Featuring a range of towering Canadian Rockies, crystal-clear lakes, exclusive mountain resorts and a festive ambiance, Banff is a go-to spot in Alberta in winter.
From December to March, Banff transforms into a charming winter wonderland worthy of a Christmas tale.
Banff is home to four renowned ski resorts; Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Mt. Norquay and Nakiska Ski Resort.
We’ve looked into each area and found the best hotels for your family to stay.
Mount Norquay
Mt. Norquay is a century-old ski resort that happens to be the only one in Banff-Lake Louise region to offer night skiing.
It is one of the major ski resorts in Canada offering a year-round recreational activities.
The resort operates between the months of November and April and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
From Olympic and World Cup athletes who have had a chance to train here to beginners trying to master the basic techniques of skiing, Mt. Norquay welcomes all.
The skiing terrain has 60 runs with three quad chairs, one double chair and a magic carpet.
Here are the best hotels and lodges within Mt. Norquay.
1. Moose Hotel and Suites
Sitting at the base of snow-blanketed mountains, Moose Hotel & Suites enjoy a central location in Banff.
It is only a short distance away from the Whyte Museum and Banff downtown.
The lodge is family-oriented with air-conditioned rooms.
Each room is equipped with a comfortable bed, a cozy seating area and flat-screen TV.
Units feature either a balcony or a patio where you can gaze at Canadian Rocky Mountains til your heart’s content.
At Moose Hotel, guests can treat themselves to deluxe spa treatments, or relax in the warmth of a rooftop hot pool.
The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool as well as an exercise room.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 345 Banff Avenue, T1L 1H8 Banff, Canada
2. Mount Royal Hotel
The crimson-tinged stony facade of Mount Royal Hotel has gained a set of loyal patrons since its orientation more than a century ago.
Dating back to 1908, the hotel boasts a dreamy decor ideal for Banff’s frosty season with mountain vistas.
The rooms have cozy touches that range from warm tones to plush throws.
Each room has free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a sitting area, while suites have living rooms and wet bars as well.
Mount Royal Hotel is located a short walk from the Whyte Museum, Banff Avenue and only 2 km from Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 138 Banff Avenue, T1L 1A7 Banff, Canada
3. Rimrock Resort Hotel
Sprawling near the Upper Hot Springs on the slope of Sulphur Mountain, Rimrock Resort Hotel is a nine-story hotel brimming with comfort and grandeur, perfect for families.
Unlike other hotels, Rimrock is farther away from the town’s center but the resort enjoys a secluded ambiance amidst mountain scenery.
The Grand Lobby is designed with a 25-foot ceiling, gigantic windows, an impressive fireplace, and a spacious balcony offering panoramic views of the Rockies.
The resort is known for its top-notch dining services at its two renowned restaurants.
All the rooms are luxuriously adorned and face the Bow Valley or Spray Valley.
Rimrock Resort Hotel also has a spa and fitness center, an indoor pool, a steam room, a sauna, and a hot tub.
- Guest Rating: 8.8
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Address: 300 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 1110, T1L 1J2 Banff, Canada
4. Fairmont Banff Springs
At Fairmont Banff Springs, you can wander through the alpine wonders in utmost luxury.
The legendary five-star resort is 125 years old and is often referred to as the ‘Castle in the Rockies’, and rightfully so.
It offers world-class services with over 700 guest rooms and suites, individualized treatment, a highly professional and cordial staff, and a variety of amenities.
From cozy guest rooms with scenic views to opulent suites and gold rooms, the resort has many options to choose from for your family’s Rockies adventure.
After a day full of fun, unwind at the resort’s spa center, Willow Stream Spa, or take a swim in one of the lavish pools.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Address: 405 Spray Avenue, T1L 1J4 Banff, Canada
5. Banff Aspen Lodge
The lodge-style hotel is located in the heart of Banff and promises a quiet yet inspiring vacation.
The rooms are mostly small and cozy and designed tastefully with large windows and minimalist furnishings.
Each room has free Wi-Fi service, TVs, mini fridges, and tea and coffee making equipment.
Superior and premium rooms are slightly larger with a balcony or a patio that faces the mountains.
The lodge features a sauna and a hot tub where guests can relax and chill.
Other amenities include steam room, an outdoor fireplace, heated underground parking, and laundry facility.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 401 Banff Avenue Box 1017, T1L 1A9 Banff, Canada
6. Canalta Lodge
Canalta Lodge offers rustic charm and nature elements combined with spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies.
The hotel is situated within Banff National Park and is a few km from Banff Upper Hot Springs.
The rooms are designed with comfort and woodsy characteristics in mind – Picture casual but cozy furnishings, indulgent amenities, and a homely ambiance.
