Lakeside Campground, is ideal. Lakeside offers 74 sites, some waterfront, with showers.
Two Jack Main Campground is larger (300+ sites), making it easier to book summer nights, but lacks showers.
For RVs over 27 feet, Tunnel Mountain Campground is better suited with more RV spots and hookups, though it’s less scenic, resembling a parking lot.
More information on Banff National Park camping is available here.
2.2. Canmore: Value and Vibe, Minutes from Banff
For future Canadian Rockies trips, we’d prefer Canmore over Banff. Canmore offers a more authentic vibe, blending locals and tourists, better dining and drinking options, and more value for your lodging dollar as a banff where to stay alternative.
Located just outside Banff National Park’s eastern boundary, Canmore adds a 15-20 minute drive to park destinations. However, Canmore itself offers abundant outdoor recreation and is closer to less crowded Kananaskis hiking trails.
We believe Canmore is cooler and more affordable than Banff. The main drawback is the extra driving, which includes park entrance lines (though pass holders have a faster lane).
Pros and Cons of Staying in Canmore
Engine Bridge in Canmore with mountain backdrop
Pros of Staying in Canmore:
- Excellent Food and Drink: Canmore surpasses Banff and Lake Louise in dining and drinking. From coffee shops to microbreweries, Canmore is a foodie destination. For trail adventures by day and culinary delights by night, Canmore is the preferred banff where to stay.
- More Affordable: While still in the Canadian Rockies and not “cheap,” Canmore lodging is generally more affordable than Banff, offering better value for your money.
- Updated Accommodations: Canmore accommodations often feel newer and more updated than Banff’s, possibly due to Canmore’s more recent tourism growth. Many offer modern amenities and design.
Cons of Staying in Canmore:
- Further Out: Canmore is east of Banff town, adding 15-20 minutes to travel times to most Banff National Park destinations.
- Limited Public Transit: ROAM Transit connects Canmore to Banff, but reaching Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Sunshine Meadows via public transit from Canmore requires connections, making it less direct.
- Park Entrance Lines: Park entrance lineups can occur, particularly on weekends. However, Parks Canada pass holders can use express lanes.
Find your perfect Canmore accommodation here
The Best Places to Stay in Canmore
Here are some recommended Canmore accommodations for banff where to stay consideration:
The Malcolm Hotel: Canmore’s Premier Luxury Hotel
The Malcolm Hotel is arguably Canmore’s most luxurious and newest hotel. Located on Spring Creek Drive, it offers creek-side tranquility and is a 10-minute walk to downtown Canmore.
Rooms range from queen to king bed configurations, with mountain view upgrades available. The rooftop pool with mountain vistas is a highlight, along with rooftop fire pits.
Onsite restaurant, coffee shop, and game room with foosball, Scrabble wall, and pool table.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, with a $50 pet fee.
Parking: Free underground parking.
Lamphouse Hotel by Basecamp: Mid-Range Downtown Hotel
Another Basecamp property! The Lamphouse Hotel is on Canmore’s main street’s east end, a short walk to dining, shopping, and drinking.
Motel-style layout with boutique hotel-inspired rooms. Shared hot tub. Rooms include hotel-style rooms and suites with seating areas. Modern decor with subway tile bathrooms and mid-century furniture.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, in select rooms (max two pets per room).
Parking: Free parking for one vehicle.
Stoneridge Mountain Resort: Suites with Full Kitchens
Stoneridge Mountain Resort on Railway Avenue offers a luxury resort feel. Suites with full kitchens differentiate it from hotels like The Malcolm.
Suites offer more space and kitchen amenities, ideal for families or extended stays. Modern, design-forward suites with full kitchens, air conditioning, laundry, private patios/balconies, and BBQs. One, two, and three-bedroom suite options.
Amenities include year-round outdoor heated pools, 24/7 fitness center, and heated underground parking.
Pet-Friendly? No pets allowed.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Ambleside Lodge Bed & Breakfast: Intimate B&B Experience
The Ambleside Lodge provides a rustic, intimate B&B experience near Canmore’s core.
Quiet location across the Bow River from downtown Canmore, near riverside trails. Family-owned and operated. Three guest rooms, book early. Warm wood tones, private bathrooms, breakfast included. Living room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace.
Adults-only (12+), two-person max per room, not ideal for families.
Pet-Friendly? No pets allowed.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Canmore Downtown Hostel: Budget Social Hub
Canmore Downtown Hostel is a budget-friendly, social option. High ratings, newer facilities, shared kitchen, mountain-view dining/living room, clean shared bathrooms.
