Banff is a hikers mecca and home to some of the best day hikes in the world. You’ll lose count of the amount of huge mountains, dramatic glaciers, striking blue lakes and incredible views on the trails, which can make selecting the best Banff hikes difficult!
We spent a month hiking in the area and have provided detailed first-hand accounts to help you prioritise. The difficulty you’ll have is working out how to fit so many into your vacation!
The thing we love about hiking in Banff is that there is a trail for everyone. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to see some of the best views, but if you push yourself a little bit you’ll be rewarded with scenes that don’t even seem real.
We’ve put together a brief summary of the hikes at the top and a more comprehensive list below to help you plan your trip to the Rockies.
The best hikes in Banff - the view from Big Beehive
Our favourite Banff hikes and why
We fell in love with every hike on this list but given that most people only have time for a couple, here’s our favourites according to what you might be looking for.
Best overall hike: Lake Louise Combo (Lake Agnes, Plain of 6 Glaciers & Lakeshore Walk)
Best views: Larch Valley in the fall or Iceline at any time
Best easy hike: Johnston Canyon
Best secret hike: The Ink Pots (continuing on from Johnston Canyon)
Best waterfall: Takakkaw on the Iceline Trail
Best ridge line: Abbott Ridge
Quietest hike: Healy Pass
Here are our other favourites:
A note on difficulty
We’ve classified every trail with a difficulty rating in this blog to help you know what to expect. The main thing to consider is virtually all hikes in Banff are steep. REALLY steep! The only trails which don’t involve an uphill climb of some description are the Lakeshore Trail in Lake Louise or the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls trail.
All the other trails will involve an uphill climb, but the truly hard ones are steep for a very long time. Hikes like Abbot Ridge are over 1,000 metres of elevation and take 2-3 hours hiking uphill!
However, this is what makes these trails so epic. In a lot of cases you will be climbing high up mountains for stunning views you just wouldn’t get anywhere else. Even if you aren’t used to steep hikes (we weren’t either) you can take your time and know that the reward will be well worth the effort.
Read next: The best lakes near Banff
The 17 best Banff hikes
To make things easier, we’ve categorised the Banff hikes by how far away they are from town. We’d read a lot of articles with people talking about “Best hikes in Banff” to then find out they were four hours away (one was on the border with Montana)!
There are a lot of great hikes near Banff (enough to keep you busy for a lifetime) but we thought we’d add in a few gems that are a little further away but none are further than 2.5 hours - and most are much closer.
Hikes that are up to 30 minutes from Banff
1. Ha Ling Peak, Canmore
Why we love this Banff hike: Stunning views of the Canmore Valley on a recently renovated trail.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 8km return
Elevation: 700m
Time taken: 1 hour 50 up, 1 hour down
Start point: Goat Creek Car Park
Quick Summary: Steep uphill climb with stunning views of Canmore and the surrounding valleys.
There was a lot of excitement for the reopening of the Ha Ling Peak Trail - one that used to be considered fairly treacherous. We can only imagine what the trail was like before the work was done as the slopes at the top looked unclimbable - think almost vertical scree slopes! Locals said that you had to descend on your backside, sliding downwards until you reached flatter ground.
Best Banff Hikes: Ha Ling Peak
Whilst the trail is no longer dangerous, it is still as steep as they come! This leg burner of a trail winds up the mountain through forest and is relentlessly steep. The first viewpoint is stunning and a glimpse of what is to come, some people turn around here but it’s worth continuing on. After heading back into the forest, the trail soon opens up again for some vertigo inducing views of the Spray Valley.
You can now get to the saddle easily due to a shallower grade trail and ladders which are steep, but safe (you can see the ladders in the picture below, it’s more of a suspended staircase and not in the least scary if ladders aren’t your thing!).
After the saddle, the brave can continue to the summit up a slippery scree slope. Or you can just take in the Canmore Valley from the saddle, a worthy end to a tiring trail!
Descending Ha Ling Peak
The views from Ha Ling Peak
Read next: The 12 best things to do on Vancouver Island
2. Johnston Canyon
Why we love this Banff hike: Canyons, waterfalls, wildlife. What more could you want?!
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.1 km each way to Lower Falls, 2.5 km each way to Upper Falls
Elevation: Almost flat to Lower Falls and 240 metres to the Upper Falls
Start/End Point: Johnston Canyon Car Park
Quick Summary: Easy walk following a river through a canyon to two waterfalls.
