There are several Basecamp properties in the Canmore area, and it can be tricky to know which one might be the best accommodation to suit your needs. Within Canmore itself, you will find Basecamp Lodge, Basecamp Resorts, and Basecamp Suites. Each of these properties have different offerings, price points, and locations.
Basecamp Lodge is a great option for conveniently located, well-appointed, and spacious accommodation. Is Basecamp Lodge the right accommodation choice for your next trip to Canmore? Or will Basecamp Resorts or Basecamp Suites better suit your needs? Read on to find out!
Quick Details About Basecamp Lodge Canmore
- Address: 1002 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
- Booking.com: Basecamp Lodge Canmore
Location of Basecamp Lodge Canmore
Basecamp Lodge is located on Bow Valley Trail in Canmore, which runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway. The accommodation is easy to find and gives convenient access to the many activities the area offers, whether you’re hoping to explore the town of Canmore or venture a bit further to Banff National Park or Kananaskis.
If you are flying into the Calgary International Airport, the drive to Basecamp Lodge will take you under an hour and a half. It is an easy drive from Calgary to Canmore, with mountain views starting around the second half of the drive.
Downtown Canmore is a 15-minute walk away from Basecamp Lodge and here you will find a wide variety of restaurants and shops. The walk itself may be more enjoyable during the summer months so that you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh mountain air, but it is still doable on a colder day.
The convenient location of Basecamp Lodge means that you can enjoy the many activities that the Canmore area has to offer.
From the hotel, you can also access the town of Banff within a short 20-minute drive. The proximity to the Trans Canada Highway means that the trip to Banff from Basecamp Lodge is an easy one. One of the reasons that we keep returning to this hotel is the fact that it’s close to enough to easily access Banff National Park, but is more reasonably priced than most Banff hotels.
One of the best parts about staying here is the proximity to one of my favorite quick-service restaurants in Canmore: Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.
This is a great Canmore breakfast or lunch spot and we grab a bite here each time we visit the area. You can access the restaurant by exiting the hotel and walking northwest past the adjacent Basecamp Resorts building.
Overall, Basecamp Lodge serves as a great location for experiencing the many activities and attractions in the Canmore and Banff area. With great views of the surrounding mountains from the town of Canmore, it is a great setting for a weekend trip or for a longer vacation in the area. You will also find that Basecamp Resorts offers these same benefits of location, as it is right next to Basecamp Lodge.
One downside is the nearby train tracks running behind the property. If you are a light sleeper, you may find that the noise of the train bothers you. However, the hotel provides ear plugs which is a nice touch! After a long day of outdoor adventures in the mountains, I did not have any trouble sleeping with the noise from the train.
The Rooms at Basecamp Lodge
One of the reasons that I keep returning to Basecamp Lodge is the comfortable and spacious rooms. I have most often stayed in the ‘MicroSuite with Kitchen’ room, which can accommodate 2 guests. Having kitchen amenities as well as a small eating area is a great option, particularly if you are staying for several days.
However, there are a variety of room types available that include both one king bed or two queen beds, accommodating up to 4 guests. The style of these rooms is similar to your typical hotel room, however, they also include comfortable seating, high-quality beds, and some rooms even include a gas fireplace.
The rooms also include free wifi, a must-have for any traveler needing to stay connected while away from home.
If you are looking for a more spacious accommodation or are traveling with more people, Basecamp Resorts or Basecamp Suites may be the better option for you. These properties offer accommodations with multiple rooms and space for up to 16 people.
Of course, you will find that the room price differs depending on how many people are in your party. As I have most often traveled in a party of 2, the rooms at Basecamp Lodge are sufficient. It is nice, however, to have the option of staying as a large group with friends or family, and that’s where Basecamp Resorts or Basecamp Suites can be a great alternative!
Hotel Amenities at Basecamp Lodge
In addition to the clean and spacious rooms, Basecamp Lodge offers a number of amenities to make your stay more comfortable and convenient.
The property has a dry sauna, which is a lovely perk after a long day of outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for some relaxation while staying at Basecamp Lodge, take advantage of this dry sauna. There are no pool or hot tub facilities at Basecamp Lodge.
The hotel also offers a free ‘grab and go’ breakfast. This breakfast can be picked up at the front desk and includes yogurt, juice, granola bar, apple, and a muffin. If you would prefer to visit one of Canmore’s many restaurants or coffee shops for breakfast instead, these are great snack items that can be packed with you for any outdoor activities that you may have planned for the day. There is also coffee and tea available in the room.
Basecamp Lodge has a communal great room, complete with mountain views and relaxing atmosphere. While I personally have not taken advantage of this area, I could see this as a nice option for reading, socializing, or providing an alternate space for relaxing after a long day. The room can also be booked for weddings or conference meetings, if that’s something that you are looking for.
During the summer months, free cruiser bikes are available for hotel guests. You can use these bikes to access the many kilometers of bike trails around the town of Canmore, or cruise down to one of the local breweries!
One of my other favorite touches at Basecamp Lodge is the locally-made luxury bath products from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. These are some of my favorite soaps and lotions, and I was excited to see them provided in the room.
If you enjoy the products and would like to purchase some of your own as a souvenir, you can find a Rocky Mountain Soap store on 8th Street in downtown Canmore or on Banff Avenue in the town of Banff.
The amenities at Basecamp Lodge are one of the reasons that I continue to stay here and recommend the property to others.
