Banff

Travel Guide
Banff
Visit the highest town in Canada and explore the pristine wilderness which surrounds it.

Banff is the perfect place from which to explore Canada's Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Banff National Park and central to many of the regions best attractions, Banff is popular throughout the year. The town's native population of 10,000 is supplemented by around 4 million visitors each year. 

Skiers are spoilt for choice with several ski resorts nearby. Try the slopes at Mt Norguay, Lake Louise Ski Resort or Sunshine Village. Mt Norguay is the favorite of the locals, it has the least crowds and the most advanced slopes. Both Lake Louise and Sunshine Village have huge numbers of ski runs to choose from, from advanced to beginner. The easiest way to get there is to catch one of the shuttle buses which pick up from all the hotels in town.

In summer, the landscape around Banff transforms from a winter wonderland to a green wilderness, ripe for a whole variety of outdoor pursuits. There are hundreds of trails to explore, from easy strolls alongside streams to strenuous hikes which circumnavigate spectacular lakes. Mountain biking is another great way to explore and there are bike-rentals in the town which can also provide maps of the best trails in the area. Rent a kayak and get out on one of the incredible vivid blue lakes in the area for a different perspective.

Get out on the town after a day of skiing or cycling. Being a vacation destination, a party atmosphere pervades the town all year round. There are some excellent nightclubs and bars in the center of town. Don't miss the Dancing Sasquatch, a local institution which is open until late.

Banff is around an hour and a half from Calgary by car, or four hours south of Jasper. 

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is CA $129 per night from Oct. 23 to Oct. 24
CA $129
per night
Oct. 23 - Oct. 24
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the bar and the overall value in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,548 reviews)
"Ez check in- comfort place but with senior, it’s not a good idea to take the stairs ( cz have to walk upstairs)..everything else is great, 2 bathrooms and clean."

Reviewed on Sep. 23, 2023

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
4 out of 5
300 Moutain Avenue, Banff, AB
The price is CA $355 per night from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20
CA $355
per night
Oct. 19 - Oct. 20
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,226 reviews)
good stay
"We had a nice stay overall. Staff were friendly and rooms were clean. We stayed on 8th floor which had a good view of the mountains. One thing that wasn't expected, the instruction for parking in the garage said to grab a ticket in the way in but there was no ticket and the gate was wide open."

Reviewed on Sep. 24, 2023

The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Moose Hotel And Suites
Moose Hotel And Suites
4 out of 5
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is CA $249 per night from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23
CA $249
per night
Oct. 22 - Oct. 23
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,955 reviews)
"Great location - walkable to everywhere on Main Street. The property was great for our family and a great Banff experience. We also ate at the on site restaurant for dinner and it was wonderful."

Reviewed on Sep. 21, 2023

Moose Hotel And Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,429 reviews)
"Great place and worst reception lady"

Reviewed on Sep. 23, 2023

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,362 reviews)
"My family loves the outdoor pool. We will definitely coming back"

Reviewed on Sep. 23, 2023

Hidden Ridge Resort
Basecamp Suites Banff
Basecamp Suites Banff
2.5 out of 5
101, 316 Marten St, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau and Banff National Park ...
9/10 Wonderful! (82 reviews)
"Had a great time at this hotel. The location was great to the shops and restaurants. It was also only about a 7 min walk to the free parking at the train station. The rooms were very modern and clean like the pictures. The beds and sofa was comfortable as well."

Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2023

Basecamp Suites Banff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Banff

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2155
" "5 - Excellent 69.85413290113452%
4 - Good
847
" "4 - Good 27.455429497568883%
3 - Okay
70
" "3 - Okay 2.2690437601296596%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 0.19448946515397084%
1 - Terrible
7
" "1 - Terrible 0.22690437601296595%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jun. 2, 2020

Beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
May 19, 2020

Banff needs a foot village like Whistler with better shopping and restaurant patios you can sit and people watch. Don't like the main drag being one long street they need more of a village/resort feel to it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 28, 2020

Banff is one of the most beautiful places i have ever been to

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 2, 2020

We loved it. If we come during winter again, hiking will be our focus! Summer would be wonderful, too. Either way, we'll be back :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 31, 2020

Excellent Rocky Mountain resort town with plenty of outdoor activities to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 29, 2020

Banff is always beautiful place to visit

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