Cozy log cabins in Banff are perfect for romantics and those of you looking to reconnect with nature. The rustic charm of the Banff log cabins described below harken back to a simpler time when you didn’t rush back from a day outside to check your phone. In many cases you won’t be able to – so instead, take advantage of the spectacular scenery offered by the Canadian Rockies – and curl up instead with your significant other or a good book by a roaring fire.
At night enjoy the golden glow of the Banff log cabins, especially in winter, when you know you’re in a safe, warm place. Take advantage of the dark night skies and rekindle that sense of curiosity you had as a kid.
The log cabins are a great place to use as a base for exploring Banff National Park. They’re peaceful and private – and invite you to slow down, take a breath and be in the moment.
There are two types of log cabins in Banff – front country, where you can drive to them or backcountry, where you visit under your own steam, usually via cross-country skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes.
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Summary of log cabins in Banff
- I have only included lodging with real log cabins. There are lots of great places to stay in the Canadian Rockies – but most aren’t in log cabins.
- You’ll find both backcountry and front country log cabins in Banff. The majority of cabins are in beautiful locations, but you’ll pay for the privilege of visiting.
- The front country log cabins are best suited to families and people who prefer to drive to the front door.
- Backcountry log cabins in Banff can be quite rustic. Don’t expect private bathrooms. There may be outhouses involved. They aren’t necessarily luxurious, but they get you into a Rocky Mountain landscape where you can be comfortable. The food and camaraderie with fellow guests at these log cabins is usually outstanding and a big reason for visiting.
Location of the log cabins in Banff (plus one exception)
Front country log cabins in Banff
The front country log cabins in Banff are easy to access and good for couples as well as families. They make a great base for exploring Banff National Park. Some have kitchenettes should you want to eat at least a few meals in and all offer a variety of local adventures almost outside your front door.
Baker Creek by Basecamp
Located along the Bow Valley Parkway, just 15 minutes from Lake Louise or 40 minutes from Banff, Baker Creek by Basecamp offers some of the most beautiful log cabins in Banff set against a backdrop of Baker Creek. Sixteen log cabins are scattered through the woods, some with lofts, along with accommodation in their lodge suites.
What I love about this place is their year-round campfire set up by the river, the number of activities you can access from the log cabins including Banff area hikes, cross-country skiing, ice skating on site in winter, and biking.
In the summer there is a shuttle you can take to both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, or simply reserve the Parks Canada shuttle – and pick it up at the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Castle Mountain Chalets
You’ll find Castle Mountain Chalets just 25 minutes from Banff. They have a first-rate location – close to both the Bow River and Castle Mountain. They are open year-round and offer 18 log cabins across their property.
Our deluxe one bedroom chalet was very roomy with a kitted out kitchen, a wood burning fireplace, dog treats and a dog bed. The only thing missing was our dog.
Outside our cabin was a gazebo with BBQ’s and seating – along with a fire pit and firewood. In the Osprey Lounge look for foosball, and table tennis in addition to a guest laundry and a gym – though why you’d use that is beyond me when there is so much available to do right out your front door.
This property is well situated for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and biking along Highway 1A – which is closed to cars for most of May, June, and September.
Nearby are some of the quintessential Banff hikes including Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots, Rockbound Lake, and Castle Mountain Lookout.
Storm Mountain Lodge
Located 30 minutes from Banff townsite on Hwy-93S, Storm Mountain Lodge offers beautifully refurbished, historic log cabins. There’s also a full-service restaurant located on-site. What you won’t find are modern amenities like WiFi and TV, so go prepared to relax and be offline.
They are open year-round with reduced availability from October 1 until Christmas.
Storm Mountain Lodge is a wonderful place to recharge. You can’t cook as their generators can’t handle it (they generate their own power), so you’ll have to dine in. And the food is excellent.
Onsite is a gift store with a fine collection of books and things you didn’t know you needed. What better way to spend some time than with a good book by a roaring fire.
If you’re keen to get outside in winter, ski or snowshoe to Boom Lake or cross-country ski to Chickadee Valley in nearby British Columbia.
In summer hike up to Stanley Glacier searching for fossils, do the hike to Arnica Lake (amazing in fall), or hike to Boom Lake. Nearby Marble Canyon is worthy a visit at any time of the year.
You can book Storm Mountain Lodge online here.
Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
I have passed Paradise Lodge and Bungalows every time I’ve visited Lake Louise, though the property is only open seasonally from late May until late September. In the summer, the flower-filled gardens are particularly eye-catching and it’s the sort of place that appeals to me. You can book authentic though updated rustic mountain cabins – some with kitchenettes, or a room in the lodge building.
