Map of the Alberta Rockies

Accommodation Directory Shortcuts:
Banff | Canmore | Kananaskis Country | Lake Louise

One of the most important parts to planning a successful trip to the Alberta Rockies is finding the right place to stay. With so many places in the area to choose from, it's not an easy thing to do. Also, depending on the time of year you plan to visit the area, many places may be completely booked upon arrival, leaving you with limited options if any at all. In the information below, The WorldWeb Travel Guide™ offers tips and detailed information on a large and varied selection of places to stay in the Rocky Mountains including the areas of Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore and Kananaskis Country.

You will get the most out of this accommodation guide by using the "Useful Accommodation Links" following each area overview. These links will take you to two(2) different types of information pages:

1) Accommodation Directory - This is a complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals, back country lodges, cabins, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, these directories are designed to help you find the right place to stay based on your budget, personal preferences and the activities you wish to pursue.
2) Room Search & Online Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page. This link will allow you to check for room availability and then make a secure online room reservation. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online room search and reservation page is particularly helpful in the peak seasons when finding accommodation in popular areas is difficult.

KANANASKIS COUNTRY

After arriving by air in Calgary (pop. 935,000) the usual route to the mountains is to drive west towards world-famous Banff National Park along the TransCanada Highway (Highway #1). This is a beautiful drive that can be done by renting a car or by taking a shuttle from Calgary. As you approach the mountain ranges from the foothills, the Highway 40 turnoff will take you to Kananaskis Country. This will be your first close-up look at the mountains. 'K-Country', as it is commonly referred to, is gaining in popularity every year. It is less busy than some of the bigger Rocky Mountain destinations like Banff and Jasper, yet it offers the same great all-season leisure opportunities. Here, you will be able to find several types of accommodations including a major resort hotel at Kananaskis Village. Bow Valley Provincial Park, K-Country's neighbour to the north, also offers a couple of unique guest ranches.

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) K-Country Accommodation Directory
2) K-Country Room Search & Online Reservations

CANMORE, DEAD MAN'S FLATS AND HARVIE HEIGHTS

Just before reaching the Banff National Park Gates, you will pass by the town of Canmore and the very small towns of Dead Man's Flats and Harvie Heights. Of the three, Canmore is the largest with a population of around 10,000. Canmore offers a full range of accommodation options spread throughout the town, but mostly centred on Bow Valley Trail (Highway 1A). The communities of Harvie Heights and Dead Man's Flats offer fewer accommodation options, but have easy access to the TransCanada Highway and to variety of things to do. All three towns are situated in the mountains and boast dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and glimpses at Canadian Rockies wildlife.

Useful Accommodation Links (including Harvie Heights and Dead Man's Flats):
1) Canmore Accommodation Directory
2) Canmore Room Search & Online Reservations

BANFF

A 15-minute drive west from the Banff National Park Gates, will bring you to Banff (pop 8,500). This world-class resort town is the most popular visitor destination in the Canadian Rockies. The townsite has a large number of accommodations of all types ranging from budget motels and hostels, to fully-equipped cabins, wonderful B&Bs and internationally-renowned resort hotels. The pace in downtown Banff is definitely faster than in the surrounding communities, but the town is full of excellent shopping, entertainment and restaurants - almost everything is within easy walking distance.

Near Banff is Highway 1A. This is a good opportunity leave the busy TransCanada Highway and enjoy some backcountry scenery. Running parallel to the TranCanada, the 1A takes you to the impressive Johnston Canyon scenic attraction, and past three remote resorts offering cabin-style accommodations, before the highways merge again just east of Lake Louise.

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) Banff Accommodation Directory
2) Banff Room Search & Online Reservations

LAKE LOUISE

Travelling west from Banff on the TransCanada Highway you will next reach the village of Lake Louise. This is a 45-minute drive that will treat you to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Also in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a common starting point for enjoying the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort. An extensive range of accommodations are available in Lake Louise including luxury full-service hotels and rustic mountain cabins.


Useful Accommodation Links:
1) Lake Louise Accommodation Directory
2) Lake Louise Room Search & Online Reservations

SEASONAL VARIATIONS

High season in the Alberta Rockies is definitely summertime and all accommodations tend to be fully booked from May - September. It is strongly recommended that you book your accommodations as far in advance as possible.

Winter is also a very busy season, with world-class skiing and winter sports being a popular activity available throughout the area. However accommodation operators usually have enough space to allow for limited last minute bookings, especially for mid-week stays.

The spring and fall are the best value times to visit the Alberta Rockies. Many operators offer last minute specials and interesting packages at these times. In some cases, these offers are available only through their websites. Check out the following Banff Corridor accommodation directories for website access: