Whether it's a staycation, a big celebration or friends coming to see our marvellous city, these are the stays worth booking. Chic hotels downtown and by the river, then lodges, cabins and glamping an easy drive into the mountains.
Just 19 rooms on the Bow River, steps from the Peace Bridge and the best of Kensington. Some rooms have river views, garden patios or fireplaces, and parking is free.
Pro tip: Book dinner at Oxbow downstairs, where the menu is local and seasonal, and make a night of it without moving the car.
1126 Memorial Dr NW · Map for Hotel Arts Kensington · Website for Hotel Arts Kensington
A design-forward hotel at the foot of the Calgary Tower, with more than 80% of the art made by local artists. Named to the 2026 MICHELIN Guide.
Pro tip: Start with happy hour at Lounge Central 899 in the lobby, then dinner at CHARCUT Roast House in the hotel. Book a treatment at rnr Wellness, the spa in the hotel, for the morning after.
899 Centre St SW · Map for Hotel Le Germain Calgary · Website for Hotel Le Germain Calgary
An Oscar Wilde-inspired hotel off Stephen Avenue, with a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray in every room and a bar trolley stocked with cocktails. It holds Calgary's only MICHELIN Key.
Pro tip: Go up to The Wilde on 27, the rooftop bar and restaurant on the 27th floor, for weekend brunch with a skyline view.
525 5 Ave SW · Map for The Dorian · Website for The Dorian
The grand dame of Calgary, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1914 and the city's tallest building until 1958. Old-world elegance, an indoor pool and rnr Wellness, the spa in the hotel.
Pro tip: Book afternoon tea for a celebration, or weekend brunch in the Hawthorn Dining Room. There's live music Thursday to Saturday nights.
133 9 Ave SW · Map for Fairmont Palliser · Website for Fairmont Palliser
Five rustic-chic suites and rooms in downtown Canmore, with handmade beds, deep soaker tubs and Canadian-made décor. Breakfast is served at a communal harvest table.
Pro tip: Book the whole lodge for a girls' weekend or a family celebration, and add a private chef for dinner. Free town bikes in summer, and Sauvage is a few doors down.
629 10 St · Map for Paintbox Lodge · Website for Paintbox Lodge
A polished, year-round hotel in Spring Creek with balconies, rain showers and a rooftop pool and hot tubs looking straight at the Three Sisters.
Pro tip: Time your stay for Wednesday fondue and wine night at Stirling Grill & Lounge.
321 Spring Creek Dr · Map for The Malcolm Hotel · Website for The Malcolm Hotel
The Castle in the Rockies, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888 and rebuilt in stone in 1928. Willow Stream Spa has an indoor mineral pool with a waterfall, and dinner at the 1888 Chop House makes the night.
Pro tip: Book afternoon tea in the Rundle Lounge, then walk to Surprise Corner for the classic photo of the hotel.
405 Spray Ave · Map for Fairmont Banff Springs · Website for Fairmont Banff Springs
Perched on Sulphur Mountain above town, a short walk from the Banff Upper Hot Springs. It reopened in July 2026 after a top-to-bottom renovation as North America's first Emblems Collection resort, Accor's new ultra-luxury brand.
Pro tip: Walk down to the hot springs for an evening soak with a view of the valley.
300 Mountain Ave · Map for Rimrock Banff · Website for Rimrock Banff
A boutique hotel on Banff Avenue in the former High Country Inn, named to Travel + Leisure's It List of the best new hotels of 2026. Calm, light-filled rooms in soft tones, and the Nora Pool with a saltwater pool, hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas and steam rooms.
Pro tip: Stay in for dinner at the Fat Ox, Italian with a twist, right in the hotel.
419 Banff Ave · Map for The Kenrick
The only place to stay in Spray Valley Provincial Park, a Swiss-style lodge with rooms, meadow-view cabins, a yurt and glamping tents. All your meals are included, right down to afternoon tea.
Pro tip: Book the barrel sauna when you check in, and don't miss afternoon tea with charcuterie and strudel. You'll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for the car.
1 Mount Shark Rd, 38 km south of Canmore · Map for Mount Engadine Lodge · Website for Mount Engadine Lodge
Adults-only micro-cabins in the forest with floor-to-ceiling windows, a full kitchen, heated bathroom floors and a king bed facing the trees. The newer SkyGlass cabins add an outdoor fire lounge.
Pro tip: Use the communal saunas and cold plunge after a day on the trails, and borrow what you forgot from the gear closet.
3 Flat Creek Rd · Map for Skyridge Glamping · Website for Skyridge Glamping
A big mountain lodge with five restaurants, from Italian at Forte to the Cedar Room steakhouse, plus an indoor waterpark for the kids. The Kananaskis Nordic Spa is steps away.
Pro tip: Book a Twilight Soak at the Nordic Spa, five outdoor pools and saunas under the stars. It's adults only and reservations are required.
1 Centennial Dr · Map for Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge · Website for Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Right on the shore of Lake Louise, looking straight up at Victoria Glacier. Red canoes from the boathouse in summer, skating on the lake in winter and fondue at Walliser Stube.
Pro tip: Book afternoon tea in the Lakeview Lounge, and hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House right from the shoreline.
111 Lake Louise Dr · Map for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise · Website for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
A Relais & Châteaux classic since 1990, with one MICHELIN Key, a wine cellar of more than 25,000 bottles and a spa with a saltwater pool.
Pro tip: Book the six-course tasting in the Chef's Stübli, or the Fondue Stübli in winter. The hotel runs a shuttle to Moraine Lake.
200 Pipestone Rd · Map for Post Hotel & Spa · Website for Post Hotel & Spa
An Arthur Erickson-designed lodge with just 33 rooms and cabins on the shore of Moraine Lake, looking over the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Pro tip: Canoes are free for guests, first come first served, so get on the water before the day crowds arrive. Ask at the front desk about the free guided hikes with the lodge naturalist.
1 Moraine Lake Rd · Map for Moraine Lake Lodge · Website for Moraine Lake Lodge
Cabin-style rooms on Emerald Lake, each with a wood-burning stone fireplace and most with a balcony. No TVs, no cell service and Wi-Fi only in the main lodge, which is the whole point. The oak bar came from an 1890s Yukon saloon.
Pro tip: Go in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the frozen lake. Guests park in the lot and take the shuttle in.
1 Emerald Lake Rd, Field · Map for Emerald Lake Lodge · Website for Emerald Lake Lodge