10 Best Hotels in Banff: Ranked by a Local (Town of Banff Only)

For many, a trip to Banff National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. While planning your trip to Banff, the choice of where to stay can have a big impact on the overall enjoyment of your trip. As locals who travel a lot ourselves, we have prepared this list of the best hotels in Banff to help ensure your trip to Banff is the very best it can be.

There is a lot to know before booking your hotel in Banff. The stakes are high as hotels in peak season book up fast and prices can get quite high. To help save you time, I have created this ranked list of the best hotels in the Town of Banff. I have included a variety of styles, from the historic Banff railway hotels, to brand-new stylish boutique hotels.

Through our many one-on-one video consultations with clients in our Banff Travel Planning business, we know what details are important to travellers. In our hotel recommendations, we discuss these details such as walkability, parking, onsite wellness amenities, etc.

Take a moment and consider the type of traveler you are… for example, how important is it that you can walk to dinner on Banff Avenue, or are you ok driving or taking the Roam public transportation bus? Do you want a hotel with a hot tub with mountain views, or is in-room comfort your priority? Are you traveling to Banff with kids and need some space, or are you looking for a romantic couples getaway?

If you are wondering where to stay in Banff, I am here to help. No matter if you are looking for luxury hotels in Banff, planning Banff hotels for families or want a Banff hotel on a budget, I will help you find the right match for your travel style.

Be sure to keep reading after my list of the 10 best hotels in Banff for even more advice on what area to stay in, when to come and how to save money on your Banff hotel.

Note: This post is specific to the best hotels in the Town of Banff. If your travels take you outside the townsite, we also have ranked lists of the best hotels in Lake Louise and the best hotels in Canmore.

This post contains compensated links.

10 Best Hotels in Banff

1. Peaks Hotel

Best for walkable downtown stays with modern comfort and quick access to everything.

The competition was fierce, but after considering many factors, we have named the Peaks Hotel the best hotel in Banff. One of the newest hotels in the Town of Banff, the Peaks Hotel has a near perfect location, just a 1-minute walk to the heart of downtown Banff, yet on a quieter street near the tranquil Bow River. If you are visiting Banff without a car, or simply wish to park and walk everywhere, the convenient location of the Peaks Hotel makes your stay easy.

One of the things I like most about the Peaks Hotel is that it is small and comfy, yet offers access to a wide range of resort-style amenities. Guests of the Peaks Hotel enjoy full access to amenities at their sister hotel, the Banff Park Lodge (#9 on our list of the best hotels in Banff), which is conveniently right across the street. After an amazing day of enjoying the best hikes in Banff, you can relax in their hot pools, steam room, indoor swimming pool and more.

There are a wide variety of room styles at the Peaks Hotel which will appeal to many travelers. The modern. yet cozy rooms range from a standard 2-queen configuration, and go all the way up to multi-level suites.

If you are looking for a central downtown Banff hotel with great amenities and a quieter location, the Peaks Hotel is an excellent choice. We are confident you will enjoy your stay at the best hotel in Banff.

2. Hotel Canoe & Suites

Best for a stylish Uptown Banff base with hot pools and easy parking.

Another of the Town of Banff’s newest hotels, the Hotel Canoe & Suites has earned its spot on my list of the best hotels in Banff with its relaxed vibe and amenities which make your whole trip easier.

There are several hotels on this list of top Banff hotels that have rooftop hot pools, but I think the rooftop amenities at the Hotel Canoe are my favorite. I love the natural feel of the large hot pools, where you can enjoy amazing views of iconic Cascade Mountain. In addition, there is a sauna and lounge area where you can simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

For those who want to stay at a quieter location outside of downtown Banff, the Hotel Canoe is a great option. It’s located Uptown, at the very eastern edge of the Town of Banff, making it easy to get to & from the TransCanada Highway without battling traffic in town. It’s also at the beginning of the Banff Legacy Trail, a paved biking trail between the Town of Banff and Canmore (my hometown).

