Piercing blue glacial lakes, majestic snow-capped peaks, and wildlife spotting await in Banff National Park, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system. Being a lifelong Calgarian, I’m lucky enough to call this UNESCO World Heritage Site my backyard, and despite countless visits to the area over the past few decades, there’s always something new to discover: perhaps a hiking trail like Big Beehive with its jaw-dropping views of world-famous Lake Louise, a soothing soak at one of the outdoor Nordic spas, a new run at its trio of ski resorts, a creative cocktail at a buzzing bar along Banff Avenue, or a one-of-a-kind elevated dining experience (literally—book a table at the top of Sulphur Mountain, my go-to for a celebratory dinner).
Whatever you plan to explore in the park, after a long day of adventuring, you’ll want to rest your head somewhere just as magical. Luckily, there’s an abundance of luxe lodging to check into. From slopeside stays to lakefront cabins to a château surrounded by majestic mountains and wilderness, read on for my favorite places to stay in and around breathtakingly beautiful Banff National Park. —Tamara Elliott
Hotels near Banff National Park
Rentals near Banff National Park
How to plan a trip to Banff National Park
When is the best time to visit Banff National Park?
I’m partial to fall in Banff National Park (September and October), when the lakes and trails are a bit quieter; it’s still warm enough for pursuits like hiking and biking, and the seasonal splendor is at its finest as larch trees turn valleys from green to gold.
How do you get to Banff National Park?
You’ll need a set of wheels to properly explore Banff National Park, whether you rent your own vehicle or make use of shuttle services. From Calgary International Airport, it’s a 90-minute drive along the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) to downtown Banff, and another half-hour to Lake Louise. Those arriving from West Coast locales like Vancouver can fly, ride the rails on a luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train trip, or opt to drive; while it’s a long haul (530 miles), the scenery is stunning and weaves through the Coast Mountains past lakefront towns and natural hot springs en route to the Rockies.
What are the best things to do in Banff National Park?
Canyon walks, a via ferrata, hiking, cycling, golfing, lake cruises, and paddling are just some of the adventurous activities on offer during the warmer months at this all-season destination. Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is a must; just be sure to coordinate a shuttle in advance, as parking spots are hard to come by and drive-up traffic is no longer permitted at the latter. Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain any time of the year for 360-degree views, and enjoy fine dining at its sky-high Sky Bistro. Winter brings snowy escapades like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and all-ages tobogganing—one of our family’s favorite Christmas Eve celebrations was the one we spent sliding down the slopes of Mount Norquay on inflatable snow tubes.
What areas should you stay in and around Banff National Park?
The heartbeat of the park is downtown along Banff Avenue, a very touristy strip lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, galleries, clothing stores, and cafés framed by Tunnel Mountain. While this district is the most convenient for amenities and attractions, those craving more solace and uninterrupted views will want to head to one of the resorts perched on the surrounding hills for a slopeside stay. I also recommend the town of Canmore, an adventure hub that has similar offerings and is just 10 minutes outside the park gates. This usually means fewer crowds and a more local vibe, making it a fantastic alternative to staying right in Banff.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.