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6 of the Best Hotels for Banff National Park

Banff National Park is is a wonderland for active folk. Its mountains and valleys range high and low, crafting a pretty dramatic course for skiers and mountain bikers, while the serene unsullied mountain lakes are ripe for boating of all sorts. Banff National Park’s dense forests are home to elk, wolves and bears, and in spring, the alpine meadows are lush with flowers. There’s even hot springs, which is actually the reason the whole park became a protected area. Use our guide to the best hotels for Banff National Park, and start planning your trip to this awesome region.

banffKrishna Santhanam via Flickr

Discovered in 1883, during the hey-day in popularity of thermal bathing, it looked as if the whole area would be swamped by private businesses trying to ‘sell’ the new springs. But the government of the time stepped in and made the whole area a national park - Canada’s first and only the third in the world. But today you’re still able to stay within the park, and our Gurus have uncovered some wonderfully pristine recommendations for their list of the best hotels for Banff National Park.

banffBrian Powers via Flickr

You’ll find some of our Guru’s recommendations for the best hotels for Banff National Park in Banff Town, which exists purely as a gateway and comfort stop for exploring the park. Sure, it has high quality restaurants, boutique shops and even a nightclub, but it.s the spectacularly mountainous scenery of the National Park which most people are here for.

If you’re travelling here for a civilised skiing or hiking holiday, Lake Louise has some of the best hotels for the Banff National Park. With its grand hotels, its teahouses and spectacularly beautiful alpine lake, Lake Louise is one of those destinations where a photo does more to sell it than an essay of description.

lake louiseJames Wheeler via Flickr

But there are more epic views to be seen from the amphitheatre of mountains behind the lake, and yet another amazingly beautiful lake, Lake Moraine, just 13 kilometres away So hike, or climb, or snowshoe, or cross country ski about as much as you can to experience the full majesty of this amazing spot.

Don't forget that if you're planning to visit during peak summer and winter seasons, the best hotels for Banff National Park wil be extremely busy. So do yourself a favour and remember to book early!

6 of The Best Hotels for Banff National Park

The Best Hotels Within The Banff National Park

moraine lake lodge

  • Moraine Lake Lodge is an upscale resort with 33 rustic rooms featuring handmade wooden furniture. You’ll have amazing views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park from your private balcony. Peaceful and serene.
  • The Post Hotel & Spa is a charming hotel right by Lake Louise, and just five minutes from the ski resort. There are 97 simple yet elegant rooms, many with fireplaces and balconies, plus a choice of restaurants - including a Swiss fondu restaurant and an English style pub. There’s also an indoor pool.

The Best Hotels in Banff

buffalo mountain lodge

  • The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is the perfect place for an active break in summer or winter. There’s a range of accommodation, but most options come with fireplaces and private balconies with spectacular views. There’s an Italian restaurant, but they also have an option serving more local style cuisine.

The Best Luxury Hotels for the Banff National Park

cathedral mountain lodge

  • Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a luxurious lodge on the Kicking Horse River, just over the ‘border’ in the Yoho National Park. There are 31 rooms and rustic-chic cabins carefully decorated with local antiques, fireplaces and plenty of wood. Cabins have private porches.

The Best Value Hotels for the Banff National Park

emerald lake lodge

  • Emerald Lake Lodge is close to Field, just over the ‘border’ in the Yoho National Park. It has 85 rooms, arranged in a main building and in rustic cabins with lake views. There’s a choice of restaurants on site and great opportunities to go out on the lake. Rooms start from around £145 per night.
  • Nestled into a wooded acre close to the Panorama Mountain Village ski resort, the Earl Grey B&B is a five room B&B with chic log cabin rooms decorated with oriental rugs and great art. There’s a restaurant on site with a fantastic wine list. You’re outside the park, but still in the mountains. Rooms start from around £95 per night.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels for Banff National Park on our Guru’s list you could:

6 of The Best Hotels for Banff National Park

  • Moraine Lake Lodge Lake Louise (Improvement District No. 9) 33 rooms from £351

    Restrictions on children  -  Children older than 8 years are welcome.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Full of character
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    An upscale resort nestled under the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park. The rustic rooms feature handmade wooden furniture and stone chimney pieces. Private balconies command wonderful views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Peaceful and serene. See More

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  • Buffalo Mountain Lodge Banff (Alberta) 108 rooms from £161

    Foodies  -  40 people can be sat in the Wapiti Longhouse wine cellar on site, a great place to indulge in the local cuisine and fine wines.
    Romantic Break  -  Make the most of the enchanting and romantic views with the outdoor hot tub and private balconies.
    Kayaking  -  Leisure canoeing on Emerald Lake or Lake Louise is the perfect outing, especially with a picnic from the lodge.
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Snow or sun, this brilliant located lodge is the perfect for active families to set-up camp. Fireplaces, private balconies and comfortable beds make the rooms hard to leave but we promise the great outdoors and views are worth it. Cilantro is Italian cuisine, or try Sleeping Buffalo's local cuisine. See More

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  • Post Hotel & Spa Lake Louise 97 rooms from £374

    Back to Nature  -  From winter to summer there are a whole host of activities that allow you to soak up the great outdoors!
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor year round swimming pool
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Relais & Chateaux

    A charming riverside hotel, just five minutes from Lake Louise Ski Resort. The rooms are simple and elegantly furnished, with cosy fireplaces and balconies. A range of on-site restaurants include a Swiss fondue restaurant and an English-style pub, while the cellar boasts some 25,250 fine wines. See More

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  • Cathedral Mountain Lodge Field 31 rooms from £218

    Kayaking  -  Guests enjoy complimentary canoing on the lake.
    Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A luxury lodge on the Kicking Horse River, Yoho National Park. These rustic chic cabins are lovingly decorated with local antiques, wooden beds and roaring fireplaces. Private porches allow guests to soak up the majesty of the unspoiled parklands. A perfect hideaway from modern life. See More

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  • Emerald Lake Lodge Field 85 rooms from £145

    Kayaking  -  Explore the tranquil waters of Emerald Lake or Lake Louise.
    Full of character
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    Lakeside
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    An upscale nature lodge on Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake. Rustic chic cabins feature roaring fires, private balconies with lake view and en suites. There are a range of restaurants on site, and even an1890s saloon bar. A peaceful retreat from modern life. See More

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  • Earl Grey Lodge British Columbia 5 rooms from £97

    Great walks  -  The lodge sits in the woods right at the base of the slopes, in summer there are a whole host of beautiful walks to enjoy.
    Tennis  -  The lodge has access to resort amentities such as tennis courts, pool and hot tubs.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor seasonal pool.
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    A boutique B&B nestled on a wooded acre, of the Panorama Mountain Village ski resort. The rustic chic log cabin rooms feature such homely touches, Oriental rugs and decorative pictures. The on site restaurant is second to none with a fantastic wine list. Perfect location for hitting the slopes. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 24th June 2019