If you are driving to Banff, the Hotel Canoe offers some big advantages. In peak season, traffic in downtown Banff can be extremely congested and finding parking in Banff can be a challenge. It’s only a 1.4 km walk from Hotel Canoe to downtown Banff, which should only take around 20 minutes. If that’s too far, the hotel offers free Roam bus passes, which can take you into downtown Banff, or to the top attractions like the Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola.

3. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Best for a bucket-list luxury resort stay with iconic views and full-service amenities.

No list of the best hotels in Banff would be complete without the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. One of the original Canadian Pacific Railway resort hotels, the history of the Banff Springs Hotel is tied to the creation of Canada’s first national park, earning it a Canadian National Historic Site designation.

Even if you don’t stay at the Banff Springs Hotel, you must visit Surprise Corner just to take a look at it. It’s magnificent and one of the most beautiful hotels in the most beautiful setting of any hotel I have seen anywhere in the world. You can easily see why it has earned the nickname ‘Castle in the Rockies’.

For travellers who want a true splurge, you will not soon forget a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs. It’s one of those rare hotels which feels like a true experience, not just a place to sleep.

I am not exaggerating when I say you can build your entire trip to Banff around staying at the Banff Springs Hotel. There are so many fun, interesting and relaxing things to do at the Banff Springs Hotel that you never have to leave.

The wellness facilities at the Banff Springs are easily the best in town. The 40,000 sq. ft. award-winning foot Fairmont Spa features an indoor mineral pool and waterfall plunge pools, plus saunas and steam rooms. Meanwhile the Aquatic Centre features two heated saltwater pools (one indoor, one outdoor) available year-round, plus a hot tub.

If you are searching for Banff luxury hotels or Banff 5 star hotels for a milestone trip, a romantic getaway, or a bucket list vacation, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is the kind of place that makes your hotel part of the story. I have stayed here several times and I think it’s worth every penny.

4. Moose Hotel and Suites

Best for rooftop hot pools and a spa-style stay right on Banff Avenue.

The competition is so intense, the Moose Hotel & Suites could easily be at the top of our list of the best Banff hotels. A longtime favorite of our readers, the Moose Hotel is one of my go-to picks for a stay in downtown Banff.

The location of the Moose Hotel is amazing, just at the very edge of downtown Banff. It’s just a short walk into the heart of town, where you will find many of the best restaurants, shops and attractions. Even walking up and down Banff Avenue is an attraction in itself!

I know I said the rooftop amenities at the Hotel Canoe are the best in Banff, but the Moose Hotel is a very close second. The rooftop at the Moose features a sauna and two hot pools with incredible mountain views. There’s also an indoor pool and fitness room to enjoy.

If you are looking to pamper yourself, treat yourself to a visit to the onsite Meadow Spa & Pools. Here you will enjoy treatments, a relaxation lounge and a private outdoor hot pool.

The Moose Hotel is a solid choice for anyone who needs some additional space. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly Banff hotel, or enjoying a multi-generational trip to Banff, you will appreciate the one and two-bedroom suites at the Moose Hotel.

Finally, the Moose Hotel has a generous offering of amenities including complimentary parking, free Banff local Roam bus passes, plus EV charging stations on-site.

5. Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection

Best for a quieter luxury stay near the Banff Gondola and Upper Hot Springs.

The Rimrock Hotel is another of the all-time best hotels in Banff. There’s excitement in the air as the Rimrock Hotel is closed for a complete renovation. When complete in July 2026, it will reopen as the Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection.

When it reopens, it will be the first Emblems Collection property in North America, which is Accor’s newest brand of luxury hotels. Accor, of course, is the company who also manages the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, so we are certain guests will be in good hands with the new management.

A big part of why the Rimrock Banff is one of the best hotels in Banff is its location. Perched way up high on Sulphur Mountain, not only will you enjoy amazing views of the Town of Banff below, but you are within easy walking distance of two of the top attractions in Banff: The Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola.

