Are you looking for the best hotels in Banff for families but need help deciding which one to choose from the extensive list of options?
Banff National Park is a fantastic place to visit with kids all year-round. So many activities are available for everyone in the family: from walking short hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls to walking to fun candy stores in the charming downtown, Banff is undoubtedly a family-friendly destination.
Moreover, there are more than 3,600 hotel rooms in Banff. This number does not include some of the other hotels outside Banff’s municipality. Consequently, selecting the best hotels in Banff for your family can take a lot of work.
Furthermore, Banff which is the highest town in Canada sitting at 4,537 ft (1,383 metres), is only about a 90-minute drive from the City of Calgary, making it easy for a day trip if your budget does not allow you to stay in the town for a couple of nights.
Nested in the Canadian Rockies, the municipality of Banff will charm you with its mountain ranges and its wildlife. You can consider yourself lucky if you get to see bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, deer, caribous, or wolves.
For accommodation options, prices will vary a lot depending on the season and the hotels.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
A Few Things to Know When Planning a Visit to Banff, Alberta
Here are a few things to know when planning a visit to Banff, Alberta.
✈️ Book your flight to Banff
Find cheap flights to Banff (YYC) using Google Flights or Skyscanner where you’ll be able to compare different airline tickets for YYC, including some low-cost ones.
🚗 Rent your car
You can rent a car directly from Calgary International Airport or wait until you are in town. I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars.
Do you need a car in Banff?
If you plan to stay in the Town of Banff, you will probably be fine without a vehicle. Banff has a Roam Public Transit system that will allow you to explore the area stress-free. Moreover, you can also use the Banff Transit and Shuttle Bus which conveniently offers rides from the Town of Banff to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. If you need to go to Calgary International Airport, you can book a shuttle with the Brewster Express.
🎟️ Book your Banff tours
Viator and Get Your Guide are two great websites for finding fun tours in and around Banff such as a Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your Banff, Alberta visit
The GoWhee app is the perfect app for finding fun kid-friendly activities in Banff. Roadtripppers will help you plan any road trips. It helps you add stops along the way. AllTrails is our go-to app to look at trails’ reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.
Where to Stay in Banff With the Family
There are different areas within Banff National Park to stay with the family. As previously mentioned, your final choice will depend on your budget, the time of the year you’re traveling, and your itinerary for your visit to Banff.
So where is the best place to stay in Banff?
Where to Stay in Banff to Experience the Mountain Town Vibe
If you want to experience the mountain town vibe that Banff has to offer, it would be best to find a hotel right in downtown Banff. Hotels on Banff Avenue (Banff’s main street) or nearby will be ideal. This will allow your family to enjoy the closeness to downtown and the possibility of walking short distances around the town.
In fact, this may be one of the most important advantages: you will not have to worry about finding and paying for a parking spot and getting the kids in and out of their car seats.
🛏️ Our top recommendation would be: Fox Hotel & Suites
Where to Stay in Banff to Be in a Central Location for Adventures
If you want to find a home base while visiting the Canadian Rockies and Banff with your kids that is central, it would be best to find a hotel near Lake Louise or Castle Mountain Junction.
Castle Mountain Junction is halfway between the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. Plus, it’s at the junction of AB-93 that leads to Kootenay National Park. Furthermore, Lake Louise is where the Icefields Parkway, begins and it’s only a few minutes away from the road leading to Yoho National Park.
🛏️ Our top recommendation would be: Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Where to Stay near Banff with a limited budget
There are a few budget-friendly hotels in Banff, including some hostels where kids can stay. As a matter of fact, staying in hotels located outside of the Town of Banff can help you save some money.
Although not part of the Town of Banff, Canmore can be a great option to save a bit on accommodation services. The Town of Canmore is located 20 minutes east of Banff. You should know that Canmore is a charming mountain town where you can enjoy the Canadian Rockies from your hotel bedroom.
11 of the Best Hotels in Banff for Families
Here are some of the best hotels in Banff National Park for families.
