Alberta is arguably one of Canada’s most spectacular provinces. It has got both Banff and Jasper National Parks, and the surrounding ridges of the Canadian Rockies, serene Lake Louise and the glittering Columbia Icefield, great swathes of open grasslands to the north, home to bison, and in the south there are the wonderfully ancient rocky deserts of Red Deer Valley and the Badlands, a prime spot for dinosaur hunters. Some of the best places to stay in Alberta are, unsurprisingly, within the national parks. From charming mountain lodges to chic contemporary stays. However, across the province, the hotels are of very high quality with choices for all tastes and budgets.

All our Alberta Collections:

• Best hotels in the Banff National Park

Where To Stay - which city/region?

• Banff and Jasper National Parks are two of the world’s oldest. And Banff Town exists solely as a gateway and comfort stop for exploring the park. It has got some great restaurants, boutique shops and even a nightclub, but for most people, it’s all about the spectacular mountain scenery and the opportunity to get seriously active in amongst it. The mountains and hills range high and low, creating dramatic courses for both skiers and mountain bikers, while the serene, unsullied mountain lakes are ripe for canoeing and kayaking.
• Jasper National Park also boasts a stunning setting and is home to wolves, mountain lions, bears, caribou and beavers. There are hot springs, incredible canyons and more of those rocky peaks.
• Lake Louise is another great base for enjoying the mountains, known for its teahouses, hiking and skiing. And of course, for its perfect setting, surrounded by the snow-and-glacier topped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.
• Just below the Rockies is Waterton Lakes National Park, a peaceful place of surprisingly flat prairies, a sparkling lake and even a surprise castle! This is a much quieter national park than Banff or Jasper, and a great place to see elk, deer, cougar and grizzly bears, as well as an amazing array of wildflowers.
• For a landscape as polar opposite to this lush, alpine wilderness as you can probably imagine, head for the Badlands and Drumheller. This strange, dry region is home to some serious dinosaurs, many of them in the wonderful Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, but many of them as yet undiscovered…
• When it comes to the cities, Edmonton is Alberta’s capital, known for having the largest urban parkland area in North America, and for its excellent array of festivals, which culminate in the summer but run pretty much year round.
• Calgary is the largest city, with a reputation among other Canadian cities for being a bit American and a bit big business. But it’s also known for holding one of Canada’s largest parties: the Calgary Stampede - an amazing produce show and rodeo exhibition, and festival and parade. And for being the gateway to Banff and the Rockies. It has also got some great museums and bars.
• Alberta’s rural interior is a different landscape again, this time one of wheat fields and cattle ranches.

Whatever your reason for visiting, use our guide to the best places to stay in Alberta to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Alberta

For Calgary

• The Hotel Le Germain Calgary is right across the street from Calgary Tower; it’s a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of town. There are 143 rooms and suites, with quite opulent decor and original artworks. It's hip and happening but with a classic, grown-up feel.
• The Kensington Riverside Inn is perfect for those who like a boho vibe, as it's in Calgary’s trendy Kensington area. Rooms are comfortable and modern and you can borrow one of the complimentary bikes for some local exploring.

For Banff

• The Juniper Hotel, located moments away from Banff at the foothills of the Rockies, offers sleek and contemporary accommodation with stunning views. Enjoy modern Canadian cuisine in the restaurant.
• Banff’s Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the perfect place for an active break in summer or winter. There’s a range of accommodation, but most options come with fireplaces and private balconies with spectacular views. There’s an Italian restaurant, but they also have an option serving more local style cuisine.
• Fairmont Banff Springs is a jaw-dropping retreat. Built in the style of a Scottish castle, it enjoys an enviable mountain location and smart contemporary accommodation. Glorious.
• High Country Inn offers smart modern rooms, an indoor pool, spa and an in-house restaurant. All that you need for a lovely country retreat.
• Buffaloberry Bed and Breakfast is a charming family-run stay with hearty breakfasts and cosy rooms.

For Banff National Park

• If you don’t mind being further from the resort - or if you’re here to escape - then the Moraine Lake Lodge might be for you. It’s an upscale resort with 33 rustic rooms featuring handmade wooden furniture. You’ll get amazing views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park from your private balcony. Peaceful and serene.
• 2-room Ambleside Lodge, located in Canmore, is an utterly glorious stay. This rustic lodge features plenty of wooden influences and high ceilings, with huge windows boasting stunning views. Plus, the host is even a local hiking guide!
• The Post Hotel & Spa is a charming hotel right by the water, and just five minutes from the Lake Louise ski resort. There are 97 simple yet elegant rooms, many with fireplaces and balconies, plus a choice of restaurants - including a Swiss fondue restaurant and an English style pub. There’s also an indoor pool.
• Rimrock Resort Hotel enjoys a spectacular location, carved into the side of Mt Sulphur. Contemporary rooms and suites offer breathtaking views, there are three dining options, plus indoor pool, fitness centre and wide range of spa treatments.

For Jasper

• Jasper Park Lodge is a truly stunning option. Located right on the shore of Beauvert Lake, it features smart contemporary interiors, a top-notch golf course, no less than 8 restaurants and extensive spa facilities.
• Park Place Inn is situated in the heart of Jasper town. Here you'll find traditional style accommodation with elegant interiors, clawfoot bathtubs and cosy fireplaces. A comfortable, romantic base.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you're visiting Alberta to hike then consider coming in July or August, when the average temperature reaches 17°C. However if you want to go skiing then you should visit between November and March.
• Visitors can fly into either Calgary International Airport or Edmonton International Airport.
• Those wanting to explore Alberta to its fullest really need to have a car. Visit Rentalcars to find out more.

Still not sure?

• Take another look through our list of all the best places to stay in Alberta.
• Expand your search to include neighbouring British Columbia.
• Or, feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Alberta