If you’re searching for the cutest Banff cabin rentals, we have you covered. Banff National Park has a lot of amazing things, including beautiful mountains, serene lakes, and neverending forests.
Those together would make for a pretty epic destination, but the fact that there are some fantastic Banff cabins to get cozy in makes this area of the world even better. Here are some of the best cabins in Banff to enjoy on your trip.
*Featured Banff Cabin*
Our absolute favorite cabins in all of Banff are those that make up Baker Creek Mountain Resort. Located in a secluded location right off the Bow Valley Parkway between Castle Junction and Lake Louise. Book a stay here well in advance as the cabins book up quickly.
Cozy Banff Cabin Rentals
Castle Mountain Chalets
- Booking.com: Castle Mountain Chalets
- Expedia: Castle Mountain Chalets
Located in Castle Junction, Castle Mountain Chalets has some of the best cabins in Banff. Well, I guess they would call them “Banff chalets.” Regardless, they have six different types of chalets, all of which are amazing and will make you feel cozy inside.
Castle Mountain Chalets have been in operation for over 81 years, and operate 22 chalets. They were built in 1939 by Grandfather Yerxa, with his wife and six children. They really liked the location as it was at the road’s intersection to Radium Hot Springs and the highway.
To this day, it’s well-loved for its location on the Bow Valley Parkway. It’s conveniently located halfway between Banff and Lake Louise and the entrance to the Kootenays. Each Banff cabin has a gas fireplace, queen pull-out sofa bed, flat-screen TV, full kitchen, and WiFi, meaning it truly is a home away from home.
Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
- Booking.com: Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
- Expedia: Paradise Bungalows
Paradise Bungalows are located at Lake Louise and are one of the best Lake Louise accommodation options in the summer (they are not open in the winter). They aren’t right at the lake like the Fairmont Lake Louise, but only a short distance away. While they have more standard-style rooms you can stay at, they have some of the cutest Banff cabins there are.
These cabins, built in the 1930s, have all been modernized. They are cute and perfect for anyone wanting to live out their mountain fantasies near Lake Louise. Although they are modern, with kitchens, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, they still maintain their charm. Each cabin has a cozy fireplace to hang out on those chilly nights.
While most people prefer to stay at the Fairmont on Lake Louise, I actually think the Paradise Cabins are a much better value, more down to earth, and a whole lot cheaper. The Chateau is, quite frankly, the most overpriced and overrated place to stay in Banff.
Johnston Canyon Bungalows
- Booking.com: Johnston Canyon Bungalows
- Read Full Review: Johnston Canyon Cabins and Resort Ultimate Review
For a really cozy Banff cottage rental, you should consider the Johnston Canyon Bungalows. This is the only place to stay at the famous Johnston Canyon. They are one of the best (and only) places to stay on the Bow Valley Parkway and offer the most charming cabins to enjoy.
Johnston Canyon Bungalows has been family-owned since 1926 and is conveniently located right at the start of Johnston Canyon. They have 42 cabin-style accommodations that vary in size and room amenities. Most of the bungalows have a large open bedroom, porch area, wood-burning fireplace, as well as luxury amenities like a flat-screen tv, bridge, and bathrobes. If you’re on a honeymoon or romantic trip, they are also some of the most romantic places you can stay in Banff.
They also operate the Black Swift Bistro and the Market Cafe – some of the only places you can find food on the Bow Valley Parkway. It’s a great Banff cabin to stay in, not only on the entire parkway but all of Banff!
Storm Mountain Lodge
- Hotels.com: Storm Mountain Lodge
- Booking.com: Storm Mountain Lodge
Storm Mountain Lodge has some of the best cabins in Banff National Park. If you’re a true outdoor lover who enjoys the experience of removing yourself from everyone and everything, a cabin in the forest offers a true outdoor escape, and Storm Mountain Lodge has one that’ll meet all your backcountry needs.
Situated halfway between Downtown Banff and Lake Louise, this lodge’s remote location on the Banff Windermere Highway means you are far from the crowds but close to the things that matter most—mountains, forests, and stunning beauty.
If you expect modern amenities, this might not be the place for you. However, if being disconnected from WiFi, phones, televisions, and all those other everyday annoyances is more your style, you won’t find any of those things here.
