Banff

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff

Banff Travel Guide Video

The mountain scenery surrounding Canada's highest town is breathtaking all year round.

Around 4 million tourists flock to Banff every year to experience the majestic beauty of the town's dramatic surroundings. Nestled within the unspoiled wilds of Banff National Park, high in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Banff is ideally located for excursions to the area's many resorts and attractions.

Banff's 10,000 permanent residents can attest to the fact that this region is as beautiful in summer as it is in winter. Come spring, the countryside takes on a vibrant verdant hue, matched only by the astonishing deep turquoise of the area's lakes.

Take in the spectacular views on foot, making the most of the hundreds of hiking paths. There's a trail for every level of ability, from riverside meanders to hard-core treks. If you prefer getting around on two wheels, there are plenty of mountain bike rental shops in Banff where you can also get advice and trail maps. Kayaking is the ideal way to see the vivid glacial lakes up close bring your own kayak or simply hire one in town.

Come winter, Banff is transformed into a snowy paradise. A mecca for skiers and snowboarders, there are several ski resorts in the area, including Mt Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. You can catch a shuttle bus from one of the hotels in town to get to Sunshine Village or Lake Louise. Both have a vast number of runs ranging from novice to advanced levels. A local favourite, Mt Norquay is smaller but less crowded, and has more advanced runs.

As you would imagine, the volume of holidaymakers year-round makes Banff somewhat of a party town. Unwind after a day in the mountains in one of its many first-rate bars and clubs. The Dancing Sasquatch is the town's legendary nightspot and no visit to Banff would be complete without at least one late night in this fine establishment.

Banff is a four-hour drive south of Jasper, or an hour-and-a-half's drive west of Calgary.

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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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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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 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
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 S$175 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$175
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (2,592 reviews)
"Decoration in the room was nice. Lot of holes on the walls and missing door stops though. Hot pool area towels were always low."

Reviewed on 31 Mar,2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Hidden Ridge Resort
Hidden Ridge Resort
3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
The price is S$196 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$196
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
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! (4,303 reviews)
"Great stay for a group of friends!"

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Hidden Ridge Resort
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
3 out of 5
525 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
The price is S$142 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
S$142
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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! (3,374 reviews)
Never A Bad Time To Be In Banff!
"Great place if you have young children, or just want an inexpensive place to stay. Property is certainly showing its age but was comfortable and clean. Water park and indoor play structure help keep the littles entertained on days with poor weather."

Reviewed on 31 Mar,2025

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets
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! (4,303 reviews)
"Great stay for a group of friends!"

Reviewed on 29 Mar,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! (3,374 reviews)
Never A Bad Time To Be In Banff!
"Great place if you have young children, or just want an inexpensive place to stay. Property is certainly showing its age but was comfortable and clean. Water park and indoor play structure help keep the littles entertained on days with poor weather."

Reviewed on 31 Mar,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! (301 reviews)
"Clean, convenient check-in and a great location. A bit short on storage space if you have gear with you for adventuring in the area."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,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

Things to do

Reviews of Banff

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
82
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
35
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing place, loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have always loved Banff but recently it is often over busy however thus week it was only pleasantly busy. Food prices have gone up a lot recently

5/5 - Excellent

Veviene

I really love here and can’t believe I’m natural and human can make it! If I have a next change to come again I wil do :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

From what I have explored so far Banff its a very friendly and beautiful place, there is a good social scene and the mountains are incredible

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Glorious.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What great place to visit well worth going