Where to Stay in Banff: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Banff? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Banff very well, I have created this guide of:

• Banff’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Banff

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Banff, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Banff for the first time: Hotel Canoe and Suites on Banff Avenue
• Where to stay in Banff for luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an iconic hotel right on the shores of the iconic lake.
• Where to stay in Banff on a budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre
• Where to stay in Banff with family: Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn 
• My favorite hotel in Banff for a romantic stay: Banff Otter Hotel or Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE

In Banff Town

The town of Banff is the heart of Banff National Park.

This is a lively mountain town with an authentic atmosphere, surrounded by towering peaks.

It’s the best area to easily discover the region’s main attractions.

You should stay in this district:

• For a first time stay, especially if you want to explore the main sights and have access to shops and restaurants.
• To explore landmarks easily, with great access to public transport and tour operators.
• If you love going out at night, with plenty of pubs, bars, and restaurants.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Banff Avenue, the town’s main street, filled with shops, galleries, and places to eat with a view of Cascade Mountain.
• Banff Gondola, which takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views.
• Bow Falls, a scenic waterfall just a short walk from town.
• Cave and Basin National Historic Site
• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, to learn about the area’s history and culture.
• The Bow River Trail, a gentle path for walking or cycling along the river.

Where to Stay in Banff Town?

Most hotels in Banff town are in the same price range.

Prices vary greatly depending on the season.

They start around 140$ during winter and can go up to over 600$ per night in summer.

Note: All prices examples in this guide are in US Dollars

• Hotel Canoe and Suites: Located on Banff Avenue. This new hotel offers stylish rooms, some with mountain views. Strong points: outdoor hot pools, sauna, on-site restaurant and coffee shop.
• Best Western Plus Banff International Lodge: Conveniently located on Banff Avenue. Comfortable rooms with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor pool and jacuzzi, free breakfast, good value for money.
• Canalta Lodge: Situated on the edge of town. Modern, lodge-style rooms and lofts. Strong points: fantastic courtyard with hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, a sauna, and firepits with free s’mores. Excellent value for its impressive amenities.
• Buffalo Mountain Lodge: Set on Tunnel Mountain, a short drive from downtown. Cozy rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces and balconies. Strong points: large outdoor hot tub, quiet forested location, on-site restaurant. A great choice for a peaceful mountain retreat.
• Banff Otter Hotel: A modern hotel on Banff Avenue with bright and well-equipped rooms. Strong points: rooftop hot tubs with incredible mountain views, an on-site restaurant, and very comfortable beds.
• Peaks Hotel and Suites: Right in the heart of downtown Banff. Chic and modern rooms. Strong points: unbeatable central location for walking everywhere, steam room, and access to a pool and hot tub at its sister hotel across the street. My favorite hotel for a modern and central stay in Banff!

In Canmore

Canmore, just a 20-minute drive from Banff town, is a more relaxed and authentic mountain town.

This is a true local’s town, with a really warm and friendly atmosphere.

Staying in Canmore lets you discover a less touristy but equally charming side of the Rockies.

You should really stay in Canmore:

• If you’re looking for a local experience, with fewer crowds.
• If you love enjoying the local vibe, with its many small breweries, authentic cafes, and restaurants.
• To get a true immersion in mountain culture.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Main Street, full of unique shops, art galleries, and great local restaurants.
• Grassi Lakes, an easy and beautiful hike to two stunning turquoise lakes.
• Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
• Local breweries, a great place to taste craft beer
• The Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, a scenic walk right in the center of town.

Here are my favorite hotels in Canmore

• Northwinds Hotel Canmore: A short walk from downtown Canmore. Modern apartment-style suites with full kitchens, from 200$. Strong points: friendly staff, excellent location, comfortable beds.
• Coast Canmore Hotel: Located right on Main Street in the center of town. Stylish and modern rooms, from 200$. Strong points: unbeatable location for exploring Canmore on foot, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, staff friendliness. Excellent value for money!
• Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE: Located close to the town center. Modern and comfortable suites, from 250$, with kitchenettes. Strong points: year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, mountain views, spacious rooms with fireplaces.
• The Malcolm Hotel: This luxury hotel is right in the heart of Canmore’s Spring Creek community. It offers elegant, sophisticated rooms. From 400$, breakfast included. Strong points: stunning pool and hot tubs with views of the Three Sisters mountains, exceptional setting, highly professional staff. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Canmore!

In Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a small village famous for its iconic turquoise lake.

Just a 45-minute drive from Banff town, it’s the perfect spot to be close to some of the most famous scenery in the world.

You can stay in Lake Louise:

• If you want to be close to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to visit early and avoid crowds.
• For a nature focused holiday.
• For a relaxing vacation, far from the busier towns but close to world-class hiking.
• If you love hiking, Lake Louise is the starting point for famous trails like the Plain of Six Glaciers.

Best things to see and do around Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise, famous for its incredible color, with the Victoria Glacier in the background.
• Moraine Lake, another stunningly beautiful lake located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
• Lake Agnes Tea House Hike, a popular trail leading to a historic tea house by a mountain lake.
• Lake Louise Ski Resort, which offers a sightseeing gondola in the summer with great views and grizzly bear spotting opportunities.
• Canoeing on the lake, for an unforgettable experience on the turquoise water.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Lake Louise

• Lake Louise Inn: In the village, a short drive from the lake. Modern rooms and suites from 220$. Strong points: indoor pool and whirlpools, multiple on-site restaurants, great for families.
• Paradise Lodge and Bungalows: Located just a short walk from the shores of Lake Louise. Offers a mix of lodge rooms and private, rustic cabins with kitchenettes, starting from 400$. Strong points: incredible location for accessing the lake on foot, authentic mountain charm, beautiful and quiet grounds. A perfect choice for an authentic cabin experience away from the main village.
• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: This 5-star hotel is located directly on the shore of Lake Louise. It offers elegant rooms with incredible views. From 800$. Strong points: unbeatable location, indoor swimming pool, fantastic service, multiple dining options. The most iconic hotel for a memorable stay in the Rockies!

Where to Stay in Banff on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Banff without spending too much:

• HI Banff Alpine Centre: Located on Tunnel Mountain, a short bus ride from Banff town. Dorm beds from 45$, private rooms also available. Strong points: free bus pass for local transit, on-site cafe, and a quieter setting.
• Samesun Banff: Hostel located right on Banff Avenue. Dorm beds from 50$. Strong points: very social atmosphere, on-site bar and restaurant, perfect central location. This is definitely the best choice if you want to meet other travelers in the heart of Banff.
• HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre: Located in the village of Lake Louise. Dorm beds from 55$, with some private rooms. Strong points: large shared kitchens, sauna, cozy fireplace lounge. The best budget option for staying close to the famous Lake Louise.

Where to Stay in Banff with Family

• Hidden Ridge Resort: Also on Tunnel Mountain in Banff. Condos with wood-burning fireplaces from 240$. Strong points: amazing outdoor hot pools, scenic views, fully equipped kitchens.
• Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn: Located in Canmore. This hotel offers spacious rooms and suites perfect for families, from 250$. Strong points: indoor pool with a waterslide and a hot tub, complimentary hot breakfast, and comfortable rooms. A fantastic choice for families looking for fun amenities and great value.
• Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE: Situated a short walk from downtown Canmore. Large, well-equipped condo-style suites with full kitchens and balconies, from 350$. Strong points: two outdoor hot tubs, fitness center, heated underground parking.

What is the best hotel in Banff?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Banff, I recommend you the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Banff Otter Hotel or Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE

Where to stay in Banff: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Banff, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Hotel Canoe and Suites	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Best Western Plus Banff International Lodge	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Canalta Lodge	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Buffalo Mountain Lodge	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Banff Otter Hotel	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Peaks Hotel and Suites	Banff Town	140$ (winter) - 600$ (summer)
Northwinds Hotel Canmore	Canmore	200$
Coast Canmore Hotel	Canmore	200$
Blackstone Mountain Lodge by CLIQUE	Canmore	250$
The Malcolm Hotel	Canmore	400$
Lake Louise Inn	Lake Louise	220$
Paradise Lodge and Bungalows	Lake Louise	400$
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise	Lake Louise	800$
HI Banff Alpine Centre	Cheap Hotels	45$
Samesun Banff	Cheap Hotels	50$
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre	Cheap Hotels	55$
Hidden Ridge Resort	Hotel for families	240$
Best Western Plus Pocaterra Inn	Hotel for families	250$
Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE	Hotel for families	350$