I spent a weekend at the Rimrock Hotel to celebrate a big moment, and I loved every moment of it. Due to its storied history and new management, we are confident keeping the Rimrock Banff on our list of the top hotels in Banff. I’ll update this section once reopening dates, rooms, and amenities are confirmed.

6. Otter Hotel

Best for rooftop hot pools, a boutique feel, and a quieter Banff Avenue home base.

Located right next to the Hotel Canoe & Suites, the Otter Hotel also has an excellent location for visitors to Banff who do not wish to battle weekend and peak season traffic and parking. It’s set along a forest of lodgepole pines, which gives you a sense of calm, yet remaining near the action in downtown Banff.

An example of the service you can expect at the Otter Hotel is the personalized artisanal coffee each guest receives from Sudden Sally at check-in.

You can enjoy your coffee as you settle into your room, or you can enjoy it in the scenic rooftop fireside lounge. As you sip, you can familiarize yourself with the mountain views and scope out the spot you want in one of their two outdoor hot pools or the sauna.

As with the other Banff Lodging Co. hotels, guests will enjoy the Key to Savings program, which entitles you to discounts at many shops, restaurants and attractions around town.

7. Canalta Lodge

Best for free breakfast and a courtyard hot tub soak after mountain days.

The Canalta Lodge is the third in the cluster of newer Banff hotels located in Uptown Banff. Did I mention that traffic and parking is challenging in downtown Banff? I keep repeating it as it truly can impact the enjoyment of your trip. We are lucky these three new Banff hotels offer such a powerful combination of convenient location, service and amenities.

There are a few things which set the Canalta Lodge apart from the competition, earning it a spot on the best hotels in Banff list. First of all, their on-site recovery set-up is amazing. After a long day enjoying the best hikes in Banff or downhill skiing in Banff, you will love all the post-activity amenities on offer.

Their amazing outdoor courtyard features fire pits, hot tubs, a cold-plunge pool and a barrel dry sauna. It’s like a mini thermal spa, which are becoming so popular in the Canadian Rockies these days!

I love hotels which offer free breakfast, but they are few and far between in the Town of Banff. The Canalta Lodge is one of the few hotels in Banff which offers free breakfast. Fuel up on the complimentary hot buffet breakfast before heading out on your next mountain adventure!

Finally, it’s worth noting some of the small touches which make the Canalta Lodge an excellent place to stay in Banff. Like the on-site Happy Camper Coffee Shop, ski lockers and a tuning bench.

8. Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Best for a cozy lodge-style retreat on Tunnel Mountain with fireplaces and a peaceful vibe.

The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the first of our best places to stay in Banff with a Tunnel Mountain location. I’ll get into Tunnel Mountain in more detail below, but for now you should know that it’s a wonderful wilderness setting, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Banff.

The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a great choice for those who are drawn to Banff for its wild, mountain setting. Finding true cabins to rent in Banff is near impossible in the townsite, but the Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a nice alternative. With a true forested setting and in-suite woodburning fireplaces (with complimentary firewood), you’ll truly feel like you stayed in the wild.

There are several other amenities at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge which will get outdoors to enjoy the clean mountain air. Many rooms have balconies or patios, or you can enjoy a refreshing soak in their brand new steel outdoor hot tub.

9. Banff Park Lodge

Best for an in-town hotel with an indoor pool and an easy walk to downtown Banff.

The Banff Park Lodge is the sister hotel to the Peaks Hotel, our #1 pick for the best hotel in Banff. I’ve stayed at the Banff Park Lodge several times and I always notice how much I love the location. The back side of the hotel backs onto the beautiful Bow River and connects to many easy walks in the Banff townsite. Meanwhile, the hotel itself is just 2 blocks away from the heart of downtown Banff. It doesn’t get much better than this!

If you are looking for a Banff hotel with a swimming pool, the Banff Park Lodge has one of the nicest hotel pools in town. Their newly renovated pool area includes a swimming pool, plunge pool, eucalyptus steam room, and hot tub.

If you are looking for one of the rare Banff hotels with a private hot tub, the Banff Park Lodge delivers. Their Deluxe Jacuzzi Rooms feature king beds and a two-person Jacuzzi.

