The Best Airbnbs In Banff (and Surrounding Areas) 2023!
Banff is easily one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been in my life! From the insanely stunning Canadian Rockies to the glacial lakes, this place needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. A trip to Banff, however, can be difficult to plan if you aren’t familiar with the area. The park spans over 2,500 miles, while the Icefields Parkway Drive alone is a minimum 3 hour drive. With how large, vast, and far apart everything can be, finding the right place to stay can be a stressful decision. Some days, you’ll find yourself driving a couple hours minimum. So here is a list of the best Banff Airbnbs, broken down by location that will make your trip as easy and carefree as possible!!
In Need of a Banff Itinerary?
I’ve put together a 5 Day Banff & Jasper National Park Itinerary for you to visit!! It has an entire breakdown of everything you need to know before you go, as well as all the scenic stops you MUST visit! If you are only going for a long weekend, you can cut out Jasper National Park and keep it to a 3 day Banff-only trip!
Click here to read the blog post!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Here is a quick overview of Banff National Park and everything you need to know before you go! Consider some of these factors prior to booking your Banff Airbnb as well!
Best Time to Visit: Banff is honestly remarkable in every season– but there are pro’s and con’s to different times of year. It also boils down to what you personally enjoy! Spring & summer time for me is a must.
During the winter, temperatures are too cold for me to handle. The lakes are also frozen and the iconic Moraine Lake is closed off. However, if you like to ski, snowboard, or ice skate/ ice hockey, this is for you!! It also looks like you’re walking through a real life winter wonderland.
Just keep in mind that Banff is ALWAYS busy, at all times of year. But because Banff is all outside, even with huge crowds, there’s always fresh air, and it feels open.
Weather: Banff has one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the world — with snow on the mountains up to 8 months of the year. You can expect very mild summers and very cold winters. Summers (in Fahrenheit) averaging 70’s during the day and 40’s at night. Winters are 20’s during the day, and single digits at night.
Getting Around & Transportation: The great thing about Banff, is everything is on Highway One/Ice Fields Parkway, so if you start at the entrance of Banff, you will pretty much hit all of the major stops just by driving down this highway. But keep in mind, Lake Louise is about 2 hours away from Peyto Lake, and Peyto is about two hours from Athabasca Falls—so bring snacks, create an awesome playlist, and have a lot of water with you! Also, I highly advise you to pull over at as many of the the scenic overlooks as possible.
If you are meeting friends in Banff, don’t need/want a car rental, or are flying into Calgary Airport, you can take the Banff Airporter Shuttle into Canmore. The shuttle runs every hour or two hours depending on time of day and season, while costing about 75CAD one way. It also runs from Canmore back to the Calgary Airport.
Airport: The closest airport to fly into would be Calgary (YYC), and then driving roughly 90 minutes to Banff by car or shuttle.
Currency: CAD (Canadian Dollars), most major credit cards widely accepted
Languages: English
Alright, now let’s dive in to all of the best Airbnbs in Banff!
AIRBNBS IN BANFF TOWN
Banff Town is a charming alpine community known for its picturesque surroundings and history. Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town was initially developed as a resort town and quickly gained popularity due to its hot springs and stunning mountain vistas. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Rockies, offering visitors a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges and boutique hotels.
Banff Town is my number one recommendation for where you can stay. You can stay outside of Banff Town and within the national park, but you might miss out on what the town itself has to offer. For example, you’ll find more affordable and higher quality restaurants, and night life. But staying anywhere within Banff is quite magical. Here is a list of my favorite Airbnbs in Banff.
1. Bampton Cabin
Sleeps: 2 Guests, 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Location: Banff Town (Beaver Street, near Banff Ave.)
Standout Amenities: Brand new private tiny house, loft-style cabin
Private off street parking
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
2. Rustic Chic Banff Mountain Home
My top Banff Airbnb pick for large groups & families
Sleeps: 8 guests, 2 Bedrooms (4 Beds)m 2 Baths
Location: Banff Town, 2 blocks from Banff Avenue
Standout Amenities: Watch the sunset over Mount Rundle while grilling on the deck!
1800 sqft, extremely spacious for Banff!
