Visiting Banff National Park from Calgary

Calgary is sometimes known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason, with the town of Banff located less than 1.5 hours from downtown Calgary, and Lake Louise only 35 minutes further west on the Trans Canada Highway, you’ll find the stunning mountain landscape of Banff National Park is within very easy reach.
We recommend an overnight stay to fully appreciate everything the Lake Louise and Banff areas have to offer, and to allow you to better experience the amazing hospitality that these mountain towns have long been famous for. If you are looking for more traditional Canadian mountain lodging, Lake Louise cabins can offer a rustic experience with a stunning Canadian Rockies backdrop, while both moderate and luxury hotels are also in good supply in Lake Louise (see www.lakelouisehotels.org for several options).
After a day of sightseeing or hiking, you may wish to unwind with a swim or a soak and there are plenty of Banff hotels with pools which will allow you to do just that, with amenities ranging from full sized swimming pools to outdoor hot tubs with incredible views. For another way to take a dip with impressive mountain views why not pay a visit to the Upper Hot Springs which Banff is famous for.
If you are in Calgary for a just a short visit and you find yourself with a spare day, Banff National Park makes a wonderful day trip, and it would be well worthwhile making the easy drive to Banff or Lake Louise for a complete change of scenery and pace. If you don’t have a car with you, or you would like to have the benefit of a guide, there are several companies which offer guided tours to the Canadian Rockies from Calgary.
Once in Banff National Park there are many ways to spend your time, from strolling down Banff Avenue with its abundant shopping and excellent selection of restaurants, to breathtaking sightseeing gondola rides in both Banff and Lake Louise. The selection of tours & activities in Banff is endless, and of course if you come during the winter, there are 3 world class ski and snowboard resorts to choose from.

Hotels near Stampede Park & the Saddledome

Stampede Park is probably best known as the venue for the annual Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s biggest rodeo events which takes place for 10 action packed days each July. Known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, the 2011 Calgary Stampede will take place from July 8 to 17, and the fun extends well beyond the boundaries of Stampede Park with cowboy inspired events taking place throughout the city of Calgary. Of course, throughout the year there are many other events taking place at Stampede Park, not least the Calgary Flames hockey games plus live concerts which regularly take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome (formerly the Pengrowth Saddledome).

If you are visiting from out of town and need a Calgary hotel for an event at Stampede Park or at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the hotels listed below will put you within very easy reach of both venues:

Hotel Arts is perhaps the closest hotel to both Stampede Park and the Scotiabank Saddledome (formerly Pengrowth Saddledome), being located on 12th Ave SW, less than 1km away from both venues. The hotel is classy and contemporary, offers two award winning restaurants, and is also conveniently situated for downtown Calgary.

While most hotels in downtown Calgary are reasonably well located for visiting the Calgary Stampede or the Saddledome, the following 3 Calgary hotels on 9th Ave SE are particularly convenient for the Stampede Grounds (just over 1km away) while offering all the benefits of a central downtown location;
The Calgary Marriott Hotel is a luxury hotel with large guest accommodations, impressive city views, and a wide range of hotel amenities.
Hotel Le Germain Calgary is an architecturally stunning new hotel whose chic guest rooms, restaurants and facilities are sure to impress.
Finally, the historic Fairmont Palliser exudes tradition and charm, with elegantly appointed guest rooms and dining and hotel amenities that have stood the test of time.

Less than 5 minutes drive south of Stampede Park, on busy Macleod Trail, you can find motel style accommodation, often at a cheaper rate than downtown Calgary hotels;
For instance, Days Inn Calgary South offers comfortable and economical accommodation less than 2km from the Calgary Stampede and the Scotiabank Saddledome. Also located on Macleod Trail, the Holiday Inn Macleod Trail South and the Comfort Inn & Suites South are other good affordable options, just minutes from Stampede Park.