Should You Stay in Banff or Canmore? A Local’s Advice

When visiting Banff National Park one of the first choices you make is where to stay. Normally this is a straightforward decision, but when there are two beautiful mountain towns, Banff and Canmore, only 20 km (13 mi) apart it can require extra consideration. 

In deciding which town is better to stay in, Banff or Canmore, there is no right or wrong choice, neither will disappoint. However, the two towns are as different as they are similar. Knowing the similarities and differences between the two will help determine the best option for you. 

I’ve been visiting Banff and Canmore all my life. In my younger, pre-kid years Banff was the place to stay and play. Close to the mountain attractions, with a hopping nightlife, it’s mountain cosmopolitan action. Canmore was the shanty town to drive through to get to Banff and was only stayed in when accommodations in Banff were full (so disappointing). 

Over the years Canmore has reinvented itself and is stepping out from behind its famous neighbour’s shadow, rivaling it as a vacation destination. I live in Canmore (it’s no longer disappointing) so I no longer have to choose between the two. However, if I had to I would choose Banff for short trips of one to three days and Canmore for stays longer than four days. The exception would be camping, then I would choose Banff.

Keep reading to find out why.

• Check out How to Visit Banff National Park: A Beginner’s Guide
• Visiting Banff and need a game plan? Check out our itinerary.

Stay in Banff if…	Stay in Canmore if…
You are staying less than 4 days and want to cram as much sightseeing and activities as you can.	You are staying more than 4 days.
You don’t want to use a vehicle.	You plan to drive to activities and attractions.
You want lots of dining options.	You want to cook your own meals.
You like being in the hustle and bustle.	You enjoy a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
You’re a night owl.	You plan to be in bed before 10:00 PM.
You have a moderate to high budget.	You are budget-conscious.
Shopping is a priority.	You plan to do activities more than sightseeing.
You like a city urban atmosphere.	You like a small-town atmosphere.
You love being around people.	You avoid crowds.

What Is it Like Staying in Banff Compared to Canmore?

Banff and Canmore are both great places to stay but they do offer different experiences due to their unique backgrounds and styles.

The Banff Experience

Banff owes its existence to tourism. The discovery of thermal hot springs back in 1883, earmarked the area to be developed and promoted as an international hot spot for luxury tourism. Banff National Park was created with the Banff townsite operating as the commercial centre. 

Banff has a high-end energy vibe with a touch of glitz and glamour. It boasts all the services and amenities expected of an international travel destination. There are a variety of accommodation options, a wide array of restaurants, activity and tour operators, museums, and lots of shopping from high-end designers to thrift stores. 

There is no shortage of things to see and do within the Banff townsite. The Cave and Basin Historical Site, Banff Gondola, Upper Banff Hot Springs, Cascade Gardens, Bow Valley Falls, and Banff Springs Hotels are a few of the attractions to be enjoyed in the townsite. Banff also has indoor activities such as the Lux movie theatre, bowling, museums, and Fenlands Recreation Centre.

Banff is very walkable. Once you are in Banff you don’t have to get in a car. This is especially true with the development of regional transit and shuttle services. Almost everything in Banff can be accessed within a 10-minute walk. Pathways and trails meander throughout the townsite and the Bow River providing access from Vermillion Lakes to the Cave and Basin, The Banff Springs Hotel, and up to the Banff Center for Arts. These paths also support cycling as do the streets with shared bike lanes and signs showing the best cycling routes through town. 

Dogs in Banff National Park must be on leash and under control at all times. If you’re travelling with a furry friend, Banff has two off-leash dog parks. One is located at the Banff Recreation grounds, 102 Birch Avenue, near the baseball diamonds. The other one is on Hawk Avenue. Dogs are required to have identification and up-to-date vaccinations. 

Expect to pay more for everything in Banff, especially accommodations, food, and gas. Banff is located within a national park so it is subject to rules and restrictions which severely restricts its growth and increases the cost of everything. Banff is a vacation hot spot within Canada and internationally so as demand increases so does the price. 

Banff is busy. The permanent population of Banff is just over 8,000, however, during the peak summer season it can expand to 43,000 a day. The high number of visitors makes Banff a vibrant bustling tourist town but the high volume can also cause frustration associated with long wait lines and pre-planning activities.

