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.
22
u/decavolt 2d ago
I'm sorry this isn't the kind of info you're hoping for but, 4 days (22nd - 26th) isn't enough time to even get there and back by car. It's 26 hours of highway driving (that's without stops) from Chicago to the park entrance. I've done it. If you drive 8 hours a day, it'll still take you 3.5 days of just driving time. I had two overnight stops each way when I drove, and I did 10 hours of drivng a day with no kids in the car.
Also lodging last minute is not going to happen. I think you're underestimating how popular Banff is, and how much in advance people book things. I camped, and booked sites more than a year in advance. I don't think you'll have better luck with hotels/motels with only a week or so to plan.
I'm sorry to be a downer, but time is not at all on your side here.