Banff Town exists as a tranquil gateway and comfort stop for exploring the Banff National Park. Sure, it has high quality restaurants, boutique shops and even a nightclub, and some people do come for those things, but for most people it’s the spectacularly mountainous scenery of the National Park which draws them. Undoubtedly, whilst many of the best places to stay in Banff have stunning views of the park, our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Banff take in a lot more considerations beside - like comfort and service etc., so it’s not all vast untended wilderness up here.
Banff is a bit of a wonderland for active folk. Its mountains and valleys range high and low, crafting a dramatic and thrilling course for skiers and mountain bikers, while the serene unsullied mountain lakes are ripe for boating, kayaking, canoeing etc..
The dense forests are home to elk, wolves and bears, and in spring, the alpine meadows are lush with flowers. There are even hot springs - they're the reason the whole park became a protected area. Discovered in 1883, during the hey-day in popularity of thermal bathing, it looked as if the whole region would be swamped by private businesses trying to ‘sell’ the new springs. But the government of the time stepped in and made the whole area a national park - Canada’s first and only the third in the world.
However, Banff is not soley about the great outdoors and the town boasts several museums, most of them born to educate visitors about the area. The Buffalo National Luxton Museum focusses on the story of this region's Aboriginal people, and the Banff Park Museum occupies an old Canadian Pacific Railway building. Banff’s old cemetery is also worth a visit to further provide a unique historical perspective on the town.
Don't forget to book well ahead if you want to bag a bed in one of the best places to stay in Banff in either summer or winter....it's a very popular destination in both seasons!
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Banff (Banff)
A striking hotel resting at the foothills of the Rockies, just minutes from Banff. Sleek modern interiors beautifully offset the spectacular vistas visible through the floor to ceiling windows. The on site restaurant serves modern Canadian cuisine with a local seasonal emphasis. Charming.
Banff
An affordable family-friendly lodge 15 minutes walk from the centre of Banff. Spacious & well-designed rooms & suites feature great set-ups for those with kids or for luxury pick one with a jetted tub and fireplace. There's an indoor pool, hot tub & gym to enjoy, as well as an Italian restaurant.
Banff (Box 700,)
A family run hotel in the Canadian Rockies. The rooms are comfortable and offer exceptional views of the mountains beyond Banff. Enjoy meals in the in house restaurant, or make the most of the amenities with hot tubs, pools and saunas. The friendly staff make this a warm and welcoming hotel.
Banff (P.O. Box 1110,)
A fantastic hotel in the most spectacular position, carved into the side of Mt. Sulphur, in the Canadian Rockies. Comfortable and contemporary rooms offer spine chilling views of the picturesque town of Banff and the mountains beyond. The restaurant, Eden, offers fine French cuisine. Totally unique.
Banff (Alberta)
Snow or sun, this brilliant located lodge is the perfect for active families to set-up camp. Fireplaces, private balconies and comfortable beds make the rooms hard to leave but we promise the great outdoors and views are worth it. Cilantro is Italian cuisine, or try Sleeping Buffalo's local cuisine.
Banff (Banff)
A charming family run B&B in Banff National Park. The cosy rooms have been lovingly decorated and offer fabulous views over the mountains. The breakfast is a hearty affair that will fuel you through the morning and well into the afternoon. A great spot from which to enjoy the mountains.
Banff ( Banff)
Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, this elegant retreat is situated in stunning mountain scenery, surrounded by pine trees, mountains, and lakes. Enjoy many outdoor activities from skiing to horse riding; relax after an active day in the spa, and feast on the wide selection of cuisines.