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular places in Banff and for good reason. This beautiful trail winds through a narrow canyon to two turquoise waterfalls and is an easy hike that almost anyone can take on.
The Lower Falls are almost completely paved and whilst it does have some short uphill sections, it’s a generally easy but very rewarding trail.
Best Banff hikes: Johnston Canyon
The Upper Falls have a bigger climb and the paved path disappears, but it is still one of the easiest hikes in Banff. Both falls have big queues at the viewing platforms, so we recommend going early or late if you don’t like crowds.
Keep your eyes open for Dippers and chipmunks along the trail. If you want a longer hike to an epic spot, then we recommend adding on the Ink Pots trail.
3. The Ink Pots
Why we love this Banff hike: A hidden gem that few people go to! A stunning mountain plateau with unique blue tarns.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6km each way (3.5km beyond Upper Falls)
Elevation: 340m
Start/End Point: Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Quick Summary: Uphill forest walk that leads to a mountain top meadow with colourful pools.
Starting from the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon, the Ink Pots Trail is a hike the majority of people miss, which is definitely their loss! The Ink Pots area is one of the most beautiful spots in Banff - an open meadow with several multi-coloured pools overlooked by the huge mountains. We had to pinch ourselves when we got there, especially as there were only four other people around and this was in August!
Best Banff hikes: The Ink Pots Trail
However, the trail itself is relatively mundane - a gradual uphill climb through the forest. It’s not a bad walk, but the real reason to do this is the payoff at the end. Keep plugging away as your hard work will be worth it!
4. Tunnel Mountain, Banff town
Why we love this Banff hike: The trail with the best views of Banff town for very little effort.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5km return
Elevation: 200m
Time Taken: 1 hour
Start/End Point: Tunnel Mountain Trailhead (near the centre of Banff)
Quick Summary: Short, steep climb from the centre of Banff to views of the town and surrounding mountains.
If you’re looking for an easy hike that only requires an hour or so to complete, then head to Tunnel Mountain. This trail is a good glimpse of what you’ll get on the majority of Banff hikes: a bit of of a climb, some forest and a rewarding mountain view at the top. From the end of the trail you’ll look over Banff with its electric blue river as well as the Canmore Valley on the other side.
Best Banff Hikes: Tunnel Mountain
The path is in great condition and whilst it is uphill it zigzags on switchbacks so it’s not too steep, and there are plenty of places to stop for views along the way. It’s a great hike to do at sunset or just when you have an hour spare in the day.
5. Healy Pass
Why we love this Banff hike: Escaping the crowds to mountains that feel cut off from the outside world.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 19km return
Elevation: 700m
Time Taken: 4 hours
Start/End Point: Sunshine Village
Quick Summary: Long hike with very gradual climb that leads to meadows, mountain ranges and stunning views.
The Healy Pass is one of the longest hikes on our list, but it doesn’t feel overly steep at any point. Whilst you do head uphill the majority of the way it is so gradual that it didn’t feel like a slog - quite refreshing as many of the best Banff hikes are seriously steep. The gradual ascent meant that we could really appreciate the beautiful forest without huffing and puffing or watching our step.
Hiking out to the Healy Pass feels like an excursion from civilisation to a patch of paradise that is untouched by people. This trail winds 7km through dense forest before opening out to an alpine meadow where you’ll be surrounded by mountains.
Best Banff hikes: The Healy Pass
The meadow is full of life including colourful wildflowers in the summer and wildlife like Golden Eagles, weasels and even the occassional owl, so keep your head up and eyes open at all times!
The highlight of the trail is the pass itself with views out to the sparkling Egypt Lake which sits midway up a mountain.
If you don’t fancy going back the way you came, you can tack on the Simpson’s Pass trail. It adds on more distance (and sadly we didn’t have the time to do this) but we’ve heard it is a picturesque addition to the trail.
6. Stanley Glacier
Why we love this Banff hike: Few glaciers are this easy to hike to!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9km return
Elevation: 380m
Time Taken: 2 hours 20
Start/End Point: Stanley Glacier Car Park
Quick Summary: An easy to moderate hike uphill to a valley for views of mountain tops, a glacier and waterfall.
Based in Kootenay National Park just west of Banff, Stanley Glacier is a relatively short hike that doesn’t compromise on views. The trail isn’t particularly steep making it one of the easier walks on this list! There is a blissful 1km in the middle which is entirely flat, and otherwise the trail winds gradually uphill for most of the way.
