22 best vacation homes, VRBOS and Airbnbs in Banff for 2021 ( with hot tub, pool, and more)

Airbnb might be the most widely known website for vacation rentals but that doesn’t make it the best or the cheapest.  To help you compare we expanded our selection to also include vacation homes from other reputable and well-trusted sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and VRBO (which is also part of the Expedia Group).  Check and compare, lower booking and cleaning fees make these other sites cheaper than Airbnb.  Enjoy your trip!.

Are you looking for the best Airbnbs in Banff? Look no further. Here we share a list of 22 amazing vacation rentals, VRBOS, and Airbnbs in the Banff area.

Banff is both the first national park in Canada as well as one of the country’s top national parks and this is for good reason.

Teeming with beautiful scenery and wildlife, Banff is an ideal location for anyone visiting Canada.

Staying in an Airbnb or VRBO may save you a few bucks. Not only will you save on your accommodation, but many of the rental apartments we handpicked also have more character and are much more quaint than your traditional hotel room.

Overview of best Banff Airbnbs

Here’s a comparison table of all the Airbnbs that we cover in this post. Read on for a short description of all the properties.

Cheap Airbnbs in Banff

Mountain View Escape—Close to Downtown

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath

Blue Mountain Lodge is a cozy 10-room lodge that has been hosting visitors for over 100 years.

It has perfected the art of providing service at a hotel level while still keeping a comfortable and relaxing environment.

There is a private bedroom and bathroom with common kitchen and recreation areas.

The lodge also provides breakfast daily as part of their service.

The central location is ideal for both downtown activities and nearby skiing.

Blue Mountain Lodge has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors to the Banff area and creates a cozy place to stay.

Booking rating: 9.50

Extra Amenities:

• Wifi
• Breakfast provided
• Cable TV

Bampton Cabin

Tiny house hosted by Satu and Ollie – Super hosts

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bathroom

If you are looking for a tiny house in the Banff area, look no further.

Bampton cabin has everything you need for a wonderful stay.

The cabin is beautifully decorated and has everything for a carefree stay.

The location is top notch within one minute from downtown Banff.  You’re steps from Banff avenue with restaurants, bars, shops and the shuttle to the ski stations.

Satu and Ollie are wonderful hosts.

Guests love the little personal touches such as a guide book with restaurant recommendations, local products, games to play etc.

Rating: 5

Extra amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking on the premises
• Cable TV
• Easy self-check-in with keypad

Cougar Street Mountain Rental

• 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath

This cheap Banff Airbnb is a good option for a family or small group as it is a self-contained apartment located beneath the main family home of the hosts.

With the hosts closeby, it is easy to get personal recommendations and local information from a knowledgeable source, as well as easy communication.

The apartment has two bedrooms with queen beds, allowing for a spacious and comfortable stay.

There is also a high chair and travel cot provided for families with young children and a good variety of kitchen essentials for self-cooking.

The location is close to downtown Banff, making it a short walk to many restaurants and cafes.

Rating: 4.94

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Private entrance
• Free parking on-site
• Washing machine and dryer

Banff B&B

Downtown Banff bed and breakfast

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath

This is a great Banff option for those who prefer the standard B&B experience.

It is conveniently located close to downtown with beautiful mountain views visible from the back patio.

This property has a large back patio and backyard with spacious common areas throughout the house.

A full breakfast is provided daily with kitchen facilities available throughout the day if needed.

There is an indoor fireplace that is perfect for cozy winter evenings in.

A number of previous guests stated that this Airbnb provided a perfect welcoming atmosphere while maintaining the high standards of hotel service.

Booking rating: 9.50

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Complimentary breakfast
• Patio and backyard
• Indoor fireplace

Best Airbnb Banff house

Banff 2 bedroom house with private hot tub, Alberta

• 5 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath

This is a great family house for anyone traveling with children. In fact, as of 2020, children under 10 years old can stay for free.

They also provide a number of family features, including children’s utensils, books and toys, and a cot.

It is also located in a quiet suburb not far from central Banff which is ideal for a family holiday.

The listing also has a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day of skiing or sightseeing.

For the more mild-weathered days, there is also an outdoor barbeque and seating area. From this viewpoint, there are views of Cascade Mountain and Whiskey Creek with beautiful scenery.

Friendly and accommodating hosts.

