We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in Banff, Canada Book your stay at one of these editor-loved and award-winning properties. By Laura Studarus Laura Studarus Laura Studarus is a writer, traveler, and photographer from Los Angeles, California. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 11, 2024 Slopes by Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Photo: Courtesy of Sunshine Mountain Lodge I knew I’d come back to Banff the first time I saw it. The Canadian Rockies evoke fairytale levels of wonder — there’s a reason it remains one of Canada’s top tourist destinations. From deep blue lakes to trails winding through alpine forests, there’s plenty to see and do in Banff. All the more reason to book luxurious lodgings when you’re forced to return inside for the evening. As evidenced by their appearances on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and It List, there’s no lack of outstanding hotel options in the greater Banff area. Ready to experience Alberta’s natural wonders? Read on to find our favorite hotels that will not only offer you shelter, but also rejuvenate you between bucket-list outdoor adventures. Fairmont Banff Springs Guest room in Fairmont Banff Springs. Courtesy of Accor Book Now What We Like The old-world architectural decadence is second to none. What to Consider Rooms are a bit small and understated compared to other luxury hotels in the area. Built in 1888 as a lavish stop on the recently created railroad, the Fairmont Banff Springs still maintains its reputation as “Canada's Castle in the Rockies.” There’s a reason why the property has made it onto T+L’s World’s Best Awards list for four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). From the imposing, European royalty-evoking architecture to the meticulously manicured grounds – a contrast to the mountainous forests that surround it – there’s so much beauty on hand that the grounds themselves are a popular tourist location. If you’re staying overnight, be sure to check out the pools — both indoor and outdoor — with their unique architectural flourishes and the cave-like hot tub. There are 12 restaurants on-site, and the Afternoon Tea is not to be missed. The Details: Location: Inside Banff National Park, 1 kilometer from the town of Banff.Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, accessible transportation options, and braille signs.Wi-Fi: Accor Live Limitless members receive premium internet access, free slower speeds available.Nearby Attractions: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Cascade GardensLoyalty Program: ALL – Accor Live LimitlessParking: $35 CAD per night, with unlimited accessPet Policy: A one-time cleaning fee of $50 CAD per day – up to a max of $100 CAD for two pets. $15 of this fee will be donated to the local Bow Valley SPCA. Service dogs always stay for free.Rates: Start at $423 Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Living room area of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Courtesy of Accor Book Now What We Like It’s difficult to find a hotel in Banff with a better view. What to Consider Due to popularity, be prepared to wait during check-in. Eating on-site without a reservation can also be a challenge. Like all Fairmont locations, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise wears its history proudly, and certainly earned its spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2022 and 2021. The location was built by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882, and its chandelier-decked lobby and sweeping staircases still retain their old-world glamor, while reimagined 539 rooms and suites stand out with modern décor and design. Since it’s just as popular for a day trip as it is for overnight lodgings, the food options run deep, ranging from European comfort classics like fondue at Walliser Stube, to casual burgers and salads at the Lakeview Lounge, and 24-hour grab and go eats at Chateau Deli in the lobby. But the real star of Fairmont Chateau is the turquoise water of Lake Louise which is postcard-worthy year-round. Check the hotel’s robust events calendar for a sampling of ways to get out and enjoy nature in any season. The Details: Location: Lakeside, Banff National ParkAccessibility: Accessible rooms with large entry door frames, flashing fire lights, roll-in showers, and grab bars.Wi-Fi: Accor Live Limitless members receive premium internet accessNearby Attractions: Saddleback Pass, Lake Louise, Bow Glacier Falls TrailLoyalty Programs: ALL – Accor Live LimitlessParking: Self-parking at $40 per day; Valet parking at $55 per dayPet Policy: $85 per room, per nightRates: Start at $358 Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise Exterior of Post Hotel. Courtesy of Post Hotel Book Now What We Like This hotel offers luxury that doesn’t overshadow the nature surrounding it. What to Consider It’s located a fair distance outside of the town of Banff. Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts purchased Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise in 2021, transforming the World War II-era ski lodge into a high-end hotel that perfectly straddles the line between rustic beauty and modern luxury. (A transformation that landed it on our World’s Best Awards list in 2022.) The amenities at this property are a standout: they have what might be the only Roman-inspired saltwater pool you’re likely to find in the area. Their spacious cabins feature exposed beams, wood-burning fireplaces (already set up and ready to be lit). And perhaps best of all, there’s plenty of privacy. Oenophiles rejoice: their wine-cellar sits over 22,000 bottles deep — one of the reasons they’ve received the Wine Spectator Grand Award for 23 consecutive years. The menu of treatments at the Temple Mountain Spa is impressive, with options like the après facial, which is tailored to address the skin and