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Dog Friendly Hotels in Banff (full guide + tips)

Dog Friendly Hotels in Banff (full guide + tips)

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You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to hotels in Banff that allow pets.

Your accommodation choices run from newer hotels in the heart of downtown, high end properties, newly renovated motels for those on a budget and cozy cabins under the forest canopy. 

This guide to the best dog friendly hotels in Banff provides you with options no matter what your budget or vibe.

As a frequent traveller to Banff National Park with my dog, I’ve brought Miley to most of these places on the list, so you can feel at ease knowing what it’s actually like to check-in with your pet. 

No matter which property you end up choosing, I recommend booking as far in advance as possible.

While all the hotels and below are pet friendly, most only have a few rooms that allow dogs, so it’s best to reserve them as early as you can. 

Dogs are allowed in downtown Banff provided they are on a leash. In the summertime, you’ll see tons of pups all over town! 

Read my top pet-friendly hotel choices below and then review my travel guide to pet-friendly Banff, which includes all the best pet-friendly restaurants, shops, activities and places to visit. 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!


The Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Banff

Elk & Avenue

Best overall

The Elk & Avenue is our favorite place to stay when bringing our dog to Banff. It’s also the number one rated hotel in Banff on TripAdvisor.

The location is perfectly central – only a few minutes’ walk to the heart of downtown Banff.

Prices are reasonable considering the new renovations and central location.

Upon check-in, staff provide a little doggy bag of goodies including treats, coupons, and poop bags. There’s a park across the street and the onsite Good Earth Cafe patio is pet-friendly for a perfect start to your day.

Pet fee is $25 per night. 

Tip: choose this hotel for easy access in and out of your room if you plan to explore downtown Banff a lot. 

The Moose Hotel & Suites

Best Amenities (awesome hot tub)

When we feel like spending a little more, the Moose Hotel & Suites is a fantastic option and is one of the newer hotels in town.

The rooftop hot tub is, in my opinion, the best in Banff.

This hotel is also only a few minutes’ walk into downtown, plus you can enjoy a meal at the hotel’s Pacini patio which is dog-friendly.

You’ll also receive a dog bed and dish in the room to use during your stay. Pet fee is $25 per night. 

The Dorothy Motel

Best Budget & Quiet

The Dorothy is located on the edge of town in a quiet neighborhood.

It’s newly renovated and motel-style, allowing easy access for in and out of your room with your dog.

With a forest area right outside your door, and the Banff dog park only a 2-minute walk away, your dog will love all the outdoor time.

I also love that the rooms have laminate flooring which makes for easy cleanup. Not only is this spot very pet-friendly, it’s one of the best budget picks in Banff. 

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Best Luxury

A stay at the Banff Castle is always an amazing choice, and the price is absolutely worth it. It’s an entire resort with several restaurants, lounges, boutique shops and manicured grounds to stroll.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is very pet-friendly and allows well-behaved large dogs. I’ve seen plenty of golden retrievers, great danes and German shepherd dogs strolling through the lobby over the years.

The pet fee is $50 but part of that fee gets donated to the local SPCA.

You can even arrange pet-sitting services through the hotel if you’re planning a full day of activities outside of the hotel (great idea when you want to hit the ski hill). 

Tip: the Banff Springs is the best hotel in Banff that accepts large dogs. 

The Canalta Lodge

Best Value

The Canalta Lodge is a top-choice for best overall value, nice ski-lodge decor and outdoor lounge amenities (great outdoor hot tub and fireplace area).

Stays include a hot-breakfast buffet. It’s about a 20 minute walk into the downtown area, but if you have a car, there’s heated underground parking.

Pet fee is $25 per night. 

Tip – the outdoor hot tubs and sauna feel like a true mountain resort & spa 

Tunnel Mountain Resort

Best for views and hikes right outside your door

Two kilometres uphill from Banff’s downtown core is the road that leads up to Tunnel Mountain, which is lined with several resorts, all situated in a more natural setting than in the townsite.

The rooms here are more cabin-style, so if you’re travelling as a family, group or a longer stay, these larger rooms will provide everything you need. 

Pet fee is $25 per night and includes a complimentary dog bed and dishes to use during your stay. 

Inside tip – if you’re going hiking, ask the front desk for complimentary bear spray. You’re only charged if you use it. 

Hidden Ridge Resort

Best for longer stays 

The scenery and views from the outdoor pool and hottub should be all you need from me to convince you to book a stay here.

The pet fee is $25 and they’re one of the best hotels that’s very accommodating to large dogs.

The resort is about a 10 minute drive into downtown, but you can ask the front desk for free local bus passes to use during your stay. 

Tip: each room is apartment style. Choose this spot if you love to have coffee or a glass of wine from your private balcony. 


Best Banff Dog Friendly Cabins 

Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Best for mountain seclusion close to Lake Louise

Think upscale backcountry mountain resort but with easy access.

The Baker Creek Mountain Resort includes dog-friendly cabins and suites for $40 per night, which includes dog towels, dishes and treats.

They also accept up to two dogs per cabin and welcome large dogs. There’s great access to all kinds of hikes right from the property and it’s only 15 minutes from Lake Louise. 

Rundle Chalets

Best for budget cabin seekers

These cabins are actually located in Canmore, but only a 15 minute drive from Banff.

They’re all self-contained mini cabins located within a forested area of town and are perfect for those on a budget. With the low price you can expect rustic and dated, but it’s perfectly fine for a night or two.

These dog-friendly cabins close to Banff are very accepting of larger dogs. 

Staying in Canmore is a great option to save money or if all the hotel rooms are booked up in Banff.

Check out my guide to my favorite pet friendly hotels in Canmore


More Banff blog posts:

9 Best Cheap Places to Stay in Banff (that are actually nice)

When is the best time to visit Banff? Pros and Cons of each season

Other Places Like Banff: Explore the Canadian Rockies Off the Beaten Path 

Travel Hacks for Visiting Banff in Winter


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