The Canmore Experience

Canmore owes its existence to coal. While Banff was the diamond receiving national park status, Canmore was literally the coal receiving a mining charter. The town’s first coal mine opened in 1887 with the last one closing in 1979 ending a 93-year-old industry. Canmore’s future looked bleak until it turned into a recreational gold mine as host of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games Nordic events.

With its origins as a coal-mining town, Canmore has a low-key, laid-back community feel. The services are on the level of what you would expect to find in a community. Accommodations are plentiful with more being added every year.  There is a range of restaurants, brew pubs, gas and service stations, dining options, and of course shopping. 

Canmore is geared toward recreation so there’s no shortage of activities. The Canmore Nordic Centre, Quarry Lake, and Grassi Lakes are popular area attractions. As are the epic hikes – Ha Ling, Lady MacDonald, and Grotto Canyon. Within the Canmore townsite, there’s the North West Mounted Police Barracks, Canmore Museum and Geoscience Center, and the Big Head (yes, it’s a big head). 

Canmore is a walkable town, and if you get tired or the weather’s bad the Roam transit is free. From May to mid-October a portion of Canmore’s main street is turned into a pedestrian and bike only. Canmore is a network of paved, gravel, and single-track pathways from end to end. The Policeman’s Boardwalk, located near the Big Head on Main Street, is a popular walking trail along ponds, and forested areas. Trails parallel both sides of the Bow River with two pedestrian bridge crossings, one of which is the famous Engine Bridge, a popular place for photos and movies. 

FUN FACT: The Engine Bridge and main street of Canmore are featured in the HBO series “The Last of Us” episode 6.

Canmore also converts its main street from May to October into a pedestrian zone allowing restaurants and coffee spots to expand dining patios onto the street. Unlike Banff’s pedestrian zone which still accommodates buses and shuttles, no vehicles are allowed in Canmore’s pedestrian zone. 

There’s no shortage of off-leash dog parks in Canmore. In Canmore and Alberta Parks, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. 

• The most popular dog park is the Quarry Lake dog park located off Spray Lake Road, as it offers a place for dogs to swim. There is no fencing at the Quarry Lake dog park and wildlife frequents the area so keep a close eye on your pet.
• The Elk Run dog park is located on Glacier Drive and has a large area enclosed by a four-foot inch fence. 
• The Cougar Creek/Highway 1A Dog Park is on Glacier Drive and has a five-foot chain link fence enclosure. 
• The Pallisar Dog Park is a small community park on Palliser Trail with a five-foot chain link fence. 
• The Hubman Dog Park is another small community park enclosed by a chain link fence. 

Check out even more activities close to Canmore in How to Spend One Day in Kananaskis, Canada.

Canmore is slightly cheaper. The town is not located within a national or provincial park so it has fewer restrictions and rules to follow regarding development.  As a result, Canmore is growing and better able to meet demand so services are slightly cheaper than in Banff. 

Canmore is busy but not as much as Banff. Canmore has a permanent population of 14,000. Many of the properties in Canmore are vacation homes so the population fluctuates. In peak tourist season the population of Canmore will increase to 28,000. While Canmore does get busy, it doesn’t get the congestion Banff does. 

Which Has Better Scenery Banff or Canmore?

When it comes to landscape and scenery, Banff and Canmore shine equally. 

The Banff landscape is dominated by Cascade Mountain which fills the west main street view. To the east the town is bordered by Sulpher Mountain, which sits across from the distinctive slant of Rundle Mountain, and in between is the rounded top of Tunnel Mountain. And of course, across the highway is the Mount Norquay ski resort. 

Canmore is surrounded by the iconic Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak, Lady MacDonald, and the seven peaks of Rundle Mountain. Ha Ling and Lady Mac are popular hiking trails that have been recently upgraded to make them safer and more accessible.  

The majestic Bow River flows through both towns with walking and bike trails lining the banks.  People gather along the river in both places to recreate and partake in canoeing.  Banff is host to the Bow Valley waterfall, located near the Banff Spring Hotels.

Wildlife is abundant in both towns. Elk, deer, and coyotes are frequent visitors with the odd bear or two wandering through. 

LOCAL HINT: Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is an exciting experience. Please remember they are wild animals. Respect their space by keeping your distance. 

Railway tracks go through both towns so they equally suffer from the inconvenience of traffic backups and train noise. 

Which Is Easier to Get to Banff or Canmore?

There is no difference between travelling to Banff or Canmore. Both are accessed from the TransCanada highway. The highway intersects Canmore (the town developed on both sides of the highway) whereas it bypasses north of Banff.

