The Best Resorts in Banff for Every Traveler
Just under two hours from Calgary sits the ski town of Banff, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, in Canada. Every winter, visitors flock here for the white stuff. Come summer, challenge yourself to a mountain hike or visit the glittering Lake Louise, 40 minutes’ drive away. Each of these Banff resorts is bookable on Culture Trip.
1. Hidden Ridge Resort
Resort
Just a short drive from the town of Banff, Hidden Ridge Resort sits on a hillside, surrounded by towering pines. Families love the log cabin-style condos, fully equipped kitchenettes, wood-burning fireplaces and large hot tubs overlooking a valley. You can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, but always be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife.
2. The Rimrock Resort Hotel
Resort, Hotel
The Rimrock Resort’s Banff incarnation took place in 1993. Through a marvelous application of engineering, the resort clings to the side of Sulphur Mountain, offering unparalleled and private views of the surrounding mountainside. It was awarded CAA/AAA four diamond status that year and has held it ever since, through a combination of outstanding service and fine dining. The Banff Upper Hot Springs and main gondola are mere steps from the lobby.
3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Resort
Set on the shore of one of the most photographed lakes in the world, the Chateau has been a magnet for visitors since it was founded in 1890. One of the original Canadian Pacific Railway Castles in the Mountains, it is the site for international ski competitions, and offers outdoor activities from night snowshoeing, skating, sleigh rides in winter to canoeing, nature walks and horseback riding in the summer. The spa at this resort near Banff helps bridal parties prepare for lavish weddings and pampers guests all year round.
5. Grande Rockies Resort – Bellstar Hotels & Resorts, Canmore
Resort
Just outside Canmore, the Grande Rockies is a unique resort near Banff that’s a combination of condominium and traditional hotel. Families will enjoy the spacious penthouse suites with private hot tubs and stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The pool has a three-story slide and kid-friendly water features. Take the short drive to Canmore for fine dining options or you can visit the casual on-site restaurant.
6. Tunnel Mountain Resort
Resort
Mountain cabins on the forest fringe are the most popular accommodations in this large Banff resort. The newly renovated rooms range from standard suites to condos with two bedrooms and a kid-sized loft, most with wood-burning fireplaces. You will love the views of Tunnel Mountain from the pool. Families appreciate the children’s play area near the barbecue pits. Although it’s larger than most resorts in the area, it’s still quiet enough for deer to make an appearance on the grounds.
7. Fairmont Banff Springs
Resort, Suite Hotel, Spa Hotel, Luxury
No trip to Banff would be complete without checking out the Fairmont Banff Springs. Known by locals as “the castle”, this exceptional property has been delighting visitors for over a century. Constantly updated with the latest tech, this Banff resort’s defining feature has always been superior attentive service. A daily menu of activities provided by the concierge seems almost endless, as are the dining options. Enjoy the selection of treatments at the newly renovated, award-winning Willow Stream Spa, including massage and hydrotherapy.
8. Douglas Fir Resorts and Chalets
Resort
Families and friends have room to roam at the Douglas Fir with condos, suites and chalets that sleep up to 10. Kids will love the four-story playhouse, the largest in Western Canada, and the waterpark. It has two waterslides, plus a wading pool and a nearby 24-person hot tub. Handily, Douglas Fir is also within walking distance of downtown Banff, but there’s also an on-site grocery store for late night snacks.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.