body after a day of enjoying the great outdoors. But the real star here is nature, something that Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise is careful not to overshadow. From hiking trails that literally start at the front of the lodge, to the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort and Moraine Lake, there’s plenty to explore. Grab a bicycle or a white ski shuttle (both provided free of charge), and choose your own adventure. Or book one of the hotel’s packages (highlights include New Year's, skiing, and mid-week ski), and allow them to do the planning. The Details: Location: 40 minutes from the town of Banff in the Village of Lake LouiseAccessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms, and leveled, accessible paths across the propertyWi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise GondolaLoyalty Programs: NoParking: FreePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Start at $250 The Rimrock Resort Hotel Guest room in Rimrock Resort. Courtesy of Rimrock Resort Book Now What We Like It offers dramatic views of the valley that are not to be missed. What to Consider Still in the mist of renovations, some areas of the property feel a bit dated. The Rimrock Resort might be my favorite Banff-area property. Perched on the side of a hill, the hotel makes the most of its stunning forest views with floor-to-ceiling windows in common areas. The view from the guest rooms is almost equally as impressive — but if you want more, splash out for the Signature Collection suite, which comes with its own 1,100-square-foot private balcony. Enjoy a sunset dinner at Eden, the in-house elevated dining experience — but just know that their 17,000-bottle deep wine collection is the real star. Wine-curious guests of all knowledge levels should book the cellar experience, a tour and tasting that will introduce them to the depth of the cellar’s offerings. The Details: Location: Sulphur Mountain in Banff National ParkAccessibility: Accessible rooms, service animals welcome, braille, and employee assistance available.Wi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Banff Upper Hot Springs, Tunnel Mountain Trail, Cascade GardensLoyalty Programs: Rimrock RoyaltyParking: Self-Parking: $32 plus 5 percent GST. Daily Valet Parking: $45Pet Policy: $60 per dog, $20 per additional dogRates: Start at $143 Juniper Hotel Guest room at Juniper Hotel. Courtesy of Juniper Hotel Book Now What We Like This hotel stands out for its modern, on-property dining. What to Consider This hotel is clean and comfortable, but it’s not a luxury experience. Juniper Hotel is located a 5-minute drive from the town of Banff — not that you’d know it from their stunning views of Mount Norquay, which can be enjoyed from the bay windows of their 52 guest rooms. It’s a hiker-friendly retreat — the front desk offers complimentary lightweight backpacks, stocked with SPF, hand sanitizer, and bear spray. They also offer hiking poles and bikes on a first-come basis. For vegetarian travelers (myself included), Juniper Hotel is a culinary dream, with a variety of locally sourced, plant-based options, including ethically sourced meat embellishments for those who enjoy a little something extra. (Their egg menu alone is worth the visit.) The Details: Location: Bow Valley, BanffAccessibility: Only one queen bedroomWi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Fenland Trail, Mount NorquayLoyalty Programs: NoneParking: FreePet Policy: $25 per nightRates: Start at $341 Peaks Hotel & Suites Guest room at Peaks Hotel. Courtesy of Peaks Hotel Book Now What We Like This hotel offers a nice blend between town and wilderness. What to Consider While a comfortable stay, it lacks certain luxury amenities featured by other nearby properties. A simple, unfussy property located in the middle of Banff, Peaks Hotel & Suites gets high marks from guests due to its modern design and access to both the city and nature. Among the hotel’s 71 rooms are the Summit Suites, which are ideal for guests looking for a bit more privacy, as they include separate entrances, vaulted ceilings, and separate living spaces. There are no on-site pool amenities, as of now — but guests are allowed access to the hot tub and steam room at Banff Park Lodge, located right across the street. The hotel can also help organize canoe rentals, day trips to the nearby Columbia Icefields, and bookings at Cedar & Sage spa. The Details: Location: A short walk from downtown BanffAccessibility: Wheelchair-accessible roomsWi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Shopping along Banff AvenueLoyalty Programs: Currently noneParking: $18 CAD per dayPet Policy: Only service animals are allowed.Rates: Start at $139 Moose Hotel and Suites Lobby of Moose Hotel. Courtesy of Moose Hotel Book Now What We Like It features modern design with a hint of low-key kitsch. What to Consider Located in the center of Banff, this might not be the nature-adjacent experience you’re looking for. Moose Hotel and Suites’ design serves a hotel-meets-cabin-chic aesthetic. But that’s the only nod to kitsch you’ll find at this Banff property. Those looking for a truly unique stay should book the Corner House, a 660-square-foot, historic mining property built in 1926 and relocated to the courtyard of Moose Hotel & Suites in 2016. Just keep in mind that while it’s a private house, you will likely share space with those interested in reading about the property’s rich history on the panels just outside your door. Those looking for additional space will find plenty in the Rooftop Two Bedroom Suite and the Rooftop One Bedroom Suite — both which come with private balconies. Guests also rave about the rooftop hot pools, aka the perfect après ski soak spot. Fuel up for a day of exploring the village or nature in the Pacini Dining Room or Pacini Bread Bar, where guests are invited to customize their perfect toast. The