Travelling to Banff with your dog? Good news — several hotels in Banff welcome pets, and the park itself has trails and areas where dogs are allowed. However, national park pet rules are strict, and not all hotels are equally pet-friendly. Here's everything you need to know about staying in Banff with your four-legged companion.
Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs
The iconic castle hotel welcomes dogs (and cats) in designated pet-friendly rooms.
- Pet fee: Approximately $50 CAD per night
- Policy: Dogs must be leashed in public areas. Pet beds and bowls provided. Maximum 2 pets per room
- Bonus: The hotel's extensive grounds offer great walking areas for dogs
Moose Hotel and Suites
A modern downtown hotel with a generous pet policy.
- Pet fee: Approximately $35 CAD per night
- Policy: Dogs welcome in designated rooms. Pet-specific amenities may include beds and treats
- Location: Central Banff Avenue — easy access to walking trails along the Bow River
Banff Aspen Lodge
A comfortable mid-range hotel that welcomes dogs.
- Pet fee: Approximately $25–35 CAD per night
- Policy: Dogs allowed in select rooms. Prior notice required when booking
- Location: Walking distance to downtown and the Bow River trail
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
A condo-style resort with spacious suites that accommodate families with pets.
- Pet fee: Varies — check when booking
- Policy: Dogs welcome in select units with prior arrangement
- Bonus: Suite-style accommodation with kitchen — useful for preparing pet meals
Delta Hotels by Marriott Banff Royal Canadian Lodge
A Marriott property with reliable pet policies.
- Pet fee: Approximately $35–50 CAD per night
- Policy: Dogs welcome. Marriott's standard pet policies apply
- Location: Near the Bow River trail and downtown
Dog Rules in Banff National Park
Parks Canada has specific rules for dogs in the national park:
- Leash required: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 3 metres at all times in Banff National Park — on trails, at viewpoints, in campgrounds, everywhere
- Pick up after your dog: Carry bags and clean up immediately
- No dogs on some trails: Certain trails prohibit dogs entirely, particularly in sensitive wildlife areas. Check Parks Canada's website for current restrictions
- Wildlife encounters: A loose dog can provoke wildlife attacks. Dogs that chase wildlife are a serious safety and ecological issue. Keep your dog leashed
- No dogs in buildings: Service animals excepted, dogs are not allowed in restaurants, shops, or park buildings
Best Dog-Friendly Trails
- Bow River Trail: Flat, paved, and runs through town. Perfect for morning and evening walks
- Fenland Trail: A 2 km loop through old-growth forest. Flat and shaded
- Tunnel Mountain Trail: Dogs on leash are welcome. A short summit hike with views
- Spray River Trail: A flat trail along the Spray River from the Fairmont. Good for longer walks
- Vermilion Lakes: The road and lakeshore are good for leashed walks with mountain views
- Banff Legacy Trail: The paved path between Banff and Canmore welcomes dogs on leash
Off-Leash Areas
Banff has a designated off-leash area near the Recreation Grounds on Cave Avenue. This is the only official off-leash area within the town of Banff. In Canmore (outside the national park), there are several off-leash parks with mountain views.
Tips for Travelling with Dogs in Banff
- Book pet-friendly rooms early: Pet rooms are limited and book up quickly in summer
- Bring your dog's records: Proof of vaccinations, especially rabies, in case requested
- Don't leave dogs in cars: Mountain temperatures can be deceptively warm. Cars heat up fast even on cool days
- Bear spray: Carry bear spray even on dog walks. Dogs can attract bears and other wildlife
- Water: Bring water for your dog on hikes. Stream water may contain giardia
- Tick check: Check your dog for ticks after woodland walks, especially in spring and early summer
Book pet-friendly accommodation in Banff on Expedia (filter for pet-friendly properties). Browse dog-friendly tours and activities on GetYourGuide.