The start of the Stanley Glacier trail is unique as you walk through the rebirth of a forest that was decimated by wildfire. In a short time, the trees are growing back and have got to head height. You can still see a couple of tree trunks that didn’t burn, but still died from the fires, giving a yard stick of how tall the trees used to be.
Best Banff hikes: Stanley Glacier
After the initial climb, the trail enters the valley where you’ll see sheer cliffs, glaciers and a huge waterfall. The trail continues closer and closer to the waterfall before abruptly ending at a boulder field. You can continue up a scree trail which takes you to a cave and closer views of the glacier and waterfall. Sadly it had been raining a lot when we were there, so we weren’t able to go all the way up the scree before it became incredibly slippery.
7. Mount Norquay Via Ferrata
Why we love this Banff hike: for the chance to breach the gap between hiking and rock climbing without any prior experience.
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Distance: 1.4km
Elevation: 260m
Time Taken: 3.5 - 4 hours
Start/End Point: Mount Norquay chairlift
Quick Summary: There are four designed routes on the mountain, we took the mid level option - Ridge Walker.
Before you write this off as having no place on a Banff hikes blog it’s worth knowing that a decent portion of the Via Ferrata route to the summit of Mount Norquay is on hiking trail! You’ll start with the traditional Via Ferrata style section using the metal rungs and footholds before coming out at a lookout below the summit from which it’s a straightforward hike to the top.
Best Banff Hikes: The Via Ferrata at Mt Norquay
The route to that point is both exhilarating and spectacular, as you traverse rock faces which would be well out of the capacity of an ordinary day hike. The views from the top are amazing even on a cloudy day. The descent is like a fairly tricky mountain hike descent but you are clipped in for safety.
We’ve written a full account on the route and how scary it is in our dedicated Banff Via Ferrata post.
Lake Louise Area - up to one hour from Banff
The hikes in Lake Louise are some of the best in Banff National Park and shouldn’t be missed. For our favourite hike in Banff, combine the following three hikes: the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail, The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and the Lakeshore Trail. It is a looooong hike, but it is truly worth it, offering close up glacier views, stunning lakes, epic mountains and a couple of beautiful teahouses along the way.
It’s like the Greatest Hits of the Rockies on one trail.
8. Lake Agnes Teahouse
Why we love this Banff hike: For the chance to sip tea at an historic teahouse and carry on to the best views of Lake Louise.
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Distance: 7km return
Elevation: 400m
Start/End Point: Lake Louise
Quick Summary: An historic uphill hike through the forest to a teahouse which can then be continued to epic viewpoints of Lake Louise.
The Lake Agnes Teahouse trail has been attracting visitors for decades and it’s still an incredible walk today. This trail leads from the shore of Lake Louise, heading uphill through forest until you reach the remote Lake Agnes. On the shore of the lake is a rustic teahouse that serves tea and light bites with an amazing view. Here’s the full details on the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail.
Best Banff hikes: The Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail
From the teahouse, push on to Little and Big Beehives for the best views of Lake Louise and possibly the best views in the Rockies. A truly special hike.
9. Plain of 6 Glaciers
Why we love this Banff hike: The name says it all - 6 glaciers on one hike!
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13.8km return
Elevation: 587m
Start/End Point: Lake Louise
Quick Summary: A hike to the plain of glaciers at the far end of Lake Louise and another historic teahouse.
Names don’t get much better than the Plain of 6 Glaciers and this trail has the wow factor! Passing by Lake Louise, this hike takes you to a valley that is surrounded by glaciers and has stunning views along the whole way. It is a little perilous getting to the final viewpoint, but the slippery path is worth the effort.
Best Banff hikes: The Plain of 6 Glaciers
There’s also a great teahouse towards the end of the trail which is always an added bonus!
10. Lakeshore Walk
Why we love this Banff hike: A refreshingly flat hike in the Rockies which still offers stunning views.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.7km return
Elevation: 100m
Start/End Point: Lake Louise
Quick summary: Easy stroll along the shore of Lake Louise where the water seems to change colour as you make your way along the trail.
The perfect accompaniment to a Lake Louise sunrise, the foreshore walk is flat, easy and offers up some spectacular views of this famous lake. Starting by the boardwalk, the trail hugs the eastern side of the lake, following that incredible blue water and gives so many different perspectives of the lake, mountains and glaciers at Lake Louise.
