From snowy log cabins in the mountains to stunning lakeside views, soak up the beauty of Banff with these cabin rentals
Home to shimmering turquoise lakes, thick forests, scenic valleys, and cute and cozy Airbnb and Vrbo vacation rentals, the resort town of Banff is one of Alberta’s most visited destinations. Situated in the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park, the town provides immediate access to iconic sites like Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Summer and winter visits to Banff are equally enchanting. While summer days at the national park usually consist of taking to the many hiking trails, paddling on the lakes, cycling the Bow Valley Parkway, or getting in some mountain biking, winter offers snowmobile tours, ice walks, and skiing or snowboarding at the Big Three—Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay. No matter when you go or what you do, don't miss out on post-activity soak in the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Budget enough time to hop in a car and drive the Rocky Mountains along the 142-mile-long Icefields Parkway, which links Banff National Park with Jasper National Park to the north. Stop at the Columbia Icefields and Lake Louise along the way and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like black bears, elk and wolves.
Despite Banff being a well-known adventure town, many of the vacation rentals there are more along the lines of condos and resorts, with fewer cabin rentals. Nevertheless, we found seven cozy cabins to check out if you're planning a visit in any season. Scroll on the best Banff Airbnbs, Vrbo rentals, and private resorts worth visiting on your next visit.
Just a two minute walk from the town’s main thoroughfare, this chalet is set on a quiet street away from the crowds. With two upper floors and a lower suite that has its own separate entrance for more privacy and seclusion, the property's ideal for groups of up to eight. With Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay close by, skiers and snowboarders have their choice of venue when staying here. Those visiting outside of winter can embark on picturesque hikes on the Bow River Trail or up to Tunnel Mountain via the trailhead that starts right at the edge of town.
Because this cabin is part of a resort, it doesn't exactly offer the type of privacy and seclusion that one might look for in a typical cabin getaway. Its earthy-toned interiors are pretty standard too, but its location on the edges of Moraine Lake in Canada’s oldest national park makes staying at one worth considering. The king cabin provides guests with a private balcony that faces the lake so you can experience it without the perpetual crowds. Cuddle up by the wood-burning fireplace or relax in the deep soaker tub after a day of hiking.
One benefit of the resort atmosphere is access to activities like canoeing on Moraine Lake, on-site naturalist talks in the library, and interpretive guided hikes.
Just two blocks from the cafes and restaurants of Banff Avenue, this vacation home enjoys a prime location downtown. Its wooden interiors give it a rustic vibe, though its clean lines, white furniture, bold black trims and glass floor lamps give it a bright and modern look.
There are mountain views of Mount Rundle from the private deck, Adirondack chairs in the grassy backyard, and picture windows from the living room. With room for eight and a full kitchen (plus laundry) you could bring the entire family.
With 450 square feet of space, this cabin/condo boasts an open living area with a private balcony, and is the ideal base for canoeing at Lake Louise, hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers or enjoying a boat trip on Lake Minnewanka. Guests here have access to unlimited rides on the local Banff Roam Bus, which transports you to the most popular destinations, including Sulphur Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and downtown Banff. One note here: this standalone cabin is located at the Tunnel Mountain Resort, which also provides access to amenities like an indoor pool, steam room, and fitness room.
A convenient five-minute drive from downtown Canmore and just 15 minutes from Banff, guests at the Eagles Nest Chalet have easy access to two picturesque mountain towns. Spend your days hiking the local trails, searching for caffeine and souvenirs in downtown Canmore and Banff, and admiring the view of the Rockies from the living room of the chalet. There's room for four but this cozy cabin makes for an ideal romantic getaway if you'd rather be exclusive.
If you plan to split your time between the backcountry and the city, this tiny home is situated between Banff and Calgary in the town of Cochrane. The home features a thoughtful floor plan that never makes the place feel cramped, and the pops of color throughout give the space lots of character. Besides a crackling fireplace and handcrafted eating nook, the property also consists of a pretty garden, in which you're invited to indulge in homemade breakfast each morning, made and delivered to your door by the host.
Situated on the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise, Baker Creek is in the perfect spot to experience the best of both towns. The property is a resort, but there are 19 log cabins to choose from that have wood burning fireplaces, kitchenettes, queen beds, jacuzzi tubs, and wifi (depending on which you choose). Communal amenities include a steam room, sauna, outdoor fire pits, bbq grills. Some of the units are pet-friendly, too.
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