How Much Does a Trip to Banff Cost? (Family Travel Guide)

If you’ve been Googling how much a trip to Banff costs, you’ve probably already realized it’s not a cheap destination. Banff is one of the most searched (and visited) destinations in Canada, and for good reason. The mountains are stunning, the lakes look unreal, and there’s something for every kind of family adventure.

But let’s be honest: Banff isn’t cheap. Between hotels, food, park passes, and parking fees, costs can add up fast, especially when you’re planning for a family.

We’ve been travelling with our kids for years, and we know how quickly a “quick mountain getaway” turns into a full-on budget stretch. That’s why I’ve pulled together this practical guide to help you plan a trip to Banff that fits your family and your wallet.

You’ll see how Banff compares to nearby spots like Lake Louise, Canmore, and Calgary, and where to save without missing out.

Let’s get into the details so you can stop wondering and start planning.

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🗒️ Quick Recap: Banff Trip Budget

The biggest costs will likely be accommodations and food, then attractions. Hotels in Banff average $300–$450 per night in summer (and it can go higher), while nearby Canmore offers more budget-friendly options at $220–$350. Lake Louise is stunning but often the most expensive, with hotels starting around $400 in peak season.

Camping in Banff National Park is the best value, at $35–$60 per night, but sites book up super fast (you need to be ready to book in January). Airbnbs and short-term rentals are generally not allowed in Banff, but more available in Canmore, usually ranging from $180–$250 per night.

Restaurant meals add up quickly in Banff. Expect to spend around $80 for lunch and $130–$150 for dinner for a family of four. Groceries are also more expensive than in Canmore or Calgary with only one small grocery store, IGA, but you’ll save more if you shop in Calgary or Canmore before heading into the park.

Driving in from Calgary is the most common route. A compact car starts at around CAD $55–$80 per day, while a family-friendly SUV or minivan runs between CAD $90–$150.  The daily RV rental rates in 2025 range from CAD $180–$300 for a mid-size RV that sleeps a family of four, and up to CAD $400 for larger units. Parking at Lake Louise is now $37 per day (in 2025), and Banff townsite now charges for street parking. The $151 Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers access to Banff, Lake Louise, and nearby national parks (otherwise it’s a daily fee of $11 per adult or $22 for a group).

The best way to save? Stay in Canmore, cook some meals, use public transit like ROAM to skip parking fees, and focus on free outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or paddling.

💸 Why is Banff so Expensive?

Banff is one of the most visited spots in Canada and that high demand comes with high prices. Each year, over 4 million people visit Banff National Park, and most of them come during the short summer season. Hotels, restaurants, and tours know this, and prices climb fast, especially in July and August.

Banff is also a small town with limited space (and not much potential for expansion). There just aren’t that many hotel rooms or vacation rentals, which means fewer options and premium rates. Compared to bigger cities like Calgary, where you’ll find lots of budget hotels, Banff accommodations can easily double in price.

Food and services are also more expensive because many items have to be brought into the park. That includes everything from groceries to fuel to construction materials, and those extra costs get passed on to visitors. On top of that, there aren’t a lot of competition when it comes to grocery stores (in fact, there is just one), which keeps prices high and choices limited. 

How Much Does a Trip to Banff Cost?

💵 Sample Budget Breakdown (Family of 4 – 3 Nights)

So, what does a Banff trip really cost for a family? It depends on how you travel. Below is a breakdown for three common travel styles: budget-friendly (camping or staying in Canmore), mid-range (mix of Airbnb and hotels), and comfortable (staying in Banff hotels with more eating out and paid activities).

These numbers cover a 3-night trip for a family of four in summer 2025:

Category	Budget Stay (Canmore + Camping)	Mid-range (Mix Airbnb/Hotel)	Comfortable (Hotels in Banff)
Lodging	$250–$500	$750–$1,200	$1,200–$1,800
Food	$200	$350	$500+
Activities	$100	$200	$300+
Transport	$200	$250	$300
Total	$750–$1,000	$1,550–$2,000	$2,300–$2,900+

💡 Tip: If you’re aiming for value without feeling restricted, the mid-range option is the sweet spot. You get comfort, flexibility, and room for a few splurges.

🛏️ Accommodation Costs

Where you sleep each night will take up a big part of your Banff trip budget. But the good news is that there are a lot of different options for you, including campgrounds, family-sized Airbnbs and comfortable hotels. You can find a setup that fits your travel style as long as you book early.

Quick Recap
⛺ Camping: CAD $35–$60 per night for a family (Parks Canada sites in Banff and Lake Louise are affordable but book up fast. Private sites in Canmore or Kananaskis are slightly higher).