VRBO Rating: 4.9

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Hot Tub
• Central heating
• Children’s necessities
• Cable TV

Banff Mountain Home-The Real Rockies Experience

• 11 guests, 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 4 baths

This large house in Banff, Canada is perfect for large or extended families, group trips, or even small corporate retreats.

There are a number of spacious bedrooms, each equipped with queen or king beds and a private bathroom to each bedroom. There are also large living areas, including the kitchen, dining room, living room and more.

Guests love the location of this Airbnb. It is located very close to downtown Banff and close to buses for ski areas.

There is another tenant living in the basement of this house, however this should cause little to no issues.

There is a large back deck with a barbeque and outdoor seating for taking in some refreshing mountain air and on colder nights, there is an indoor fireplace.

VRBO Rating: 4.6

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Free parking for up to 4 cars
• Washer & Dryer
• Fireplace
• Kitchen essentials
• All bedrooms have their own bathrooms

Best Airbnb Banff Cabins

Fox Cabin

Entire house hosted by Katrin – Super host

• 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath

If you are looking for a beautiful wooden cabin not far from downtown Banff, Fox Cabin might be something for you.

This woodsy cabin is cheerfully decorated and spotlessly clean.  Although relatively small, guests find that the bungalow offers enough space for a party of 2 or 3.  It might be a little too tight for 4 persons.

You will find 2 bedrooms with comfy beds, a small kitchenette and a private bathroom.

It is stocked with all the essentials and within walking distance of restaurants at Banff Avenue for those who prefer to eat out.

Grill Masters will love the shared BBQ area outside.

Katrin is a great host who replies promptly if you have questions.

Rating: 4,87

Extra Amenties:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking on the premises
• Cable TV
• Easy self-check-in with lockbox

Cozy + Relaxing Banff Getaway

• 5 guests, 1 bedroom, 3 beds, 1 bath

Here we have a delightful rustic resort, away from the hustle and bustle and immersed in nature.

This boutique resort offers around 100 rooms with smoothly oiled services to accommodate the guests.

As this Airbnb is on Tunnel Mountain and a little further from the center of town, the resort offers free bus passes for the regular Roam bus. There is also free underground parking on-site.

The resort also has great outdoor facilities, including a children’s playground and a BBQ area.

However, most popular of all is the hot pools, all heated to different temperatures so you can choose your ideal pool. These pools also look out over the stunning scenery of the mountainous surroundings.

This Airbnb is also pet-friendly, with rooms allowing pets available for an extra $25 per night. (It is necessary to inform the host at the time of booking if you intend to bring pets).

Expedia rating: 4.4

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Free parking
• Wood-burning fireplace (with wood provided)
• Free unlimited bus pass
• Bike rental in summer/ski storage in winter
• Hot tub and sauna

Private Mountain Chalet in The Heart of Banff

Entire house hosted by black bear chalet – Super host

• 6 guests , 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 3 bathrooms

The black bear chalet is a private 2 story home with stunning mountain views. The newly renovated cabin has 3 bedrooms with comfortable beds, a spacious and bright living room, a kitchenette, a balcony with amazing mountain views, and a private entrance.

If you need more space, you can also rent the lower 1 bedroom space which can accommodate an extra 2 people.

Skiers and snowboarders can store their boots, boards and other material in the hallway closet.  There’s enough room for 6 pairs.

The friendly hosts live in the same building and are always ready to answer your questions.

Guests thinks the cabin feels as a home away from home.

Rating: 5

Extra amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Fireplace
• Smart TV with Netflix
• Free parking on premises
• Easy check in with self-check in keypad.

Best Banff Airbnb’s with hot tub

Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway in Banff Rocky Mountain resort

• They have several suites and apartments

This is a lovely condo located at the base of Tunnel Mountain, only a short walk to the centre of town.

As it is part of a hotel, there is full 24/7 service and staff.

This condo has a private balcony to enjoy the mountain air and beautiful views and an indoor gas fireplace to stay warm.

There are two rooftop hot pools with mountain views available for guests to use. There is also a sauna and a gym available for use.

This resort is pet-friendly. You can bring your pet for an extra $25 per night.

Note that there is no AC.

Booking rating: 8.3

Extra Amenities:

• Free Wifi
• Italian restaurant on-site
• Underground parking
• Hot pools

Cozy Mountain Condo BBQ & Hot tub

• 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1.5 bath

This Airbnb listing is for a lovely little chalet, right outside the gates of Banff National Park.

