One of the most beloved hotels on Banff Avenue, the Moose Hotel & Suites is a stylish, well-appointed property that has earned a loyal following since opening — and it's easy to see why. The design is warm and distinctly Rocky Mountain in character, with local artwork throughout, rich earth tones, stone and timber in the lobby, and gas fireplaces in many of the 174 rooms and suites. It feels genuinely considered in a way that a lot of Banff hotels don't.

The rooftop is the centrepiece. Two outdoor hot pools sit high above Banff Avenue with unobstructed views of Cascade Mountain and the surrounding peaks — one of the finest hotel views in town, and at their most magical in winter when steam rises against a dark sky. A sauna, indoor pool, fitness room, and the excellent Meadow Spa round out a strong amenity package. Complimentary Roam Transit passes and underground parking are thoughtful inclusions, and Pacini Italian restaurant handles dining on-site from breakfast through dinner.

That said, we'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't say this plainly: the Moose is one of the most expensive hotels on Banff Avenue, and Banff hotel pricing has frankly gotten out of hand in recent years. Peak summer and holiday rates here now rival — and sometimes exceed — luxury ski hotels in the Alps, which is difficult to justify for a mid-range property, however charming. It's a genuinely nice hotel, but whether the price reflects the experience is a question only your budget can answer.