There’s a reason why Banff, the first national park to be established in Canada, is visited by more than four million people every year. Spanning 2,564 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and alpine wonderland is home to treasures like aqua-blue glacial lakes and snow-covered peaks punctuated by teahouses. Banff is brimming with natural beauty, from the geological drama of its landscapes to the spectacular species that have long called the national park home. And with skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and biking in spring and fall, and canoeing and camping in summer, there’s no bad season to visit.
Lucky for eager travelers, there are an abundance of great places to stay when you visit—whether you seek a ski-in hotel room, a château on the banks of a glacial lake, or a feel-like-a-local downtown rental surrounded by shops and hiking trails. From new hotels to cabin escapes, the stays below offer an abundance of ways to connect with the park’s beauty and spirit.
Scroll down for 17 of the best hotels and rentals to consider when deciding where to stay in and around Banff National Park.
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Hotels near Banff National Park
The view from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Courtesy Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Canoeing on Lake Louise, five restaurant and bar options, spa, fitness center with classes
Nearby attractions: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Tea House, Big Beehive, Brewster Stables
A five-star château awaits you at the world-famous, 539-room Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Another six-time Readers’ Choice Award winner, this hotel offers the epitome of elegance to guests: surreal lake views, soothing spa treatments, stellar food and beverage options, and scores of outdoor activities. A destination in and of itself, this fairytale resort was initially built to entice travelers to embark on a Rocky Mountain rail adventure during the early days of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Fling open your blinds in the morning for a front-row view of turquoise Lake Louise flanked by the prominent peaks of Victoria Glacier. Take it all in, then get outside no matter the season for a day spent doing anything and everything: go for a guided hike to a mountainside teahouse, join an e-bike tour, take a sleigh ride, or hit the slopes. Upon your return, stroll beneath the ornate chandelier, passing galleries and on-site shops, to enjoy a cocktail with a view at Fairview Bar & Restaurant. Pro tip: Spend at least one morning with a cup of coffee in bed and an elaborate in-room dining spread (try a blueberry scone and the brioche French toast) while you witness the sun sparkling on the lake.
The exterior of the Rimrock Resort Hotel
The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: EV charging stations, book exchange, two restaurants and two bars, full-service spa, in-room minibars
Nearby attractions: Via Ferrata, Banff Gondola, Surprise Corner Viewpoint, Tunnel Mountain Trail