With shared BBQ facilities, hot tubs, and garden areas overlooking the nearby mountains, this is a great option for those looking for the ultimate Banff experience while on a budget.

At a 15 minute drive from central Banff, this is a quiet and relaxing area to stay.

The host is happy to share a number of personal recommendations of places to go and activities to do during your stay in Alberta.

Rating: 4.71

Extra Amenities:

• Wifi
• Garden area
• Coin laundry
• Hot tub

Fantastic Banff Getaway with Incredible Hot Pools Access

• 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths

This is a comfortable suite as part of a chalet-style hotel close to downtown Banff.

Breakfast is fully provided, with waffles as the recommended item.

There is also a kitchenette in the suite and an on-site Chili’s restaurant.

For perfect relaxation after a full day exploring Banff, the hotel has created a large cave grotto-style hot tub as a more nature-inspired experience.

There is also an attached sauna to rest sore muscles after skiing and hiking. For those with a strict exercise regime, there is also a Fitness Centre located on-site.

The staff are able to help co-ordinate buying ski lift tickets and travel to ski areas, allowing the visitor to avoid any potential stress.

This condo is pet-friendly. You can bring your pet for an additional fee as long as you mention this upon booking.

Rating: 4.81

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Cave grotto-inspired hot tub and sauna
• Daily housekeeping
• Elevator
• Complimentary breakfast

Best Airbnb’s Banff with pool

New Accessible Room, 1 Minute from Banff Centre! Hot Pools On-Site!

• 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath

This listing is part of a small boutique hotel located close to the Banff town center.

This room comes with a lovely outside patio for soaking up some mountain sun and kitchenette facilities for some coffee to go with it.

There are beautiful outdoor hot pools overlooking the stunning scenery of the area. There is also an indoor pool for more serious swimmers and a fitness room.

This room has an ADA-approved bathroom and is elevator accessible.

There is a heritage Corner House on-site for those wishing to catch up on the history of the area.

Rating: 4.80

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Underground parking
• Hot pools and sauna
• Wheelchair-accessible
• Laundry facilities on-site

Central Banff Rockies Suite

• 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 3 beds, 1 bath

This condo is part of a boutique hotel located just a short walk from the center of Banff.

It is conveniently located close to nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes.

With two shared rooftop hot pools, there is plenty of room to look out over the wonderful scenery surrounding the area. There is also a covered indoor pool and a sauna available for use.

This suite has a private balcony to enjoy along with a gas fireplace to keep warm.

There is also a full-service spa lounge located on-site for when you want to take a break from skiing, hiking, and exploring.

This Airbnb is pet-friendly. You can bring your pet for an extra $25 per night.

Rating: 4.83

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Fitness room on-site
• Sauna
• Full-service Spa

Best pet-friendly Airbnb Banff, Canada

Banff has a number of pet-friendly Airbnbs.

These are great Airbnbs if you are traveling with your furry friend.

We covered these accommodations before, below are the links to the respective properties. Make sure to mention that you will bring your four-legged friend.

• Cozy + Relaxing Banff Getaway
• Rustic & Cozy Banff Getaway
• Central Banff Rockies Suite

Best luxury tent in Banff

Bohemian Dreams- Luxury Tent in Banff Region

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath (shared)

This is one of the more unique listings available in the Banff area.

This luxury canvas bell tent encompasses all the fun of camping without sleeping on the hard ground or dealing with any problems.

As you will be staying at a campsite, the bathroom facilities are shared.

However, your tent will be a step above the rest with a bed and furniture inside.

This Airbnb also provides access to a propane stove and propane, a cooler, and necessary cooking items.

For some extra relaxation, there is also a hammock provided.

Booking this Airbnb will cover your camping permit and fire permit as well.

Rating: 4.98

Extra Amenities:

• Hammock
• Required permits
• Propane stove
• Flashlights

Best Airbnb in Canmore

If you are looking for a cheaper option during the peak season, look no further than Banff’s neighbor, the town of Canmore.

Canmore is located within 20-minutes driving along the Trans-Canada Highway and has over a dozen options for great places to stay.

Here we share one of the best Airbnbs in Canmore.

If you are looking for alternative Canmore Airbnbs, click here.

Luxurious 2 Bedroom with Spa, Steam Room & Hot tub

• 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1.5 baths

This lovely condo is part of a large resort complex with a large array of amenities available.