Calgary International Airport is the closest airport to both towns. To get to Banff from the airport you travel through Canmore so the majority of airport shuttles make stops in Canmore.

Is it Easier to see Banff National Park from Banff or Canmore?

When it comes to accessing major attractions in Banff National Park, Banff has an advantage over Canmore. 

Canmore is further from the Banff National Park attractions so add another 20 mins of travel time to attractions west of Canmore.  

Most of the major Banff National Park shuttle services leave from Banff. If you are in Canmore you will either need to drive to Banff (park at the free parking lot by the train station) or hop on a ROAM bus to access the shuttle services from Banff. Read all about driving in Banff for more information.

However, some private shuttles and tour operators like Brewsters will offer tour service direct from Canmore.

How Do You Travel Between Banff and Canmore?

Travelling between Banff and Canmore can be done by vehicle (either self-driving or taxi), Roam Transit, or Legacy Trail. 

The distance between Banff and Canmore is 26 km (16 mi). Connected by the TransCanada highway driving time is 20 mins. The speed limit from Canmore to the park gate is 110 km/hr but drops to 90 km/hr in Banff National Park. 

A taxi between Canmore and Banff will cost between $65-$85. Canmore Cabs, Three Sisters Taxi, Canmore Taxi, and 4 Aces Taxi are local companies. There is no Uber or Lyft service in Canmore or Banff. 

ROAM Transit offers daily regional service between downtown Banff and downtown Canmore on Route 3. The 24-minute route runs from 6:00 AM to midnight. Fares options range from single to multi-day passes and include transfers to local services. 

On-It regional transit also offers a select shuttle service between Canmore and Banff for $10. Reservations are required. 

The Legacy Trail is a paved multi-use pathway that parallels the TransCanada highway between Banff and Canmore. Once the snow melts, this is a popular way to travel between the two towns using non-motorized alternatives (cycling, skateboarding, running, rollerski, etc.). 

NOTE: Whichever method you choose to travel Legacy Trail, be sure you can complete the 30 km route or distance you plan to travel. There is only one place that’s suitable to call for a ‘pick-up’ if required. 

Which Has Better Services Banff or Canmore?

Whether you stay in Banff or Canmore you will have access to all services. Here’s a breakdown of which town offers the best value. 

Best Place for Restaurants

Banff has the advantage over Canmore in the number and variety of culinary options. However, both towns provide fast-food options, cafes, coffee houses, and budget and fine-dining options to accommodate every budget. Below is a sampling of some of the popular places in both towns.

In Banff	In Canmore
Añejo for Mexican and cheapest cuisine (they make guacamole fresh at your table)	Beamer’s for coffee
Ramen Arashi for ramen	JK Bakery and Le Fournil for baked goods
Eddie Burger and Bar for burgers	Aroshi for Asian and cheap cuisine
Bare Bistro for coffee	Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Company or Red Rock Pizza for pizzas
Wild Flour Bakery and Uprising Bake Shop for baked goods	Communitea and Harvest for lunches
Banff Ave. Brewing Company for pub food and craft beer	The Crazy Weed for fine-dining
The Balkan	Chez Francois for brunch
The Eden for fine-dining	The Grizzly Paw for apres activity food and craft beer
The Juniper Bistro for brunch	Bridgette Bar is best for happy hour

Best Place for Indoor Activities

Banff and Canmore both have indoor activities for those rainy or cold mountain days but Banff has the advantage over Canmore on this one. 

In Banff, you can enjoy bowling at High Rollers, a movie at the Lux Theatre, several museums, and indoor shopping at Cascade Shops. Many of the local attractions such as the Cave and Basin and Upper Banff Hot Springs can still be enjoyed during inclement weather. 

In Canmore, Elevation Place is where everyone heads when the weather turns as it has an aquatic centre, climbing gym, fitness centre, art gallery, and library. 

Best Night Life

Banff is the place to be if you’re a night owl.  Stores stay open later in Banff typically until 10:00 pm, whereas most shops in Canmore will close between 7 – 9:00 PM depending on the season. Canmore’s main street on any given night is quiet while Banff’s main street is a hive of activity well into the later hours of the night. 

If you’re looking for a party in Banff head to The Dancing Sasquatch a popular Banff nightclub. For a mellower place to grab a late-night drink and music consider Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub, St. James Gate, or the Rose and Crown.

