Looking to explore Banff National Park? The most central place to stay is in the park town itself called, well, Banff. This mountain-capped town is only about 3km across, so whatever lodging you choose will be convenient to boutiques, buzzy restaurants, chateau-style hotels, and stunning Lodgepole pine forest. Canmore, just a few minutes past Banff and outside park limits, has more wallet-friendly rates, but it's significantly less walkable thanks to a sprawling layout. Another option is Lake Louise, forty minutes from Banff and still within the park, where resort-style accommodations reign supreme. But those without a resort buffet to call their own will still find a few restaurants and general stores that can keep travelers fed post-adventure. Farther afield, the city of Calgary has all the trappings of a metropolis paired with vista views of the park's snow-capped mountains, which can be reached by car in an hour.