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
3. Golden Nights – Luxury Tent
My top Banff Airbnb pick for the Adventure Seeker
Sleeps: 2 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 1 Shared Bath
Location: Near Tunnel Mountain 1 and Two Jack Lake
Standout Amenities: A unique Glamping Experience in the Rocky Mountains!
Waterproof Tent with propane stove and cooking utensils (pots/ pans, glasses, cutlery etc)
Comes with a charging pack for your phone
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
4. Banff Log Cabin
Sleeps: 2 guest, 1 bed, 1 bath
Location: Walking distance to Downtown Banff
Standout Amenities: This log cabin is next to the main house but completely separate and private.
Fresh baked muffins, fruit, juice and coffee/tea is delivered to the cabin every morning
Hand built backcountry cabin nestled in a beautiful neighborhood in Banff.
Off Street parking available, and townie bicycles to borrow
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
5. Banff Mountain Home
Sleeps: 11 Guests, 4 Bedrooms, 5 Beds, 4 Baths
Location: Old Banff Main Street
Standout Amenities: Newly built back deck to BBQ
Super spacious, private bathrooms in the bedrooms
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
6. Cozy Rockies Escape
Sleeps: 4 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 3 Beds, 1 Bath
Location: 5 Minutes from Downtown Banff
Standout Amenities: Cave inspired grotto with hot tub and sauna (upon reservations due to Covid)
Complimentary cold and hot breakfast, with mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker
Enjoy amenities from the Fox Hotel & Suites, such as Fitness Center
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
If this property isn’t available, check out an alternative here
7. Cozy & Bright Suite in Tunnel Mountain
Sleeps: 4 guests, Studio, 3 beds, 1 bath
Location: On top of Tunnel Mountain, close to Banff Centre
Standout Amenities: Private Balcony facing Tunnel Mountain
Indoor Pool and Sauna
Free Roam bus passes during your stay – the bus stop is just outside, and bike rentals
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
AIRBNBS IN THE TOWN OF CANMORE
Situated approximately 20 kilometers east of Banff Town, Canmore is a vibrant mountain town nestled in the Bow Valley. It was originally a coal mining town, and Canmore has undergone a remarkable. After the mine closures in the 1970s, the town embraced its natural surroundings and emerged as a popular tourist destination. Canmore provides a more laid-back and affordable alternative to Banff, with a variety of accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. Visitors can explore nearby hiking trails, enjoy mountain biking, and immerse themselves in the town’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
The town of Canmore is a great spot to stay at for a few nights, especially if you are flying in from Alberta. It’s a good starting point to begin your trip, as it’s just west of Calgary, and only 30 minutes to Banff. It’s significantly less quiet than Banff and much more affordable! You’ll notice that the quality of these Airbnbs in Canmore compared to the Banff Airbnbs are a lot better and more modern.
8. Restful Haven in Canmore
Sleeps: 2 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Location: Canmore
Standout Amenities: Fully renovated with all new appliances
Includes Gas Fireplace and other mountain touches.
Off site Parking
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
9. Stylish Mountain Retreat
Sleeps: 4-8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 4 Beds, 1 Sofa Bed, 2 Baths
Location: 3 Minute Drive to Downtown Canmore (12 Minute Walk)
20 minute drive to Banff
Standout Amenities: Two Private Bedrooms on second floor for quiet
Full tub in one of the bathrooms
Well stocked and clean kitchen with shared BBQ Grill
Outdoor pool and hot tub, exercise room
Pet Friendly with fee
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
10. The Most Perfect Stay in Canmore with Mountain View
Sleeps: 3 Guests, Studio Size 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Location: 10 minute walk to Downtown Canmore & 30 minutes to Sunshine Ski Village
Standout Amenities: Open concept, recently renovated
Beautiful Mountain View
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
11. Luxury Mountain View Lodge
Sleeps: 4 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 2 Beds, 1 Bath
Location: Heart of Canmore at the Windtower Lodge & Suites
10 minute walk from Downtown Canmore
Standout Amenities: Cedar, Stone, Log constructed
Exercise room, underground heated parking
Insuite laundry with detergent
2 Private Patios with BBQs and fireplace
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
12. Brand New Beautiful Canmore Hometown
Sleeps: 8 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths
Location: Walking Distance to Downtown
Standout Amenities: BRAND New Home
Pull out couch for extra guests
Outdoor Patio, Balcony, BBQ Grill with huge outside deck
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
13. Downtown Loft Condo with Mountain Views
Sleeps: 6 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 4 Beds, 1.5 Baths
Location: Downtown Canmore
Standout Amenities: Newly renovated full kitchen, BBQ fireplace, in-suite laundry
USAGE of Park Pass!
