Banff vs Canmore: Which Is Better & Where Should You Stay?

Planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies and can’t decide between Banff and Canmore? Both towns are stunning, both give you access to the mountains, and both make an incredible base for exploring Banff National Park.

However, if you were like me and unsure of where to stay, this guide is perfect for you.

Here’s a simple, side-by-side breakdown to help you decide where to stay.

Mountain Backdrops: Which Town Is More Scenic?

Banff: Dramatic, Iconic, Classic Rockies

Banff sits inside of Banff National Park. If you want that “I’m in the Canadian Rockies” feeling 24/7, Banff delivers. The mountain views from the town are insane and something you wouldn’t get anywhere else. It’s a short drive to Sulphur Mountain where many people go to either hike up the mountain or take the gondola all the way to the top.

The town is also surrounded by Tunnel Mountain as well with a couple hiking trails that you can take up to the mountain.

No matter where you stay in Banff, the second you step outside you are surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery.

Banff Town Square

Canmore: Rugged, Wide-Open, Less Touristy

Canmore sits just outside the park gates with incredible scenery too, including the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak, with trails accessible from the town.

We stayed in Canmore and I didn’t think it sacrificed any gorgeous mountain views. Same thing as with Banff, once we stepped outside, we were immediately hit with amazing views and just gave us that “I love the Earth” feeling.

Canmore is far less touristy than Banff is, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. There is much less traffic and feels more local. However, with this you sacrifice being away from where the action is, as with a lively touristy town like Banff.

Canmore Alberta town near Banff National Park
Canmore Alberta town and scenery

Verdict:
Both options have incredible mountain views, Banff is more touristy with more to do where Canmore is more of a local feel, with far less crowds.

Proximity to Banff National Park

Banff

Canmore

  • About 20 minutes from Banff town
  • About one hour to Lake Louise
  • Must pass through park entrance daily (12.25 USD per day)
  • About one hour to Calgary Airport

Verdict:
If maximizing time in the park is your priority, Banff wins. However, we really didn’t find it to be that much of an inconvenience to drive the extra 20 minutes every day into the park.

Also, YES, if you book a bus tour, they do stop in Canmore as well to make pickups, so no need to worry about that, and the tours always get into the park for free.

Where Is There More to Do?

Banff: More Tourist Attractions

Banff is built for visitors. There’s always something happening and outdoors trails and paths to walk as well.

One thing about Banff is there is tons of traffic. It took us almost a half hour to get through the town to drive up to the Sulphur Mountain so we could go up the gondola.

Banff town in Alberta
View of Banff Town from on top of Sulphur Mountain

Canmore: More Outdoor-Focused

  • Local hiking trails right from town
  • Rock climbing and scrambling
  • Quieter cafés, restaurants and breweries
  • Fewer tour buses
  • Far less traffic

Canmore feels more like a basecamp town than a resort town.

If you’re looking for some restaurant recommendations in Canmore, check out my article on that HERE

Rocket Pie Pizza Restaurant in Canmore

Verdict:
Banff has more organized attractions. Canmore is better if you want less structure and fewer crowds. If you’re going into the park everyday and just want a spot to set up camp, then Canmore is probably for you. If you’re looking to hang out around town, explore the shops and the nightlife, then perhaps Banff is more your speed, although you can of course still visit Banff even if you’re staying in Canmore.

Places to Stay in Banff and Canmore

Banff: Classic Mountain Hotels

Banff offers iconic and luxury stays like:

  • Fairmont Banff Springs
  • Moose Hotel & Suites

You’ll also find:

  • Boutique hotels
  • Inns and lodges
  • Limited budget options
  • Bed & Breakfast

Expect charming but smaller rooms in many properties. Really no Airbnb’s in the town. You will have to stay at a hotel or lodge.

Canmore: More Space & Modern Condos

Canmore is known for:

  • Condo-style accommodations (Our Airbnb was condo-style. Nothing fancy but it was very nice for our stay)
  • Apartment rentals
  • Larger suites with kitchens
  • Newer developments

Great for:

  • Families
  • Groups
  • Longer stays

Verdict:
Want luxury and iconic? Choose Banff.
Want space and value? Choose Canmore.

Price Comparison

Banff

  • Generally more expensive
  • Higher hotel rates
  • Pricier restaurants
  • Parking can be limited
  • Good for short stays

Canmore

  • More affordable accommodations
  • Better value for longer stays
  • Slightly cheaper dining

Overall: Canmore usually saves you money — especially during peak summer. Price was the main reason we opted for Canmore. We got more bang for our buck in Canmore and for our week long stay, we save quite a bit of money option for an Airbnb in Canmore vs a hotel in Banff.

View right outside of our Airbnb in Canmore

🌲 Atmosphere & Crowd Levels

Banff

Canmore

  • Less crowded
  • More local feel
  • Slower pace

If you dislike crowds, Canmore may feel more relaxing. If you want to be a part of the atmosphere, then opt for Banff.

3 Bears Brewery in Banff

So… Which Is Better?

It depends on your travel style.

Choose Banff if you:

  • Want to be inside the national park
  • Prefer iconic scenery right outside your door
  • Like walkable towns with lots to do
  • Don’t mind paying more
  • Want a more luxurious feel and mountain town vibe

Choose Canmore if you:

  • Want better value for money
  • Prefer fewer crowds
  • Like condo-style stays with kitchens
  • Don’t mind a short drive into the park

Final Recommendation

If it’s your first trip to the Canadian Rockies, Banff gives you that unforgettable, classic mountain town experience. Especially if you’re only staying for a day or two, Banff may be worth it then.

If you’re returning, traveling on a budget, or staying longer — Canmore is often the smarter choice.

Either way, you’ll wake up surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada, and you truly can’t go wrong.

More Banff Articles:

10 Inside Tips for an Unforgettable Banff Adventure