Slightly outside downtown Canmore but walkable to town center. Dorm rooms (max 8 beds, some ensuite), private rooms. Women-only dorm option. Private rooms with bunk or single beds.
Pet-Friendly? No pets allowed.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Bow Valley Provincial Park: Best Camping near Canmore
Bow Valley Provincial Park offers the best camping near Canmore. Popular, book in advance. Bow River Campground (66 sites) and Three Sisters Campground (36 sites) are recommended for amenities and location.
Campgrounds are near the Trans Canada Highway, which can be noisy.
2.3. Lake Louise: Gateway to Iconic Lakes
Lake Louise at sunrise with calm waters
As mentioned, staying near Lake Louise is highly recommended, despite limited and expensive lodging options. The convenience of accessing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake early morning and evening is invaluable.
Staying near Lake Louise is crucial for experiencing these iconic lakes without the crowds. It also provides a convenient base for day trips to the Icefields Parkway or Yoho National Park.
Pros and Cons of Staying near Lake Louise
Pros of Staying near Lake Louise:
- Easy Lake Louise Access: Saves significant driving time to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Allows for visits at optimal times (sunrise, sunset).
- Proximity to Yoho & Icefields Parkway: Lake Louise is a good base for exploring Yoho National Park and the southern Icefields Parkway.
Cons of Staying near Lake Louise:
- Remote from Banff Park: Far from most other Banff National Park attractions. Splitting your stay between Banff and Lake Louise addresses this.
- Limited & Competitive Lodging: Very few lodging options near Lake Louise Village, leading to high demand and prices. Book accommodations early.
- Expensive: Lake Louise area accommodations are generally pricey. Budget options like the HI hostel and campground are available but book quickly.
Find your perfect Lake Louise accommodation here
The Best Places to Stay near Lake Louise
Limited lodging near Lake Louise means including options with slightly lower reviews due to scarcity. We exclude the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise due to its prohibitive cost.
Paradise Lodge and Bungalows: Our Top Lake Louise Pick
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows is our top recommendation for banff where to stay near Lake Louise. Excellent location, 5-minute drive to Lake Louise, walkable (though 2-mile roundtrip walk to lake).
Lodge rooms and standalone bungalows. Bungalows offer rustic charm and comfort, some with kitchens. Bungalow options: studio (no kitchen) and studio with kitchen. All cabins have gas fireplaces. Lodge rooms are more hotel-style, with suites (some with kitchens and balconies).
Pet-Friendly? No pets allowed.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Baker Creek by Basecamp: Bow Valley Parkway Cabins
Baker Creek by Basecamp on Bow Valley Parkway, 20 minutes from Lake Louise, offers cozy cabins and suites. Shuttle service to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake available.
Cabins and lodge suites. Suites are modern with kitchenettes (no stove). Cabins offer one or two bedrooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes. Some cabins include jacuzzi tubs.
Moraine Lake/Lake Louise shuttle service from resort is a major perk, avoiding parking and Parks Canada shuttle lines.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, with a $40 nightly fee and advance notice.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Castle Mountain Chalets: Central to Banff & Lake Louise
The Castle Mountain Chalets at Castle Mountain Junction are equidistant to Banff and Lake Louise (20 minutes to Lake Louise). Good central base for exploring both areas.
Chalets and suites, primarily chalets. One and two-bedroom chalets, and open-plan studios. All rooms have full kitchens. Amenities: free parking, BBQ area, fire pits, laundry, rentals.
Pet-Friendly? Yes, in chalets only (dogs only, max 2) with a $25 nightly fee.
Parking: Free parking in front of chalets, overflow lot available.
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre: Budget Hostel in Lake Louise Village
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre offers budget accommodation in Lake Louise Village. 10-15 minute drive to Lake Louise.
Hostel with bunk rooms and private rooms (some ensuite). Shared kitchen and living spaces. Basic but functional, affordable banff where to stay near Lake Louise.
Pet-Friendly? No pets allowed.
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Lake Louise Campground: Best Camping near Lake Louise
Tent setup at Lake Louise Campground
Lake Louise Campground is the best value and location near Lake Louise for camping. Bookings are essential, open in spring.
Two campgrounds: soft-sided (tents, bear wire) and hard-sided (RVs). Soft-sided campground has 200+ tent sites with showers. Excellent location, 5-10 minute drive to Lake Louise. Facilities are good, though not secluded.
