Travel Budget for Banff Visit Banff on a Budget or Travel in Style

Banff, Alberta, Canada
North America / Canada / Alberta /
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Banff is an outdoorsy town known for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're skiing on the slopes, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Banff that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Banff?

You should plan to spend around $104 (CA$145) per day on your vacation in Banff. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $49 (CA$68) on meals
  • $5.12 (CA$7.13) on local transportation
  • $76 (CA$106) on hotels

A one week trip to Banff for two people costs, on average, $1,457 (CA$2,030). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $104
    CA$145
  • One Week Per person
    $729
    CA$1,015
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,457
    CA$2,030
  • One Month Per person
    $3,122
    CA$4,350
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,457
    CA$2,030
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,914
    CA$4,060
  • One Month For a couple
    $6,245
    CA$8,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Banff cost?

A one week trip to Banff usually costs around $729 (CA$1,015) for one person and $1,457 (CA$2,030) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Banff on average costs around $1,457 (CA$2,030) for one person and $2,914 (CA$4,060) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Banff will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Banff on average costs around $3,122 (CA$4,350) for one person and $6,245 (CA$8,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Banff expensive to visit?

Banff is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Although Banff can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $45 (CA$62) per day, mid-range travelers spend $105 (CA$145) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $223 (CA$308) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Banff.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Banff is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in North America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Banff.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Banff Expensive?

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

How much money do I need for a trip to Banff?

The average Banff trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Banff travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Banff cost?

Banff on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$16
(CA$22) 		$38
(CA$53) 		$83
(CA$116)
Local Transportation 1 $2
(CA$3.12) 		$5
(CA$7.13) 		$10
(CA$14)
Food 2 $21
(CA$30) 		$49
(CA$68) 		$95
(CA$132)
Entertainment 1 $5
(CA$7.38) 		$12
(CA$17) 		$24
(CA$33)
Alcohol 2 $2-6
(CA$3-8) 		$5-14
(CA$6-19) 		$9-26
(CA$12-37)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Banff. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $45 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Luckily, Banff has plenty of hostels like Samesun Banff, HI Banff Alpine Centre, and HI Lake Louise. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited. While food is a highlight for every visitor in Banff, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Visitors to Banff typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $105 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Banff. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Mount Royal Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Canalta Lodge is another excellent choice. For an enchanting experience in Banff, couples should check out Mount Royal Hotel for their stay. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Banff here.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $223 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the town with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Banff/Canmore/Kananaskis to Calgary YYC Airport – Private Shuttle - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Banff

Banff has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $161 in the off-season and averages $300 during peak summer or winter season. Overall, you can expect prices from $101 to $578. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Banff for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $76 (CA$106). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $38 (CA$53) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $38
    CA$53
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $76
    CA$106

Hotels in Banff

Looking for a hotel in Banff? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Banff

The average hotel room price in Banff based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $161 in the low season and $300 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Banff include:

  • Rimrock Resort Hotel starting at $206
  • Mount Royal Hotel starting at $111
  • Tunnel Mountain Resort starting at $114
  • High Country Inn Banff starting at $112
  • Brewster's Mountain Lodge starting at $170
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Banff

Banff's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the town for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.

Banff is known as a family-friendly town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.

On your honeymoon in Banff? Spoil yourselves by staying in a luxury hotel, with top picks like Mount Royal Hotel, Rimrock Resort Hotel, and Brewster's Mountain Lodge.

If your visit to Banff lasts a week or longer, staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen might make sense for preparing your own meals.

By skipping summer or winter and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.

Banff may be a top spot for tourists, but it's also relatively small, which means accommodations go fast. If you're planning to visit in summer or winter, be sure to book well in advance.

Walking is a favorite way for many to see Banff, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.

Ski season can lead to rising prices, so it's wise to secure your bookings early. Popular places with easy access to the slopes fill up fast and might be expensive.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Banff

Public transit in Banff is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.

Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $5.12 (CA$7.13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Banff. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Banff is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $5.12
    CA$7.13

Transportation Tips

When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Banff to Calgary Airport (YYC) | Private Transfer for $277 details
  • Banff to Calgary or YYC Airport | Private Transfer for $137 details
  • Banff to Lake Louise/Moraine Lake sightseeing transfer for $80 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Banff
How much does it cost to go to Banff? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Banff
The price of renting a car in Banff will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Banff

Make sure to enjoy the fantastic food in Banff by taking the time to savor all the local flavors. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Banff can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Banff is $49 (CA$68) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $49
    CA$68

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Banff is around $49 (CA$68) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $95. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Banff are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $15
  • Lunch: $7 to $20
  • Dinner: $15 to $34
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $7

Because this region is so heavily populated with tourists and transient workers, you won't have a problem finding the food you crave. This town is full of pubs, fast food and expensive fine dining. Since you're in Alberta, you'd be missing out if you didn't try at least one steak.

