Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa stands at the northern end of Banff Avenue, in the uptown district, and offers the facilities of a resort at a mid-range price. The booking page counts 190 rooms across four floors, with twelve room types that range from standard rooms with king or queen beds to superior rooms with balconies and corner suites with a spa bath. The spa is the main feature: Red Earth Spa has six treatment rooms, and the lodge adds a large jetted hot pool that holds up to twenty-six people, a steam room, a sauna, a hot tub, a fitness centre and yoga classes. The Keg Steakhouse and Bar is on site for breakfast and dinner, with room service, and there is a lounge and a fireplace in the lobby. Free self-parking is available on site, along with heated underground parking and ski lockers, which is unusual in central Banff. Complimentary Banff local Roam bus passes are provided for guests, which helps with the walk into the centre. The property carries a middle-to-upper class rating on the booking page and a strong guest score from thousands of reviews. It is a good fit for skiers, spa-minded couples and families who want to park once and use the bus.
Rooms and suites. Standard rooms come with king or two queen beds, superior rooms add a balcony and the corner suite adds a spa bath and more space. A mobility-accessible standard room is available. The mix of room types is wide, so read the descriptions and check what is included, since balconies and bath features change the price considerably. Ask for a room away from the avenue if you prefer a quiet night.
Living here. After a day on the trails or the slopes, you can go straight to the hot pool or the steam room, then eat at the steakhouse downstairs or take the Roam bus into the centre. The distance to downtown is a fifteen-minute walk or a short bus ride, which makes the lodge a calmer base than the hotels in the middle of town. Underground parking with ski lockers is a major advantage in winter, when snow and cold make car access a chore.
Who should stay. Skiers, spa lovers and drivers who want free parking and a pool-and-spa hotel without paying castle rates will like the Caribou. The trade-off is the location: you are at the north end of Banff Avenue, so evenings out in the centre mean a walk or a short ride.
Breakfast at the on-site steakhouse costs extra, so compare it with the cafes in town. If you want to be steps from the restaurants, choose a hotel in the middle of Banff Avenue; if you want parking and a spa, this is a strong option.
Why stay here
- ✓190 rooms across four floors
- ✓Red Earth Spa
- ✓26-person jetted hot pool
- ✓Steam room and sauna
- ✓The Keg Steakhouse on site
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Heated underground parking with ski lockers
- ✓Complimentary local Roam bus passes
Good questions
Is parking free at Banff Caribou Lodge?+
Free self-parking is available on site, and there is heated underground parking with ski lockers. Check the current terms when you book.
Does it have a spa?+
Yes. Red Earth Spa has six treatment rooms, and guests can use a large jetted hot pool, a steam room, a sauna and a hot tub.
How far is it from downtown?+
It is at the north end of Banff Avenue, about a fifteen-minute walk from the centre. Guests receive complimentary Roam bus passes.
