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Home to shimmering turquoise lakes, thick forests, scenic valleys, and cute and cozy Airbnb and Vrbo vacation rentals, the resort town of Banff is one of Alberta’s most visited destinations. Situated in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park, the town provides immediate access to iconic sites like Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Summer and winter visits to Banff are equally enchanting. While summer days at the national park usually consist of taking to the many hiking trails, paddling on the lakes, cycling the Bow Valley Parkway, or getting in some mountain biking, winter offers snowmobile tours, ice walks, and skiing or snowboarding at the Big Three—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. No matter when you go or what you do, don't miss out on a post-activity soak in the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Budget enough time to hop in a car and drive the Rocky Mountains along the 142-mile-long Icefields Parkway, which links Banff National Park with Jasper National Park to the north. Stop at the Columbia Icefields and Lake Louise along the way and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, elk, and wolves.
Despite Banff being a well-known adventure town, many of the vacation rentals there are more along the lines of condos, hotel rooms, and resorts, with fewer cabin rentals. Nevertheless, we found eight cozy cabins to check out if you're planning a visit in any season. Scroll on the best Banff Airbnbs, Vrbo rentals, and private resorts worth visiting on your next Banff vacation.
The 8 Best Banff Cabin Rentals
Beautiful Chalet with Unbeatable Location — Banff, AB
Vibe: Downtown Bungalow
Just a two-minute walk from the town’s main thoroughfare, this mountain chalet is in a great location on a quiet street away from the crowds. With two upper floors and a lower suite that has its own separate entrance for more privacy and seclusion, the property's ideal for groups of up to eight. With Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay close by, skiers and snowboarders have their choice of venue when staying here, and then cozy up in the spacious living area around the gas fireplace. Those visiting outside of winter can embark on picturesque hikes on the Bow River Trail or up to Tunnel Mountain via the trailhead that starts right at the edge of town.
Rate: CAD $1,109/night
Rocky Mountain Retreat — Banff, AB
Vibe: Mega Mansion
Located in the heart of Banff within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, and more, this house rental can accommodate an impressive 23 guests. Full of antique charm, and lots of room for chilling, this house is just waiting for your next group trip.
Rate: CAD $1,719/night
Deluxe King Cabin at Moraine Lake Lodge — Lake Louise, AB
Vibe: Lakeside Oasis
Because this mountain retreat is part of a resort, it doesn't exactly offer the type of privacy and seclusion that one might look for in a typical cabin getaway. Its earthy-toned interiors are pretty standard too, but its location on the edges of Moraine Lake in Canada’s oldest national park makes staying at one worth considering. The king cabin provides guests with a private balcony that faces the lake so you can experience it without the perpetual crowds. Cuddle up by the wood-burning fireplace or relax in the private hot-tub-esque tub after a day of hiking.
One benefit of the resort atmosphere is access to activities like canoeing on Moraine Lake, on-site naturalist talks in the library, interpretive guided hikes, and free parking.
Rate: CAD $910/night
Rustic Chic Banff Mountain Home — Banff, AB
Vibe: Luxury Cabin
Just two blocks from the cafes and restaurants of Banff Avenue, this vacation home enjoys a prime location downtown. Its wooden interiors give it a rustic vibe, though its clean lines, white furniture, bold black trims and glass floor lamps give it a bright and modern look.
There are mountain views of Mount Rundle from the private deck, Adirondack chairs in the grassy backyard, and picture windows from the living room. With room for eight and a full kitchen (plus laundry) you could bring the entire family.
Rate: CAD $749/night
Cozy & Bright Mountain Cabin — Banff, AB
Vibe: Town Home
With 450 square feet of space, this cabin/condo boasts an open living area with a private balcony, and is the ideal base for canoeing at Lake Louise, hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers or enjoying a boat trip on Lake Minnewanka. Guests here have access to unlimited rides on the local Banff Roam Bus, which transports you to the most popular destinations, including Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and downtown Banff. One note here: this standalone cabin is located at the Tunnel Mountain Resort, which also provides access to amenities like an indoor pool, steam room, and fitness room.
Rate: CAD $212/night
Eagles Nest Chalet — Harvie Heights, AB
Vibe: Chalet With a View
A convenient five-minute drive from downtown Canmore and just 15 minutes from Banff, guests at the Eagles Nest Chalet have easy access to two picturesque mountain towns. Spend your days hiking the local trails, searching for caffeine and souvenirs in downtown Canmore and Banff, and admiring the view of the Rockies from the living room of the chalet. There's room for four but this cozy cabin makes for an ideal romantic getaway if you'd rather be exclusive.
Rate: CAD $43/night
Charming Tiny House — Cochrane, AB
Vibe: All in the Details
If you plan to split your time between the backcountry and the city, this tiny home is situated between Banff and Calgary in the town of Cochrane. The home features a thoughtful floor plan that never makes the place feel cramped, with a bedroom and sofa bed for extra guests, and the pops of color throughout give the space lots of character. Besides a crackling fireplace and handcrafted eating nook, the property also consists of a pretty garden, in which you're invited to indulge in homemade breakfast each morning, made and delivered to your door by the host.
Rate: CAD $100/night
Cabins at Baker Creek — Lake Louise, AB
Vibe: Adult Summer Camp
Situated on the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise, Baker Creek is in the perfect spot to experience the best of both towns. The property is a resort, but there are 19 log cabins to choose from that have wood burning fireplaces, kitchenettes, queen beds, jacuzzi tubs, and wifi (depending on which you choose). Communal amenities include a steam room, sauna, outdoor fire pits, bbq grills. Some of the units are pet-friendly, too.
Rate: Varies by room
Published 04-18-2023
Updated 05-29-2024
