By Seattle Dave
Moose Hotel is our favorite hotel in downtown Banff.
The Best Areas to Stay in Banff
Banff is a small town located in a spectacular alpine setting, ringed by rugged mountains, and has a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. It is very touristy and is abuzz with travelers from around the world, giving it a lively international flavor, with the peak season from late June through to late September and during Christmas. Traffic can be congested, so it’s often better to park and walk, when possible, as it’s a very pedestrian-friendly town. There is excellent hiking, world-class downhill skiing at three resorts in the area, and golfing—just to name a few.
During the summer, downtown Banff is the hub of activity and filled with restaurants, shops, bars, tourists, cars, and numerous motorhomes. In winter, it’s significantly quieter. There are three ski resorts in the area – Mount Norquay, Banff Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. Banff is a 40-minute drive from Lake Louise and 1.5 hours from the Calgary International Airport. Some of the best hiking is near Lake Louise, but there are many other excellent hiking options in and around Banff as well.
Very few hotels in Banff and nearby areas have air conditioning because the mountains are usually cool at night even in the summer. However, in recent years, there is the odd week where temperatures don’t cool off enough for some people. The following Banff hotels offer air conditioning: Fairmont Banff Springs (select rooms) • Fox Hotel and Suites (suites with living room only) • Moose Hotel & Suites (all rooms) • Mount Royal Hotel (all rooms)
The Best Places to Stay in Banff
The “Castle in the Rockies”. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a UNESCO Heritage Site and the best place to stay in the Banff area.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel • Rimrock Resort Hotel- Best Luxury Hotels in Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise • Moraine Lake Lodge • Post Hotel- Best Boutique Hotel in Banff
Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea’s HouseThe 6 Best Neighborhoods in Banff for Tourists
1. Downtown District (100-400 blocks of Banff Avenue)
Banff has a small dense downtown which covers a few blocks on the lower end of its main thoroughfare – Banff Avenue. This area is the center of the action and is where most of the restaurants, shops, bars, and other amenities are located including its main supermarket. Adjacent to downtown, lies the Bow River and the Bow River Trail which meanders alongside the beautiful river’s edge with plenty of benches to take in the impressive scenery. Canoe rentals are also available further along the Trail. Central Park is a beautiful green space beside the Bow River and is steps from the heart of downtown.
Pros: Very little walking required to access a large selection of restaurants, shops, and its extremely convenient after a long day of outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.
Cons: Street noise from traffic, abundance of tourists, late-night partiers on Banff Avenue may be noisy at times.
- Best Hotels: Moose Hotel • Banff Aspen Lodge • Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea’s House • Mount Royal Hotel
2. The Uptown District (400–600 blocks of Banff Avenue)
The Uptown District area extends a few more blocks in all directions from downtown. It is less dense, with fewer hotels (most of which are older properties), and there are only a few restaurants. It is, however, on the public transit route and walkable to downtown.
Staying in uptown offers easy access to Rotary Park which has a small playground for young children.
- Best Hotels: Canalta Lodge • Fox Hotel
3. Sulphur Mountain Area (on the lower end of Banff Avenue and across the Bow River Bridge)
This area features Upper Hot Springs with an outdoor pool and splendid views, and the Banff Gondola, a cableway to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Two of the most luxurious and largest Banff hotels – the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Rimrock Resort Hotel – are also located here. Note: Even though the Rimrock Hotel is just over 2 miles from downtown, walking is not recommended as there are no sidewalks in some sections. Virtually all the restaurants and bars in this area are in either the Banff Springs Hotel or the Rimrock Hotel.
- Best Hotels: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel • Rimrock Resort Hotel
4. Outskirts of Banff
- Best Hotels: Juniper Hotel • Sunshine Mountain Lodge
5. Lake Louise / Moraine Lake
Lake Louise is world famous for its fabulous scenery, turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain peaks, incredible hiking and skiing, and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel. It is a small, serene village (hamlet) and has only about a thousand residents, perfect for relaxation and tranquility. The road to Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks is an off-shoot from the main road. Many types of shuttles are available, however, so getting there is never a problem. Note: If you are staying at either of the hotels (the Chateau Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lodge) guest parking is provided and access to the two roads is never hindered. The village of Lake Louise has roughly a dozen restaurants, from casual to fine dining, and a handful of these are first-class. The allure of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is that it’s in the heart of amazing scenery and surrounded by extraordinary hiking trails, including Larch Valley. Unique to the area are two Tea Houses that can only be accessed by foot (hiking): the popular Lake Agnes Tea House and the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. In both, the summer and the winter, you can feel closer to nature here than in the Banff town center. Lake Louise/Moraine Lake is a 45-minute drive from Banff, and 2.5 hours from Calgary International Airport. Located very close to Lake Louise Ski Resort and their summer gondola, which is a great spot to see wild grizzly bears in their natural environment. Non-skiers have the option to skate, snowshoe, cross-country ski, sightsee, ride a horse-drawn sleigh, go dogsledding, and take in special events such as the Ice Magic Festival (ice carving competition) held every January at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- Best Hotels: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise • Post Hotel • Moraine Lake Lodge
6. Canmore
This small, quaint town is less commercialized than Banff. It is surrounded by soaring peaks and home to the majestic Three Sisters Mountains, which is the centerpiece of Canmore, and is located 5 minutes east of the Banff National Park gates, and 15 minutes from the town of Banff. The restaurants and other businesses have a true down-home vibe. There are some fantastic restaurants and microbrew pubs, and with far fewer tourists than Banff, it doesn’t have the same international buzz that Banff offers. One of Canmore’s newest attractions is Legacy Trail, a 22-km cycle path running from Canmore to Banff. Tip: if you pedal one way and don’t want to pedal back, just get on the local ROAM bus with your bike. Buses run every 30-60 mins in summer. Not as touristy as Banff, it has a more neighborly atmosphere and offers many fantastic dining options. Also, accommodations tend to be less expensive than Banff and Lake Louise. However, there is no ski resort in Canmore, but they do boast the Canmore Nordic Centre which offers world-class cross-country skiing in the winter and over 60 miles of trails for mountain biking and trail running in the summer.
