Where to Stay In and Near Banff: Best Areas, Pros & Cons, and Hotel Picks
Banff should 1000 percent be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s truly a dream; however, it’s a spendy dream. Hotels in Banff sell out quickly and are quite expensive. We opted to stay right in Banff for 2 nights and then outside of the city for 2 nights to try to save a bit of money. So, whether you want to be in the heart of the action or you’re looking for a peaceful, budget-friendly base nearby, this guide breaks down the best places to stay in and around Banff….complete with pros, cons, and specific hotel recommendations.
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Table of Contents
Where to Stay in (and near) Banff
Let’s dive into this complete guide as to where to stay in and near Banff! And, once you have your accommodation secured, be sure to check out my 3-day guide. It’s jam-packed with adventure as always!
Below are the 5 places I’ll be diving into. Here’s a quick sneak peek!
- Banff: Best for Convenience
- Lake Louise: Best for Luxury
- Canmore: Best all around
- Calgary: Best for day trippers and those flying in or out of Calagary
- Radium Hot Springs: Best for the wallet and those driving from the states
Staying in Banff Town
Staying right in Banff is perfect for those who want to be close to everything. You’ll be able to walk to restaurants, shops, some trails, and bus stops. However, this conveinence comes at a cost! Be sure to book early to secure the hotel of your choice!
Pros:
- Walkable access to downtown attractions
- Close to Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, and trailheads
- Great mix of dining and nightlife
- Walking distance to many ROAM Shuttle Stops
Cons:
- Most expensive option (The cheapest option we found was close to $350 a night in June, but we also booked pretty last minute)
- Lodging fills up quickly in peak season
Recommended Hotels in Banff
- Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa: Modern mountain-style lodge with a full spa, on-site restaurant, and cozy rooms.
- Banff Park Lodge (Where we stayed): Located right downtown, this hotel offers a pool, spa, two restaurants, and ski shuttle service. When we visited, it was undergoing a lot of renovations, so I’m sure it will be even better in the future!
- Banff Aspen Lodge: A great value option (remember, budget should be taken lightly when talking about Banff) with hot tubs, balconies, and a free breakfast near downtown.
- Fairmont Banff Springs: Also known as “The Castle in the Rockies,” this luxury resort offers world-class dining, a full-service spa, and dramatic views. You’ll dish out a pretty penny for a night or two here, but it’s definitely a bucket list item!
See more top stays in Downtown Banff here!
Staying in Canmore (~20 minute Drive to Banff)
Canmore is a lively mountain town with good restaurants, breweries, and beautiful views. It’s a very popular place for tourists to stay to save a bit of money, but still be close to the park! It’s a top pick for many if wanting to spend a few days exploring the Canadian Rockies.
Pros:
- Affordable alternative to Banff
- Walkable downtown with great amenities and just as scenic as downtown Banff
- Stunning scenery & close to many great hikes!
Cons:
- Train noise in some areas
- Slightly longer drive to main attractions (Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, etc).
Recommended Hotels:
- Basecamp Resorts Canmore: Stylish condo-style units with kitchens and rooftop hot tub.
- The Malcolm Hotel: Modern, upscale, and known for its rooftop pool and views.
Staying in Lake Louise Village
Lake Louise is a charming alpine village surrounded by iconic scenery. Staying here puts you right next to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and plenty of world-class hiking trails—perfect if you want to maximize your time outdoors. You’ll be able to beat some of the crowds at the lakes, and minimize your travel time. A stay here is perfect if you want to spend more than one day exploring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake or if you are planning a ski vacay at The Lake Louise Ski Resort.
When we booked our hotel last-minute, there were zero stays available here so make sure to book early if this is where you choose!
Pros:
- Unbeatable location—minutes from Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Surrounded by stunning hikes and outdoor activities
- Quieter and more peaceful than Banff or Canmore
Cons:
- Limited dining and nightlife options
- Fewer hotels, which means higher prices and early sell-outs
Recommended Hotels in Lake Louise Village
- Lake Louise Inn: Cozy, budget-friendly option with multiple room styles and on-site dining. We’ve had friends who stayed here and they loved it! There’s also a free shuttle to the ski resort!
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Iconic luxury right on the lake with incredible views and onsite skiing. Similarly to Fairmont Banff Springs, this is a splurge, but a bucket-list worthy one!
Search current availablity and pricing for Lake Louise Stays!
Staying in Calgary
Calgary is a vibrant city and the main gateway to Banff National Park. Staying here is likely the most budget-friendly option, and it’s a great choice if you have an early or late flight, or want to mix city exploring with your mountain trip.
Pros:
- A much more affordable option for accommodations
- Endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options
- Convenient for flights in/out of Calgary International Airport
Cons:
- 1.5–2 hour drive to Banff National Park
- No mountain views from your doorstep
- City vibe, not the cozy alpine atmosphere of Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise
Recommended Hotels in Calgary
- Alt Hotel Calgary East Village: Trendy and affordable with modern design.
- Fairmont Palliser: Historic, upscale hotel in the heart of downtown.
Check out more stays in Calgary!
Staying in Radium Hot Springs (1.5 hours from Banff)
About 1.5 hours from Banff via the scenic Kootenay National Park, the hotels here were VERY affordable. We drove to Banff from Montana, so we stayed in Radium Hot Springs on our way in and out of Banff. The hotels were basic, but less than $100 per night! There’s also hot springs (if the name didn’t give it away) and some good hikes here!
Pros:
- Natural mineral hot springs
- Peaceful and budget-friendly
- Scenic drive through Kootenay NP
Cons:
- Longer commute to Banff
- Car required
Recommended Hotels:
- Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort: Comfortable, modern hotel near the springs.
- Bighorn Meadows Resort: Family-friendly condos with kitchens and great scenery.
See more stays in Radium Hot Springs!
Where to Stay Near Banff: Quick Comparison Table
If you’re visiting Banff during peak season or looking to save money, staying outside the town itself is a great option. Canmore offers the best balance of access, charm, and affordability, while Radium Hot Springs is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the scenery (literally). No matter where you stay, the Canadian Rockies will leave you in awe. Here’s a quick chart to sum up everythign from this blog post!
| Location | Vibe & Atmosphere | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Town | Bustling mountain hub with shops, restaurants, and nightlife | Central location, walkable, tons of hotel and dining options, lively atmosphere | More expensive, crowded in peak season | Travelers who want to be in the heart of the action and walk everywhere |
| Canmore | Lively but laid-back mountain town outside the park | More affordable, great restaurants & breweries, walkable downtown, stunning scenery | Slightly longer drive to Banff/Lake Louise, some train noise | Budget-conscious travelers who still want a mountain-town experience |
| Lake Louise | Tiny alpine village surrounded by iconic scenery | Closest to Moraine Lake & Lake Louise, world-class hiking, peaceful atmosphere | Fewer hotels & dining options, higher prices, books up fast | Hikers & outdoor lovers wanting to maximize time at the lakes or ski resorts |
| Calgary | Vibrant city and main airport gateway | Most affordable, endless amenities, great for early/late flights | 1.5–2 hrs from Banff, no mountain views, city vibe | Travelers on a budget or with short/overnight stays before/after flights |
| Radium Hot Springs | Small, quiet town just outside the west park border | SUPER affordable, less crowded, access to hot springs, beautiful drive | Longer drive to Banff’s main attractions (1.5 hrs+), fewer amenities | Travelers wanting peace, relaxation, and hot springs after exploring or those driving to Banff from the States |
Need help planning your full Banff itinerary? I’ve got you covered – check out my 3 Days in Banff guide!
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