🏡 Airbnb: CAD $180–$250 per night in Canmore for a family apartment or townhouse. Banff doesn’t allow short-term rentals.

🏨 Hotels: CAD $300–$450 per night in Banff during summer. Canmore offers better value at CAD $220–$350. Lake Louise hotels start at CAD $400+ in peak season.

💡 Money-saving tip: Stay in Canmore. It’s 20 minutes from Banff, has more space for families, and is noticeably cheaper than staying inside the park. Or consider joining HomeExchange and swap your home for one in the Canadian Rockies. This is how we visited Banff for the first time and saved thousands of dollars!

Camping

Camping is by far the most budget-friendly option around Banff (if you can grab a spot). In 2025, Parks Canada campsites cost between CAD $35–$60 per night and come with basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to washrooms (with hot showers). 

But the problem is that all Parks Canada campgrounds like Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Louise Campground fill up months in advance, especially for summer weekends.

Private campgrounds near Canmore or Kananaskis offer more availability, with extra perks like showers, Wi-Fi, and laundry, but prices can creep up to $70–$80 per night.

💡 Reservations for national park sites open early (usually January) and go fast. Set a reminder if you’re planning a summer trip. Otherwise, you’ll need to be spontaneous and look for last-minute cancellations.

Airbnbs

Airbnbs give families space to spread out and cook, which helps cut food costs. In Canmore, you’ll find full apartments or townhomes for around CAD$260 per night. It’s the best choice if you’re staying more than a couple of nights or traveling with younger kids.

Banff has strict short-term rental rules, so you won’t find listings 

Hotels

Hotels in Banff are convenient, but they come at a steep price. In summer, expect to pay CAD $300–$450 per night for a standard family room. Rates are even higher during July and August or on long weekends.

Lake Louise is even pricier, with limited choices. The famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise starts around CAD $700+ per night. Other hotels in the area often book up quickly and don’t offer many family-sized rooms.

Canmore is your best bet for mid-range hotel comfort without the Banff price tag. You’ll find solid family hotels between CAD $220–$350, with amenities like pools, kitchenettes, or free breakfast.

💡 To save money, travel in the shoulder season (May or September) and book early. If you have travel points or loyalty rewards, this is a great time to use them.

🍽️ Food Costs

Food can be one of the biggest (and sneakiest) expenses on a Banff trip. Restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise are busy and pricey. And there are not a lot of options in Lake Louise. 

Quick Recap

🛒 Groceries: CAD $300–$350 per week for a family of four. Save by shopping in Calgary or Canmore before heading into Banff.

🍔 Restaurants: Around CAD $80 for lunch and CAD $130–$150 for dinner for a family of four at casual restaurants in Banff. Add more for full-service meals or drinks.

☕ Extras: Coffee, ice cream, and snacks add up fast. Budget an extra $10–$25 per day for treats.

💡 Money-saving tip: Book lodging with a kitchen and pack lunches for your day hikes. Eating out once a day keeps costs (and stress) down.

Groceries

Buying groceries is the easiest way to save on food during your Banff trip. Expect to spend around CAD $300–$350 per week (if not a bit more if you go the the Banff grocery store) for a family of four if you’re cooking most meals.

There are a few grocery stores in Banff and Canmore, but prices are higher than in Calgary. If possible, do a big shop in Calgary before you head into the mountains. Real Canadian Superstore, NoFrills, or Costco are good choices if you’re planning multiple meals.

💡 Bring a cooler or insulated bag if you’re driving in. It makes roadside picnics and camp meals much easier.

Restaurants

Eating out in Banff sounds fun, until you get the bill. Restaurants are often busy and expensive. Plus, some are really touristy, so high price for not that great meals. Expect to pay around:

• CAD $80 for lunch (family of four at a casual spot)
• CAD $130–$150 for dinner (sit-down meal without alcool)
• Even more in Lake Louise, where options are fewer and prices are higher
  

Some of our favourite restaurants are:

• Banff: Pacini, Anejo, Nourish Bistro, Rundle Patio (it’s smaller plates and a bit more pricy, but the view only is worth it), Mountain Folk Café, Wild Flower Bakery
• Canmore: The Rolling Roll, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co, The Grande Kitchen+Bar, The Grizzly Paw Pub, Rocky Mountain Bagel Co, The Bro’Kin Yolk

💡 Try eating out for lunch instead of dinner (if you’re schedule allows it): same food, smaller bill. Or grab takeout and enjoy it at a scenic picnic spot.