If you are looking for a Banff hotel with a great location and lots of comfort and convenience, the Banff Park Lodge deserves a look.

10. Tunnel Mountain Resort

Best for suites and condos with kitchens, great for families and longer stays in Banff.

I’ve stayed at the Tunnel Mountain Resort on many occasions because I love how remote it feels, yet is still very close to town. As you might guess from the name, this resort is also on the lower slopes of Tunnel Mountain (as is the Buffalo Mountain Resort). The drive up Tunnel Mountain Road is even one of our top scenic drives in Banff.

I love the location, but the Tunnel Mountain Resort also features a ton of amenities which will keep you happy and entertained. Here you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and a fitness room. If you are traveling to Banff with kids, you will appreciate the on-site laundry facilities and the children’s play area.

If you’d rather keep your car parked in the complimentary parking, you can easily take the Banff Roam bus into town. Roam Route #2 has a bus stop right in front of the resort, and you can use the complimentary bus passes.

The Tunnel Mountain Resort has a wide variety of accommodation choices, including many which are perfect for families or large groups. This is another rare property which offers Banff cabins for rent, as well as condos with full kitchens and wood burning fireplaces (with complimentary firewood).

I’ve always enjoyed my stays at the Tunnel Mountain Resort, and am confident this is a great place to stay for your trip to Banff!

How to Choose the Right Banff Hotel

Downtown, Uptown, Sulphur Mountain vs. Tunnel Mountain Area

There are four main areas to stay in the Town of Banff: Downtown, Uptown, Sulphur Mountain and the Tunnel Mountain area. Below I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each for your trip to Banff.

Downtown Banff

Downtown Banff is where all the action is. This is where you can see that iconic image of Cascade Mountain looming large over the charming alpine town.

In downtown Banff you’ll find the most dense selection of shops and restaurants and some key attractions. You’ll also find the Roam bus transit hub, which easily allows you to take public transit to the vast majority of the top attractions within the Town of Banff, Johnston Canyon and even to Lake Louise.

The downside of staying in downtown Banff is the traffic. On weekends, holidays and peak season, driving in downtown Banff can be a headache. Check out this CBC article about the record number of vehicles in Banff over the summer to get an idea of what I am talking about.

Along with the congested roadways, finding parking is also troublesome. If you are driving, ensure your hotel offers parking (most hotels in downtown Banff will charge for parking).

Downtown Banff hotels on this list: Peaks Hotel, Moose Hotel & Suites and the Banff Park Lodge.

Uptown Banff

Uptown Banff is the area of Banff Avenue which is outside the central core of downtown Banff. One of the biggest advantages of staying in Uptown Banff is being able to sneak in-and-out of town with a lower probability of traffic issues.

Many of the hotels in Uptown Banff offer free parking and bus tickets, but in my opinion it’s still very walkable. The Hotel Canoe is the furthest uptown Banff hotel from the centre, and its only a 1.4 km / 0.9 mile walk, which should take most people about 20 minutes. Plus, I love strolling along Banff Avenue!

Depending on your perspective, some may find the distance from downtown Banff to be a disadvantage. There are still shops and restaurants, but they are more spread out than you’ll find in downtown Banff.

Uptown Banff Hotels on this list: Hotel Canoe & Suites, Otter Hotel and the Canalta Lodge.

Sulphur Mountain

If you leave downtown Banff by crossing the bridge over the Bow River, you’ll find yourself on Sulphur Mountain. As you can see when visiting the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, the mineral hot springs which led to the creation of Banff National Park were found in this area.

Two of the biggest attractions in the Town of Banff are on Sulphur Mountain: the Banff Upper Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola. Keeping with the theme, parking is very limited at these attractions and the Town encourages people to take Roam bus route #1 instead of driving. Guests at the Banff Rimrock can easily walk to both attractions.

The downside of staying at a Sulphur Mountain hotel is that outside of the amenities inside the hotels and attractions, there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants.

