Where to Stay in Banff: Best Hotels, Campgrounds, and More for your Canadian Rockies Trip!

If you’re a bit frenzied with where to stay in Banff, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve visited Banff four times in my life, each time gaining more respect and admiration for the area and the mountains.

It is hands down one of my favorite mountain towns in the world, and you are in for a treat on your upcoming trip! The unbelievable hiking, incredibly friendly people, and walkable downtown make Banff and the Canadian Rockies an icon of the world.

I hope my Where to Stay in Banff guide helps you plan your trip and you have the best time! (If you need a planner, my 7-day itinerary is a good place to start.)

Easy Booking: Expedia.com | Hotels.com | VRBO | Booking.com
Need Gear: Find it on REI.com
Find Awesome Tours: Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
Instagram: @Alecoutside – Get daily hiking and travel inspiration, plus wildlife photography
My Annual Calendar is Available again! Get 5% off for being a loyal reader.

When is the best time to visit Banff?

There are several factors to consider when traveling to Banff.

First, sadly, are wildfires. July and August tend to have a higher chance of smoke drifting into the region, which can really mess up your trip. It doesn’t happen every year, but we’re not exactly on a good trajectory.

Second, most hikes are available by mid-June. This is still technically off-peak, and you can visit without as many crowds or the crazy high costs.

canoes out on emerald lake, one of the things to do during you two day yoho national park itinerary — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Thirdly, if you want to see the northern lights, visiting from late September through April is a perfect time to do so. Obviously, winter will be cold. However, if you’re looking for a good middle ground, October would be ideal, and so is late March.

Lastly, Canada Day is July 1. It’s the same week as July 4 for us Americans. Keep in mind that on your holiday, you’re also likely going on someone else’s holiday too.

When do I like visiting Banff?

The June date above was a perfect time. July is going to be awesome if you plan to summit higher peaks that may still hold snow in June. And then my absolutely favorite is fall in the Canadian Rockies. This is late September into early October.

You’ll get golden larches, maybe a little snow, and potentially northern lights. Talk about an incredible trifecta.

Where to Stay in Banff? Top Hotels in the Area

First things first, lodging prices in Banff have increased significantly over the last five to eight years. If you’re going during the summer, spending $350 a night is not uncommon. It’s unfortunate, because more people should see that area of North America.

They also increase their prices during the summer and winter months due to high tourism seasons. If you want slightly less expensive prices, visiting in spring or fall is a great money-saving tip.

Where to stay in Banff: Budget-Style

The first time I ever visited Banff, back in 2017, my buddy and I spent a couple of nights in the Banff AlpineHostel. If you’ve never been, it’s fantastic. Unfortunately, it’s not as cheap as it used to be. Still, it’s an option.

a bald eagle flies above — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Where to stay in Banff: Mid-Level

These are mid-tier levels. During the summer, you can probably expect $370 to $450 per night. However, do your research, as dynamic pricing seems to be increasingly prevalent and can vary.

Where to stay in Banff: Luxury

If you want luxury, you can find it in Banff. The nicest place, in my opinion, is the Fairmont Banff Springs. It’s as good as it looks!

Have a big group? Try a VRBO in Banff

I know not everyone is looking for a hotel. If you’re looking for a large house, check out VRBO or Expedia. Some excellent options can accommodate large groups of friends or family.

Where to Stay in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies

Don’t fret. If you don’t want to stay in Banff, but want to be up by Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, there are plenty of options for you!

Solo/Younger Travelers: HI Lake Louise Hostel—I’ve stayed here twice, and it’s been awesome. It’s one of the best-located hostels, and for the price point, it’s super affordable!
HI Lake Louise Hostel – HI Banff Hostel
Mid-Range Options: Mountaineer Lodge – Deer Lodge – Lake Louise Inn
Luxury Options: Emerald Lake Lodge – Chateau Lake Louise – Baker Creek by Basecamp

Campgrounds Near Banff and Lake Louise

Thankfully, Canada excels at promoting camping.

There are tons of campgrounds in the town of Banff, as well as throughout Banff National Park and Yoho National Park. I can speak about three of them: Lake Louise, Tunnel Mountain Campground, and Monarch Campground.

a red and white tent with a big mountain behind it — Camping at Monarch Campground

Closer to Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway

I stayed at Lake Louise and Monarch during my 2024 summer road trip from Seattle. Both campgrounds are fantastic. Monarch is a first-come, first-served site with no utilities, except for an outhouse.

Lake Louise Soft-sided is far more established and requires reservations. There are showers, and an electric fence surrounds the entire campground. It was a phenomenal place to spend a few days.

a red and white tent in a campground with a 4runner on the left side of the image — Camping at Lake Louise

Close to the town of Banff

Lastly, Tunnel Mountain is similar to Lake Louise, located just down the road from Banff. Hot showers, drinking water, and nice campsites are all included. If you’re wondering where to stay in Banff on a budget, that’s a great option. And it’s enormous and usually has availability.

Two Jack Lake Campground is also just 10 minutes away, max, from Tunnel Mountain and offers epic views of the lake and mountains.

Good food spots

Now, don’t shoot me. I’m not the biggest foodie out here, but I’ll share where I’ve been before. Because I’m usually camping, we get our food at the grocery store to help trim costs.

Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Sheepdog Brewing
LUPO Italian Ristorante

the view looking down on lake louise from little bee hive hike — Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

7 Things to Know About Visiting and Staying in Banff

1. You can no longer drive a personal vehicle to Moraine Lake. Parking also fills up quickly at Lake Louise if you’re not there by 7:30 a.m. You may also need to book a shuttle. Read my guide here.

2. You MUST drive the Icefields Parkway. I suggest staying a night in Jasper and exploring that area as well.

3. Looking for fewer crowds? Yoho National Park is a prime destination for awe-inspiring hikes and breathtaking views, with minimal wait times. (Well, except Emerald Lake.)

4. Vermillion Lakes and Two Jack Lake are two quick and easy places to watch the sunrise or sunset. Just drive up, grab your hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and enjoy the view.

5. The Bow River Trail is a really nice place to walk in the town. Stunning views, and you’ll feel like you’re out in nature. When you stay in Banff, you’re home to so many cool things to do in the immediate area.

6. Everyone goes to Lake Louise (don’t skip it). But I do suggest heading down into Kananaskis Country and Spray Lakes (south of Canmore) for some truly incredible views. Plus, there’s more wildlife down there. If you take the route via Canmore proper, it’s a dirt road, but any vehicle can drive on it.

7. Check out some of the Banff tours you can book.

Walk on a glacier (full day option they drive you) VS Glacier Only Tour Option – way cheaper | Take a helicopter ride over the Rockies|Take a risk on the Via Ferrata | Do your first canyoneering tour | Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Photos to get you excited about visiting Banff National Park

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Banff, Canada

Ask anyone, Banff and the Canadian Rockies are my favorite place on earth (well, Alaska may object). Either way, you are in for one of the most memorable trips of your life, and I’m so excited you will get to see the glory of Canada.

I hope this article helps you decide where to stay in Banff and provides some valuable insights for a fun trip ahead!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube