18 September 2025
2 minutes
Hotels in Canada: the Cheapest Ways to Explore the Rockies
Exploring the Canadian Rockies doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With the right tips, you can enjoy breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic trails while keeping your budget under control. From affordable transportation to budget-friendly stays, discover the cheapest ways to experience this natural wonder!
The best ways to enjoy the Canadian Rockies on a budget:
1. Stay at Budget-Friendly Accor Hotels
Accor Hotels provide quality and comfort at reasonable rates in gateway cities like Calgary and Edmonton—ideal bases for Rockies adventures. By joining the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, every stay becomes even more rewarding. Members can earn points on accommodations, dining, and experiences, which can then be redeemed for future stays or exclusive benefits. This way, your budget-friendly trip comes with added value and extra perks to make the journey unforgettable.
2. Rent a Car and Travel Independently
Offers flexibility and is cheaper than guided tours.
Pair it with budget accommodations and self-prepared meals to save even more.
Must-drive scenic routes: Icefields Parkway (Jasper to Banff), Bow Valley Parkway, and Lake Louise drives.
3. Camp in National Parks
Camping is one of the most budget-friendly and immersive ways to explore.
Banff, Jasper, and Yoho have well-maintained campgrounds.
Book ahead through the official Parks Canada website.
4. Use Shuttle Services and Regional Transit
Services like Brewster Express and On-It Regional Transit offer cost-effective routes between Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
Great for travelers without a car.
5. Hike Free Trails
Dozens of self-guided trails are available in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
Top picks include Johnston Canyon, Lake Agnes, Maligne Canyon, and Sulphur Mountain.
6. Travel During Shoulder Season
May, September, and October offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and equally stunning scenery compared to peak summer months.
Tips for saving money
Exploring the Canadian Rockies on a budget is possible with a few smart strategies. Packing snacks and reusable water bottles helps reduce costs while keeping you fueled during hikes and day trips. Another great way to save is by visiting during the shoulder seasons, in spring or fall, when accommodation rates are lower and the parks are less crowded.
Booking directly through the Accor website also ensures access to the best deals, exclusive offers, and the chance to earn rewards with the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program.
A little history of the Rockies
Tectonic plate collision
The Pacific oceanic plate was forced under the North American continental plate (a process called subduction). This created intense pressure and caused the Earth's crust to buckle and fold, pushing rock layers upward into massive mountain ranges.
Uplift and erosion
As the land was uplifted, erosion began to shape the peaks and valleys. Over millions of years, glaciers, rivers, and weather sculpted the dramatic landscapes we see today.
A geologically diverse range
The Rockies span from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada through the U.S. states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. They include a mix of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, revealing a long and dynamic geological history.
Find the best hotels with Accor for your stay in Canada
Whether you’re starting your adventure in Calgary, exploring Edmonton, or stopping by other gateway cities, Accor Hotels offer comfort, convenience, and great value for your trip through the Canadian Rockies.
By booking through the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, you make every stay even more rewarding. Members earn points that can be redeemed for future nights, dining, or unique experiences, while also enjoying exclusive perks like early check-in, late check-out, and special offers. It’s the perfect way to enhance your Canadian adventure with both savings and memorable benefits.
