Fairmont Banff Springs
The 1888 hotel on Spray Avenue, a short walk from Banff Avenue across the Bow River.
Banff is a town inside Banff National Park. Lake Louise is about 55 kilometres west, a 45-minute drive. Canmore is about 25 kilometres east, just outside the park. Most visitors fly into Calgary and drive about 90 minutes.
A Parks Canada pass is required to enter the park, including the Town of Banff. Daily admission is $12.25 for adults; youth 17 and under are free. Current rates are on the Parks Canada fees page.
Where to stay
Downtown Banff
Hotels on and just off Banff Avenue.
Lake Louise
The lakeshore, and the village four kilometres below.
Canmore
Just outside the park, about 25 kilometres east of Banff.
Luxury and historic
The Fairmonts, Rimrock Banff, and the Post Hotel.
Cabins and lodges
Bow Valley Parkway cabins, and lodges on Tunnel Mountain.
Budget
Simpler hotels and hostels, and Canmore for more space.
Where to stay
A short guide to the areas, from Banff Avenue to Canmore.
Hotels in Banff
A short list to start with. Each page has more in that area.
Rimrock Banff, Emblems Collection
On Sulphur Mountain, near the Banff Gondola and the Upper Hot Springs. Reopened in summer 2026 under Accor’s Emblems Collection.
Moose Hotel & Suites
On Banff Avenue, a short walk from the shops. Rooms, one- and two-bedroom suites, and rooftop hot pools.
Mount Royal Hotel
On Banff Avenue, in the centre of town, with rooftop hot tubs.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The only hotel on the lakeshore. Open year-round.
The Malcolm Hotel
In the Spring Creek neighbourhood, near downtown Canmore, with a heated pool.
Car rental
Most visitors fly into Calgary International Airport, about 144 kilometres and a 90-minute drive from Banff.
Where should I stay in Banff?
Downtown Banff is the walkable base. Tunnel Mountain is quieter and a short drive or bus ride from Banff Avenue. Stay in Lake Louise, about a 45-minute drive west, if the lake is the point of the trip. Canmore is about 25 kilometres east, just outside the park, and often has more rooms. See the area guide.
How far is Banff from Calgary?
Banff is 128 kilometres (80 miles) west of Calgary, about 1½ hours on the Trans-Canada Highway. Calgary International Airport is a little farther, about 144 kilometres, and the drive is still around 90 minutes in ordinary traffic. See car rental, or search cars at Calgary Airport.
How many days do I need in Banff?
Two nights covers the town and a day in the park. Three to five days is more comfortable if you want Lake Louise and a slower pace. See Lake Louise hotels.
How far is Lake Louise from Banff?
Lake Louise is 55 kilometres west of the Town of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway, about a 45-minute drive. A park pass is required to stop there. See Lake Louise hotels.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes, if you enter Banff National Park, including the Town of Banff and Lake Louise. Daily admission is $12.25 for adults (18–64); youth 17 and under are free. A family or group pass (up to seven people in one vehicle) is $24.50. Canmore is outside the park, but you still need a pass to enter it. See Parks Canada’s fees page for current rates.
Do I need a car?
No, not for downtown Banff. The town is walkable, and Roam public transit serves the town, Tunnel Mountain, and some trailheads. A car is useful for Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Parkway, and quieter trailheads. See car rental.
Is Canmore a good alternative to Banff?
Yes. Canmore is about 20–25 minutes from Banff, just outside the park gate. It has a larger supply of hotels and condo suites, and it is often used as a less expensive base for the same trip. You still need a Parks Canada pass to enter the park. See Canmore hotels.
When is the best time to visit Banff?
Summer is the busiest season, for hiking, with higher room rates. Autumn is often quieter and clear. Winter is for skiing and snow. Late spring is quieter still, though some seasonal lodges remain closed.