Banff Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff
Banff

Banff Travel Guide Video

Visit the highest town in Canada and explore the pristine wilderness which surrounds it.

Banff is the perfect place from which to explore Canada's Rocky Mountains. Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Banff National Park and central to many of the regions best attractions, Banff is popular throughout the year. The town's native population of 10,000 is supplemented by around 4 million visitors each year.

Skiers are spoilt for choice with several ski resorts nearby. Try the slopes at Mt Norguay, Lake Louise Ski Resort or Sunshine Village. Mt Norguay is the favorite of the locals, it has the least crowds and the most advanced slopes. Both Lake Louise and Sunshine Village have huge numbers of ski runs to choose from, from advanced to beginner. The easiest way to get there is to catch one of the shuttle buses which pick up from all the hotels in town.

In summer, the landscape around Banff transforms from a winter wonderland to a green wilderness, ripe for a whole variety of outdoor pursuits. There are hundreds of trails to explore, from easy strolls alongside streams to strenuous hikes which circumnavigate spectacular lakes. Mountain biking is another great way to explore and there are bike-rentals in the town which can also provide maps of the best trails in the area. Rent a kayak and get out on one of the incredible vivid blue lakes in the area for a different perspective.

Get out on the town after a day of skiing or cycling. Being a vacation destination, a party atmosphere pervades the town all year round. There are some excellent nightclubs and bars in the center of town. Don't miss the Dancing Sasquatch, a local institution which is open until late.

Banff is around an hour and a half from Calgary by car, or four hours south of Jasper.

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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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 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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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
Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £435 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£435
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre and Upper Hot Springs ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (554 reviews)
Awesome hotel
"Loved this hotel! Super clean, rustic, friendly staff, amazing restaurant, great location. a bit pricey."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Otter Hotel
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 £332 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£332
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,753 reviews)
"the room was excellent, staff was great, the hot tub was off the charts, and hiking trails are really close by and stunning!!!!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £310 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£310
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,361 reviews)
"Loved everything about this property. Met every need we had for our time in Banff."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

The Fox Hotel and Suites
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,483 reviews)
"Very convenient & excellent condition"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,581 reviews)
"It has unexpected fees for extra persons even though the propery says good for 6. Furniture is out dated, also quite dusty"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, 2 hot tubs and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"The location is fantastic! We could walk anywhere in downtown Banff quickly. Grocery is right next door. We appreciated the fully equipped kitchen so we could prepare our own breakfast and lunch. The suite was clean and modern. We loved it and would recommend it to anyone!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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

Cities near Banff