Banff

Travel Guide

Banff which includes mountains, landscape views and a small town or village
Banff which includes a small town or village and mountains
Vermilion Lakes showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and mist or fog
Vermilion Lakes showing wetlands, mountains and a lake or waterhole
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. 

Where to stay in Banff

Banff featuring 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
They say it’s the journey and not the destination but when the journey involves rain, thunder, & lightning, the destination becomes everything! #Adventure

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
Default Image

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
What a wonderful world! 
#travel #canadarockies #banff #alberta #canada

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
Easily one of the coolest hotels, in the most majestic of settings. What a cool place!

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 a gondola, snow 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 Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is ¥52,554 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥52,554
¥58,430 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,301 reviews)
"The amazing thing is the wildlife and mountains around the resort. Wish you all the best."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
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 ¥57,340 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥57,340
¥63,751 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,709 reviews)
"This hotel was a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Otter Hotel
Otter Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is ¥79,666 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
¥79,666
¥88,573 total
Jun 23 - Jun 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Upper Hot Springs and Banff Gondola are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (469 reviews)
"Check- in was easy, and the front desk staff was very helpful. They provided a transit pass for the duration of the stay, which made traveling back and forth around Banff simple and car- free; this is good because the vehicle and pedestrian traffic was a little heavy over the weekend. The whole place ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Otter Hotel
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! (4,446 reviews)
Will be back.
"Cozy, comfortable, clean space with everything we needed, nestled up on a montain just minutes above the town of Banff. Veiws are amazing on sll sides. The property is well maintained."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 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! (3,504 reviews)
"Excellent size for the price. Bus stop into town right across the street."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 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! (339 reviews)
"Clean and close to everything."

Reviewed on May 26, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Banff

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
681
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
151
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fantastic mountain resort town. Gorgeous and lots to do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Banff is a beautiful winter wonderland! I will definitely come back to relax the mind. My 10 year old loved it... however it may be harder to hike with smaller children.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

This is a ski / resort town . IE nothing is cheap . Average meal for two Is 50 ca , also Parking is ruff . Over all every person working in Banff was super nice - great getaway- think spring time would be a zoo . But for our long weekend it great !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great skiing and a wonderful ski town. The skiing rivals Vail, the vistas even more stunning and the town is a real ski town, not a contrived “resort.” Not pretentious, not expensive. It’s a Western ski town with a little European, Alpine feel to it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great skiing, beautiful views.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful place !!

Cities near Banff