For lengthy hikes, be sure to stock up on snacks and water at the local convenience stores.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Banff, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle for $150 details
  • A Taste of Banff ~ 'Around the World' Rockies Food Tour for $105 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Banff?

Below are some standard food costs in Banff, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Tea House Lunch for Two
    CA$45
  • Hostel Breakfast
    CA$37
  • McDonalds
    CA$6.38


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Banff

It's not a shock that Banff draws crowds, as it is known for its skiing, hiking, romance, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Banff typically cost an average of $12 (CA$17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $12
    CA$17

If you'd like to see where it all began, be sure to visit the Cave and Basin National Historic site. This spot is home to the hot sulphur springs, and where Canada's National Park system was founded. Take a stroll along their short nature trails or stop by the site of the original bathhouse from 1887.

While wildlife sightings are a pretty common and frequent occurrence in Banff, you may not always get to see the creatures you hoped for. In that case, make a visit to the Banff Park Museum National Historic site. Bear sightings are guaranteed.

The greatest sight, however, in the whole of Banff, is actually the whole of Banff. A trip up the Banff Gondola gives visitors the most stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. As you rise over seven thousand feet, you won't believe the amazing sights in store for you. At the top of the trip, you'll find a restaurant, gift shop, boardwalk and observation deck. Have your cameras ready for the marvelous views at the summit of Sulphur Mountain.



Depending on the time of year you decide to venture to Banff, you'll have your pick of incredible activities. Should you travel during the winter, remember that Banff is home to some of the most exceptional ski resorts in the world. Between the Lake Louise Mountain Resort, the Sunshine Village and the Ski Norquay, take your pick of which hill to tackle first. Bear in mind that all the hills are busier on the weekends. And if you're dying to ski like the locals, you'll wan to select Ski Norquay as your destination.

After a full day of skiing, it might be time for something a little different. The icewalks offered around the park are a perfect opportunity to see a true winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls and rivers. Wrap yourself up and join in on one of the evening tours – complete with hot cocoa and a campfire at the end.

Should you decide the colder months aren't for you, you'll find plenty of things to do in Banff during those warmer summer months. Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the main town along with tours for horseback riding, white water rafting, and so much more.

Not far from the Banff city center are the Blue Canoe docks. Hop into a canoe for a peaceful and serene getaway trip down the Bow River. There's also plenty of canoeing options available on Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Wildlife sightings are popular in Banff. Keep your eyes out for a number of different creatures roaming the area in the summertime. While wildlife watching can be a fun activity, please keep your distance. The people of Banff would like to keep their animals wild, and some can be very dangerous. If there are certain animals on your bucket list, it is recommended you book a tour with a guide who knows the area.

Sightseeing Tips

Skiing:
One of the top reasons people visit Banff is for its amazing skiing and snowboarding. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding Banff. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

A nice way to explore destinations in Banff is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Canmore: Wilderness & Wildlife Walking Tour - 2hrs for $65 details
  • Icefields Parkway & Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake Adventure for $186 details
  • Sundance Canyon eBike and Hike Guided Tour for $97 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Banff?

A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Banff are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.


  • Hot Springs
    CA$7.32


Nightlife Budget in Banff

With its fun and active nightlife, Banff attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $9.23 (CA$13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Banff per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $9.23
    CA$13
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Banff. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Park Distillery Tour with Craft Spirits Tasting for $11 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Banff

  • During summer or winter, the town can get really crowded, and prices go up significantly. To avoid the crowds and save some money, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons or low season.
  • Slowing down while you travel can lead to significant savings, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. If you overload your itinerary with activities, you'll likely spend a lot more. However, embracing a slower pace can help you enjoy your trip and cut costs.

Budgeting Challenges

  • The area's skiing and snowboarding attract many visitors each winter. Unfortunately, these activities can also be quite costly, with not much room for savings. Lift tickets, ski rentals, and peak-season hotel costs can heavily influence your travel budget. Don't forget to confirm your travel insurance covers everything important.
  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Banff.

What makes Banff a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

We spent more than we had planned to while we were in town, but it was still worth it. Some of the restaurants are pretty expensive.

raja_l
-
Nov 7 2023

How can you save money during your time in Banff?

There are actually a couple of hostels in town so we stayed at one. It was convenient to everything and pretty social, which was nice.

Micah
-
Feb 22 2024

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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