Banff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A valley with a town, mountains, and a river.
A lake with a forest and a mountain in the background.
A mountain town with autumn trees, a prominent mountain in the background, and a pedestrian crossing.
A calm lake with a wooden dock, surrounded by a forest and a mountain in the background.
A historic stone building with multiple windows and a central tower.

Experience the majestic beauty and active excitement of the Rocky Mountains from the highest town in Canada.

Situated in Banff National Park, this town is the perfect location from which to explore the wonderful natural surroundings of the Rockies. Banff is a hugely popular destination, with its 10,000 permanent residents welcoming over four million visitors every single year!The landscape is cloaked in white throughout the winter making this one of the best places in the country to go skiing! Ski resorts at Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village offer a wide range of the best that a downhill enthusiast could wish for. Mt Norquay is the big favourite with the locals, as it has the most challenging slopes and attracts smaller crowds, while a wide range of beginners, intermediate and advanced slopes are catered for at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The best way to get out to the ski resorts is to take a shuttle bus. These run from all of the hotels in Banff.Unspoilt green wilderness surrounds the town as summer comes around and lovers of the outdoors have a whole new range of choices. Hundreds of walking trails are marked out throughout the countryside, ranging from gentle walks through the valleys to strenuous hikes up into the heights, exploring hidden mountainsides and spectacular lakes. Mountain biking is also a huge favourite here, with lots of exciting routes available. Maps can be obtained from Banff's bike rental companies. Crystalline blue lakes draw thousands of kayakers to the area too, and there are plenty of kayaking spots to choose from.When you've finished your day's exertions, you can settle back and enjoy a beer in one of the many bars and nightclubs in Banff. The town is famous for its party atmosphere, so make sure to bring a little bit of energy back with you from the hillsides and enjoy your night! The Dancing Sasquatch is known far and wide and is open until late.Banff is located an hour and a half from Calgary, and is four hours south of Jasper by car.

Our guide on where to stay in Banff

Find the best Banff areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Banff
Learn more about Banff

Tunnel Mountain District

Though Tunnel Mountain District may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Banff Springs Golf Club and Tunnel Mountain.

Sulphur Mountain District

While visiting Sulphur Mountain District, you might make a stop by sights like Upper Hot Springs and Sulphur Mountain.

Downtown District

If you're spending some time in Downtown District, Bow River and Canada House Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown District

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

Banff Centre District

While visiting Banff Centre District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Jenny Belzberg Theatre.

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$307 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$307
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,357 reviews)
"The hotel staff was very friendly. We were able to have them hold our bags when our room wasn’t ready while we went out hiking for the day. The room was spacious and clean. The hotel was in a great location. The bus stop was right next door and was also walkable to downtown."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$244 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$244
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very good! (3,211 reviews)
"The property is correct meaning minimal cleaning - don’t look at the light on the ceiling or at the ceiling above the stove. There are all the cooking equipment needed. Enough parking space. The village is close by and there is a shuttle to downtown if needed. Staff is very kind and helpful."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs

4 out of 5
405 Spray Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$1,480 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
NZ$1,480
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
Fairmont Banff Springs
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,155 reviews)
"The overall stay was great especially the bus stop being right there very convenient. The rooms weren’t super clean like I found little specs of things that looked like kibbles near the ground by the tv drawers."

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

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 ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their reviews. ...
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 Wi-Fi, 2 hot tubs and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their ...
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.

Stay near popular Banff attractions

Activities

Cities near Banff

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