Banff

Travel Guide

Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff which includes a garden and heritage elements

Banff Travel Guide Video

The mountain scenery surrounding Canada's highest town is breathtaking all year round.

Around 4 million tourists flock to Banff every year to experience the majestic beauty of the town's dramatic surroundings. Nestled within the unspoiled wilds of Banff National Park, high in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Banff is ideally located for excursions to the area's many resorts and attractions.

Banff's 10,000 permanent residents can attest to the fact that this region is as beautiful in summer as it is in winter. Come spring, the countryside takes on a vibrant verdant hue, matched only by the astonishing deep turquoise of the area's lakes.

Take in the spectacular views on foot, making the most of the hundreds of hiking paths. There's a trail for every level of ability, from riverside meanders to hard-core treks. If you prefer getting around on two wheels, there are plenty of mountain bike rental shops in Banff where you can also get advice and trail maps. Kayaking is the ideal way to see the vivid glacial lakes up close bring your own kayak or simply hire one in town.

Come winter, Banff is transformed into a snowy paradise. A mecca for skiers and snowboarders, there are several ski resorts in the area, including Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. You can catch a shuttle bus from one of the hotels in town to get to Sunshine Village or Lake Louise. Both have a vast number of runs ranging from novice to advanced levels. A local favourite, Mt Norquay is smaller but less crowded, and has more advanced runs.

As you would imagine, the volume of holidaymakers year-round makes Banff somewhat of a party town. Unwind after a day in the mountains in one of its many first-rate bars and clubs. The Dancing Sasquatch is the town's legendary nightspot and no visit to Banff would be complete without at least one late night in this fine establishment.

Banff is a four-hour drive south of Jasper, or an hour-and-a-half's drive west of Calgary.

Where to stay in Banff

Banff showing night scenes and street scenes

Downtown District

While visiting Downtown District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Banff Legacy Trail.

Downtown District
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Uptown District

While Uptown District isn't home to many top sights, Tunnel Mountain and Victoria Glacier are some notable places to visit nearby.

Uptown District
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Tunnel Mountain District

If you're spending some time in Tunnel Mountain District, Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Tunnel Mountain District
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Banff Centre District

If you're spending some time in Banff Centre District, Bow River and Walter Phillips Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Banff Centre District
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Banff Springs District

While visiting Banff Springs District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow Falls and Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre.

Banff Springs District
Banff Gondola featuring views, a gondola and landscape views

Sulphur Mountain District

If you're spending some time in Sulphur Mountain District, Upper Hot Springs and Sulphur Mountain are top sights worth seeing.

Sulphur Mountain District
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is P22,319 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P22,319
P24,814 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,751 reviews)
"Good location in Banff. Excellent breakfast menu options even for vegetarian. Only drawback, if u have full size SUV, then it won't fit in their parking garage under the hotel and so u need to find parking space on streets. The same issue for most hotels in Banff - won't fit large full size SUVs. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is P35,820 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P35,820
P39,825 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Upper Hot Springs ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (612 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel! Traveling with family and spent 5 days at The Otter Hotel. Our room was excellent and we enjoyed the hot tub on the roof each night. Great stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Otter Hotel
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is P21,330 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P21,330
P23,714 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,397 reviews)
"Conveniently located close to town but far enough away to be quiet. Hot tub was amazing. Staff were friendly. Room was cozy. Great stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

The Fox 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.
Hidden Ridge Resort

Hidden Ridge Resort

3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,521 reviews)
"A bit smaller than I expected, but it was good for our large family."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hidden Ridge Resort
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 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,639 reviews)
"I like that the hotel rooms have a kitchen, fireplace, and I lice the water park and hot tub."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
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, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (355 reviews)
"Parking was the only issue"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

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.

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