The Bow Valley is the tourist mecca once known only as Banff. Welcoming nearly five million visitors per year, our world-class scenery is matched by first-class amenities and warm, friendly hospitality.

Since it's inception in 1885, Banff National Park was created for service to tourists brought by the CP Rail. In the shadow of giant tourism, the sleepy coal mine town of Canmore was discovered by the world during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, when it hosted the Nordic Skiing Events. Also, the spotlight turned down the valley to a side valley known as Kananaskis. The ski resort Nakiska hosted the Alpine Skiing events, and is just 40 minutes west of Calgary.

Due to moratoriums on commercial or residential development in Banff, Canmore has become one of the fastest developing mountain resort communities in Canada. Not only can you find holiday accommodation, but you can buy recreational property for your retirement as well.

Wonderful, small mountain village accommodation options can be found in Lake Louise, Kananaskis Village, Harvie Heights, Dead Man's Flats, and Castle Mountain Junction.

The choices are overwhelming, really. There is accommodation for every pocketbook and mode of travel: campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, condo time shares, executive suites, and on up to the "Royal Penthouse" in the Banff Springs Hotel (secret elevators!). Also, stay in rustic backcountry lodges accessible by foot or skiing.

With literally thousands of options in the Bow Valley, I thought it best to highlight only a few recommended "picks" in each category and then point you to central accommodation booking and tourism info contacts, should you need more assistance.

Stately, Historic Hotels ($$$$$)

Unique Mountain Accommodations ($$ to $$$$)

Bed and Breakfasts ($$ - $$$$)

Budget Beds and Hostels ($-$$)

Backcountry Lodges ($-$$$)

Campgrounds ($)

Central Reservations and Information