- Best Hotel: Paintbox Lodge
The 14 Best Hotels in Banff
1. Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-833-762-6866/403-762-2211
This is the most opulent and historic hotel in Banff, nestled in a secluded forested area with lavish décor, palatial architecture, timeless elegance, and incredible panoramic mountain and valley views. All guest rooms offer modern conveniences while maintaining their traditional charm and there is a wide selection of eateries on-site, including a daily Traditional Afternoon Tea. The hotel’s beautiful indoor pool, year-round heated outdoor pool, as well as award-winning spa are impressive. Some of their many activities include outdoor tennis courts, horseback riding, bowling alley, and an 18-hole golf course. It’s ideal for families as they offer a Kids Club program with many types of classes and outings, some of which are complimentary.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com2. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Lake Louise
Hotel phone: 1-866-540-4413/403-522-3511
This grand and luxurious 539-room hotel overlooks the truly spectacular crown jewel of Banff National Park – Lake Louise. The lake’s natural beauty, serenity, and grandeur are in a class of their own and the color of the water is the most striking turquoise. The hotel’s architecture and décor are superb and the guest rooms are modern and well-appointed. The suites/rooms with views of the lake are dreamy and worth the splurge. There are six on-site restaurants, a lovely heated indoor pool, and a full-service spa. Fantastic hiking trails are plentiful and at your doorstep. The hotel is ideal for families and offers lots of classes/outings, some complimentary.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com3. Rimrock Resort Hotel – Sulphur Mountain
Hotel phone: +1-888-rimrock/403-762-3356
One of the best luxury hotels in Banff with a magnificent lounge/lobby featuring huge floor-to-ceiling windows, incredible views, and sophisticated décor, complete with a live pianist several evenings a week. The guest rooms are equally impressive with attractive décor and stunning views and the penthouse suite, Suite Infinity, is out of this world. There are two on-site restaurants, including a world-class 5 Diamond restaurant with impeccable service and fabulous views. Luxurious amenities include a beautiful indoor heated pool and hot tub, steam room, and sauna, together with a large fitness room which overlooks the pool area. The hotel is on the outskirts of Banff and is nestled in a secluded forested area on Sulphur Mountain, just around the corner from the Banff Upper Hot Springs and Banff Gondola.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com4. Sunshine Mountain Lodge – Outskirts of Banff
Hotel phone: +1-877-542-2633/403-762-6500
Located in at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, the hotel can only be accessed by gondola and is Banff National Park’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. Now open year-round. Summertime is popular for romantic getaways and those seeking a bit of adventure. The hotel has the largest outdoor year-round hot tub in Banff and rooms that are modern, clean, and comfortable and offer terrific views. There are numerous hiking trails just steps away and hiking guides are available at reasonable prices. The lodge has several on-site restaurants, including two that are modern, upscale, and located in the main lodge, as well as a separate tavern-style bar/eatery. In the winter, the hotel offers world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe tours, and tobogganing.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com5. Moose Hotel & Suites – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-866-379-0021/403-760-8570
This upscale and modern hotel is in a good central downtown location and features a fabulous rooftop patio with two outdoor hot tubs, a fire pit, and a lounge area, all with excellent mountain views. The lobby is modern and stylish and the guest rooms are attractive and well-appointed, with a moose-motif theme. Their on-site Italian-inspired restaurant is great and has a lovely outdoor patio situated along Banff Avenue. A full-service spa, bright indoor pool on the top floor, complimentary underground parking, and complimentary Banff Roam bus passes are available.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com6. Post Hotel & Spa – Lake Louise
Hotel phone: +1-800-661-1586/403-522-3989
This deluxe boutique hotel has a country casual décor and offers a variety of guest rooms and cabins, many with wood-burning fireplaces. There are three on-site eateries, including an award-winning restaurant and a massive wine cellar, and complimentary Afternoon Tea is offered daily. The indoor heated salt-water pool, hot tub, steam room, fitness room, and full-service spa are all top-notch. The gorgeous and well-maintained grounds and gardens and the freshly-cut flowers throughout the property give it a wonderful mix of elegance and charm.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com7. Moraine Lake Lodge – Moraine Lake
Hotel phone: +1-877-522-2777/403-522-3733
This remote and luxurious lodge is open early summer to early Fall and is perched on the forested shoreline of the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is incredibly scenic and all rooms and cabins offer forest and mountain views. The lodge is situated at the end of a winding mountain road, a short drive from the village of Lake Louise, in a serene and peaceful setting. All accommodations are stylish, cozy, and have a rustic flair, with most featuring lovely wood-burning fireplaces. The on-site restaurant is upscale and serves extraordinary cuisine. A delicious buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, canoes, and guided hikes are all complimentary. Note: There is no cell phone coverage, nor any TVs or phones in any of the guest rooms or cabins.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com8. Juniper Hotel & Bistro – Outskirts of Banff