Two of Banff’s most iconic luxury hotels are found on Sulphur Mountain: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection.

Tunnel Mountain

As you can tell from my write-ups above, I really like staying in Tunnel Mountain. It has an authentic mountain, forest wilderness feel to it, yet it’s a short 5-minute drive to the heart of downtown Banff! Compared to the busy feeling in town, it feels so quiet and peaceful on Tunnel Mountain.

There are several of the best hikes in the Town of Banff in the area, including the local’s favorite Tunnel Mountain hike.

As with the Sulphur Mountain area, the downside of staying at a Tunnel Mountain hotel is that outside of the amenities inside the hotels and attractions, there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants.

Tunnel Mountain Hotels on this list: Buffalo Mountain Lodge and Tunnel Mountain Resort.

Parking and Getting Around Banff

Parking is a big issue in Banff and is one you need to carefully consider while planning your trip to Banff. We have a guide to finding parking in Banff, but the key message is that during peak times, there is often not enough of it. Finding a good Banff hotel with parking will make your visit so much easier.

Once you are at your Banff hotel, we recommend not driving anywhere in town unless you absolutely have to. The Banff townsite is so fun and charming, I just love walking around it.

In addition, the Town has done a great job with the Roam public transit system. If you are interested, we have a great guide on getting around Banff without a car.

How Far Ahead to Book for Peak Months

If you are planning a trip to Banff in the peak summer months of July and August, I recommend booking your Banff hotel as early as possible. Our data shows that roughly 40% of hotel bookings for the summer months are made at least 4 months in advance.

If you’d like more information about what to expect visiting in the peak months, don’t miss our guides to visiting Banff in July and visiting Banff in August.

If you are planning a trip to Banff in Christmas, it’s still important to book early, but the pressure is not as intense. By comparison, only 25% of all hotel bookings for Christmas are made at least 4 months in advance. We also have a helpful guide to visiting Banff at Christmas.

Tips to Get Better Hotel Rates in Banff

There’s no avoiding the fact that Banff hotel rooms are expensive. If you are visiting Banff on a budget, there are a few things you can do to try and save money on a Banff hotel room.

Shoulder Season Strategies

If you are flexible in your timing, visiting Banff during shoulder season is the easiest way to enjoy better Banff hotel rates than in the peak summer or skiing seasons. Visiting Banff in shoulder season means you still get the scenery, food and fun, but with fewer crowds and lower prices.

For the best chance of a good hotel rate in the spring, I’d recommend look at visiting Banff in April, May or even early June. As for fall, take a look at visiting Banff in October or November.

One of the mistakes people make people make when visiting Banff is assuming September will be quiet. Take a look at this list of the best larch hikes in Banff and you’ll see why. Every September, the needles on the larch trees turn a golden color before dropping. It’s gorgeous and very popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s an excellent, but expensive, time to visit Banff National Park.

We do advise educating yourself on the conditions and status of key attractions during shoulder season though. It can mean cooler mornings, shorter daylight, mixed trail conditions and closed attractions.

To help you plan your shoulder season visit to Banff, we welcome you to check out our guide to Exploring Banff by Season, where you can find our 12 guides to visiting Banff by month.

Weekday vs. Weekend Patterns

Banff hotel rates are often highest on weekends. This is because tourists are competing with people from Calgary and Edmonton who love to spend a relaxing weekend in the mountains.

If you’d like to save money on your Banff hotel, prioritize staying Sunday – Thursday nights. Even trading one Friday or Saturday night for a weeknight can save you a decent amount.

Give Up the View

To me, this is a really easy way to save money on a place to stay in Banff. Chances are good that you are coming to Banff National Park as you love the outdoors, and plan to spend much of your time outdoors.

If you are outside exploring the park and soaking in the scenery all day, it’s not a big sacrifice to get a hotel room without a view. Mountain view rooms are very popular and hotels price them accordingly. A good compromise is to get a non-view room at one of our recommended hotels with rooftop hot pools and lounge facilities. This way you can go enjoy the view anytime you want, without paying extra for it.