1. Baker Creek Mountain Resort
The Baker Creek Mountain Resort is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies near Castle Mountain Junction. This is an excellent choice for families that want a unique nature experience.
The resort is ideally located in the woods, by a creek. It offers cabin-style rooms that are ideal for families.
Their two-bedroom Log Cabin is perfect for a family of four, and, what’s more, this room is well equipped with a queen-size bed, two twin beds accessible by a ladder, a small kitchen with complimentary goodies, and a private bathroom.
The resort has some amenities that you will want to check out during your stay. The amenities include:
- A fitness centre,
- A steam room and sauna,
- A cozy outdoor campfire area, and
- Snowshoes and sled rental services
Whether you’re traveling with kids or solo, you’ll love the peaceful atmosphere of this place.
We visited this resort with our kids and loved how family-friendly it was! We had the privacy we wanted, we felt safe at all times, and we were able to disconnect from the digital world as there was no internet connection in the area.
The price for a one-night stay in the two-bedroom chalet (max 6 guests) starts at $419 per night.
2. HI Castle Mountain
Suppose you’re ready for a family digital detox and want a different experience. In that case, you’ll love HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel, one of the 10 available wilderness hostels in the Canadian Rockies.
This hostel is situated between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park on Highways 1A and 93.
HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel offers two types of dormitories: one for women and one for men. It’s important to note that kids under 5 years old are not allowed in this hostel because of the dormitories’ layout; however, there are a few other options for families with younger kids that you can find on the HI Canada website.
The facilities of this hostel include a self-catering kitchen, indoor toilets, a hot shower, and a beautiful and cozy wooden lounge with a central fire pit.
We loved our stay at HI Castle Mountain, and the staff made us feel safe in a wilderness hostel.
Prices start at $195 when you book for a group of +4 people.
Furthermore, under the “rent-a-hostel” initiative, you could rent the entire hostel for your family. Now you can still rent the hostel for groups of up to 28.
3. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a 4-star hotel considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Banff National Park, along with Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
The hotel has a wide range of hotel rooms to choose from, including family-friendly rooms with a capacity of up to 4 children. All the rooms include a private bathroom, comfortable beds, a tea and coffee maker, and air conditioning.
Fairmont Banff Spring is perfect for families as it offers a various of kids’ activities through its recreation programs. The amenities include geocaching, a castle treasure hunt, ice skating, float tours, and more. They also have some activities in which the whole family can participate!
In addition to all these kid-friendly activities, the hotel has two incredible swimming pools, four restaurants onsite, which accommodate any dietary requirements, and a shuttle service to nearby ski resorts.
Prices start at $542 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
4. Moose Hotel and Suites
The Moose Hotel and Suites is definitely one of the most outstanding hotels located in downtown Banff. It’s ideally located on Banff Avenue, which is a short walking distance from all the fun things to do; thus, this family-friendly hotel is a great and popular choice among families.
The Moose Hotel and Suites offers a variety of rooms that accommodates families, such as the Superior room which can include two beds, or the Rooftop Two Bedroom Suite.
All the rooms are well equipped with comfortable queen or king-size beds, tea/coffee makers, air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, a mini-fridge and a flat-screen TV. Free WiFi and parking are included in the price too.
The hotel has amenities that you must absolutely check out during your visit:
- A lovely indoor pool,
- Two rooftop hot tub pools, and
- An onsite restaurant.
The Italian restaurant Pacini located on the first floor of the Moose Hotel and Suites, is a fantastic choice when traveling with kids. The atmosphere is cozy and calm, and it has a generous kids’ menu that includes a salad or soup, juice, bread, a pizza or pasta dish, as well as a dessert.
In fact, Pacini is a restaurant that’s famous for its bread bar. Patrons can choose between different types of bread and butter to make croutons. The kids LOVED it.
Prices start at $343 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
5. Banff Park Lodge
The Banff Park Lodge Hotel is another fantastic option to stay in downtown Banff. You will enjoy picturesque mountain views from your bedroom and be within walking distance of all the fun activities downtown Banff offers.
