7 of the Best Hotels in Banff National Park
Banff National Park was one of the first places I visited as an adult. Since then, it has remained one of my favourite areas and a place I happily recommend to other travellers. It’s naturally beautiful, with adventures waiting to be had around every corner. As the oldest national park in Canada, it offers an unparalleled picture of snow-capped peaks set aside glacial lakes.
In this article, I’m going to be sharing seven of the best hotels in Banff National Park with you. Hopefully they fill you with inspiration for your own trip.
Learn More: 10 of the Best Things to Do in Banff National Park
Choosing the Best Hotels in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is an otherworldly destination. What you will get the opportunity to experience here depends almost entirely on the season. In the summer, you can take to the glacial lakes in kayaks and hike easily along trails. In the winter, those lakes are frozen solid and the trails are covered in snow.
Those who love the great outdoors will feel right at home here, alongside those who just want to relax amidst beautiful scenery. There are many different options in terms of accommodation, ranging from luxurious hotels to quaint cabins that look like they’ve been pulled from a storybook.
1. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
There’s a fairytale-like ambience at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a hotel that overlooks the glacial waters of Lake Louise. Originally designed for those travelling by rail during the 20th century, the hotel is now a major destination for those seeking luxury at the edge of the wilderness.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests and one of the prettiest bodies of water I have ever seen. The surrounding area offers everything from ice skating on the lake to kayaking, depending on when you visit. There are also world-class resorts for snowboarding and skiing in the surrounding area.
Inside of the hotel, there are hundreds of rooms. This isn’t the hotel I would recommend to those who enjoy boutique hotels with relatively small numbers of rooms. All of the rooms are spacious and comfy, with stunning views. There are also some beautiful open-plan suites available. I would highly recommend paying extra for a view of the lake if you do stay here.
Learn More: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Official Website) | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Booking.com)
2. Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Looking for an intimate experience in Banff National Park? You might just find it at Baker Creek Mountain Resort. While there are suites here, it’s the cabins that usually capture people’s attention. Given the natural beauty of the area, they fit in perfectly.
There’s a lot to do in the surrounding area too. During the summer, you can take to scenic trails or give yourself an adrenaline rush whitewater rafting. In the winter, there’s everything from snowshoeing to ice fishing to consider. Depending on the time of year, you can also embark on sled dog tours or go snowmobiling through the forest.
I would highly recommend staying in one of the cabins if you do stay here. For me, they really finish off the rural Canadian wilderness experience perfectly. They’re all built well and are cozy in the winter.
Learn More: Baker Creek Mountain Resort (Official Website) | Baker Creek Mountain Resort (Booking.com)
3. The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is a remarkable gem. An AAA Four Diamond Hotel, the service that you can expect to receive here is wonderful and the views are exceptional.
The hotel itself can be found on Sulphur Mountain, just a short drive away from the Town of Banff. From here, you can easily reach attractions like the Upper Banff Hot Springs, a spot I would highly recommend venturing to when you just want to relax, warm up and unwind.
There are more than three hundred rooms at The Rimrock Resort Hotel, with something for every type of traveller. Many use earth tones to complement the surrounding world, but I would highly recommend choosing a room with a beautiful view. The suites here are exceptional, with wide windows showcasing the Bow or Spray Valley.
Learn More: The Rimrock Resort Hotel (Official Website) | The Rimrock Resort Hotel (Booking.com)
4. Peaks Hotel & Suites
Located right in the heart of the Town of Banff, Peaks Hotel & Suites is a relative newcomer to the accommodation options that this beautiful national park has to offer. Staying in the town itself offers a great base for exploring and visiting nearby attractions.
If you’re staying in the town, I would highly recommend taking a short stroll around the Bow River Trail. This quiet, riverside trail is a nice introduction to the spectacular scenery that surrounds you here. You can also visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to learn more about the cultural heritage of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. If you jump in a car, you can be at Lake Louise and many other beautiful attractions in less than an hour.
While this hotel doesn’t offer the same view as some of the other hotels in Banff National Park, some of the rooms do offer views of snow-capped mountains. I would highly recommend asking for a room with a view at the point of booking if this is something you want.
Learn More: Peaks Hotel & Suites (Official Website) | Peaks Hotel & Suites (Booking.com)
5. Moose Hotel & Suites
Another charming option in the Town of Banff, Moose Hotel & Suites welcomes travellers to relax and unwind. The spa here is noteworthy for its reputation, along with ten treatment rooms, a swimming pool and heated rooftop pools.
Just a stone’s throw away from Moose Hotel & Suites you can find some of the best cafés and restaurants in downtown Banff. If you’re going to be travelling from here to any of the scenic natural attractions, I would highly recommend setting off early to make sure that you can get parked.
After a long day of exploring the Canadian wilderness, it’s worth taking a dip in one of the two rooftop hot pools. They really do help you to warm up in the winter and the natural backdrop of the surrounding Rocky Mountains adds a touch of magic.
Learn More: Moose Hotel & Suites (Official Website) | Moose Hotel & Suites (Booking.com)
6. Mount Royal Hotel
Surrounded by many of Banff’s most popular bars, restaurants and cafés, Mount Royal Hotel places you right in the heart of the town itself. The history of this hotel can be traced back more than a century, offering both timeless stories and a great location.
Take to the snow-covered slopes, learn about the history of Banff or dive into some summer adventures while you explore nature trails…the world is your oyster in this beautiful corner of the world. There really is something for everyone in terms of activities and it’s worth working out what you would love to do.
You can really spot the history of the building when you stay here. The antique windows and winding hallways all tell tales of another time, yet the rooms are all modern and comfortable. The addition of a library, rooftop lounge and hot tub overlooking the downtown area add even more to the experience.
Learn More: Mount Royal Hotel (Official Website) | Mount Royal Hotel (Booking.com)
Special Pick: Fairmont Banff Springs
In each of these articles, I like to include a special pick. This is always somewhere unique and somewhere I would happily go back to. Are you ready to see some postcard-worthy views of nature right on your doorstep? In my opinion, that’s where the Fairmont Banff Springs comes in.
This castle-like hotel is an idyllic UNESCO World Heritage site, standing proudly against the naturally beautiful landscapes that surround it. There’s a visible elegance as you approach, seeing the turrets towering in front of a mountainous backdrop.
There’s so much to do here. You can soak in views of the neighbouring Bow River weaving through the woodland, head out on a trip to the slopes to snowboard or ski, or enjoy the golf course. There’s also a bowling centre and tennis courts to enjoy, as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
Learn More: Fairmont Banff Springs (Official Website) | Fairmont Banff Springs (Booking.com)
Staying in the Best Hotels in Banff National Park
When you take a trip into the natural beauty of Banff National Park, who knows what you will find? You might find snapshots of pristine wilderness of outdoor adventures with the most beautiful of backdrops. There’s something for everyone. I would recommend having some idea of what you want to do so that you can choose your season wisely.
I hope that my picks for the best hotels in Banff National Park have helped to fill you with inspiration.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in Banff National Park or a hotel that you would love to share? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
