Accommodation ranges from top-quality hotels to motorway motels, lodge estates, camping and hostels. A basic room tax of 4% is levied on all accommodation. Banff has also added a 2% tourism improvement fee.

Banff National Park is famous for its two landmark chateau-style hotels, built when the railways were driven across Canada and offering approximately 1,200 rooms. Canada Select star ratings (1 to 5 stars) and Access Canada grading (levels 1 to 4), for those who are senior or disabled, are both optional rating programmes. However, much of Alberta's accommodation is supervised by the provincial government. Look for the ‘Approved Accommodation' sign.

Bed & breakfast and ranch stays are available throughout Alberta.

There are numerous campsites in the national parks. Camping Select have given campsites star ratings but the permanent facilities tend to be more basic in the north and some campsites have a fire ban. A number of companies can arrange motorhome rentals, with a range of fully equipped vehicles. They are known in Canada as recreational vehicles, or RVs. Full details can be obtained from Travel Alberta (see Contact Addresses); see also Camping/Caravanning in the general Canada section.

Many lodges offer various levels of self-catering, often in conjunction with fishing and hiking trips.

Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association
Suite 401, Centre 104, 5241 Calgary Trail, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5G8, Canada
Tel: (780) 436 6112.
Website: www.ahla.ca

Alberta Bed & Breakfast Association
Website: www.bbalberta.com

Bed & Breakfast Association of Greater Edmonton (BBAGE)
Tel: (780) 432 7116.
Website: www.bbedmonton.com