The complex has 2 outdoor hot tubs, a restaurant, a fitness gym, a sauna, and a spa.

With everything at your fingertips, this is a convenient and easy place to stay. There are two bathrooms in this condo, one with a large shower and the other with a large bathtub.

There are wonderful views of Lady Macdonald and the Three Sisters mountains from every angle and a delightful patio to sit and just soak in the scenery.

There is also another seating area near the hot tubs for a different view to enjoy.

Booking rating: 8.80

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Spa
• On-site restaurant
• Large bedrooms
• Gym

Best Airbnb near Lake Louise

Unfortunately, there are no Airbnbs in Lake Louise.

If you prefer staying near Lake Louise, take a look at the below mentioned Airbnbs.

These are all located in the small town of Field and make a perfect base for exploring Lake Louise, Yoho and Banff.

Glacier Lily Guesthouse

Entire guest suite hosted by Antoine & Katrina

• 3 guests, studio, 2 beds, 1 bath

This self-contained studio apartment with private entrance has everything for a great vacation.

It has a well-equipped kitchenette, a great shower and comfy beds.

Entertainment is also taken care off with board games, puzzles and playing cards.  There is no TV.

This wonderful Airbnb is 2 minutes away from Yoho National Park visitor center and a short 20-minute drive to Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. It’s also within walking distance of the small adorable town of Field.

Antoine and Katrina are wonderful hosts. They live upstairs which means you might occasionally hear a bit of sound.

Rating: 4,97

Extra Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Private entrance
• Free street parking

The Hummingbird Suite, isolation in Field, BC

Entire apartment hosted by Darren And Paulina – Super hosts

• 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath

This 1 bedroom apartment with private entrance can be found in the bright basement of the main house.

The suite is well designed and has a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortably-sized living, a great bathroom with heated floor and well-appointed beds.

The picturesque mountain village of Field is located in the heart of Yoho National park and 20-minutes away from Lake Louise. 

This is a great place to escape the crowds and find peace in nature.

Darren and Paulina who live upstairs are very welcoming and can give you insider tips on what to do in the area.

Rating: 4,82

Extra amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Netflix
• Free parking on premises

Alpine Guest House

Entire guest suite hosted by Lucy – Super host

• 5 guests, 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath

The Alpine guest house lies in Field, a charming small town in the heart of the Yoho National Park.  A perfect location for hiking in Yoho but also just 20 minutes from Lake Louise and Banff National Park. Emerald lake is a 10-minute drive.

You will stay in a cute little flat that has all the necessary amenities and shows Lucy’s personal touch.  From the porch you can enjoy amazing views of the mountains and surrounding Field.

Lucy is an outstanding and friendly host.

This property gets excellent reviews all-around but some people think the price is a bit expensive compared to other Airbnbs in the neighborhood.

Rating: 4,79

Extra amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Free parking on premises
• Private entrance

Best Airbnb experiences in Banff

While Airbnb was originally used for accommodation only, they have recently expanded the platform to include experiences.

Airbnb experiences are activities, tours, and classes run by locals to provide a more authentic experience of a new place while traveling.

These experiences allow visitors to gain more insight into the local customs, food, culture, and locations.

As they are run by locals, it is often possible to gain knowledge that might be skipped or missed in common tourist guides.

There are a range of experiences available, depending on the area and the people offering. There can be everything from food classes, hiking tours, winter activities, and more in-depth tours.

Here we have some of the best Airbnb experiences available in Banff, Canada.

Scenic Mountain Portrait experience

The Scenic Mountain Portrait experience is a 90-minute photo session held in Banff National Park.

It starts at Two Jack Lake and progresses through some of the most beautiful scenic areas.

While this is a beautiful, easy trail walk, the main focus is on making these memories last. Adrienne, the host, will help to create images of your holiday in Banff for you to take home and remember.

This is usually a private activity for up to 6 people and so is ideal for couples, families, and even individuals.

The best 30 – 40 high-quality photos will be shared with you digitally and are able to be printed so you can look back on this holiday in times to come.

Banff Photography Tour

The Banff Photography Tour is an all-day class/tour/adventure with the intent to focus on photography techniques and get some beautiful shots of the idyllic scenery.

Starting at sunrise, the host Robin will help you to perfect your use of light, composition and technique to create wonderful shots.