Snacks & Treats

Don’t forget the small things, but coffee, ice cream, Beaver Tails, or a bakery stop can easily add up. And vacations are meant to be filled with some treats. A round of ice cream in Banff costs $20–$25 for a family, and café drinks run $5–$7 each.

It’s worth setting aside a small “treat budget” so you can enjoy these moments without worrying about going over.

🚗 Transportation Costs

Getting to Banff is pretty straightforward. If you didn’t drive, then you probably fly into Calgary and drive from there. But once you arrive, it’s worth knowing what to expect for gas, rentals, and local transportation. Banff has made some big changes in recent years to reduce traffic, and those changes affect how much you’ll spend (or save) getting around.

Quick Recap

🚙 Rental car: CAD $90–$140 per day for a family-sized SUV or minivan (picked up in Calgary)

⛽ Gas: About CAD $1.30/L in Alberta (average ); expect to spend $40–$60 round trip from Calgary to Banff and around the park

🅿️ Parking: Paid parking in Banff and Lake Louise; up to CAD $37/day in peak season

🚌 ROAM Transit: CAD $20/day for a family pass. It connects Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and major trailheads

Rental Car

While Banff can be visited using only public transportation, it’s best to have a car. You’ll want to rent the car in Calgary (either at the airport or in downtown… depending on your plans and the most cost effective option). For a car rental, you ca expect to pay:

• CAD $90–$140 per day for a minivan or SUV
• CAD $55–$80 per day for a compact car (not ideal if you need space for gear or kids)

💡 Booking early often gets you the best rate. Calgary’s airport has plenty of rental options, and picking up your car there is usually cheaper than renting inside Banff. Also, look for discounts through CAA/AAA or use credit card points to offset the cost.

Gas

Gas prices in Alberta are lower than in BC or national parks further west. The average in Alberta (in November 2025) is CAD $1.30/L. For a return trip from Calgary to Banff, it’s about 130 km one-way, plus some local driving in the park (which will depends on your itinerary).

If you’re heading to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway is beautiful, but it adds more driving (and fuel costs) to your trip.

Parking

Banff now has paid street parking in the downtown area year-round. Expect to pay:

• CAD $5–$7 per hour (or about $16–$20 per day) depending on where you park
• Lake Louise charges $37 per day in peak when the Parks’ Canada

Popular spots fill up fast. If you’re planning to drive to Lake Louise in the summer, besure to be there before sunrise for a change to get a parking spot.

💡 Avoid the parking hassle by using transit or booking shuttles for high-demand areas.

Public Transit: ROAM

ROAM Transit is a great option for families. It connects Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and many trailheads. The buses are clean, affordable, and stroller-friendly.

It costs CAD $20.00 for a Family Day Pass(covers 2 adults + unlimited kids under 18)

🏞️ Park Passes & Activities

One of the best parts of visiting Banff is that most of the beauty is free to enjoy. Hiking trails, mountain views, and glacier-fed lakes don’t come with a price tag. That said, you’ll still want to budget for the required park pass and a few splurge activities your family will remember.

Quick Recap

🎫 Parks Canada Discovery Pass: CAD $151.25 for a family/group, It covers entry to Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho, Jasper, and more for 12 months. P.S. It will be free again in the summer 2026.

🚠 Gondolas: CAD $150–$180 for a family of four 

♨️ Hot Springs: CAD $40–$50 for a family

🦌 Tours & experiences: CAD $100–$400 depending on the activity (wildlife tours, guided hikes, paddling, etc.)

🥾 Free activities: Hiking, biking, lakeside picnics, scenic drives, and visitor centres

💡 Money-saving tip: Pick one or two big-ticket experiences, then fill the rest of your days with free outdoor fun.

Park Pass: Required for All Visitors

If you’re staying in or visiting Banff National Park, you’ll need a valid Parks Canada pass. For families, if you’re planning to spend a few days in  Parks’ Canada national parks, the Discovery Pass is the best value. It’s CAD $151.25 per family/group (covers up to 7 people in one vehicle) and it’s valid for 12 months. It includes access to over 80 national parks and historic sites across Canada (including free access to Cave & Basin and the Banff Museum).

If you’re only visiting Banff for a day or two, you can also pay daily admission of CAD $22 per day per family

💡 If you’re visiting any national parks across Canada for a total of 6 days, the Discovery Pass pays for itself.

Paid Attractions

There are a few iconic experiences in Banff that come with a price, but they might be worth it, especially if it’s your first visit, for example one of the gondoles, the Banff Upper hot springs, a boat cruise on Lake Minneswanka. Here are a few examples:

• Banff Gondola: CAD $150–$180 for a family of four
  
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: around CAD $40–$50 for a family
  
• Tours & Guided Experiences start around CAD $100 and go up to $400+, depending on the activity and group size.

