Juniper Hotel & Bistro Review

Juniper Hotel & Bistro is an attractive Banff accommodation option for those looking to stay near Downtown Banff but not right on busy Banff Ave. Its selling point is the fine dining experience at its bistro, which is considered one of the most scenic restaurants in Banff.

We stayed at the Juniper Hotel & Bistro in the summer and loved waking up to the sights of the beautiful Mount Rundle right from our suite. There are plenty of reasons to book a stay at Juniper Hotel while enjoying your trip to Banff, so here are just a few to help you decide if this is the right Banff hotel for you.

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Quick Hotel Details

• Address: 1 Juniper Way
• Neighborhood: Off Trans Canada Near Mt. Norquay
• Booking.com: Juniper Hotel
• Expedia: Juniper Hotel

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All About The Juniper Hotel & Bistro

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Juniper Hotel Has a Great Location

Juniper Hotel & Bistro is located inside Banff National Park, set on a hill, perched above the Trans-Canada Highway, and surrounded by the Rockies in all directions. The views of Mount Norquay are particularly stunning from the hotel.  Juniper Hotel is about two kilometers from Banff Avenue and six kilometers from Mount Norquay Ski Resort. It’s important to note that it is not walkable to Downtown Banff from the hotel.

It is important to note that national park fees are not included when you book the hotel, and you are required to pay for it at the entrance gate (or show your Discovery Pass). See all our Banff travel tips for the details about Parks Canada passes.

While the Juniper Hotel is not in Downtown Banff, it’s only a short drive away from Banff Avenue. Banff Avenue is the main street in Downtown Banff and is where you’ll find most of the restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops that make a Banff experience super enjoyable. Any and all gear rentals and tour agencies can be found here. 

If you prefer to walk to Banff Ave from the Juniper Hotel, it will take about 20-25 minutes to reach Banff Avenue. From Juniper Hotel, you can also enjoy walking trails and take photos from the property. If you are driving to Banff, I would highly recommend bringing a bike in the summer and biking to nearby Vermilion Lakes. From there you can also hop on the Bow Valley Parkway and ride your bike to Johnston Canyon!

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Expect Beautiful Room Interiors & Fantastic Room Amenities

There are a few room/suite options at Juniper Hotel. It is important to note that this hotel property is 3-star standard with well-maintained interiors and modern amenities. It is not luxurious like the Banff Springs Hotel, but the rooms are pretty spacious and comfortable for short or long-term vacations.  

During our stay at the Juniper Hotel, we opted for a standard room facing the forested slopes of Mount Norquay. The room was spacious and clean, with air conditioning (a luxury in the Rockies), a mini-fridge, and complimentary wireless internet.

The standard rooms are great for travelers with budgets ranging from mid-range to larger budgets, with prices going well over $300 during the peak summer months. If you travel to Banff during the off-season, like April, May, or November, you may be able to score a great deal. Standard rooms are available with one king bed or two double bed options. 

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Juniper Hotel Offers Varying Room Types

In addition to the standard rooms, Juniper Hotel offers deluxe valley rooms with mountain views and a private balcony or deck. These rooms are also available with one king-size or two double beds. 

Juniper Hotel & Bistro also has luxury king suites featuring panoramic mountain views and a comfortable living area to relax if you require more luxury and space. They also have a wet bar with a mini-fridge for drinks and snacks.

If traveling with a group, you can opt for the two-bedroom suite. Called the Woodland Suite, it has two separate bedrooms with one queen and two double beds to accommodate a family of four. The premiere rooms are the three-bedroom sky view suite, which Juniper Hotel calls their “penthouse” suite.

Of course, the penthouse suite on the property has mountain views and has three separate bedrooms with one king, one queen, and two double beds. 

Perhaps the best “room” at Juniper Hotel is the Cabin. The Cabin is set in the forest at the edge of the property and is the ideal home away from home in Banff. This Banff cabin has a separate closed-off bedroom and upstairs loft, a full kitchen for cooking, a living area with a fireplace, and a dining table. It’s an excellent option for large groups or families.

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It’s Pet Friendly

Juniper Hotel & Bistro is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Banff. You can book pet-friendly rooms in each category of the suite (standard/deluxe/cabin, etc.). Pet fees are additional.

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Free Parking and a Free Shuttle Service

Free parking is available on-site. If you don’t feel like walking to downtown Banff or driving yourself and fighting for parking in the summer, guests can enjoy the free shuttle to Downtown Banff.

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The Juniper Bistro

Juniper Hotel is probably the best known for its wall-to-wall glass at the Bistro, making it one of the most scenic restaurants in Banff. Juniper Bistro looks out over one of the most renowned vistas in the Canadian Rockies. As any visitor to the national park (not just hotel guests) can also enjoy a meal at the Bistro, we recommend making reservations ahead of time for dining.  Meals are not included as part of the nightly rate.

At the Juniper Bistro, you can enjoy fantastic cuisines like a warm mushroom salad and spinach and artichoke dip with mesmerizing views of the Bow Valley. In the evening, as long as the weather permits, guests can enjoy the pit fire with cocktails under the starry skies in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

You won’t be disappointed at the Bistro, from an in-house bakery to special meals like gluten-free or vegetarian options!

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It’s an Eco-Friendly Hotel

Juniper Hotel & Bistro has partnered with EcoStay to fund environmental projects worldwide. You can be a part of this initiative by donating during your stay.  A small, optional nightly fee can be included at your request to contribute to EcoStay.

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There Are Plenty of Things to do Nearby

There are many things to do in Banff, and the Juniper Hotel is at its heart. It is located at an elevation above Trans Canada; you are welcomed to incredible views of the mountains and the Bow Valley from the hotel. 

For those looking for an active, outdoorsy vacation, you can enjoy a day of hiking, cycling, or skiing at Mt. Norquay. You can also easily spot wildlife (especially elk and deer) in the forested area near the Juniper Hotel. 

Juniper also offers a free shuttle service to Banff Avenue. So if you don’t want to drive, just ride the shuttle and wander Banff downtown – visit a local cafe, buy souvenirs, and enjoy walking trails and museums before returning to Juniper Hotel & Bistro to enjoy a nice dinner with loved ones!

It is important to note that summer is a peak time to visit Banff National Park, and it is crowded with tourists. If you’re visiting between June and September it’s best to book well in advance to get your preferred room type and the best rate.

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Hopefully, this helped you determine if the Juniper Hotel is right for you! If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

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