We are going to visit Banff in June this year. I would like to know where the best place to stay would be?

We have looked at staying in Lake Louise but we are not sure if this is going to be the best option.

I would be grateful if anyone that has been could share their experiences and give ideas as to the things we could do whilst there.

Thanks!

Lake Louise is not really a town but just a collection of buildings next to the lake. It's a 45 minute drive from Banff.

For a central place to stay, stay at a hotel on Banff Avenue in Banff. Lots of restaurants within walking distance and a great place to come back to after being outside in the wilderness all day.

Banff Springs

http://www.fairmont.com/Banffsprings/

t's the only place I have ever stayed in Banff. Not cheap, but I assume you will only stay in Banff once, so you may as well do it in style

I last stayed in Canmore, which was a fair bit cheaper for us - fine if you have the car. Can't recall where it was but we did struggle as the place had no air con & it was v hot - the windows can be open but I seem to recall probs with the noise from the Goods train. I would watch for this type of thing.

Another time I stayed in Tunnel Mountain Chalets, in Banff - nothing special but nice enough - though it was a long time ago.

I tend to use Tripadvisor these days when staying somewhere new to get reviews.

The Fairmont looks amazing! Is it easy to park in the restaurant zone?

Also, is it better to just drive through Lake Louise, take a look and carry on going?

Would you suggest any 'must do's?'

Thanks for your help

There is parking there but you have to pay for it. It is not reserved for guests so, anyone wanting to use it can do so.

There is a lake at Lake Louise and little else. There are trails but, unless you wish to take a whole day, I would move on. I doubt that many tourists do anthing other than park car, walk 5 mins to lake, gasp at lake, elbow other tourists out of the way so their picture can be taken, walk back to car and drive on.

Lake louise is nice enough, but its the nearby moraine lake thats worth the hike to (which I didnt have time to do). Either way dont you dare to just drive by! Get your arse out of the car and go check it out! I was only in Lake Louise very briefly, and took a hike up the trial to look down on it. Snow on the ground, in slippery running shoes...the 8000ft elevation really made me out of breath. Memorable though, its on the "places to go back to with more time" list.

Agreed.

Peyto Lake is also great as it Emerald Lake a short drive into the Rockies.

Just to clarify .... you can DRIVE to Morraine Lake, (except in Winter when they close the road), you don't have to hike there!

Loads of nice places to stay in Banff.

Fox Inn and Suites are very nice, and quite close to all the shops.
http://www.bestofbanff.com/fox-hotel-suites/

We have also stayed at The Douglas Fir Resort, which was fine. Bit further out though.

We have also stayed up at Lake Louise, at the Lake Louise Inn. Really like the place as we were sightseeing in BC. We have also used it as an over nighter on our trip up to Jasper from Calgary.

As said by others, Lake Louise is really just a little village and not a huge amount there. Banff has a lot more stuff to do, and way more shops!

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I have just googled Lake Moraine, nothing came up though. Is it near LL? Is that just another take a look then leave lake though? I guess once you have seen one you've seen them all eh?

Are these all fairly close to each other?

Thanks for the link & the info!

"Moraine Lake is a glacially-fed lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) outside the Village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada"

and another:
http://www.canadianrockies.net/lakel...-must-see.html