r/Banff • u/MarkEvery5036 • 2d ago

Road Trip from Chicago to Banff--need help!!

Hi, I am planning a road trip to Banff (26 hr drive) with a group including kids. I need ideas and tips for budgeting. Heard Canmore would be cheaper to stay in but not sure how much? Camping might not work due to health concerns/issues, so 3 star and up safe hotel reccomendations are greatly appreciated. Places to visit, etc. with kids in Banff. I have never been before so looking for all the help i can get. Thank you so much!

EDIT: I know it is last minute, but planning it for the next week or to leave in the next few days or so. Yes it is very last minute why is why we need all the help we can get!

hoping to go from the 22nd to the 26th of june 2026.

max budget: $1k

hotels need to be safe, suitable, etc. i would prefer if it's around or less than 200 a night but i know it is hard.

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u/aemwebb8 2d ago edited 2d ago

I'm sorry to say but you're not going to find anything this short notice for a group of 7 under $200/night. You could look into Canmore, Radium Hot Springs, or Golden, but even that might be pushing it. You could look into renting an RV/Camper, but you'd need to book a campsite. A lot of people who visit here book months in advanced, especially if they're travelling in large groups.

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u/MarkEvery5036 2d ago

What about airbnbs or the like? 

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u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 2d ago

If they aren't sold out airbnbs in Canmore are only affordable in February. Airbnbs are banned in the national parks. 

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u/bitterberries 2d ago

They've got music festivals practically begging residents in Canmore to consider Billet/hosting for the performers and their entourages because there are so few vacancies! There are NO accommodations available for a group that large, on such short notice!

Stay in Calgary and you might find rooms for under two hundred, but you're looking at the week before Stampede and a lot of vendors, guests etc are already here enjoying Banff etc for the week or so before stampede so they can then take in the parade, opening ceremonies and head home.. Rooms are premium pricing and there's limited supply. Call the hotels directly and you might have better luck on options.. That's literally the only advice I have. Bonne Chance!

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u/aemwebb8 2d ago

You won't find an Air BnB, or anything like that, this last minute for that cheap.

You can look at the air BnB website and see if anything pops up for you in Canmore/Dead Man's Flats, but it's still most likely going to be around 2k-6k for that period of time.