Best Banff Hikes: The Lakeshore Walk at Lake Louise
It shouldn’t take long and it’s a good one to do with the family. We decided to bring a little gas burner for a cup of tea after the walk (typical Brits 😂).
11. Larch Valley - Moraine Lake
Why we love this Banff hike: There’s nowhere like it in the fall although it would still be spectacular at any time of year.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.6km one way (this gets you all the way through the valley, it’s 3km to the start of the valley)
Elevation: 544m (to the very end of the valley)
Time Taken: 3-4 hours with lots of stops
Start/End Point: Moraine Lake
Quick Summary: A hike up to a valley full of larches surrounded by the stunning snow-capped Ten Peaks
If you’re visiting the Rockies in fall (September/October), there’s one trail that should be on the top of your list of Banff hikes - the Larch Valley Trail. This hike is simply incredible when the falls colours begin to happen and there are few hikes we have ever done that are quite like it.
The trail heads uphill from Moraine Lake, through an evergreen forest before reaching the Larch Valley, the trees turn a stunning yellow colour in autumn. The views in the clearings are spectacular as the larches have a backdrop of the famous ten peaks. We got lucky with the weather and will never forget this hike!
Best Banff hikes: The Larch Valley
If you fancy some more exertion and an extension to the trail, head onto Sentinel Pass.
Update for 2023: You can no longer drive down Moraine Lake Road. Your only access options are now the Parks Canada shuttle, taxis, a tour or cycling. You can still park at Lake Louise and use the shuttle to reach Moraine Lake from there.
12. Sentinel Pass - Moraine Lake
Why we love this Banff hike: A nice addition to the Larch Valley Trail with the chance to see Paradise Valley.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.1km return (from the Larch Valley trail)
Elevation: 181m (in addition to the Larch Valley trail)
Time Taken: 1 extra hour
Start/End Point: Moraine Lake
Quick Summary: Short, steep hike up to a mountain pass for Larch Valley and Paradise Valley views.
The Sentinel Pass trail is a hike that is well worth tacking onto the Larch Valley. From the ground it looks slightly horrifying, several steep switchbacks up a scree like slope. However, the view is deceiving.
Best Banff Hikes: The Sentinel Pass
Whilst the trail is uphill all the way, it is never overly steep and is much wider than it looks. The path is also in good condition and not slippery at all.
The payoff is the mountain top view which is 360 degrees and epic on a clear day. You’ll also see views of the Paradise Valley which you can’t see from the Larch Valley track. The final part of the hike to the top lookout is an easy rock scramble and well worth the extra few minutes effort.
Update for 2023: You can no longer drive down Moraine Lake Road. Your only access options are now the Parks Canada shuttle, taxis, a tour or cycling. You can still park at Lake Louise and use the shuttle to reach Moraine Lake from there.
Read next: 10 beautiful hikes in Revelstoke, BC
Hikes that are 1 - 1.5 hours from Banff
13. Peyto Lake to Bow Summit Lookout
Why we love this Banff hike: For the stunning view of Bow Lake, a view few others make the effort to see.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.9km return
Elevation: 320m
Time Taken: 1 hour 20
Start/End Point: Peyto Lake
Quick Summary: Moderate uphill hike to a view point high above Bow Lake. You’ll also see the world famous Peyto Lake along the way.
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds at Peyto Lake, the trail to Bow Summit is the perfect way to do so. The trail is about 5.5km long and climbs uphill, but is one of the easier hikes in the area. Whilst the scenery on the hike is relatively ordinary (the forest is pretty but we got so spoilt in the Rockies), the view at the end of Bow Lake, the surrounding mountains and the Icefields Parkway is spectacular.
From the car park, walk towards the first Peyto Lake lookout. Once here, follow the trail onwards (not the one to the bus car park) until the track splits into three. Take the middle path and look out for a sign to the left marked “Bow Summit Lookout” which points to a gravel/dirt path.
From here the track will undulate and switchback a couple of times before the trees thin out and Bow Summit appears.
You’ll come across a really rocky patch - which is a favourite spot for marmots - before having to hike steeply uphill. Before long you’ll see this beautiful view of Bow Lake and the path will end.
You’ll also get some spectacular views of the Icefield Parkway from up here.
