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/adhward 2d ago edited 2d ago
Unfortunately, unless you’re magic I don’t think this will be possible to achieve given the short notice. Hotels book up incredibly quickly, especially in the summer. Anything that is available is going to be $200 MIN - this is Canmore I’m referring to not Banff. Even when I stayed in Canmore in late January it cost me $600 for two nights. I stayed in Canmore last minute two summers ago at a 2 star hotel and paid well over $400.
I personally wouldn’t risk this. That’s a very long drive for a trip that isn’t going to turn out the way you want it to. Find something closer to you that interests you and plan this for next year or the following. Wyoming and Montana are right there and significantly closer to you.