Banff Visit - Calgary Stampede Conflict
 

It appears that our 4 day visit to Banff National Park coincides with the start of the Stampede.

Is this going to be an issue?

Higher prices at Banff, etc.

We'll be sleeping in Calgary the night we arrive and leaving first thing in the morning.

Banff prices are not affected by the Stampede (they're high all summer long), but if you're planning on staying in Calgary the first night, your motel room probably will be higher than at other times.

To the extent that the Calgary Stampede brings tourists to the area, some of them inevitably decide to visit Banff as well.

As ShelliDawn notes, the prices in Banff are "high" all summer anyway, so it will be more an issue of booking your accommodation early to avoid missing out on someplace you want.

I think you can consider Banff pretty much full by early July, so it won't be that there is an abnormal crush for you to worry. There are only so many rooms available and they will just be filled by those who booked early enough.

book your motel/hotels now - it will be a busy time - calgary hotel/motel prices will be at the premium. banff, as mentioned, is at a premium all summer but booking rooms will be tougher during stampede.

Have done the stampede got there the first day do book ahead it is chock a block lots of fun if you like western cowboy rodeo stuff prices will generally be higher.Rented a nice convert car with www.carrentals.com headed up to the Fairmont at Banff an awesome railroad era hotel with even more awesome Bow river falls views from my room then on to Lake Louise and Jasper for a road trip with some day hikes.It was amazing not too crowded though everyone was at the stampede.

Happy Journey,

As others have mentioned, accommodation prices in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are very high all summer long - try B&B's in Banff and Jasper if budget an issue. Canmore is another option - 10 minutes east of Banff but outside the national parks, so lots of hotels, condos etc. (try VRBO or other vacation rental by owner sites). Book your Calgary accommodations now and you shouldn't do too badly. If run into problems with rates, try some of the bedroom communities just outside Calgary - like Okotoks or Airdrie.