Where to Stay in Banff: Best neighborhoods

Banff was originally established as a resort in the late 1800s after railroad workers found hot springs at the base of Sulphur Mountain. Since then, the region has grown as a tourist spot popular for soothing waters, great skiing and hiking, and gorgeous scenery. Banff and nearby neighborhoods are actually inside Banff National Park, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Decide where to stay to be near the park's attractions that best match your interests. Accommodations range from lodges and inns to a historic luxury mountain resort hotel.

Great Neighborhoods for Outdoor Activities

The beautiful outdoor scenery of lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and other sites is the primary draw for visits to Banff National Park. Book accommodations in the heart of Downtown Banff to be near Cascade Gardens and the Bow River, with Bow Falls and the Surprise Corner Viewpoint short hikes away. Stay at the Historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to enjoy the waters of Upper Hot Springs and play golf at Banff Springs Golf Club. Lodges and inns lining the road heading out of Banff are great for enjoying boating and swimming in Lake Minnewanka and hiking on Tunnel Mountain. The Banff Gondola, which offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, is south of town, but convenient to reach with a free shuttle from lodgings in Banff.

Where to Stay for Skiing

While hot springs first brought tourists to Banff, exceptional skiing at the area's "big three" ski resorts is a major reason why many visitors return year after year. Stay in Downtown Banff to enjoy winter sports at Mount Norquay Ski Resort, just a 10-minute drive away. Lodgings in town are also convenient for great skiing at Sunshine Village, with a commute of about 20 minutes by car. Use the free shuttle to get from a Banff hotel to ski at Lake Louise, about 40 minutes away, or book accommodations right at Lake Louise Mountain Resort to be able to step out of your room and glide to the chairlift.

Best Areas to Stay for History and Culture

Most of Banff's historic and cultural attractions are in or very close to Downtown Banff hotels and lodgings. Stay along the main street to explore local and regional history at the Banff Park Museum and Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Cultural sights nearby include the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Canada House Gallery, and Walter Phillips Gallery. This area is also the best place to stay to explore attractions south of the Bow River, including the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum. Learn more about the area's beginning as a spa region with healing waters during a stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a 130-year-old hotel that helped establish the tourism industry in the region.