Hotels in Banff

Banff is a small town of around 8,300 people sitting entirely inside Canada's oldest national park, which is why it has never sprawled: residency is restricted by law and the buildings stop where the mountains begin. Rundle, Cascade and Sulphur Mountain rise directly above the main street.

The glacial lakes are what most people come for. Lake Louise, 40 minutes northwest, sits beneath Victoria Glacier, and Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks is arguably more spectacular still. Note that Moraine Lake road is now closed to private vehicles year-round, so access is by Parks Canada shuttle, commercial bus, bike or guided tour only, booked ahead.

In winter the three ski areas of Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay share a single lift pass, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs are open year-round. The Icefields Parkway north to Jasper is one of the great mountain drives anywhere, and a Parks Canada pass is required for everyone entering the park.