Banff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff

Banff Travel Guide Video

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.

Where to stay in Banff

Street view of Banff Avenue in autumn evening. Snow capped Cascade Mountain with pink rosy sky in the background. Alberta, Canada.

Downtown District

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

Downtown District
Lake Moraine, Banff

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
Tunnel Mountain District

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
Panorama of Peyto lake on Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta, Rocky Mountains, Canada

Banff Centre District

While visiting Banff Centre District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Walter Phillips Gallery.

Banff Centre District
Banff Springs District

Banff Springs District

If you're spending some time in Banff Springs District, Bow Falls and Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Banff Springs District
Sulphur Mountain District

Sulphur Mountain District

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

Sulphur Mountain District
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$208 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$208
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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! (2,838 reviews)
Place is a bit run down. The furniture is old and dirty. The kettle and fan were filthy. The unit smelled like cigarette smoke when we first walked in. Staff are always friendly but a refresh is much required.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$235 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
NZ$235
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (3,148 reviews)
Nice comfy place to stay in a cozy part of town.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave Banff AB
The price is NZ$249 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$249
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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! (2,938 reviews)
Rooms aren't soundproof - I could hear people not in my room peeing in the toilet - It is clearly a.party place - so if you are looking for quiet - skip this place

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

The Fox 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.
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! (4,036 reviews)
Rooms were spacious and tidy, pool was great and the play place was tidy check in process was great, the front desk girl even got us in sooner. We had an issue with some wet firewood and more dry wood was brought to our room.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
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! (4,929 reviews)
Great stay. Staff are nice and very helpful. We enjoyed the hot pool a lot. They have great amenities.

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

Hidden Ridge Resort
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! (426 reviews)
If you like independent travel this is great. Fabulous location - the staff cannot do enough for you. Toiletries, bin bags, etc included - easy to obtain further supplies if required. Very different to our experience in Europe.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 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.

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