Details: Location: Located in downtown Banff Accessibility: Accessible rooms available with exact dimensions listed on their website. Wi-Fi: Free Nearby Attractions: Banff Avenue shopping Loyalty Programs: None Parking: Yes, free with four electric charging stations. Pet Policy: Designated pet-friendly suites, $25 charge per pet per night. Rates: Start at $214 Canalta Lodge Hot tubs and patio at Canalta Lodge. Courtesy of Canalta Lodge Book Now What We Like We appreciate the unstuffy, modern design. What to Consider There are minimal accessibility features. In a neighborhood known to veer towards cutesy shops, restaurants, and bars, Canalta Lodge is a stand-out for its unstuffy modern design and impressive access to nature, right in the center of Banff. The rooms have a Nordic-lodge vibe you’ll want to lounge in, complete with in-room shampoo and soaps sourced from local companies, so be sure to make the most of it by booking a loft suite, which comes with a full kitchen, dining area, and fireplace. The Scandi DNA carries through the outdoor common areas, which include saunas and a glacier plunge tub. Go further afield by renting a bike, or grab a bite at the Happy Camper Café, which features a variety of flatbreads and dips. The Details: Location: Directly on Banff Avenue, the town’s main street.Accessibility: Only one queen bed accessible room.Wi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Banff Avenue shoppingLoyalty Programs: YesParking: YesPet Policy: $25 per pet, per night.Rates: Start at $121 Moraine Lake Lodge Lounge area of Moraine Lake Lodge. Courtesy of Moraine Lake Lodge. Book Now What We Like The location allows for easy sunrise viewing over Lake Moraine. What to Consider It’s not wheelchair accessible. Moraine Lake Lodge uses their isolated location to their advantage. You won’t have much WiFi, a TV in your room, or any cell service – but that’s exactly the point. And with only 33 rooms on the property, you won’t even have to share much of Banff’s pristine beauty with others, making this the perfect place for those looking for a romantic getaway, or just to reconnect with nature. Amenities skew low-key, including a noteworthy free breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, and canoeing on Moraine Lake. Those craving a bit of togetherness will appreciate tri-weekly naturalist talks held in the library, and Tuesday to Sunday interpretive guided hikes, aimed at helping guests better understand and protect the surrounding environment. The Details: Location: Lakeside at Moraine Lake Lodge.Accessibility: Not wheelchair friendly.Wi-Fi: Limited free WiFi; there is no cell receptionNearby Attractions: Moraine Lake, Sentinel Pass, Valley of the Ten Peaks Loyalty Programs: NoneParking: Yes, complimentaryPet Policy: Not allowedRates: Start at $760 Sunshine Mountain Lodge Slopes by Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Courtesy of Sunshine Mountain Lodge Book Now What We Like It’s hard to beat the feeling of sleeping on top of a mountain. What to Consider Given its popularity with skiers, it can be a party spot. Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the only ski-in/ski-out accommodation in Banff. To get to the top of the hill, you’ll have to take Sunshine Village’s high-speed eight-passenger gondola. Enjoy the view while your baggage meets you at the top. Once at the hotel, you’re surrounded with lifts located almost directly outside the hotel’s front door. But the immediate access to nature will also appeal to those who don’t prioritize hitting the slopes. (I am one of those people.) Visitors praise the spacious rooms, particularly the West Wing Loft Rooms with a split-level sleeping setup that works well for families, and the Deluxe Waterfall Rooms, which face the waterfall run, and are notably quieter in the evening. Sunshine Mountain Lodge is also home to Banff’s largest hot tub, which can hold 30 people at a time. Spa treatments lean brisk, basic, and hydrating — basically everything you need after a day on the slopes. For the après scene, Sunshine Village is just a quick ride back down the hill — just keep in mind the gondola stops running at 10 p.m. The Details: Location: The peaks of Banff, accessible by Sunshine Village’s high-speed eight-passenger gondola. (Off-hours shuttle transportation available for an additional fee.)Wi-Fi: FreeNearby Attractions: Skiing and snowboardingLoyalty Programs: Sunshine Super CardParking: Free — located at the bottom of the gondola.Pet Policy: Not allowedRates: Start at $183 Know Before You Go Consider renting a car Driving is the easiest way to explore the area, particularly if you’re looking to take advantage of the wealth of hikes and outdoors spaces without being beholden to a tour group or trying to hail a taxi. Don’t forget to purchase your national parks pass You need to buy a national parks pass to enter Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks. However, you can do this online ahead of time to beat the rush. Don’t neglect nearby Jasper National Park Banff is undeniably gorgeous. However, many people don’t realize that nearby Jasper National Park is equally as spectacular, and receives only a fraction of the visitors. The road between the two, Icefields Parkway, Highway 93 North, is easily one of the most beautiful drives in the area. It’s perfect for a day trip or even an overnight. How We Chose These Hotels In an area with a multitude of stand-out luxury properties, it’s difficult to narrow down the best hotels in Banff. Several that made this list were selected due to their inclusion on the T+L World’s Best Awards and It List . Writer Laura Studarus is a travel journalist, whose travels often take her through Alberta, where she’s stayed in a variety of accommodations. Finally, all of our hotel recommendations also align with our T+L Hotel Values. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more