Friendly, chalet-style 216-bed hostel, that sprawls over several buildings among the woods of Tunnel Mountain, 3km from downtown. Lodgings range from basic shared dorms ($35–44) through private rooms ($102–133) to cabins; members get small discounts. Look out for good-value ski and rafting packages online. Facilities include large kitchen, laundry, lounges with fireplaces (& free wifi) and an inexpensive restaurant, Cougar...

This impressive Scottish Baronial flight of Victorian fancy is Banff’s greatest landmark. Work on the turrets and cornices and the thick nine-story granite walls below began in 1888, but things were massively rebuilt in the 1920s. All this resulted in a labyrinthine pile that both celebrates the bygone days of the genteel travel and somehow mirrors, maybe even enhances, the...

This imposing landmark hotel – whose interior is a bizarre fusion of alpine and neo-colonial furnishings – is famous above all for its commanding views over Lake Louise from its 511 suites. Rates are reduced significantly outside of holidays and weekends and in the off-season (Oct–Dec), and good value ski packages are offered too. The hotel’s battery of five-star facilities...

Mountain chalet-style 150-bed hostel, offering dorm beds ($35-42) and private rooms ($95-123). Clean, quality facilities include communal kitchen, laundry, Internet access and a mountaineering library. Reservations are virtually always essential. Also here is the excellent Bill Peyto’s Cafe (daily 7am–4pm) which serves great snacks and reasonably priced full meals; non-guests are welcome. Menu items include sandwiches, burgers, mountainous nachos, salads...