Where to stay in the Rockies

Lying between the interior plains of Alberta and northern British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies is one of the most iconic sights in Canada with its dramatic peaks attracting visitors from across the world.

If you’re planning a holiday in the region, then there are lots of cheap flights to Canada that you can take advantage of. Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton are the closest gateway airports to the Rockies. Once there, you’ll find plenty of amazing hotels you can stay at in stunning mountain locations. So, take a look at our guide below for all the information you need on our best hotels.

The Canadian Rockies are majestic, and the region’s beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, rivers and forests are not exaggerated. Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Canmore are four iconic mountain towns in the Rockies and are close to many of the mountain range’s most famous attractions. So, whether you want to see the world-famous Lake Louise, drive along Icefields Parkway or walk on the Athabasca Glacier, this guide will help you plan your trip and where to stay.

 

Banff

One of the most picturesque towns in Canada, Banff is a hugely popular destination to visit. It is famous for its views of Cascade Mountain from the main street and its location on the stunning Bow River. In the winter it is a great choice for ski and snowboard holidays as it offers easy access to the Big 3 ski resorts - Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise – and in summer it offers lots of outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing and horseriding.

Banff Ptarmigan Inn – From £48pp

Just a few minutes from the centre of Banff, the Banff Ptarmigan Inn is charming and cosy. Its on-site pizza/pasta restaurant ‘The Meatball’ is great for a laid-back meal, and it also has a swimming pool with a sauna and steam room.

Banff Caribou Lodge – From £43pp

The Caribou Lodge couldn’t be better placed as it is located on the town’s main street and from here you can easily explore this beautiful mountain town. At the hotel, there is The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, a cosy ranch-style restaurant.

Inns of Banff – From £32pp

Despite being in a quieter part of town, the hotel is still within walking distance to the centre of Banff and its shops, restaurants and bars. The start of the iconic Legacy Trail, which is a great walking and cycling route, is also very close.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – From £43pp

This relaxing mountain retreat is set amongst eight acres of private parkland but is within walking distance of Banff town. There is a health and fitness club located within the resort and here you can take advantage of the large indoor pool and jacuzzi. There’s also a fitness suite, squash courts, an outdoor hot tub, tennis and basketball courts.

Banff Aspen Lodge – From £44pp

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Banff and should you want to leave this mountain haven you can head to nearby attractions like the Banff Park Museum, the Canada House Gallery and the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The Fox Hotel and Suites – From £60pp

The hotel boasts mountain character throughout. Popular amenities are its Chili’s restaurant, which serves tasty American food, and the hot pool, an exact replica of the Cave and Basin historic thermal springs.

Hidden Ridge Resort – From £53pp

Perched on the side of Tunnel Mountain, Hidden Ridge offers stunning views across Banff town and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. From the resort, you can take advantage of their bike hire facility and cycle to the town centre or opt for the free shuttle.

Fairmont Banff Springs – From £174pp

The hotel is known as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’ as it is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle. There are 11 eateries, so you don’t need to go out and find a place to eat, but if you do explore then the hotel is within walking distance of the town centre and is very close to Bow Falls.

Rimrock Resort Hotel – From £97pp

Nestled in the forest on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is home to a spa offering a range of treatments and therapies. The hotel is only a five-minute drive from Banff town and the Banff Hot Springs. The Banff Gondola, which will take you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, is right on its doorstep.

Banff Inn – From £40pp

The lodge-style hotel has an excellent location on the edge of the main downtown area of Banff and is a short stroll from the town centre. The Canadian Museum of the Rockies is close-by too.

Banff Park Lodge – From £72pp

Just a few blocks away from downtown Banff, the hotel is only a short stroll away from Bow River, the Banff Park Museum and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff Voyager Inn – From £30pp

This motel-style hotel is conveniently located near the centre of Banff meaning most of the town’s attractions are just a short walk away. After an active day, you can put your feet up in the indoor hot tub and sauna or take a dip in the outdoor pool. The Mountain Home Smokehouse Grill serves a tasty menu.

Brewster's Mountain Lodge – From £44pp

This rustic-style hotel is right in the heart of Banff and the Canada House Gallery is just next door to the hotel, while the shops, restaurants, boutiques and galleries are all just a short distance away.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge – From £79pp

This deluxe lodge is located on Tunnel Mountain, but whilst it is away from the main Banff road, it is still only around a 20-minute walk away from the town. The stunning surroundings are not the only attraction of this hotel as there are some great walks on Tunnel Mountain and other outdoor activities.

