Where to Stay in Banff: Best Hotels for Every Budget
Banff is an incredible place to visit, but with so many hotels to choose from, figuring out where to stay can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a mid-range stay close to downtown, or a budget-friendly option that still has everything you need, there’s a hotel in Banff that will fit your needs.
After spending time in Banff during May/June 2024, I’ve rounded up some of the best hotels based on location, amenities, and overall value to help make your decision easier.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of where to stay in Banff so you can find the perfect place for your trip!
During my trip, I stayed at Banff Inn, and I highly recommend it. It was one of the more affordable options, but it was still clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. When I visit Banff next time, I’d definitely stay there again.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Brief Overview on Where to Stay in Banff
If you’re short on time, here is a quick overview of my top choices for hotels in Banff based on the categories below.
Where to Stay in Banff: A Detailed Guide
In this blog post, we’ll go over the best places to stay in Banff, depending on your preferences and budget.
Keep in mind that the nightly rates at these hotels can vary significantly based on how far in advance you book and the time of year you’re visiting.
The closer you get to your trip, the higher the rates will be.
Additionally, prices tend to be much higher during the summer season compared to other times of the year.
I’ve pinned all of these hotels in Banff on the Google Map below so you can easily see where they’re located in relation to downtown Banff.
Luxury Hotels in Banff
1. Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs is easily the most iconic hotel in Banff—and for good reason.
This historic hotel offers incredible amenities, including a spa, multiple restaurants, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
It seriously feels like you’re staying in a castle!
The mountain views here are unbeatable and are exactly what you picture when you think of Banff.
It’s one of the most expensive places to stay in Banff, but if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, it could be worth the splurge for you.
The location isn’t the most convenient since it’s a bit outside of the downtown area, but it’s only a 20–25 minute walk into downtown.
The walk is along the Bow River, so it’s nice and scenic!
2. Rimrock Resort Hotel
The Rimrock Resort Hotel is another high-end accommodation with a more quiet and secluded feel.
The rooms have some of the best views of the Rockies, and the on-site fine dining restaurant, Eden, is the perfect spot for a fancy dinner.
It’s located right next to Banff Upper Hot Springs, so if soaking in the thermal pools is on your itinerary, this is a great place to stay.
It’s also near the Banff Gondola, which I highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
This was one of the highlights of our trip—the views of the Canadian Rockies from the gondola and boardwalks at the top were incredible.
The hotel is about 2 miles outside of downtown Banff, but they partner with the ROAM transit bus, so you can take the bus downtown for free.
3. Moraine Lake Lodge
Moraine Lake Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind experience near one of the most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park.
The lodge is located right on the shores of Moraine Lake and gives you the opportunity to wake up to stunning views of the turquoise water and surrounding mountains.
The lodge offers a range of activities including canoeing on the lake and hiking trails nearby.
It’s definitely the most remote accommodation on this blog post but it might be worth it for you to stay right outside of one the most beautiful lakes in Banff.
I would recommend just staying here for a night or two and then staying in downtown Banff for the rest of your trip.
Not staying at Moraine Lake Lodge but wanting to see Moraine Lake at sunrise? Check out my blog post where I discuss the best Moraine Lake sunrise tours!
4. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the perfect option if you want to experience a truly luxurious stay in Banff National Park.
Located right at the edge of Lake Louise, this hotel offers incredible views of both the lake and the surrounding mountains.
You’re also within walking distance of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park such as the Plain of Six Glaciers and Little Beehive.
The hotel has a spa, multiple on-site restaurants, and access to outdoor activities such as canoeing on the lake in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
It’s about a 45-minute drive from Banff, but the location is unbeatable, especially if you want easy access to some of the best hiking in the area.
I’d recommend staying here for a night or two to be close to Lake Louise, then stay in downtown Banff for the rest of your trip.
Check out my blog post where we discuss 20 of the best hikes in Banff National Park that you should add to your itinerary!
Mid-Range Hotels in Banff
5. Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Buffalo Mountain Lodge offers a more rustic mountain lodge experience.
The rooms have real wood-burning fireplaces which is a nice touch!
It’s slightly removed from downtown Banff, but it is still within walking distance, about 1 mile.
There’s also a hot tub and on-site restaurant.
6. The Juniper Hotel
If you want to stay somewhere quiet with great views, The Juniper Hotel is a great option.
It’s located just outside of downtown and offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views over the mountains.
The on-site restaurant has great reviews!
7. Moose Hotel & Suites
Moose Hotel & Suites is one of the best mid-range hotels in Banff.
The location is perfect—within walking distance from Banff Avenue—and the rooftop hot tubs offer an incredible view of the surrounding mountains.
The rooms are spacious, and there’s an on-site spa if you want to relax after a long day of hiking.
8. Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa has a true mountain lodge feel, with rustic decor and an on-site spa.
The Keg Steakhouse is also located inside the hotel.
It’s a short walk to downtown, and the rooms are well-maintained.
9. Banff Aspen Lodge
For a balance between affordability and comfort, Banff Aspen Lodge is a great pick.
It’s located just a few blocks from downtown, and the free breakfast is a nice perk.
The rooms are simple, and the outdoor hot tubs are perfect for relaxing in the evening.
10. Canalta Lodge
Canalta Lodge has a modern-rustic vibe and an outdoor courtyard with multiple hot tubs and fire pits.
It’s within walking distance of downtown Banff as well.
The hotel also offers free breakfast and ski storage.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Banff
11. Banff Ptarmigan Inn
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel close to downtown, Banff Ptarmigan Inn is one of the best options.
It’s just a couple of blocks from Banff Avenue and includes free underground parking.
The rooms are basic but comfortable, making it a great value stay.
