$100–150

Blue Mountain Lodge (137 Muskrat St., 403/762-5134, www.bluemtnlodge.com [1], $105–109 s, $129–179 d) is a rambling, older-style lodge with 10 guest rooms, each with a private bath, TV, and telephone. The Trapper’s Cabin room is the most expensive, but the gabled ceiling, walls decorated with snowshoes and bearskin, and an electric fireplace create a funky, mountain feel. All guests have use of shared kitchen facilities, a lounge, and Internet access while enjoying an expansive cold buffet breakfast to set you up for a day of hiking.

The eight guest rooms at the Elkhorn Lodge (124 Spray Ave., 403/762-2299 or 877/818-8488, www.elkhornbanff.ca [2], from $135 s or d) are nothing special, but travelers on a budget who aren’t fans of bed-and-breakfasts will find this older lodge suitable. The four small sleeping rooms—each with a bathroom, TV, and coffeemaker—are $135 s or d, while larger rooms with fridges are $195–265. Rates include a light breakfast. It’s halfway up the hill to the Fairmont Banff Springs [3].

The wilderness setting at Johnston Canyon Resort (403/762-2971 or 888/378-1720, www.johnstoncanyon.com [4], mid-May–early Oct., $149–314 s or d), 26 kilometers (16 miles) west of Banff [5], is unequalled by any of the other choices in this price range. The rustic cabins are older, and some have kitchenettes. On the grounds are tennis courts, a barbecue area, and a general store. Basic two-person duplex cabins are $149, two-person cabins with a gas fireplace and sitting area are $189, and they go up in price all the way to $314 for a Classic Bungalow complete with two bedrooms, cooking facilities, and heritage-style furnishings.