The Banff Park Lodge Hotel offers several amenities, such as:
- An indoor pool,
- Exercise facilities,
- Three tasty onsite dining options,
- A heated underground parking,
- Convenient ski shuttle and ski/bike rentals onsite
The rooms have complimentary WiFi, a TV, a coffee maker, a fridge, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board.
This hotel is also close to the Bow River. You can walk along the Bow River Trail and enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters with a fantastic mountain backdrop.
Prices start at $569 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children) staying in a superior queen room with two queen beds.
6. Canalta Lodge
The Canalta Lodge Hotel in downtown Banff is another excellent option for families to stay year-round.
When we stayed at the Canalta Lodge back in March, we were welcomed with complimentary s’mores, and our kids LOVED it! What a perfect treat for a before or after ski session.
The rooms are equipped with bunk beds, king or queen beds, HDTV’s, a fridge, and a microwave.
Some of the amenities you can’t miss include:
- A complimentary breakfast,
- A private underground parking,
- A fireplace,
- Free WiFi,
- A fitness centre,
- A glacier plunge tub,
- Outdoor hot tubs,
- An outdoor sauna,
- A coffee shop with various snacks and hot/cold beverages
Prices start at $549 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children) staying in a 2 queen bed-bedroom.
7. Tunnel Mountain Resort
The Tunnel Mountain Resort is a 3-star hotel in a natural mountain setting that offers excellent rooms for all families, including large families.
The resort includes beautiful condos, cabins, and suites that are equipped with comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, a private kitchen with all the essential cooking amenities, a flat-screen TV, and a private balcony or patio where you can enjoy incredible mountain views.
Moreover, within the resort, you can relax in the sauna, use the outdoor BBQs and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
In addition to the views and the hotel amenities, we also love how close the ski trails are, and the staff is very accommodating in arranging excursions in the local area.
Prices start at $135 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
8. Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets
If you are looking for a place that offers an indoor waterpark, the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets is the best option. Your kids will enjoy sliding down the yellow and green waterslides that bring you to the small pool of the Resort.
The Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, located on Tunnel Mountain Road, offers more than a hundred spacious condo-style units. Every room has an A/C, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fireplace where you can relax after a day of exploring.
The Resort also offers other amenities, such as:
- A jacuzzi,
- A sauna room,
- A fitness room,
- An indoor children’s play zone
If you rather play outside, you can choose between playing tennis or basketball while the kids enjoy the playground. This is a great option for families as everyone will find something fun and interesting to do during their stay.
Prices start at $399 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
9. Hidden Ridge Resort
The Hidden Ridge Resort is another place worth considering when looking for the best hotels in Banff for families. It’s close to Tunnel Mountain, and a few minutes from downtown Banff.
The resort offers two-bedroom apartments that are perfect for families who want to feel at home. The apartments are fully equipped with a kitchen and an ensuite bathroom.
They also include a cozy wood-burning fireplace (with complimentary firewood), a TV, free WiFi and a balcony where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains.
Another good reason to stay at the Hidden Ridge Resort is its amenities, which include:
- A BBQ area with picnic tables,
- Hot tub pools,
- A sauna,
- A kids’ playground,
- Laundry facilities, and
- Free parking.
Prices start at $340 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
10. Fox Hotel & Suites
Located on the edge of downtown Banff, Fox Hotel & Suites offers a good range of suites and hotel rooms to accommodate any type of traveler, including families.
The hotel rooms and suites include comfortable bedding, an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, free WiFi, and a sofa bed. The suites also offer a private kitchenette and a bigger space for large families.
The hotels offers exceptional facilities like the Cave and Basin-themed hot pool, a sauna, a laundry room, and an American-Mexican-style restaurant with a tasty kids’ menu.
The Fox Hotel & Suites hot pool is in fact designed based on the historic caves at Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
When you book your accommodation with them, you’ll also get a complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, and Banff Roam bus passes.
Prices start at $184 per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
11. Basecamp Suites Banff
Last but not least, the Basecamp Suites in Banff is another phenomenal option to stay during your visit to Banff. This hotel with apartment-style accommodations is a few steps from Banff Avenue, so you can easily enjoy a morning or evening walk after a day of exploring.