What you’ll find are cozy cabins with wood-burning fireplaces and full bathrooms and a lounge serving authentic Canadian dishes made with organic ingredients, homemade desserts, and Canadian wine. We also consider their restaurants one of the best restaurants in the Lake Louise area so make sure to make reservations!
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
- Booking.com: Baker Creek Mountain Resort
- Expedia: Baker Creek Mountain Resort
- Full Review of Our Stay: A Magical Stay at Baker Creek Mountain Resort
If you’re seeking accommodation in a location further away from Banff’s hustle and bustle and closer to Lake Louise’s natural beauty, Baker Creek Mountain Resort is a laid-back escape offering comfortable lodge and log cabin accommodations.
Situated along the Bow Valley Parkway near Morant’s Curve, here you’ll get an authentic Canadian backcountry experience surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and vast wilderness. Enjoy a roaring fire under the night sky with access to outdoor fire pits. Retreat to your cozy room or log cabin, most of which are equipped with a wood-burning stove and kitchenette.
Moraine Lake Lodge
- Booking.com — Moraine Lake Lodge
Moraine Lake Lodge may be set in the most scenic setting for a cabin in the entire world, right on the shores of Moraine Lake. It’s an incredible location for a lodge that delivers high service levels. Rooms are a series of cabins spread across grounds set all along the Lake.
Inside each room is tasteful mountain decor, such as pinewood beds and a wood fireplace. Coffee and tea inside the room are charming for mornings on private balconies offering mountain and lake views. It’s certainly not the cheapest place to stay in Banff, but room rates do include tea time, breakfast, dinner, wine, and activities such as canoeing and hiking. The free canoe rental is a particularly nice perk, as it costs nearly $150 an hour for non-guests.
Of course, this accommodation regularly sells out as it’s at Moraine Lake. This means that room rates are very high in peak summer months, typically over $1000/night. Those summer months are the only operating months as the road to Moraine Lake closes in October. So if you’re looking for a Banff cabin for the winter, give Moraine Lake Lodge a skip.
Mount Engadine
- Booking.com: Mount Engadine Lodge
- Expedia: Mount Engadine
- Full Review of Our Stay: Mount Engadine Lodge
Mount Engadine is not in Banff National Park but is one of the most unique cabins near Banff to stay. Set in the heart of the Spray Valley in Kananaskis Country near popular Kananaskis hikes like Tent Ridge and Smutwood this is a fantastic place to stay.
You can book four main lodging styles at Mount Engadine Lodge. Starting with lodge rooms connected to the main lodge. There are also wood cabins and a yurt! We stayed in their newer glamping tents that felt like a home away from home. There are five glamping tents in total, each with private decks overlooking the valley. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable king-size bed, full ensuite bathroom, and a gas fireplace to keep you warm at night. Bonus that they are super pet friendly!
Emerald Lake Lodge
- Booking.com: Emerald Lake Lodge
- Expedia: Emerald Lake Lodge
- Emerald Lake Lodge Review: Reasons to Stay at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho
Another one of the best cabins near Banff is in the park right next to Lake Louise. Emerald Lake Lodge is one of the most famous establishment in the Yoho National Park and, for that matter, all the Canadian Rockies. It is easily one of the best cabin stays in all of BC, and come summer, you’ll know that as rates skyrocket.
The historic lodge, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1902, has 24 cabins for rent. It also has an outdoor hot tub, two restaurants, a kayak/canoe rental dock, and a gift shop.
The lodge is all about nature and a tremendous place to disconnect as they offer no TVs or WiFi in the rooms and there is no cell phone signal. So bring a nice book to read in the evenings. It’s a secluded lodge in the wilderness that offers sublime lake views. The lodge is open year-round, but rates in the summer are far higher than in the winter.
Rustic Chic Banff Mountain Home
- VRBO – Banff Mountain Chalet
This two-bedroom Banff Chalet sleeps up to eight people and is just two blocks from Banff Ave in downtown Banff. From the back deck you can watch the sunset over Mount Rundle which is one of the best things to do in Banff.
All the beds here are Tempurpedic with high-quality linens in addition to luxurious cotton towels and Rocky Mountain Soap (a local favorite) in the bathroom. The kitchen is fully stocked so you can cook with the family right at home. At night you can enjoy grilling on the patio, or cozying up next to the gas fireplace. There is parking on the property, so you’re never too far away from your car.
