An inquisitive deer peers in your window as you enjoy your morning coffee, before getting ready for a day on the slopes. The buzz of street traffic is replaced with the earthy crackling of a wood-burning fire. Stepping outside, the fresh mountain breeze grazes your cheeks and dances through the snow-covered spruce trees. At day’s end, you watch the stars from your balcony backing onto a quiet winter forest as you soak in the breathtaking mountain vistas. 

You don’t have to look too far in Banff National Park for the perfect sense of seclusion to get away from it all. Many hotels, lodges, and cabins are only minutes away from civilization, yet emulate a backcountry ambience.

Adventure is awaiting just out your front door at these hotels and lodges in the Banff and Lake Louise area. 

1. Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Photo by Tera Swanson

Baker Creek Mountain Resort is the home-away-from-home mountain getaway that has it all. Conveniently located between Banff and Lake Louise, it's only a 15-minute drive to Lake Louise Ski Resort and is also the perfect home base for Banff Sunshine Village. Baker Creek is tucked away on the quiet Bow Valley Parkway and feels truly off-the-grid. With no cell reception, you can indulge in unplugging and soaking in the Rockies ambience.

Photo by Tera Swanson.

Stay in one of their 16 cozy suites and cabins, luxuriously decorated in true mountain cabin style. Pick up a s'more package to enjoy by your very own wood-burning fireplace. After a day at the resorts, you can mix it up with other outdoor winter activities. Try out their very own outdoor skating rink, or hop on a cross-country ski trail right outside your cabin.

2. Sunshine Mountain Lodge

Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.

A trip to Banff Sunshine Village will already make you feel far away. With a gondola ride that brings you far up into the alpine to an elevation of 7,200 feet, your views from the resort runs will be unblemished by human impact. No roads or power lines, just miles and miles of beautiful mountain vistas in Canada's first national park.

Photo courtesy of Banff Sunshine Village.

And at this same location, you'll find Sunshine Mountain Lodge - Banff National Park's only ski-in/ski-out boutique hotel. Nestled high in the iconic Canadian Rockies, Sunshine Mountain Lodge delivers extraordinary luxury and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the opportunity to get away from the everyday by making it your base camp for easy access to the Banff Sunshine Village slopes.

3. Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge is located on Sleeping Buffalo Mountain, later named Tunnel Mountain by CP Rail surveyors in the 1880s. This peaceful and rustic mountain retreat is surrounded by nine acres of towering fir, pine, and spruce trees. However, it's only a 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive from to downtown Banff. Enjoy both log cabin comfort and mountain elegance at this stunning location.

4. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Photo by Matt Onyschuk / @bro.valley (IG)

It all began as a simple cabin on the shores of Lake Louise, constructed in 1890 in the vision of Canadian Pacific Railway general manager Cornelius Van Horne. However, 130 years later, the stunning emerald blue waters of Lake Louise, the Victoria Glacier, breathtaking vistas, and the pure awe of pristine nature continue to draw visitors from around the world to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Although it's only a ten-minute drive from Lake Louise Ski Resort, it feels miles away from civilization. Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trails are all within walking distance of a stay at the Chateau.

5. Hidden Ridge Resort

Photo courtesy of Hidden Ridge Resort.

Tucked away on Tunnel Mountain on the outskirts of Banff, Hidden Ridge Resort is quiet and secluded with some of the most spectacular views in Banff and the Canadian Rockies. Featuring a range of condos including signature Mountain Luxury Beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and full kitchens for ultimate self-sufficiency.

Photo courtesy of Hidden Ridge Resort.

This condo-style property comes in accommodation to suit all travellers, with premium suites featuring your very own private hot tub overlooking the mountains! Enjoy beautiful winter walking trails overlooking the Rundle range, and easy driving access via Tunnel Mountain Road and the Trans-Canada Highway to quickly escape to any of the SkiBig3 resorts.

6. Skoki Lodge

Photo by Pat Hoffman.

For a truly off-the-grid backcountry experience, skiers, cross country skiers and snowshoers can venture to Skoki Lodge. This historic lodge is situated in a beautiful high alpine region in Banff National Park. The 11-kilometre trail from Lake Louise Ski Resort to the Skoki Valley makes Skoki Lodge an ideal destination for skiers of all levels. From Skoki Lodge you can access breathtaking mountain scenery and indulge in delicious, home-cooked backcountry meals.

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In the spirit of keeping things flexible, SkiBig3 is committed to keeping you updated with ongoing health & safety information. Should you need to cancel or change your plans this winter our no-questions-asked cancellation policy allows for free changes and cancellations until 3-days prior to arrival. To book your winter ski vacation, call 1-844-754-2443 to speak with a reservation specialist or go online to access to some exceptional Ski & Stay Package deals.