He will also show you how to use your equipment in different ways to truly get the best photo.

The tour is flexible and can focus on landscape, portrait, or lifestyle photography depending on the group.

No matter what your photography interests are, this tour can help to hone that knowledge.

The group will also move between a number of different areas to allow you to catch a wide variety of beautiful photographs.

Winter Snowshoeing Adventure

The Winter Snowshoeing Adventure is a 4.5-hour experience hosted by Daniel in the Canadian Rockies.

This journey helps newcomers to experience the now less popular activity of snowshoeing.

You will be able to explore the beautiful winter snow and experience a new activity.

Traveling with snowshoes allows you to see a number of beautiful places and hidden gems that might otherwise go unseen.

The host, Daniel, is certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and has all the necessary licenses and permits to guide in Canadian National Parks.

What type of Airbnb can you find in Banff?

There are a number of different types of Airbnb accommodation available in Banff national park.

These can include complete houses, wilderness cabins, boutique hotels, B&B’s, and luxury tents.

Complete Houses

Staying in a complete house is a great option if privacy is an important consideration for you.

It is like a home away from home, it will have all the privacy and facilities you’re used to at your own home (or it will at least come close).

A complete house allows for regular cooking and cozy evenings with comfortable relaxation.

Wilderness Cabins

Wilderness cabins are a good choice for nature-lovers, especially in Banff where the nature is so beautiful.

Staying in a wilderness cabin is a lot more immersive in the wilderness experience and has a great atmosphere.

Being close to nature is a beautiful experience and Banff is the perfect place to do so.

Boutique hotels

Boutique hotels are also popular in Banff and many can also be booked on Airbnb.

These are smaller, more independently-run hotels with a certain charm. They have unique and quaint characteristics that have them stand out from normal hotels but have all the conveniences of a regular hotel.

A boutique hotel will provide the front desk service and general hotel operation that you are used to, but without as many surrounding rooms to worry about.

They will often have a pool and/or hot tub available, which can be a great way to relax after exploring the wilderness of Banff.

B&B’s

A B&B is a great mix of the privacy of an Airbnb with the service of a hotel.

As it is run from a normal house, there are all the amenities that you could expect. However, there are also services that are usually associated with hotels – towel service, etc.

This in-between is a great first step for those who are unsure about staying in an Airbnb for the first time.

Luxury tent

Staying in a luxury tent is a very unique choice when deciding what type of Airbnb is best for your trip.

With the recent rise in popularity of camping and in particular, instagrammable camping or glamping, a luxury tent is a great way to blend modern living with the charm of camping.

It is close to nature and allows the visitor to constantly enjoy beautiful views.

However, it can get very cold during the Canadian winter, so this is an important consideration.

How to book an Airbnb in Banff

Watch this short introductory video if this is the first time booking an Airbnb.

Top reasons to stay in an Airbnb in Banff

Accommodation is always a huge consideration when traveling and in recent times this often comes to the Airbnb vs hotel debate.

Banff is no different with a variety of Airbnb options available.

There are a number of aspects to consider when looking at potential Airbnbs.

More privacy

Staying in an Airbnb often provides more privacy than a traditional hotel as Airbnb accommodation is usually separate.

This also allows for more freedom as there aren’t as many strict rules regarding house-cleaning and the like.

Rather, there are usually simple common courtesy guidelines.

This freedom also extends to having a full kitchen and separate rooms, making Airbnb a great choice for longer stays.

More unique and authentic experience

While hotels are fairly similar in most parts of the world, Airbnb can differ hugely by location.

This can provide a more unique and authentic experience of staying in a new place.

This can also allow for meeting local residents and learning local customs and recommendations.

This integration is helpful in bridging the gap between being a tourist and understanding the area, people, and culture better.

Often better value than a hotel especially when you are traveling as a family

When it comes to price, Airbnb can often work out as better value than a hotel, especially considering all the benefits that come with it.

If you are traveling as a family or in a group, it can also be significantly cheaper than a hotel.

Conclusion

Organising accommodation can be difficult when traveling to a new area, especially as it has potential to have a large impact on your trip.

Airbnb is a great contender to the traditional accommodation models and allows travelers to choose more customized accommodation.

With everything from family houses to mountain cabins to luxury tents, Airbnb has everything for everyone.

Here we have some of the best Airbnb locations in Banff, along with some interesting Airbnb experiences to consider while traveling in Banff.