12. Banff Inn (Where I Stayed!)
Banff Inn is a great option for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort but are trying to not break the bank.
The rooms are clean and well-maintained, and you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay.
It’s only a short walk from downtown, making it easy to explore the area.
We stayed here during our trip to Banff (late May/early June) and paid $1,261 for 7 nights, which comes out to about $180 per night.
The key to getting this rate was booking well in advance—about 7 months ahead of our trip.
Curious about what we did during our trip to Banff? Check out my 7-day Banff itinerary where I detail exactly what we did during our trip in late May/early June!
13. Tunnel Mountain Resort
Tunnel Mountain Resort is perfect for if you want a more peaceful stay with extra space.
The suites come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, making it a great option for families or longer stays.
It’s not right in downtown Banff, but the scenic location makes up for it, and there’s a free bus that takes you into town.
14. Irwin’s Mountain Inn
Irwin’s Mountain Inn is a no-frills but comfortable hotel just a short walk from downtown.
It has free parking, making it a great affordable choice.
The interactive map below shows additional places to stay in Banff if you’re looking for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Banff
1. Where is the Best Place to Stay in Banff for First-Time Visitors?
If it’s your first time visiting Banff, I recommend staying in the downtown area since it is the most convenient option.
You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and even some hiking trails.
One of my favorite hiking trails in Banff was within walking distance from downtown! It is Tunnel Mountain Summit.
Hotels like Canalta Lodge or Banff Inn are great choices for easy access to everything.
2. Is it Expensive to Stay in Banff?
Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to stay in Banff.
The accommodations can get pretty pricey, especially in the summer months (July & August).
Budget-friendly options like Irwin’s Mountain Inn help keep costs lower.
Booking early and traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can also help you save money.
We spent $1,261 to stay in Banff Inn for 7 nights from May to June in 2024. We booked 7 months in advance to secure a lower rate.
Banff would be the perfect destination to travel with a group of friends, allowing you to share accommodations and split the cost.
3. Is it Better to Stay in Banff or Canmore?
Staying in Banff puts you closer to the national park’s main attractions, but Canmore is a great alternative with more affordable accommodations.
I visited both Banff and Canmore, and while Banff had more of a “wow factor” for me, I still really enjoyed Canmore.
It has plenty of shops, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views, but with fewer crowds.
The distance between the two is not significant either since Canmore is only about a 20-minute drive from Banff.
If you are staying in Canmore, be sure to check out my one day in Canmore itinerary! It is worth a day trip from Banff even if you’re not staying in Canmore.
4. Are There Pet-Friendly Hotels in Banff?
Yes! Many hotels in Banff allow pets, including Canalta Lodge, Moose Hotel & Suites, and Fairmont Banff Springs.
Be sure to check pet policies, since most of the hotels do charge extra fees.
5. How Far in Advance Should I Book a Hotel in Banff?
For summer (late June – mid September) and winter peak seasons (December through early March), book your hotel at least 4-6 months in advance.
If you’re visiting in the off-season, you might find last-minute availability, but booking early is always a good idea to secure the best rates.
6. Is it Better to Stay in Banff or Lake Louise?
It depends on what you’re after!
Banff is more convenient, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do, making it a good base for exploring.
Lake Louise is quieter and closer to great hiking and outdoor activities. If you want to focus on nature, it’s a better option.
If you have time, consider staying a night or two in Lake Louise for easy access to the lake, then moving to Banff for the rest of your trip.
7. How Many Days Should I Spend in Banff?
It depends on what you want to do!
If you’re mainly interested in exploring the town, doing a few short hikes, and checking out the local sights, 4-5 days should be enough.
If you want to explore the surrounding national park and do some longer hikes, I’d recommend 6-7 days!
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Banff
Banff has plenty of hotel options, whether you want to splurge at the Fairmont Banff Springs or go for a more affordable choice like Banff Inn.
If you’re traveling during peak season (late June through mid September), I recommend booking as early as possible since hotels fill up quickly.
No matter where you stay in Banff, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the Canadian Rockies!
Helpful Tips For Planning Your Trip to Banff
- Recommended Activities: I highly recommend checking out the Banff Gondola, Via Ferrata, White Water Rafting, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
- Best Hikes in Banff: Plain of Six Glaciers, Little Beehive & Big Beehive, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Tunnel Mountain – read more on my best hikes in Banff blog post!
- Where to Stay in Banff: I loved our stay at the Banff Inn and would 100% recommend! The Canalta Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are great options too.
- Rental Car: If you’re wanting to get a rental car in Banff, I recommend using Expedia or Rentalcars.com for the best deals!
- Flights: Look for the best flight deals using Aviasales.
- Airport Transfer: Use the Banff Airporter to get you from the Calgary Airport to your hotel in Banff if you don’t have a rental car.
- No Rental Car: If you don’t have a rental car, consider using the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus or joining a guided tour of the most popular sights.
Check out my other Banff blog posts to help plan your trip!
- The Perfect One Day in Canmore Itinerary: Top Things to Do in This Charming Mountain Town
- How to Plan the Ideal One Day in Banff Itinerary
- Is Visiting Banff in May Worth It? – All You Need to Know
- How to Visit Moraine Lake at Sunrise – All You Need to Know
- 20 of the Best Hikes in Banff National Park You Need to Experience
- 18 of the Best Lakes in Banff You Need to See On Your Trip
- Must-Know Guide About Johnston Canyon: One of Banff’s Most Popular Hikes
- The Ultimate 7 Day Banff Itinerary for a Bucket List Trip
- Yoho National Park Itinerary: Unforgettable Day Trip from Banff
- Banff Summer Packing List: Must-Have Items for Your Trip
5 Comments