Expert guide to Banff
Banff became established as a town in the 1880s, when the railway came to the area. Tourism began here after the railway workers discovered natural hot springs nearby, and a few years later Swiss mountain guides brought in to help with the railway introduced skiing to the mountains. Since it is a gateway for exploring the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park in the summer high season, there is plenty of good value accommodation available during the winter.
Banff town is the most vibrant and popular accommodation base for the three ski areas of Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay, with plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars, mainly focused on Banff Avenue. There is a handful of places to stay in quieter Norquay and Lake Louise (which offers the spectacularly-sited Fairmont hotel), and the only ski-in/ski-out accommodation in the area is the Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine. For nightlife, Banff town wins hands down.
Tunnel Mountain Resort
On Tunnel Mountain Road, and around 2km from Banff town centre, the Tunnel Mountain Resort has stirring views of the Canadian Rockies, an indoor pool, two hot tubs, a fitness centre and sauna and a children’s playground.
Price: £
Lake Louise Inn
Making the most of the spectacular mountain scenery, the Lake Louise Inn in a quiet location in Lake Louise has floor-to-ceiling windows, three restaurants, a bar and a heated indoor pool and whirlpools.
Brewster Mountain Lodge
In Banff town, this friendly three-star lodge is close to the ski-bus stop for transfers to all three resorts. With a fireplace in reception and a sauna to relax in after a day on the slopes, Brewster Mountain Lodge offers 77 rooms and suites, some sleeping up to four.
Price: ££
Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Banff National Park’s only ski-in/ski-out hotel, Sunshine Mountain Lodge is in a tranquil location at the top of the gondola in Banff Sunshine; the lift runs until 5.30pm most days, 10.30pm on Fridays. With a rustic mountain theme, the hotel also has an outdoor hot tub and three restaurants.
Price: ££
Fairmont Banff Springs
Once owned by Canadian Pacific Railway, the two Fairmont Hotels are the iconic five-star properties to stay in, whether a short walk from Banff itself or in Lake Louise.
Price: £££
Post Hotel & Spa
In Lake Louise, the four-star Post Hotel & Spa boasts a fine dining restaurant, a fondue restaurant, extensive wine cellar, pool, hot tub, steam room and an English-style pub.
Price: £££
Book it: Half board from £212 per person per night, when booked directly. Excludes travel.
Booking.com rates above are guide prices per person per night, please note that packages can differ across accommodation. Owing to the current coronavirus pandemic, these rates may change. Please check the properties’ websites for further information on what’s included.
