Banff is primarily a place for visitors to Banff National Park to hang their hats at the end of the day. Most hotels cater to skiers and hikers, meaning rates are normally at their highest from mid-June to late September and between Christmas and New Year's. If you're looking to save money, travel writers recommend planning a trip during the off seasons -- late spring and early fall -- or looking for accommodations in towns outside of the park like Canmore.

Banff has several luxury hotels, the most famous being the Fairmont Banff Springs, which has been around longer than the town itself. Sitting on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain and just south of town, experts say that this hotel is perfect for travelers looking to take advantage of the mountains. Recent travelers especially appreciate the hotel's several restaurants, lounges and spa services. Because rooms at these hotels are in high demand throughout the year, most recommend you make reservations several months in advance.

If your main reason for visiting Banff is to enjoy the town, travel writers suggest you stay on Banff Avenue. Hotels here offer prime access to popular restaurants, hiking trails like the Hoodoos Trail, and access roads that lead to other popular hikes and ski slopes.

Banff National Park is also home to numerous campgrounds. If you plan on camping, stop by the Banff Information Centre on Banff Avenue to reserve a place.

• Nearly all hotels have discounts for late fall, holidays, winter, late winter, and spring lodging. If you're having trouble finding affordable lodgings in Banff, try properties in Canmore, located 20 minutes away." -- Frommer's
• If you don’t have CAD600 to spend on a bed for the night, one of the downtown hotels might suit you well. Lining Banff Avenue for almost a kilometer, the hotel strip represents most upper-end chains, as well as a host of independent local operators." -- Travel Channel
• With just a few exceptions, room rates are often highest from mid-June to late September and between Christmas and New Year's. In many cases, the best accommodation rates can be found during the months of October to mid-November and May to mid-June when rates can drop by as much as 50%." -- Fodor's
• Camping areas are scattered throughout the park, from commercial campgrounds with showers and cooking areas to wilderness campsites that are little more than a clearing in the trees. If you intend to camp, be sure to check with Parks Canada to ensure that the area you are heading into is safe and that there are vacant sites available." -- AOL Travel