Banff is more than breathtaking views—it’s a pioneer in green hospitality. Discover why it ranks high among eco travel destinations North America has to offer.
Tucked into the Canadian Rockies, Banff doesn’t just serve jaw-dropping views—it delivers a legacy. As the oldest national park in Canada and one of the most iconic eco travel destinations North America has to offer, Banff proves that wild beauty and thoughtful preservation can (and should) go hand in hand.
What sets Banff apart isn’t just its glacier-fed lakes or rugged peaks. It’s the way this alpine town has embedded sustainability into its DNA—from park management to how visitors eat, move, and stay. With Better Trips , travelers get the inside edge on where to sleep sustainably, soak in the scenery, and leave the park better than they found it.
So, where do you start? With a place to stay that walks the eco-talk.
Stay in a Green-Labeled Lodge With Mountain Views
There’s nothing quite like waking up to snow-dusted peaks through your window—unless your lodge also happens to use geothermal heating, reclaimed wood finishes, and high-efficiency insulation.
Better Trips highlights eco-conscious accommodations in Banff that do more than just recycle. Think properties near Tunnel Mountain or along the Bow River trail system, where form meets function and the views are certified jaw-dropping.
Many of these eco-stays are built with passive solar principles, use low-VOC materials, and prioritize local craftsmanship. In short, they let you enjoy Banff’s magic without leaving a heavy footprint.
And once you step out that front door…
Explore Banff National Park With a Leave No Trace Mindset
Banff’s biggest asset—its pristine wilderness—is also its most vulnerable. That’s why exploring here requires a little more intention. Following Leave No Trace principles isn’t just a suggestion—it’s how this ecosystem continues to thrive.
Stay on marked trails (the alpine meadows will thank you), keep a respectful distance from wildlife (even if the elk seem unbothered), and take every wrapper, water bottle, or scrap back with you.
What makes Banff one of the top eco travel destinations North America is this shared responsibility. It’s not just about admiring nature—it’s about preserving it for future hikers, paddlers, and stargazers.
Of course, getting around sustainably also matters…
Choose Sustainable Transit Options Through the Rockies
You don’t need a car to see Banff—you just need a plan. The Roam Public Transit system connects major sights with hybrid buses, and many hotels include shuttle passes or bike storage.
For more adventurous transit, e-bike rentals are a fun way to hit Vermilion Lakes Road or Banff Legacy Trail. Better Trips even makes it easy to filter for stays that offer “Car-Free Access” or are located in walkable neighborhoods like downtown Banff.
This way, your journey from breakfast to trailhead to brewery requires fewer emissions—and more scenic detours.
Speaking of stops along the way…
Support Local Banff Businesses That Prioritize the Planet
Sustainable travel doesn’t stop at where you stay or how you move—it’s also about where your dollars go. Banff is home to a growing community of small businesses doing big things for the planet.
Grab your morning Americano from Whitebark Cafe, which sources organic, fair-trade beans and composts its grounds. Dig into wood-fired goodness at Bear Street Tavern, a local favorite that supports farm-to-table sourcing.
You’ll also find seasonal markets and boutiques stocked with eco-friendly gear, handmade crafts, and refillable everything. In eco travel destinations North America, every purchase is a chance to vote for a better future.
And when it comes to bucket lists…
Why Banff Belongs on Every Eco Traveler’s Bucket List
Here it is—the part where we make the case. Banff isn’t just one of the most photogenic stops in the Rockies. It’s a model for what eco travel destinations North America can—and should—be.
From alpine lakes to energy-smart lodging, from Indigenous-led hikes to waste-conscious restaurants, this place sets the standard for travel that gives back.
Whether you’re into backcountry exploration or a spa day with a mountain view, Banff delivers experiences that are equal parts thrill and thoughtfulness.
Banff Is Proof That Beauty and Sustainability Can Coexist
It’s easy to fall for Banff’s glaciers and wildflower valleys—but it’s the park’s quiet commitment to preservation that leaves a lasting impression.
Wherever you stay, however you explore, remember that your choices shape the landscape too. With Better Trips , discovering Banff’s eco side is effortless—whether you're dreaming of a minimalist cabin, a solar-powered lodge, or simply a slower pace.
Because when it comes to travel, beauty is better when it lasts.