Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
through native arts and crafts at the
Indian Trading Post
(1 Birch Ave., 403/762-2456),
across the Bow River from downtown.
Finding a room in Banff National Park in summer is nearly as hard as trying to justify its
price. By late afternoon, just about every room and campsite in the park will be occupied,
and basic hotel rooms start at $120. Fortunately, many alternatives are available. Rooms in
private homes begin at around $50 s, $60 d. HI-Banff Alpine Centre has dormitory-style
accommodations for under $40 per person per night. Bungalows or cabins can be rented,
which can be cost-effective for families or small groups. Approximately 2,400 campsites
in 13 campgrounds accommodate campers. Wherever you decide to stay, it is vital to book
well ahead during summer and the Christmas holidays. The park's off-season is October-
May, and hotels offer huge rate reductions during this period. Shop around, and you'll find
many bargains.
All rates quoted are for a standard room in the high season (June-Sept.).
In and Around the Town of Banff
Banff has a few accommodations right downtown, but most are strung out along Banff
Avenue, an easy walk from the shopping and dining precinct. Nearby Tunnel Mountain is
also home to a cluster of accommodations.
UNDER $50
The only beds in town less than $50 are in dormitories, and therefore, although rates are
well less than $50, this is a per-person rate.
HI-Banff Alpine Centre
(801 Hidden Ridge Way, 403/762-4123 or 866/762-4122,
www.hihostels.ca
)
is just off Tunnel Mountain Road, three kilometers (1.9 miles) from
downtown. This large, modern hostel sleeps 216 in small two-, four-, and six-bed dorm-
itory rooms as well as four-bed cabins. The large lounge area has a fireplace, and other
facilities include a recreation room, public Internet access, bike and ski/snowboard work-
shop, large kitchen, self-service café/bar, and laundry. In summer, members of Hostelling
International pay $35 per person per night (nonmembers $39) for a dorm bed or $88 s or
d ($96 for nonmembers) in a private room. The rest of the year, dorm beds are $31 (non-
members $35) and private rooms $84 s or d (nonmembers $92). During July and August,
reserve at least one month in advance to be assured of a bed. The hostel is open all day, but
check-in isn't until midday. To get there from town, ride the Banff Transit bus ($2), which
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