The property is also well-situated as its walking distance (about 15 minutes) to Lake Louise, though if you want to visit Moraine Lake you’ll still need to arrange a shuttle. That gives you easy access to some of the best hiking in the Rockies!
Try one of these 10 breathtaking Lake Louise hikes or alternatively check out Lake Annette and Paradise Valley.
Banff Log Cabin
You’ll find the Banff Log Cabin, a private log cabin for two hand built in 1974. It’s located in a residential area in Banff only 10 minutes on foot from Banff Avenue. Because it’s a B&B, a breakfast is delivered to your door every morning. Enjoy privacy and the chance for a romantic getaway right in Banff. Townie bikes are also offered as part of the package.
Backcountry Log cabins in Banff
One of my favourite things to do in winter is to visit backcountry log cabins in Banff National Park. Nothing beats the warm glow of a winter workout and arriving at a welcoming log cabin, usually laid out with snacks and drinks – and a kindly face.
Skoki Lodge is the hardest of the Banff log cabins to access – especially in a winter storm as you must cross a pass above treeline. The others are easier, but by no means easy.
Leave early in winter so you have lots of daylight and go prepared with the right gear, the hiking essentials, and an emergency locator device like the Garmin InReach Mini 2 as your cell phone likely won’t work. In summer, you have plenty of time to make the journey on foot or in some cases by mountain bike or horse.
Shadow Lake Lodge
Shadow Lake Lodge, owned by the Alpine Club of Canada, is only accessible via a 14.4 km one way trail on cross-country skis or on foot. The trailhead, signed Redearth, is 19 km west of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway and is easy to find. You’ll find the first 11 km to be easy and straightforward. At the top of a steep climb that will test your conditioning program, you’re only about 30 minutes away from the lodge.
The 11 log cabins in this part of Banff National Park offer the basics – a queen or king bed and nightstand, a propane heater and solar-powered lighting, so don’t forget your headlamp. There are toilets and a shower in a separate building. The location is stunning and the access to some lovely snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is excellent.
After a day outside, you’ll enjoy coming back to share the camaraderie in the common room, a restored 1929 CPR log cabin and home-cooked delicious meals in the dining room building.
Book a stay through the Alpine Club of Canada.
Skoki Lodge
Skoki Lodge is accessible via an 11 km ski or snowshoe starting at Temple Lodge at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. The distance may not sound hard, but it can be a challenging ski in or out depending on conditions. Snowshoes may be the better way for many to visit in winter. In summer you hike in. In the spring and late fall the lodge is closed.
The large log cabin where everyone meets for meals and conversation is a National Historic Site. There are also three surrounding cabins but no electricity or running water. Lighting is via kerosene lamps and toilets are at the outhouse. This is one of the rustic log cabins in Banff, but the meals are amazing and it attracts an interesting clientele.
Book directly online – with two-night stays required unless you book last minute and there is an opening.
Sundance Lodge
Sundance Lodge is one of my favourite places to visit in Banff National Park. You won’t find individual log cabins here – rather one giant log cabin oozing cowboy hospitality and charm. In summer you can horseback ride up here and spend a night or two. In winter cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike 10 kilometres from the parking lot near the Cave and Basin area.
Enjoy home baked meals, a cozy living room with a fireplace and even a hot shower and indoor plumbing, something you won’t find at most backcountry lodges. The bedrooms themselves are nicely kitted out with more western-themed items like log beds, horseshoes, mirrors braided with rope and colourful bedspreads.
To book a stay visit Banff Trail Riders.
One of the nicest log cabins that isn’t in Banff
I have to include Nipika Mountain Resort as it’s one of my all-time favourite places to visit in the mountains. From the border of Banff National Park on Highway 93, it’s about an hour’s drive south. It’s my winter go-to getaway for several days of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer there is hiking and biking. It’s family and dog friendly – with dogs allowed to run off leash.
Nipika Mountain Resort is home to nine log cabins with varying bedroom configurations. We usually book the Yearling log cabin as it’s perfect for two people. But there are all different sizes, each unique, and all oozing log cabin charm.
Further reading on places to stay and things to do in Banff National Park
- 10 Backcountry Lodges in the Canadian Rockies
- 25 Magical Things to Do in Winter in Lake Louise
- Best Winter Hikes in Banff & Nearby
- 5 Great Bike Rides in the Banff Area
- 5 Easy Cross Country Ski Trails in Banff National Park
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