In Canmore, The Drake and The Tavern are popular places to enjoy an evening drink and local music. 

Best for Shopping

Banff beats Canmore when it comes to shopping. The Banff shopping experience is geared toward tourism while Canmore is more community focussed.

Banff has more stores, located along a longer main street that spills over to adjacent avenues. It has a variety of brand-name stores, sporting goods stores, treat shops, high-end designer wear, and everything in between. 

Canmore shopping is centred on the main street and one street over. It has more local specialty shops and lacks designer brand stores. Canmore trumps Banff when it comes to mountain bike stores with three full-service shops. It also has more box stores like Canadian Tire, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and Sports Experts. 

Best for Medical Services

Banff and Canmore both have full-service hospitals with emergency departments, as well as walk-in medical clinics. 

Which has Better Accommodations and Camping, Banff or Canmore?

Banff and Canmore both have plenty of accommodation choices for a variety of budgets. Banff is more popular so accommodations book quicker than Canmore. When Banff is at capacity the overflow bookings go to Canmore. 

The majority of Banff’s hotel accommodations are located on or close to the main street. This is great for ease of access but comes with extra noise. Canmore has a few accommodations located on its main street with the majority being a few streets over. Canmore has considerable accommodations that are close to the train tracks that run through town.

Canmore has more vacation rental choices for houses and condos. Banff and Canmore have strict zoning bylaws regarding short-term rentals, however, Canmore’s are more relaxed so there is more availability for vacation property rentals. Banff has some bed and breakfast options but fewer condo rentals. If you want to cook your meals and have more of an ‘at-home’ feel Canmore is the place to stay. 

Overall, Canmore provides more value for the price when it comes to accommodations. 

Basecamp Resorts (book here) is the biggest property owner in Canmore which operates like a boutique hotel AirBnB. They offer a variety of accommodation choices from micro suites to 6-bedroom condos that are located all over Canmore. They also have properties in Banff.

Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge (book here) – Consider staying here if you’re not picky, have a tight budget, and are travelling with a pet. It’s one of the cheaper places to stay in Canmore with standard hotel rooms as well as loft rooms and kitchens. It’s nothing fancy and needs renovations.

As a budget-conscious visitor to Banff, my go-to places to stay are:

Tunnel Mountain Resorts (book here)- Great for longer stays when a chalet is needed for cooking or to accommodate a larger group. It’s away from the townsite so it’s quieter.

The Caribou Lodge (book here) – Consistently a great value for the price. Located on the edge of Banff Avenue making it quieter and easier access in and out of Banff.

Douglas Fir Resort – Best place for families as it has the only waterslide in Banff! Chalets and condos available.

Banff is the best place for camping. Tunnel Mountain Campground, located on the outskirts of Banff, is THE place to camp. It’s the largest campground in the Bow Valley and caters to all camping experiences from full-service RV to minimal tenting. There is free transit service from the campground to Banff town centre. Also close to Banff is the Two-Jack Lake campground which offers minimal services in a quiet, full mountain landscape location. 

Canmore has the Bow River Campground which is located next to the Bow River with stunning views. It offers partial services in the form of power, water pumps, showers, and toilets. It’s recommended to bring drinking water. 

The Wapiti Campground is located next to the Canmore Visitor Centre (off the TransCanada highway). This is a first-come, first-serve, self-registration campground with serviced and non-serviced sites. Power and potable water are available, and a sewage dump station is located at the visitor centre. 

Is it Better to Stay in Banff or Canmore?

Deciding whether to stay in Banff or Canmore comes down to personal preference. If you’re still undecided perhaps this chart will help.

Stay in Banff if…	Stay in Canmore if…
You are staying less than 4 days and want to cram as much sightseeing and activities as you can.	You are staying more than 4 days.
You don’t want to use a vehicle.	You plan to drive to activities and attractions.
You want lots of dining options.	You want to cook your own meals.
You like being in the hustle and bustle.	You enjoy a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
You’re a night owl.	You plan to be in bed before 10:00 PM.
You have a moderate to high budget.	You are budget-conscious.
Shopping is a priority.	You plan to do activities more than sightseeing.
You like a city urban atmosphere.	You like a small-town atmosphere.
You love being around people.	You avoid crowds.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Banff is crowded!

Need a game plan to avoid the crowds? Check out our itinerary. 

Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.