Hot Tub and Gym available (currently closed due to Covid)
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
14. The Canmore Cabin
Sleeps: 6 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, 4 Beds, 2 Baths
Location: Walking Distance to Canmore, but nestled in a grouping of trees on a large lot (remote & quiet)
Standout Amenities: Large kitchen, huge rock fireplace
Outdoor Fire Pit to toast marshmallows!
Hot Tub available
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
15. Penthouse Apartment with Mountain Views
Sleeps: 10 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, 5 Beds, 2 Baths
Location: Canmore, Spring Creek Drive in Canmore
Standout Amenities: Private Wrap Around balcony!
Fireplace, Parking on site, private BBQ, Free designated parking garage
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
AIRBNBS IN THE TOWN OF GOLDEN
If you are planning on visiting the Canadian Rockies, and are not a huge fan of crowds, then Golden might be the place for you. Only 1 hour from Lake Louise and 90 minutes from Banff Town, Golden sits on the border of British Columbia and Alberta.
You can easily make day trips from Golden as it’s also an insanely stunning drive. On top of that, the Airbnbs here are more beautiful/unique in my opinion (they remind me a bit of Iceland!) It could be worth maybe a 1-2 day venture to stay in Golden a couple nights and then Banff a couple nights– especially if you’re coming from BC. On top of that, from accommodations to restaurants, Golden is also MUCH cheaper and your money goes a longer way.
16. Cottage in the Heart of the Rockies
Sleeps: 8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 5 Beds, 1.5 Baths
Location: Town of Golden, Easy drive to Banff & close to Kicking Horse Mountain
Standout Amenities: Rustic Log Cabin, Main floor has beautiful stone fireplace
Guests say it is the same distance to Lake Louise as it is staying in Banff!
Lots of wildlife and Yoho Valley Road is close by
BBQ, Firepit to roast marshmallows Super remote, quiet, peaceful
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
For Another Similar Cabin in the Same Lot, Click Here
17. Ultimate Modern Escape
This one is my DREAM stay!! Looks so magical, reminds me of Iceland!
Sleeps: 8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 4 Beds, 2 Baths
Location: On the Blaeberry River near Golden BC , 20 min drive to town, 10 to Kicking Horse Resort
This is one of those Airbnbs that I would stay at for a couple nights just for the experience!
Standout Amenities: Vaulted ceiling living room, 180 degrees of forest.
Surrounded by 5 National Parks– mountains, rivers, and wildlife.
Plenty of canoe/rafting opportunities nearby, with hiking trails
Fully equipped kitchen and outdoor gas BBQ
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
18. Two Ravens Yurt
Sleeps: 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 bed
Location: 10 minutes from Golden, Base of Moberly Mountain
Standout Amenities: Attached shower house, Available All Seasons
Super Romantic & unique getaway!
You might be able to spot deer, elk, bears, but thee is Iggy Pup on property to keep safe
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
19. Kicking Horse Tiny House
Sleeps: 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath
Location: Golden
Standout Amenities: Panoramic views of the Purcell Mountains with floor to ceiling windows!!
Treehouse sauna (shared), Hot Tub with great views and axe throwing
Fully furnished kitchen, heated floors fire pit
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
20. Rockies Escape Airbnb
Sleeps: 8 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 4 Beds, 1 Bath
Location: Located at the base of Kicking Horse Ski Resort
Standout Amenities: Large Deck, Private Hot Tub, Indoor Fireplace
Open Concept Space
Click Here to Check Pricing and Availability
And that’s my 2023 Airbnbs in Banff Round Up! Hope you found this blog post useful, and if you decide to stay at any of these Airbnbs, please let me know!!
xx Jules
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