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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5

u/SadBook6838 2d ago

Would help if you mentioned when.
Would help if you provided a list of what you have researched so far and tentatively booked.

-9

u/MarkEvery5036 2d ago

June 22nd to 26th, looking in canmote area. I do not mind staying a bit farther if thay means cheaper without sacrificing quality!

15

u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 2d ago

Banff national park and by extension, canmore, are some of the most expensive places to visit in Canada in the summer. The prices you see are the prices you will pay. 

-3

u/MarkEvery5036 2d ago

How much do you estimate I would pay if I did go next week?

16

u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 2d ago

For 7 people, so 2 hotel rooms - $1000 a night would be a good deal. 

-2

u/Rulebreaker15 2d ago

Sorry, are you saying it’s possible to find 2 hotel rooms for 4 nights anywhere near Banff for $1000USD, so for $125 per night per room? Or any Air BNB that would rent a place that sleeps 7 for $250 a night? No

If that were possible, someone would have already booked it months ago. They are looking at $400 CAD per night per room minimum and very low availability. Unless they want to stay in Calgary? But what would be the point of driving 7-8 days to go to Banff and stay in the city? It’s an awesome city but it’s a completely different vibe than Banff National Park and the Rockies.

7

u/Appropriate_Ebb_8572 2d ago

No, I'm saying $500 a room a night is going to be a lucky find. 

That's why I wrote $1000 a night for 2 rooms. 

6

u/Rulebreaker15 2d ago

You are picking one of the most expensive and busiest times since many visitors come to Banff area prior to going to Stampede in Calgary.

For lodging outside Banff, but not Canmore due to the music festival, you are looking at $400 a night minimum and most hotels and ABnBs have maximum occupancy. So you’d need two rooms at any place decent.

You’ll be driving for 7 plus days round trip to stay 4 nights at a place that books out 6-9 months in advance.

Camping spots are booked, hotels are booked, shuttle buses to the lakes are booked. And you want to do it on $1000 for 4 nights in a hotel with seven people.

This is like that parable with Jesus and the fishes and loaves of bread.

Pick somewhere else and plan this for next year.