There are several hotels that are part of the Basecamp Resorts family. If you decide to stay in Canmore, AB; Golden, or Revelstoke in British Columbia, you will find different accommodation options offered by the Basecamp Resorts.
At the Basecamp Suites in Banff, some of the amenities available are:
- A fully equipped kitchen with a tea and coffee maker, and a fridge,
- Free WiFi,
- Washing machines,
- Air conditioning,
- Rooms with mountain views
Prices start at $ per night for 4 guests (2 adults and 2 children).
F.A.Q 11 of the Best Hotels in Banff for Families
How far is Banff from Calgary?
It is not far! Depending on where in Calgary you are, it is about 130 km west of Calgary. You will arrive in Banff in 90 minutes, more or less. You can easily hop on the Trans-Canada Highway/AB-1 W and enjoy the drive towards the Rocky Mountains. The drive is very calm and easy. Do not forget to watch out for wildlife!
How many days in Banff is enough to visit?
This will hugely depend on your budget. You can stay as little as 2 days and as much as 7 days to explore and discover the beautiful and charming town. You can read this blog entry where I share a 7-day itinerary for Calgary, Banff and Jasper.
Can I do a day trip from Calgary to Banff?
Most definitely! Banff is one of the most visited places in Alberta, and as a consequence, it can be expensive to stay overnight. Please know that it is absolutely worth it to stay if your budget allows! Since Banff is a little over an hour from Calgary, you can easily enjoy what the town has to offer in just one day. You may feel rushed, but with some planning, it is possible! I recommend you read this article to have some ideas of activities to do with your kids!
Are all hotels family-friendly in Banff?
Banff is a beautiful and family-friendly town; therefore, most hotels in town are family-friendly. Having two kids of my own, it is important for me to find accommodations where kids are welcome and where there are activities or amenities that my kids will thoroughly enjoy.
I curated this list of 11 of the best hotels in Banff for families considering what my kids love (such as waterslides, swimming pools and hot tubs). You can’t go wrong with any of the options I shared here!
When is the best time to visit Banff?
I would say that anytime is a good time. Banff is beautiful both in the summer months and in the winter months. If you do not mind the crowds, July and August are the busiest months. If you rather visit when it is less busy, then you can come in May or June, or anywhere from October to March to enjoy the winter wonderland!
Is a Park Canada Pass Required When Visiting Banff National Park?
If you are driving your own vehicle, a Parks Canada Pass is required for the entire length of your stay in Banff National Park. You can either purchase a daily pass upon arrival at Banff National Park or get an annual pass that will allow you to visit all National Parks and National Historic Sites across Canada. If you are using a shuttle service, you will not need a Parks Canada Pass.
Can I see wildlife when visiting Banff?
The Town of Banff, in Banff National Park, is a great place for some wildlife sightings. You may get to see:
- Black bears
- Grizzly bears
- Bighorn sheep
- Mountain goats
- Elk
- Deer
- Coyotes
- Wolves
- Cougars
You’ll definitely see elks and deers during your visit. You’ll have a better chance at spotting them around sunrise and sunset. It’s not uncommon to see them walking around town.
As for bears, Banff National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Take your time when you’re driving to get a chance to spot them. Bow Valley Parkway and Spray Lakes Road are usually great roads to spot some bears. Please keep your distance and stay in your car. If you are lucky, you may be able to see The Boss, Banff’s most dominant grizzly bear!
There are many wildlife tours offered like this full-day Grizzly bear tour or this evening wildlife tour.
Final Thoughts: The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Banff
There are many family-friendly hotels in Banff, and choosing the best one comes down to your budget and the type of trip you’ll be doing.
If you can, consider staying in downtown Banff to explore the town on foot and experience the village at night. If you travel to Banff in the wintertime, staying downtown will be a great option, so you and your kids can access a pool and hot tub to relax and play after a day of exploring.
Which one of those hotels in Banff would you go to with your kids?
