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

If you're spending some time in Tunnel Mountain District, Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Sulphur Mountain District

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

Downtown District

If you're spending some time in Downtown District, Bow River and Banff Legacy Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown District

While Uptown District isn't home to many top sights, Tunnel Mountain and Victoria Glacier 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 Banff International Research Station.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$859 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$859
26 July - 27 July
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! (3,066 reviews)
"Very old property with torn wall and carpet. , Furniture was extremely old and dirty. Carpet was quite dirty too. Property needs remodeling. They are charging so much money for very old dirty rooms, bathroom was stinking all the time."

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$889 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$889
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,197 reviews)
"Great hotel with super friendly staff and the hot Spring pool looks like it's in a cave with a waterfall. It has other great amenities too like parking and washing machine and dryer for clothes I would highly recommend checking this place out."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

The Fox Hotel and Suites
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue Banff AB
The price is NZ$1,456 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$1,456
16 July - 17 July
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! (2,725 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Hotel Canoe 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,064 reviews)
"Great facilities. Very helpful and responsive staff. Would for sure stay again"

Reviewed on 12 July 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. ...
8/10 Very good! (4,187 reviews)
"The beds need updating, bed was sagging and is kinda old, layout is very nice with kitchen and a firewood fireplace. Just need a bit of update,upgrading things are getting old. But overall stay was good and location is perfect with a mountain view."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (459 reviews)
"The location and apartment were excellent. The price was on higher side though."

Reviewed on 6 July 2026

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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