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

Banff showing night scenes and street scenes

Downtown District

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

Downtown District
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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
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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
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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
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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
Banff Gondola which includes views, landscape views and mountains

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
Otter Hotel
Otter Hotel
4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is NZ$1,080 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$1,080
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Upper Hot Springs ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (536 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay, but they did not clean the room."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Otter Hotel
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is NZ$755 per night from 24 July to 25 July
NZ$755
24 July - 25 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,738 reviews)
"Property was nice but shower didn’t drain well. Restaurant a bit pricy for what it is. Staff was nice. Indoor large hot tub was good after a long day exploring."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

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$690 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$690
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,344 reviews)
"Very nice property overlooking the mountains. Everything was clean & comfortable. Really nice having a restaurant on-site. Quick walk to main section of town. Amazing hot tub grotto area!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,477 reviews)
"Loved the stay. Enjoyed the amenities."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

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 3-star ski condo in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,566 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

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 WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Love it!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Banff

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
79
5 - Excellent 81%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We absolutely loved Banff and hope to come back every year or 2 from Australia!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very cold in march. Bring lots clothes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Banff is a must for anyone travelling to Alberta. A beautiful little town with great daytime activities and an abundance of great restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Banff plenty to do and see in winter, will be back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing scenery pretty little town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

For travellers not familiar with the area, temperatures may suddenly go well below monthly average even in early Oct. And pack shoes suitable for walking in snow/ice unless you're ok with accidental spontaneous ice skating like we did.

Cities near Banff