All the rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers and microwaves.
Upgraded rooms comes with kitchenettes, fireplaces to keep you warm, sitting areas and balconies.
In mornings, treat yourself to a delicious complimentary breakfast before you go off to start your adventure.
Other than that, Canalta Lodge has a fitness center, bicycle rental, ski lockers, a coffee shop and free underground parking for guests.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 545 Banff Avenue, T1L 1B5 Banff, Canada
7. The Rundlestone Lodge
The Rundlestone Lodge has a luxurious and contemporary style while maintaining the quaint charm Banff is renowned for.
The lodge-style hotel is approximately 10-minute walk from Banff Downtown and a few kilometers from Mount Norquay Ski Resort.
From family holidays and romantic retreats to friends’ getaways and solo adventures, the hotel caters to all sorts of vacations.
At Rundlestone, you will find 14 different types of options to choose from.
This includes basic and premium guest rooms, hot tub and kitchenette suites, family suites and honeymoon suites.
After exploring and skiing, curl up in front of the massive fireplace in the lobby for warmth.
Other amenities that families can enjoy include a health club, bike rentals, lockers, swimming pool and much more.
- Guest Rating: 8.5
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 537 Banff Avenue, T1L 1A6 Banff, Canada
8. The Juniper Hotel & Bistro
About 2 km from Downtown and 6 km from Mount Norquay Ski Resort, Juniper Hotel is perched upon a hilly slope amidst the Rockies.
Modest in terms of decor and design, the hotel has simple and clean rooms that make up for their plainness with amazing views of the mountains.
The basic rooms at Juniper Hotel offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, mini fridges and coffee makers.
Upgraded rooms allow families a chance to immerse in Banff’s vibes via balconies or decks.
Superior suites come with warm fireplaces as well as luxurious whirlpool tubs while the 3-bedroom suites and cabins have fully equipped kitchen areas.
The hotel is known for its bistro-style restaurant with stunning vistas and sumptuous food.
- Guest Rating: 8.4
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 1 Juniper Way and Mount Norquay Road Box 3449, T1L 1E1 Banff, Canada
9. The Hidden Ridge Resort
Nestled amongst frosted mountains, the Hidden Ridge Resort provides condo-style stay to families.
The hotel is in a close proximity to Mount Norquay Ski Resort, and about 2 km from Banff Downtown.
All the apartments at the resort have a relaxed and home-like vibe featuring kitchens, living areas, fireplaces, and decks or balconies.
Each room is comfortably furnished and comes with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Upgraded apartments add balconies with private hot tubs while some rooms also have sleeping lofts.
The Hidden Ridge Resort happens to be pet-friendly which is awesome for those who wish to bring their pets on the snowy venture.
- Guest Rating: 8.2
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 901 Hidden Ridge Way Box 1070, T1L 1H8 Banff, Canada
Banff Sunshine Mountain Ski Resort
Sunshine Ski Resort is one of the three major ski resorts in the Banff National Park.
The awe-inspiring beauty and pristine scenery of the resort is enhanced in winters, with snow covered trails that are ideal for snowboarding and skiing.
The best thing about the impressive terrain at Sunshine Village Ski Resort is that it offers a fun skiing experience to people of all ski levels.
Whether you are a novice still learning or an expert flaunting their skills, there’ll be courses available catered to your experience.
The nearby town of Banff is an added bonus, as well as the magnificence of the Banff National Park.
The snow conditions and quality are pretty good due to the high elevation, but it can also get brutally cold so dress accordingly!
10. Sunshine Mountain Lodge
Sunshine Mountain Lodge is a classy upscale hotel in Banff National Park.
It is only 18 km away from Banff and located right in the midst of all the ski fun, so you don’t miss out on anything.
The rooms have a contemporary and modern décor, with a comfortable layout and loaded with all the basic amenities.
Some upgraded rooms even have splendid mountain views that look amazing when covered under a layer of snow.
Enjoy both casual and fine dining options or make use of the sauna or hot tub when the cold really gets to you.
Lift tickets to snowboarding and skiing are included with the hotel stay.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 1 Sunshine Access Road, T1L 1J5 Banff, Canada
Lake Louise Ski Resort
This lovely ski resort is nestled in the heart of the glorious Canadian Rockies.
The world class terrain offers 42000 acres of skiable slopes for skiers of all skill levels.
The gentle terrain, chutes, glades, gullies, remote bowls, and cruising runs await you along with some of the most challenging ski slopes.
The ski resort is located within the Banff National Park and is close proximity to the village of Lake Louise.