Banff Log Cabin
- Book Directly – Banff Log Cabin
The Banff Log Cabin is a special one, because there is only one of them, and is frequently the site of photoshoots. Seriously, this is one of the best Banff cabin rentals you could score. It’s located right in Downtown Banff and is walkable to Banff Ave. The Banff Log Cabin was built in 1974 and, over the years, fell into disrepair until some care went into it in the 2000s.
Now it’s locally owned and operated in a quiet residential area. It’s separated from the owner’s main house and is an ultra-romantic getaway for anyone on their Banff honeymoon. There’s a cast iron gas stove, as well as WiFi and a flat-screen TV. A delicious breakfast is served every morning. And there is a kitchenette in here in case you want to save money in Banff and eat in.
Luxurious Private Mountain Chalet
This modern and luxurious rental is located just steps away from Banff Ave. As you can see from the photos, it’s been newly renovated and has amazing vaulted ceilings, a modern kitchen, a gas fireplace, and an upper balcony.
It’s a great place for six people to stay as there are three separate bedrooms spread across multiple floors. The living area has a 4K TV with Netflix, which is where you can unwind after a day out exploring the mountains.
Juniper Hotel Cabin
- Expedia – Juniper Hotel Banff Chalet
This is a one-of-a-kind Banff cabin rental that is part of the Juniper Hotel complex (though this is the only full chalet like this). Juniper Hotel is situated across the TransCanada highway from the Town of Banff and close to sights like Mt. Norquay.
This loft-style chalet sleeps up to six people and comes with a private terrace, a wood-burning fireplace to enjoy in the winter, and Air conditioning (a rarity in the Rockies) to enjoy in the summer. If you are visiting in the winter you’ll enjoy the ski storage area as well as the shared outdoor hot tub and fire pit.
If you are worried about being too far from Banff Ave, do not worry; a free shuttle will take you downtown in minutes.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
- Booking.com – Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Not in Banff, but just 20 minutes away from Lake Louise is Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Yoho National Park. It’s near the small town of Field, and certainly one of the best places to stay in the area. This is a luxury mountain lodge, that books up fast in the summer (they only operate during summer months). It’s easy to see why, as they truly bring log cabin mountain living home.
This timber frame structure is located right on the banks of Kicking Horse River; you can truly feel at home in the mountains here. There are no modern-day distractions here. TVs and phones are replaced with Canadian cultural timepieces encouraging guests to always get out in the wilderness. This is one of the most romantic places to stay in the region, and there are plenty of beautiful rooms to choose from.
Their Riverside Dining Room is a fantastic place to dine in the area. Reservations are highly recommended. The Cathedral Mountain Lodge is operated by the same folks who run Moraine Lake Lodge, meaning that guests staying here get complimentary shuttles to and free canoeing on Moraine Lake.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge is next to Takakkaw Falls and has plenty of hiking opportunities in the Yoho Valley, like the Iceline Trail. Note that Cathedral Lodge is closed during the winter season.
Backcountry Banff Cabins
These Banff cabins will take some work to get to and require either a horseback ride, snowshoe, ski, or hike in. However, I promise you their backcountry location is worth the effort.
Skoki Lodge
The historic Skoki Lodge is a lodge located in the backcountry of Banff National Park. The lodge can only be reached by hiking or skiing in 11km from the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It’s one of North America’s first backcountry ski lodges, dating back to 1930. In the winter, activities include ski touring, cross country skiing, and telemark skiing.
You can hike, climb, fish, or go horseback riding during the summer months. It’s well known as one of the best backcountry lodges in the world, and nights are in high demand. Even if you can’t score a night in the lodge you can still make the gorgeous hike out to the lodge and back.
Sundance Lodge
If I were to build a cabin in the middle of the mountains, Sundance Lodge is exactly what I would model it after. It’s no basic lodge, but rather a cozy log cabin that brings you back to the early days on the Western Frontier.
Decked out in Western memorabilia and with a front porch overlooking the glorious river, you can relax as the sun sets over Banff National Park. You can book this trip with Discover Banff Tours and fat bike or snowshoe back here or take a horseback trip back here.
Halfway Lodge
The views from Halfway are ones I don’t often get, even with all the hiking we enjoy in the Canadian Rockies. Halfway Lodge itself is a tiny and intimate cabin built in the 1920s. Although now it is two stories, it used to only be one.