The hike back is all downhill and on easy terrain. It’s a great hike to do if you want to go to Peyto Lake for sunset and arrive a bit too early, guilty! 😂
14. Iceline Trail - Yoho National Park
Why we love this Banff hike: Incredible hike alongside a glacier with two stunning waterfalls
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
Distance: 17km loop
Elevation: 687m
Time Taken: 5.5 hours
Start/End Point: Takakkaw Falls parking lot (in Yoho National Park)
Quick summary: Hefty initial climb to walk alongside glaciers and endless valley views, followed by a gorgeous forest trail and waterfall.
The Iceline Trail is a bit of a distance from Banff, but boy is it worth it. The Iceline Ridge is so good that we think it’s not only one of the best hikes in Banff, but one of the best day hikes we’ve ever done.
The hike will take you to the top of a mountain, offering incredible views of the valley and the mighty Takakkaw Falls. It then heads alongside glaciers and beautiful deep blue lakes, before dropping down to another spectacular waterfall and along a river.
Best Banff Hikes: The Iceline Trail
This hike changes all the way along and mesmerises you with every step. It’s well worth the longish drive from Banff to get to.
Read next: The best hikes in Jasper
Hikes that are 2 - 2.5 hours from Banff
15. Parker Ridge - Icefields Parkway
Why we love this Banff hike: It’s short yet still has one of the best views on the Icefields Parkway.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6km return
Elevation: 250m
Time Taken: 2.5 hours
Start/End Point: Parker Ridge Trailhead parking lot, Icefields Parkway
Quick Summary: Short hike uphill to one of Banff’s best views of a glacier, waterfall and huge valley.
Parker Ridge is many people’s favourite hike along the Icefields Parkway and we couldn’t agree more. This is another hike where the views along the path are good, but the vista at the end is simply spectacular.
The trail goes from the car park, into the forest and heads uphill immediately (there’s almost no Banff hike that doesn’t!). After a little while you’ll reach the top of the ridge and this view.
Best Banff Hikes: Parker Ridge
It looks completely untouched - steep mountains, a huge glacier, an electric blue river and lake and no roads or buildings for miles. It is a wild and incredibly beautiful place.
You can follow the trail further (and it gets a bit sketchy at the very end along the ridge) and see some different perspectives of this incredible view.
16. Wilcox Pass Lookout - Icefields Parkway
Why we love this Banff hike: It’s a great alternative to the Columbia Icefield tours.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3km return
Elevation: 183 metres
Time Taken: 1.5 hours
Start/End Point: Wilcox Creek Campground, Icefields Parkway
Quick Summary: Short hike through forest to a stunning glacial view. Yo can enjoy it from the iconic red Parks Canada chairs.
The whole Wilcox Pass is 3km each way, but for the best view you only need to go 1.5km along. The path starts in the forest and is one of the more gradual Banff hike ascents. The track has a lot of tree roots though, so you do have to watch your footing in places.
Best Banff hikes: Wilcox Pass Lookout trail
After about 1km the track will leave the forest and you’ll appear a lot higher up with views of the Parkway and mountains. Follow the path until you reach two red chairs - yes, Canada has a cool red chair program for you to take in stunning views!
The reason this view is spectacular is because you can take in the Athabasca Glacier that slides down the mountain. Alternatively you can get a closer look from the Toe of the Glacier trail (although this view is obviously from lower down looking up at the glacier), but the Wilcox Pass Lookout is one of the best views of the glacier at eye level. It’s definitely one of our favourite spots along the Icefields Parkway.
17. Abbott Ridge - Glacier National Park
Why we love this Banff hike: One of the most stunning ridges we’ve ever seen and no crowds whatsoever.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 17km return
Elevation: 1,067m
Time Taken: 5 hours
Start/End Point: Illecillewaet Campground
Quick Summary: An incredibly steep hike to one of the best mountain views in Canada.
Glacier National Park is often overlooked by travellers to Canada and they are truly missing out. This national park is small, but it packs a punch with steep mountains and stunning vistas. You’ll need to drive over two hours from Banff, but you will lose the crowds. We weren’t originally going to include Glacier in our Banff hikes list but when we shared this photo on Instagram we had people asking if it was possibe to do from Banff, and if you’re up for a long day, it is!
Best Banff Hikes: The ridgeline on Abbotts Ridge
The Abbott Ridge trail is incredibly steep and pretty long, making it one of hardest hikes on the list. But the effort is rewarded with just breathtaking views that you’ll likely have all to yourself.