If it is your family’s first time, the pro instructors will guide you through alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Apart from this, you also have access to one of the largest terrain parks of Western Canada, as well as a multi-lane tube park and a variety of shopping and dining options for the whole family.
11. Post Hotel and Spa
This lavish hotel in Banff National Park has a rustic feel to it.
Dating back to the 1940s, it is in close proximity to the Lake Louise Ski Resort, and only 5 km away from the pristine Lake Louise itself.
The elegant hotel features a reviving full service spa and indoor saltwater pool to pamper you, and help you unwind and relax after a long day filled with winter sports.
Apart from the warm and polished rooms, you can also stay at the lovely pastoral cabins or a private mountain lodge.
Enjoy the evening tea at fireside lounge, or kick back with some drinks at the English-style pub.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 200 Pipestone Road, T0L 1E0 Lake Louise, Canada
12. Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
If you are looking for a more private time with the family, enjoy the cabins and lodge at this family-run property.
Located just a few km from Lake Louise Ski Resort and the lakeshore, this lodge offers a country-side experience alongside modern amenities to give you the best of both worlds.
The suites have a homely feel to them and are fully equipped with entertainment options like decks and TVs.
Some upgraded suites feature whirlpool tubs and fireplaces as well.
The rustic pine cabins are also loaded with amenities and full kitchens/kitchenettes along with fireplaces, and some of them offer magnificent views of the mountains.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 105 Lake Louise Drive, T0L 1E0 Lake Louise, Canada
13. Lake Louise Inn
To get the best out of your outdoors experience, we highly recommend staying at Lake Louise Inn.
The hotel has a lodge-style set up and is surrounded by a breathtaking mountains backdrop of the Banff National Park.
It is also quite close to the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Lake Agnes.
The spectacular views of Canadian Rockies will be the best part of your stay, and there are a wide range of guestrooms and suites to choose from.
The heated indoor pool and whirlpools have floor to ceiling windows, so that you don’t miss out on the sweeping views while soaking and relaxing.
- Guest Rating: 8.0
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 210 Village Road PO Box 209, T0L 1E0 Lake Louise, Canada
Nakiska Ski Resort
The simple and modest Nakiska ski resort is a favorite of the locals in Calgary, as well as a great destination to enjoy your next ski trip.
It was built in 1988 to host the Calgary Winter Olympics, and the straightforward and small resort has been offering a nice and intimate setting for family vacations since it first opened.
Nakiska overlooks the majestic Canadian Rockies in the Kananaskis region and is only a few minutes away from the city of Calgary.
The ski terrain is decent enough for skiers of all ski levels, and is great for ski racing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
14. HI-Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel
Just 1.5 km from Nakiska Ski Resort and 34 km from Kananaskis Lakes, HI-Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is a four-season retreat on the eastern side of the Canadian Rockies
The hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations that range from 14-bed dorms to private rooms with 2 beds.
Fresh linens are provided, and bathrooms are shared.
Amenities include a shared kitchen with a dining area, a lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, and a good collection of books and games.
The backside of the hostel opens to a spacious yard with a BBQ area and a fire pit where guests can carry out barbecues.
The hostel also provides their guests with parking spots and bike storage are free.
- Guest Rating: 9.4
- Address: #1 Ribbon Creek Road, T0L 2H0 Kananaskis Village, Canada
15. Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a gorgeous and sophisticated mountain resort near the Nakiska Ski Resort.
You get the best of everything, as you enjoy the luxuries and modern amenities of the lodge, as well as the spectacular mountain views, both blending effortlessly to sweep you off your feet.
The picturesque Kananaskis Valley has a lot to offer that helps relax and refresh the mind.
It is also about an hour drive to the city of Calgary so you can explore the area apart from enjoying thrilling winter sports at the ski resort.
- Guest Rating: 8.6
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Address: 1 Centennial Drive, T0L 2H0 Kananaskis Village, Canada
16. Crosswaters Resort at Kananaskis
This scenic and charming hotel is nestled in the Canadian Rockies and surrounded by crisp pine trees.
It is conveniently located just 4 km from the Nakiska Ski Resort and is also near the Troll Falls Trail.
The colorful and aesthetically pleasing rooms have sweeping views of the mountain and loaded with all the basic amenities.
There’s also a spa with pool and a hot tub to pamper and indulge you, and there are a variety of dining options along with an upscale bar to kick back and relax.
- Guest Rating: 8.5
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Address: 1 Terrace Drive, T0L 2H0 Kananaskis Village, Canada
For families who are seeking world-class ski adventures and more, make a beeline for Banff.
Stay at charming resorts, indulge in delicious meals and have adrenaline-pumping ventures throughout the year.
If you still can’t decide on where to stay, check out more hotel options in Banff!
