Banff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A town nestled between mountains with a prominent peak in the background.
A calm lake surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
A mountain town with autumn trees, a prominent mountain in the background, and a pedestrian crossing.
A large hotel surrounded by a turquoise lake and forested mountains.
A street with a wooden kiosk labeled 'The Keg Steakhouse-Bar', people walking, and a mountain in the background.

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 Surprise Corner.

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$226 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$226
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (3,354 reviews)
"Bathroom was not fully clean (bathroom fan was absolutely covered in dirt/dust, dusty/dirty knobs in the bathroom) and the shower curtain is too small for the expanded great shower curtain rod (water everywhere). The shower head water sprayed in every direction."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue Banff AB
The price is NZ$383 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$383
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel 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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,095 reviews)
"Our room was very clean. The view of the mountains was amazing! The restaurant downstairs was excellent and has an awesome coffee bar in the morning. My husband enjoyed the hot pools but I didn't go. The hotel offered us bus passes to go downtown which was nice. I would go again!"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Hotel Canoe and Suites
Moose Hotel And Suites

Moose Hotel And Suites

4 out of 5
345 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$454 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$454
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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 pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
Moose 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
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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