Parking at Basecamp Lodge
Free on-site parking is available at Basecamp Lodge. The parking lot surrounds the building and is a bit small, but we have never had a problem accessing a spot at the hotel. There are a number of spots that are marked as ‘small car only’, but we managed to squeeze our small SUV into the spot when it was the last space available.
Much of downtown Canmore has paid parking now. As Basecamp Lodge is within walking distance of the downtown area, you can leave your car in the hotel parking lot if you would like to save the hassle of finding and paying for a spot downtown. Another great perk!
Contactless Check-In at Basecamp Lodge
Basecamp Lodge offers a virtual check-in process. Prior to your arrival, you will receive an email or text message with your pre-arrival check-in information. This includes your room number and door code, making check-in simple and convenient. When you arrive at the property, you can head straight to your room, drop off your belongings, and head out on your Rockies adventures!
The check-out process is similar to checking in; the property will send an email or text message with details about checking out on the final day of your stay. If you need anything during your visit, however, you can contact the 24-hour front desk at any time and staff members are available to help you.
Overall, the process for checking in and out of Basecamp Lodge is a breeze!
Is Basecamp Lodge Pet-Friendly?
Basecamp Lodge does not accommodate pets.
However, if you are hoping to stay at a Basecamp accommodation, pet-friendly units are available at the adjacent Basecamp Resorts for a fee of $25 per night. You must contact the reservations department at the resort in order to book these pet-friendly units.
The Best Things To Do In Canmore
There is no shortage of activities for all ages in the Canmore area. You will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and this inspiring backdrop is a dream for any nature lover and adventurer.
In the summer months, you can spend your days exploring the many hikes in the surrounding area, canoeing or kayaking in the nearby lakes, or biking along the numerous trails in the town of Canmore and beyond. The summer is peak season in the Canmore and Banff area, and it’s easy to see why!
The Canmore winter months mean snow-capped mountains, with days spent downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or skating on frozen lakes. Each season in the Rockies is beautiful in its own way, and there’s never a shortage of outdoor activities no matter the weather!
If you’re a foodie like me, there are many amazing restaurants in the Canmore (and Banff) area. Taking a stroll through downtown Canmore is also a great activity if you’re looking to pick up a souvenir or do some shopping.
The question really is, will you have enough time to do all of the things that the Canmore area has to offer? There is a reason why many visitors return to the area more than once, and in different seasons.
60 Best Things To Do in Canmore, Alberta
Which Canmore Basecamp Accommodation is Right for You?
You may wonder what the difference is between the number of Basecamp properties in the Canmore and Banff area. If Basecamp Lodge does not suit your needs, here is a comparison of a couple of other Basecamp options in Canmore.
Basecamp Lodge
Basecamp Lodge is located in close proximity to the Trans Canada Highway, providing easy access to Banff National Park and the surrounding Rockies.
Downtown Canmore is a short walk away. Basecamp Lodge offers hotel-style rooms which can accommodate up to 4 people. This property includes a dry sauna. Each room includes one free parking stall.
During the peak months of July or August, a room for 4 people, including two queen or king beds may cost around $450 per night when staying on the weekend. This is the most cost-effective option between the three (Basecamp Lodge, Resorts, or Suites).
- Address: 1002 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
- Booking.com: Basecamp Lodge Canmore
Basecamp Resorts
Basecamp Resorts is located next to Basecamp Lodge, with the same perks of the proximity to the Trans Canada Highway and an approximately 15 minute walk to downtown Canmore.
This property includes a rooftop hot tub with views of the surrounding mountains. A neat amenity included at this resort is the communal BBQs and patios, perfect for cooking and dining outdoors on warm summer evenings.
Here you can select a room ranging from a Micro Studio (accommodating 2 guests) up to a Six Bedroom Suite by booking adjoining suites (accommodating up to 16 guests). Each suite includes one free parking stall.
During the peak months of July or August, a two-bedroom suite for 4 people may cost around $700 per night when staying on the weekend. With a variety of room types available, this price will change depending on the number of guests and the dates of your stay.
- Address: 1102 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
- Booking.com: Basecamp Resorts Canmore
Basecamp Suites
Basecamp Suites is located just off Main Street in downtown Canmore. This property provides the closest access to the shops and restaurants of the downtown area. This property also includes a rooftop hot tub.
The accommodations are apartment-style, with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom options available. A free parking stall is included with some of the apartments, and this will be indicated at the time of booking.
During the peak months of July or August, a two-bedroom apartment for 4 people may cost around $800 per night when staying on the weekend. There are a number of room types available, and these prices will change depending on the number of guests, room type, and dates of your stay.
- Address: 721 10th Street, Canmore
- Booking.com: Basecamp Suites Canmore
Basecamp Lodge: Final Thoughts
I have stayed at various Basecamp properties in the Canmore area, and I have yet to be disappointed. There are several different options depending on your price range and the size of your party.
You will likely find the highest prices during the popular months of July, August, and around Christmas. As with any accommodation in the Rockies, booking in advance for these popular dates is always a good idea to avoid disappointment.
With the wide variety of accommodation options in the area, Basecamp Lodge continues to be one of my favorites with regard to value, location, and comfort. The room size is sufficient when traveling as a party of two, but there are a number of other Basecamp property options if staying with a larger group. I would recommend Basecamp accommodations for your next stay in the Canmore and Banff area!
See More Canmore Hotels
- BEST Canmore Hotels with a Pool (& Private Hot Tub!)
- Is The Malcolm Hotel The Best Place to Stay in Canmore?
- 9 Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Canmore, Alberta
- 13 Best Canmore Hotels and Accommodation Options
- 10 Best Family Hotels in Canmore
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!