Canalta Lodge Banff – From £31pp

One of Banff’s newest hotels, it shares amenities with sister hotel Banff Voyager Inn next door. This means you can make use of its amenities such as an outdoor pool, indoor jacuzzi and sauna.

Charlton's Banff – From £56pp

The Charlton’s Cedar Court is a lodge-style hotel in a great location with it being just a short walk from the centre of Banff town and a short drive from the likes of Banff Upper Hot Springs and Lake Minnewanka. The hotel has an indoor pool and jacuzzi as well.

Delta Hotels By Marriott Banff Royal Canadian Lodge – From £68pp

Located right in the centre of the town, the Banff Royal Canadian Lodge is an elegant and stylish hotel. You will be pleased to hear that there is a spa to relax in with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and a range of treatments on offer. The Evergreen Restaurant and Lounge is a great place to enjoy food made from locally sourced produce.

Elk and Avenue Hotel – From £51pp

Formerly known as the Banff International Hotel, the Elk and Avenue Hotel is only a few minutes from the centre of the town. The hotel has the spectacular Cascade Mountain towering behind it and is home to Ricky’s All Day Grill and RG’s Lounge, which offers a casual atmosphere to enjoy traditional café fare.

High Country Inn – From £36pp

This classic hotel has fantastic amenities and an excellent location as it is only a few blocks from the dining and shopping areas in downtown Banff. The hotel also has an indoor pool and jacuzzi with large windows looking out onto the surrounding countryside, a sauna and the Ticino Swiss-Italian Restaurant.

Irwin's Mountain Inn – From £30pp

Irwin’s Mountain Inn is a short walk from the town centre but it is also on the doorstep of some great hikes among the fields of wildflowers located around the base of the surrounding mountains. The Bow River is just a short distance away, so adventurers can go kayaking or canoeing along the famous river.

Juniper Hotel – From £41pp

This stylish boutique hotel is nestled in the forest with lovely views of the mountains and is just a five-minute drive into the centre of Banff. The Juniper Hotel also boasts an outdoor hot tub, chic bistro and a terrace with lake views.

Mount Royal Hotel – From £34pp

A grand hotel rich in history and located in downtown Banff. There is a large indoor hot tub and sauna, free WiFi throughout and a popular restaurant called Tony Roma’s Restaurant & Lounge, which specialises in hearty steaks and slow-roasted chicken.

Rundlestone Lodge – From £36pp

This rustic hotel is located on the main road into Banff town and therefore has excellent amenities. It is only a short walk away from the centre and is close to the likes of the Banff Park Museum.

Tunnel Mountain Resort – From £40pp

The Tunnel Mountain Resort is located on the lower slopes of the mountain and is a more secluded base for your Banff holiday. Although on the outskirts of town, it is still a manageable walk or short drive from the town centre.

 

Lake Louise

Lake Louise’s spectacular scenery will blow you away, with the hamlet’s namesake lake being one of the most famous in the world. The glacier-fed lake is the most stunning shade of turquoise and is overlooked by the impressive Victoria Glacier. In summer you can stroll, walk, ride or hike through this beautiful part of the Rockies and during the winter months you can enjoy one of North America’s largest ski resorts, dubbed the jewel in Canada’s skiing crown.

Lake Louise Inn – From £58pp

The hotel is just 10-minutes from Lake Louise itself and is surrounded by spectacular scenery. The hotel is home to three restaurants offering high dining, pizza and pasta or pub-style grub.

Deer Lodge – From £49pp

The historic Deer Lodge is a beautiful and unique hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the spectacular Lake Louise. The unique rooftop hot pool and restaurant and lounge are popular too.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – From £191pp

Arguably the most famous hotel in the Rockies is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Located on the shores of Lake Louise and surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains, the hotel offers up stunning views. It is renowned for its dining options from Swiss fondue in the Walliser Stube restaurant to afternoon tea in the Lakeview Lounge.

Baker Creek Mountain Resort – From £52pp

This popular resort is a charming village of luxury log cabins set in lovely grounds beside the fast-flowing creek. You can also enjoy the Baker Creek Bistro as it serves a delicious menu of wholesome, rustic dishes with a casual, friendly atmosphere and a great sunny terrace.

