Comparison · Banff vs Calgary · Canada
Banff vs Calgary
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ethan Sahagun, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Banff for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake; choose Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Calgary is generally less expensive, and the two are about 106 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 106 km
- Less expensive
- Calgary
- Best time for Banff
- June–September
- Best time for Calgary
- June–September
Side by side
| Banff | Calgary | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Known for | Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Banff Gondola | Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and Alberta beef |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 2 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$450 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 23°C (73°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -5°C (23°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | YYC | YYC |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Banff for…
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Banff is a small town inside Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, about 130 km west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountains. Banff Avenue's hotels, restaurants and outfitters sit beneath Cascade Mountain, with the Banff Gondola, Upper Hot Springs and…
Choose Calgary for…
Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. Calgary is Alberta's largest city, spread along the Bow and Elbow rivers on the prairie with the Rocky Mountains visible on the western horizon. Most visitors pass through on the way to Banff, but the city repays a day or two: the Calgary Stampede every…
Top sights compared
| # | Banff | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Louise | Calgary Stampede |
| 2 | Moraine Lake | Studio Bell, National Music Centre |
| 3 | Banff Gondola | Calgary Central Library |
| 4 | Banff Upper Hot Springs | Calgary Tower |
| 5 | Johnston Canyon | Peace Bridge and Prince's Island Park |
Food compared
| Banff | Calgary |
|---|---|
| Alberta beef | Alberta beef |
| Bison and elk | Ginger beef |
| Cheese fondue | Caesar |
| Poutine | Bison |
Which is cheaper?
Calgary is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $250–$450 in Banff (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Calgary on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Banff and Calgary are about 106 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Banff and 2 in Calgary.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Banff or Calgary cheaper?
Calgary is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $250–$450 (estimates).
+Is Banff or Calgary better for a first trip?
Pick Banff for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, or Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies, lower day-to-day costs and a short break.
+How far is Banff from Calgary?
About 106 km in a straight line.