A second story was added when a curious bear fell through the roof in the 1960s (yes, you read that right). There are four rooms on the second story and a cozy kitchen, fireplace, and dining area on the first story.
Cabins Near Banff
These cabins aren’t exactly in Banff, but they are nearby in towns like Golden and in Kananaskis. If you truly want a cabin experience while you visit the Rockies, these beautiful cabins are what we recommend.
Getaway Cabin Near Yoho National Park
- VRBO.com – Cozy Golden Rental
You’d be hard pressed to find a cozier cabin just outside of Banff. This timber-framed log cabin is your ticket to a true Rockies experience. The interior has two floors – the upstairs loft has a queen bed and two twins, while the downstairs has a second queen bedroom and a living room with a comfortable pull-out. It’s a great pet friendly option as pets are welcome for an additional fee.
The cabin is located just off the river and backed by beautiful forest. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Golden and 20 minutes from the small town of Field. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind being away from town and would rather find themselves surrounded by wilderness, close to sights like Wapta Falls and Emerald Lake. The cabin is perfect for staying in – pour a drink while you curl up by the indoor fireplace or the outside fire pit.
There’s a full kitchen for all your meals. It’s best to do all your grocery shopping at the IGA in Golden as that is the closest grocery store to the cabin. This cabin is a cabin community, so look around on VRBO at the different cabin options and choose which one is right for you.
Cedar House Chalets in Golden
- Booking.com – Cedar House Chalets
The coziest little chalet for small groups. Cedar House Chalets offer a prime example of a rustic mountain cottage experience, with rustic wood interiors and a large wood-burning stove. They have many different cabins for every group type. Most come with a hot tub looking out towards Kicking Horse Mountain and with a grill area to enjoy some BBQ in the summer or winter.
The Golden downtown core is only a seven-minute drive away, so you’re not far from pubs, restaurants, or the ski hills, but you are just far enough away to really enjoy the natural setting. The chalet is also located in an area with 10 acres of woods to explore, including hiking trails.
We like to stay here when we visit Golden in the summer and when visiting Golden in winter as it’s close to just about everything, while still being far enough away – if you know what I mean!
Rundle Chalets in Harvey Heights
- Booking.com – Rundle Chalets
- Hotels.com – Rundle Chalets
The Rundle Chalets are located in Harvey Heights, which is just a five-minute drive away from downtown Canmore and easily accessible by bike or car. Because of its distance from Downtown Canmore, you can often score cheaper rates here.
The Rundle Chalets are cute and cozy and feature amazing views of Mount Rundle. All of these Canmore cabins have WiFi, heat, seating area, and a fully equipped kitchen. While they may not look like much, they are some of the only true cabins in all of Canmore and may even take you back to the western frontier days.
Sundance Lodges in Kananaskis
- Book – Sundance Lodges
Located near the Wasootch Ridge Trailhead and Nakiska Ski Resort is this awesome tent style accommodation in the backcountry. These aren’t quite cabins, but instead Sundance Lodges offers Kananaskis accommodation in the form of canvas tipis and trappers tents.
It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to have more of a camping adventure as each site is unserviced. The Kananaskis campground is down a forested and quiet road, perfect for basing yourself around some incredible Kananaskis hikes or for stargazing at night.
You aren’t completely camping here, though. There are hot showers and flush toilets in a shared bathroom. The staff even serves hot coffee in the morning! Sundance Lodge is one of the most unique accommodation options in the Rockies, but they only have a limited number of sites, so you’ll want to book in advance in the summer (they are closed in the winter).
Keep in mind that Sundance Lodges are for those looking for a comfortable adventure in the summer. Guests will have to bring their own bedding (beds are provided) and be prepared with warm clothes as these are canvas tents and the Rockies are cold at night.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!
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Hi Natasha, thanks for featuring the Banff Log Cabin but you don’t have a photo of it – can we send you a photo so you can replace the generic shot? Feel free to send me an e-mail at: [email protected]
Sharon Carmichael
Owner of http://www.banfflogcabin.ca
403 762 3516
Hello, I tried emailing you but received no response. Please send us an email at [email protected] so we can get the right photo in there.
I need to make a presentation of Why we need to spend a winter week in Banff, and saw the picture of the 20 Mountain cabins, and would love to have a picture to show in my presentation. Any chance I could get a picture? Thanks so Much! Dolores Groves
Feel free to screenshot it for your presentation 🙂