This ridgeline and the surrounding mountains are up there with the best we’ve seen anywhere in the world. We visited in August and during the whole day’s hiking, we only saw four other people. Unheard of in Canada!
Best Banff hikes Map
We’ve created a customised Google Map, so you can see the exact trailhead locations of all the trails in this post. Simply click on this link (or on the map) to start planning your itinerary!
Essential info for these Banff hikes
National Park entrance fee
None of these hikes require a permit, but you’ll need to pay a fee for the national park for the majority (like any in Canada). You can buy a day pass for $9.80 CAD for an adult, or $19.60 CAD for a group.
If you plan on doing multiple hikes, we recommend buying the Canada National Parks Annual Pass for $136.40 CAD for a group and get entry to every national park in the country for a year.
Bear Safety
A lot of these hikes are in bear territory - both grizzly and black bears. When we visited Glacier National Park, there was a board telling you the latest bear sightings, but the majority of Banff and Yoho hikes do not have such warnings!
We strongly advise getting bear spray and bringing it on every trail you go on. You can buy it at any outdoor store in Banff, Amazon or REI for about $50. Just make sure you don’t take it on a plane or across an international border as it’s classed as a weapon!
Alternatively, you can ask your hotel desk if they have some - many guests choose to leave it behind for others.
You’ll find that the majority of trails are heavily trafficked, which tends to scare off any bears, but we advise speaking loudly and making noise on the trails - especially when you approach a blind corner. Bears are at their most dangerous when startled, so giving them warning that you are there normally allows them to calmly move on.
Occasionally you may find there is a minimum group restriction in place (four people required) and if you are caught not in a group when the mandatory restriction is in place you will be fined. We didn’t experience this restriction and only saw the signs in place around Moraine Lake (where it was recommended but not mandatory). Personally I was worried we might find these restrictions and be unable to take on the hikes but in reality there will likely be others in the same boat at the trailheads so don’t worry.
The only hike on this list where bears are not monitored in anyway is the Healy Pass. We didn’t see any bears but it would be one we wouldn’t hike without bear spray.
Where to stay in Banff
Banff is a pricey place to stay at any time of year and you won’t really find a bargain. We’ve picked three options for three different budgets.
We stayed in the midrange choice but our budget and luxury options are included because we personally spoke to people staying there and they came highly recommended.
If you’re undecided between Banff and Canmore as a base, why not check out our post all about Banff vs Canmore.
Luxury - The Fairmont Banff or Lake Louise
Both Fairmont options are grand and luxurious so where you stay depends on whether you want to be in town or out by Lake Louise (just over 40 minutes drive). If you can, staying in both areas would be great and when we return to the area we will stay at Lake Louise for at least part of our trip as we loved that whole area so much. These are bucket list hotels when you’re really looking to treat yourself and one day we’d love to stay.
The Fairmont hotels don’t come cheap but if you have the budget they do come highly recommended. Rooms look stunning and a blend between modern and old world style - think marble bathrooms. There are onsite pools and jacuzzi with spectacular views. A major downside of the Fairmont in Banff though is that parking is charged in addition to the room rate which we think is quite tight. That is not the case at Lake Louise.
Check the latest prices and availability for the Fairmont Banff Springs:
The Fairmont, Lake Louise
Check the latest prices and availability for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:
Budget - Samesun Hostel
This hostel is a bit of an institution and right in the heart of Banff town. When we returned to Banff in mid September as the peak season was winding down the Samesun was one of the few places to stay that still had a no vacancy sign up every single day. They have both mixed and single sex dorms and a friend of ours said there was a great, friendly vibe.
Check the latest prices and reviews on:
Midrange - Ptarmigan Inn
This is where we stayed on our third visit to Banff and we loved the really central location, we could walk everywhere in town and having previously stayed in Canmore it was a treat to be so much closer to the lakes and other attractions surrounding Banff - when you’re heading to Moraine Lake for sunrise those extra 30 minutes in bed really count!
Our room wasn’t huge but it was big enough and very comfortable, the bed in fact was so comfy that sometimes it was hard to drag ourselves out! The bathroom was also great and I loved the local Rocky Mountain shower products. There is a free underground car park and also a pool and sauna which we sadly never had time to use!
Check the latest prices and availability on:
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Are you planning a trip to Banff? Which Banff hike is top of your list? Let us know in the comments below!