💡 Save by booking directly through local providers instead of third-party tour websites.

Free & Low-Cost Activities

You don’t have to spend much to enjoy Banff. In fact, the most memorable moments are often free.

Some family favourites:

• Walks around Lake Louise, Moraine Lake (via shuttle), or Johnson Lake
• Scenic drives like the Bow Valley Parkway
• Hiking trails for all levels — from stroller-friendly loops to alpine climbs
• Picnics by the water
• Free visitor centres with educational exhibits for kids

💡 If you can, bring your own gear like bikes, snacks, and daypacks to avoid pricey rentals.

💰 Hidden or Overlooked Costs

Even when you’ve budgeted for hotels, food, and park passes, some small (and not-so-small) extras can sneak up on you in Banff. These hidden costs aren’t always obvious until you’re there — but they can add up fast if you’re not prepared.

Quick Recap

🅿️ Parking fees: $16–$37/day at popular sites like Banff town, Lake Louise, and trailheads

📱 Data & phone plans: CAD $20–$60 if you’re coming from outside Canada and need mobile service

🦫 Souvenirs & snacks: CAD $100–$300 depending on how many gift shops or ice cream stops you make

🧾 Tips & taxes: Restaurant meals and tours add 15–20% in tips, plus 5% GST.

💡 Money-saving tip: Build in a small buffer (even $200–$300) for these extras so they don’t catch you off guard.

Parking Fees

Parking is one of the biggest hidden costs in Banff, especially at the most popular spots.

Here’s what to expect:

• Lake Louise: $37/day in peak season (free in the winter)
• Banff town: Paid street parking from 8am–8pm; around CAD $5/hour or $16–$20/day. But there is a free parking lot by the train station.
• Moraine Lake shuttle: $8.00 per person if using the Parks’ Canada shuttle

Souvenirs, Snacks & Small Extras

• Ice cream in Banff: Around $5–$7 per cone — that’s $20–$30 for a family of four
• Souvenirs (T-shirts, mugs, toy moose): Easy to spend $100–$300
• Coffee stops, bakery treats, …

💡 Set a small “fun fund” to cover these moments guilt-free. These are the little memories your kids will talk about most.

Tips & Taxes

• Most restaurant servers in Canada rely on tips, expect to add 15–20% on top of the bill
• GST (5%) is added to almost all purchases
• Some hotels and restaurants also charge tourism taxes (2–4%), especially in Banff
  

These add-ons can push your meal or hotel bill higher than expected if you’re not tracking them.

Tips to Visit Banff on a Budget

Banff may be pricey, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can cut costs without cutting fun. Here are our top tips for visiting Banff on a budget, especially helpful for families:

1. Travel in shoulder season

Late May or mid-September are great times to visit. You’ll find lower prices on hotels and campsites, fewer crowds, and cooler (but still beautiful) weather. Parking is easier, too.

2. Stay in Canmore or camp

Banff hotels are the most expensive option. For better value, stay in Canmore, just 20 minutes away. Or book a Parks Canada campsite early to save even more.

3. Cook simple meals

Eating out in Banff adds up quickly. Booking a place with a kitchen lets you cook breakfast and dinner, and pack lunches for your hikes. Even simple meals like pasta or sandwiches help keep your food budget on track.

4. Use ROAM Transit instead of paying for parking

ROAM buses connect Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and popular trailheads. A family pass costs $20/day — much cheaper (and less stressful) than paying for parking at Lake Louise or driving around looking for a spot.

5. Buy groceries in Calgary

Prices in Banff and Lake Louise are higher, and selection is limited. If you’re driving from Calgary, stop at Costco, Superstore, or Safeway on the way to stock up on snacks and basics.

6. Book accommodations and activities early

Hotels, campsites, and popular tours sell out fast, especially in summer. Booking early not only guarantees a spot, but usually gets you the best price too.

💡 My BEST budget tip: find a balance. Spend where it counts, save where you can, and don’t stress over every dollar. Banff is full of simple, free moments that your kids will remember long after the trip is over.

Conclusion

So, how much does a trip to Banff cost for a family? It depends on where you stay and how you travel. Budget travellers can make it work for under $1,000, while a comfortable family getaway in Banff town can easily reach $3,000 or more for just a few nights.

For a 3-night trip, families can expect to spend anywhere from $750 to over $2,900, with most landing somewhere in the middle when mixing accommodation types and planning a few activities.

Banff is undeniably one of the most expensive destinations in the Canadian Rockies, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.