Moraine Lake Lodge – From £137pp

On the shores of the Moraine Lake, this boutique hotel offers visitors some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. As part of your stay, you can go canoeing and enjoy guided hikes without any further cost. Lake Louise is just 20-minutes away from the hotel.

Mountaineer Lodge – From £82pp

The Mountaineer Lodge is a motel-style hotel and is only a few minutes’ walk from Lake Louise village, and a short drive from the stunning glacier-fed lake itself.

 

Jasper

The mountain town of Jasper is picturesque and makes a great base to explore the Canadian Rockies in Jasper National Park. It’s known as a more intimate and down-to-earth town than its lively neighbour Banff. This is a town for adventurers, where even the long drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper is an adventure in itself. It’s close to top attractions like Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon and the Columbia Icefield.

Jasper Inn and Suites – From £55pp

This iconic mountain hotel is located near the centre of Jasper and offers all the amenities you should need. From the hotel, you can easily visit the Yellowhead Museum and the Wildlife Museum.

Chateau Jasper – From £61pp

Just outside the centre of Jasper, the hotel isn’t just known for being a great place to stay as its on-site Silverwater restaurant serves award-winning cuisine.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – From £148pp

Stunningly located between Mildred and Beauvert lakes, the resort is rumoured to have been the place Prince Harry and Meghan Markel spent their honeymoon. The complex has its own golf course and you can head onto the crystal clear lake and go canoeing.

Pyramid Lake Resort – From £59pp

Pyramid Lake Resort is the only resort in Jasper with exclusive access to Pyramid Lake and it sits on the picturesque terraced hillside.

Pocahontas Cabins – From £49pp

These cabins are just 25 minutes from Jasper and although still being near the town, they really offer you a mountain retreat. You can enjoy some delicious local cuisine from Poco’s Café.

Bear Hill Lodge – From £70pp

Set in a quiet rural location on the edge of Jasper but still just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. Maligne Lake is just an hour from the hotel, where you can kayak, hike or enjoy an iconic boat ride to Spirit Island and the Hall of the Gods.

Marmot Lodge – From £70pp

Located on the main street, Marmot Lodge is surrounded by the mountains of Jasper National Park. The hotel is close to all of Jasper’s main attractions and is just a 10-minute walk from Patricia Lake.

Mount Robson Inn – From £72pp

A great budget option for you to stay in Jasper, the hotel is in the quieter south side of the town. There are two outdoor hot tubs that you can relax in and if you want to walk into the centre of town it is only a short distance away.

Whistler's Inn – From £48pp

This iconic mountain hotel is located in an excellent position right in the heart of Jasper. The rooftop steam rooms and indoor/outdoor hot tubs are a great place to relax after a day of hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

 

Canmore

Canmore is just west of Calgary and is a popular destination if you are looking to stay in the Rocky Mountains. The town is famed for its craggy summits like the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak, but there are lots of hiking trails and other activities on offer for adventurers to enjoy. It’s only a short drive away from famous Banff but is less crowded, so you’ve got a better chance of finding peak season hotel rooms here.

Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn – From £35pp

The rustic hotel is only a short walk from the centre of Canmore and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is also a short drive from the Cross Zee Ranch where you can saddle up and take a horse riding trip through the mountains.

Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre – From £43pp

Only a few minutes from the town centre, the hotel is in a great location and is close to attractions such as Elevation Place, a large indoor centre housing a water park, and the Canmore Museum & Geoscience Centre.

Holiday Inn Canmore – From £45pp

This lodge-style hotel is nestled at the base of the Rockies and is only a short stroll into downtown Canmore and its numerous attractions.

Ramada Inn & Suites – From £40pp

This traditional hotel is located in the centre of the town, but it still offers great mountain views and is close to attractions like the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk, which offers great views of the lush meadows and the rugged Rocky Mountains.

Stoneridge Mountain Resort – From £59pp

The resort has lots of fantastic features including a lovely outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre and a popular café. It is also a short walk to the downtown area of Canmore and the likes of the Canmore Museum and the historic North West Mounted Police Barracks.

If you’ve been inspired, then take a look at our variety of Canada holidays to see which Canadian Rockies trip best suits you. You could even opt to explore the Rockies via the scenic Rocky Mountaineer.