Best Places to Stay in Banff and Jasper for Families

Planning a family trip to Banff and Jasper? These two stunning national parks offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and family fun. But when it comes to where to stay in Banff and Jasper, it can be tricky to know which accommodations will work best for you and your kids. Accommodations in Banff and Jasper can book up quickly for the summer, so to save you from analysis paralysis, we have gathered our favorite family-friendly places to stay in Banff and Jasper. These accommodations are perfectly situated near both the center of town and the outdoor adventures, so you can minimize car time and maximize family fun. Read on to find the best family-friendly places to stay in Banff and Jasper, so you can focus on making memories without the stress of finding the perfect spot to rest.

Where to Stay in Banff

Most people visiting the Banff region choose to stay in either the town of Banff or Canmore. Canmore is about a 25 minute drive away from Banff, so this adds to your daily driving time. Though accommodations in Canmore are typically less expensive, we felt the added cost of staying in Banff was worth it for the shorter drive to the main sights. Accommodations in Banff book up fast and are not cheap, so if traveling in the peak summer season do start booking lodging at least 3 months ahead of time.

Tunnel Mountain Resort

We stayed at the Tunnel Mountain Resort in a 1 bedroom with a loft, which is like a mini condo. The loft was like a second bedroom with its own half bath, so it is a great option for more room for families. It also had a mini kitchen with a fridge, which is very convenient when traveling with a little one. The lodgings are nothing fancy, but the location is great for exploring and the added space and kitchen are definitely a bonus. There aren’t many “resort-y” amenities, as there is only a small pool and a small play structure area on site. But we were out exploring for most of the day, so we did not need any of those resort amenities. It is located a short drive to the center of Banff, and close to the freeway.

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Another suite option down the street from Tunnel Mountain Lodge is the Buffalo Mountain Lodge. The suite style rooms have a kitchenette and the rooms look pretty spacious. Most of the negative reviews seem to be about the fireplace. If you’re traveling with kids, you likely won’t need it, but keep that in mind if having a fireplace is important to you.

Moose Hotel and Suites

Another family friendly hotel on my list located right in the center of Banff is the Moose Hotel and Suites. The hotel is walking distance to all the shops and restaurants in downtown Banff. They also have larger rooms that are like mini apartments – the one and two bedroom suites have kitchenettes. With its central location and spacious rooms, these suites are very popular – they’re usually fully booked by the time I look! Book early if you are interested in staying here.

If those stays are all booked up already, explore these other highly rated options in Banff:

Where to Stay in Jasper

I would recommend staying in Jasper to minimize your driving time. Accommodations are limited in the town of Jasper, so book accommodations early and be warned that they are not cheap. Jasper was deeply affected by the 2024 wildfires, and some accommodations may still be undergoing repairs or rebuilding. As the community works to recover, try to be patient and understanding with local businesses. Also, keep in mind that wifi can be spotty in Jasper, even before the wildfires. Let this be your opportunity to disconnect a bit from technology and reconnect with nature and family.

Pine Bungalows

We really enjoyed the Pine Bungalows. It’s not right in the main town so it still felt like we were in nature, and it is only an easy 5 minute drive into town. We rented a Heritage cabin, which is a 2 bedroom cabin with a bathroom and a kitchen. They also have other cabins of different sizes, and regular hotel rooms in the main building. It was like camping, but with real beds and a bathroom (we like the idea of camping but realistically we are not that outdoorsy). The cabins are built along a river, and you can spot some animals across the river if you’re lucky. Each cabin also has a firepit outside, and the hotel provides firewood. The restaurant at this hotel, Kumama Bistro, was surprisingly THE BEST meal we had in Banff and Jasper. The staff were also the absolute kindest.

Pyramid Lake Lodge

The Pyramid Lake Lodge is located a bit further from the town of Jasper, but it has a beautiful setting right on the edge of Pyramid Lake. The Whistler room has a kitchenette. This would be a great option if you just want to enjoy some lake time and hiking trails near Pyramid Lake.

Tekarra Lodge

We initially considered the Tekarra Lodge before the grandparents decided to join us on our trip and we needed a place with more space. They had cute cabins right along the river, designed to help you disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. Sadly, their property was damaged by the 2024 wildfire, and per their website they are expected to be rebuilding until 2027. I can’t wait to see what their next chapter brings.

Looking for other family friendly options? Check out these other highly rated lodgings in Jasper:

Ready to experience the majesty of Banff and Jasper with your family? Explore our Banff and Jasper itinerary with the best toddler-friendly hikes so you don’t miss a thing!