Hotel phone: +1-866-551-2281/403-762-22811
Perched on a forested hillside on the outskirts of Banff, this boutique hotel offers some of the best mountain/valley views in the area. The hotel has a modest and natural quality to its décor and its on-site gourmet bistro/lounge is excellent and offers fantastic views. There is no pool or fitness room, however they do have a small outdoor hot tub. Complimentary daytime shuttles into Banff as well as bicycle rentals are offered. You can feel a little detached from the downtown action, though, perhaps, that’s what guests here want.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com9. Mount Royal Hotel – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-877-862-2623
The Mount Royal Hotel has recently been renovated and is in the heart of downtown Banff, just steps to several shops, restaurants and bars, museums, and the Bow River Trail. This sprawling hotel is a collection of buildings acquired over the last century, which gives it a blend of character and charm. The rooms are modern with sleek bathrooms and offer some of the best views of any downtown hotel. There is an on-site family-friendly restaurant, Tony Roma’s, and a separate bar and lounge. The rooftop terrace features two outdoor hot tubs with excellent views of downtown Banff and the mountains beyond. Due to its busy location, guest rooms at the back of the hotel would be quieter.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com10. Fox Hotel & Suites – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-800-661-8310/403-760-8500
This hotel, located on the edge of downtown, feels very warm and welcoming with its large wood-burning fireplace in the lobby and alpine lodge decor. Its most unique feature is a cave-and-basin themed hot tub located below ground that is partially open to the elements. The guest rooms are comfortable with a cottage-style décor. There is an on-site restaurant and lounge, Chili’s, an American Tex-Mex chain, where complimentary buffet breakfast for hotel guests is also served. Banff Roam bus passes and underground parking are complimentary. Bicycles are available and can be rented by the hour or the day.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com11. Banff Aspen Lodge – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-877-886-8857/403-762-4401
This attractive no-frills hotel is a short walk to downtown, has a modern and recently-renovated décor, and features an inviting open-air courtyard with two outdoor hot tubs. The property is clean and well-maintained, and offers complimentary breakfast buffet, free underground parking, and a coffee shop with a nice outdoor patio and mountain views. There is no restaurant, bar, or fitness room; however, it’s only a short walk to a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Pet friendly.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com12. Canalta Lodge – Banff
Hotel phone: 403-762-2112
Banff’s newest hotel has a fun, casual vibe and features a trendy outdoor courtyard with hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, and barrel-style sauna. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with a base-camp theme featuring black and white plaid and yellow lantern-style lights. A complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet is provided. They have a small coffee bar and licensed lounge but there is no restaurant and only a handful of eateries are within a couple blocks of the hotel. Because the hotel is located at the far end of Banff Avenue, it’s farther from the town centre and is about a 25-minute walk to most of Banff’s restaurants, bars, and services.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com13. Paintbox Lodge – Canmore
Hotel phone: +1-888-678-2281/403-609-0482
Just 15 minutes east of Banff lies the picturesque town of Canmore, flanked by rugged mountains. This area appeals to travelers looking for fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe. Paintbox Lodge is a small boutique hotel with genuine small-town hospitality and features a country chic décor, lots of local artwork throughout, and a central location close to numerous restaurants and shops. The hotel offers a delicious and complimentary hot breakfast with bread that is baked on-site every morning. There is no restaurant or lounge, however a Miele coffee machine and honesty bar are available round the clock. Complimentary bicycles are provided and there are lots of biking and walking trails nearby.
• Hotel website14. Beaujolais Boutique B&B at Thea’s House – Banff
Hotel phone: +1-844-762-2499/403-762-2499
Centrally-located in a quiet neighborhood only three blocks from Banff’s downtown, this charming and welcoming boutique hotel offers four unique guest rooms featuring pine-vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces, and antique furniture. A delicious complimentary buffet breakfast is provided, prepared by an extraordinary French chef who is well-known in Banff. Snacks, beverages, and an honesty bar are available throughout the day. The property is in immaculate condition and impeccably clean, and the hosts are gracious and helpful. Complimentary bicycles, back packs, trekking poles, and snowshoes are available. Note: No children or pets are permitted.
• Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com
