Where to Stay in Banff – a neighborhood guide

Surrounded by a skyline of jutting, snowy mountain peaks that are as dramatic as they beautiful, Banff is a town with something for everyone. And that includes the diverse range of accommodation. Whether you're visiting during one of North America’s long ski seasons or stopping by in summer to take in the divine scenery, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right for place you.Hotels on Banff Avenue

 

 

The majority of hotels on Banff Avenue and in the downtown area are ideal for skiers with medium to small budgets. You can find a good number of snug accommodations with warm log fires in winter, good storage areas, and shuttles to the nearby ski slopes – for which you might have to pay a little extra. Pools are not hard to come by and the same goes for hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms, so you can soothe those knots after a day outdoors.

 

Tunnel Mountain Road

 

 

This scenic road runs along the edge of town and is perfectly placed for visitors who want to step straight out into the glorious Rockies countryside. The gorgeous Hoodoos Trail, which skirts the Bow River in the shadow of Tunnel Mountain, can be joined from the road and is a must-visit area – particularly for hikers and amblers who'll relish the epic scenery. Tunnel Mountain itself provides outstanding panoramas for those who trek up the "Sleeping Buffalo", as locals know it.

 

Hotels on Tunnel Mountain Road

 

 

Hotels in this part of Banff enjoy a quieter, more remote setting than those in the center and are ideal for couples, families, and travelers craving the wonderful outdoors. You can find cozy mid to high-end lodges with rustic wooden decor, spa facilities, and restaurants serving succulent game dishes for a true taste of the Rockies.

 

Out of town

 

 

A leisurely walk from the main stretch – and to the South of the Bow River – is a slightly quieter area still conveniently close to the hustle and bustle of the shops and restaurants. This neck of the woods is home to a few of the town’s top attractions, including the rocky paths and gazebos of Cascade Gardens and the springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site – known as the birthplace of Banff National Park. Bow Falls are close by and anyone wanting a memorable round of golf should visit Banff Springs Golf Club.

 

Hotels out of town

 

 

Much like those throughout the rest of Banff, the hotels away from the center vary in size, style, and cost. There are quaint inns with everything you need for a top week in the wild, or you can opt for a grand and elegant Rockies retreat complete with a striking choice of pools, extraordinary dining, and lavish stone-clad lobbies. In fact, the Fairmont Banff Springs, arguably the most luxurious hotel in the region, is a tourist attraction in its own right.