Eat & Drink in Banff & Beyond
From elevated Rocky Mountain cuisine to cozy craft breweries, the Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore dining scene punches well above its weight.
Where to Eat in Banff
Banff's dining scene is a delicious mix of fine dining, creative global kitchens, beloved local institutions, and award-winning casual eateries.
The Bison Restaurant
Farm-to-table dining featuring regional Rocky Mountain cuisine with seasonal menus showcasing the very best Alberta has to offer. Known for bison short ribs, elk carpaccio, escargot in a bone, and scallops with crispy spatzle. Rustic-elegant atmosphere with Bear Street views and a summer patio built to soak in the mountains.
Park Distillery
A working distillery and restaurant in downtown Banff crafting glacier water spirits in-house. Campfire-inspired cuisine featuring wood-fired, spit-roasted, and smoky-savoury dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Award-winning Alpine Dry Gin, Maple Rye, and Bird's Eye Chili Vodka brewed on site. Try the s'mores for dessert.
Grizzly House
A Banff landmark since 1967 and one of the town's most iconic dining experiences. Famous for fondue and exotic game meats including rattlesnake, alligator, and ostrich cooked at your table. The retro-kitsch decor and vintage table-side phones add to the unforgettable atmosphere. Reservations highly recommended.
Block Kitchen + Bar
A vibrant and dynamic restaurant offering a fresh global menu and creative cocktails in an urban-rustic setting. Chef Stephane Prevost brings Izakaya influences, a love for curries, and Ocean-Wise certified sustainable seafood. Warm birdcage and bare-bulb decor creates a playful vibe perfect for small plates or a full meal.
Juniper Bistro
Perched above town at The Juniper Hotel with panoramic mountain views from one of the best patios in the Bow Valley. Chef Sergio crafts exquisite plant-rich dishes with sustainably sourced proteins and seasonal ingredients. The Five-Course Tasting Experience showcases local Bow Valley flavours blended with Latin American influences. Free parking and EV charging.
Wild Flour Bakery
Beloved artisan bakery on Bear Street known for sourdough, croissants, and hearty breakfast sandwiches made with free-range eggs. Lunch features Chicken Banh Mi on house-made milk buns, honey grilled cheese with black pepper gouda, and Turkey Croissants. Bread baked fresh daily including Natural Sourdough, Cranberry Walnut, and GF Multigrain. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
Eddie Burger + Bar
Gourmet burgers made with housemade Alberta beef in a funky basement joint that's become a Banff institution. Creative toppings, spiked milkshakes, and the infamous Trash Can cocktail. Daily specials include $8 Double Caesars on Mondays, 75-cent wings on Tuesdays, and all-day Happy Hour on Thursdays. The elk burger is a must-try.
Tooloulou's
Cajun and Creole flavours meet the Canadian Rockies in this intimate 50-seat downtown gem. Owner-operated since 2012, serving homemade comfort food from scratch including Shrimp & Grits, Boudin Balls, Seafood Skillet, and jambalaya. Over 100 hot sauces available from their Hot Shotz shelf. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gluten-friendly options.
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
Banff's favourite brewpub since 2010 with house-brewed craft beers and all your pub favourites. The Pub upstairs is casual and lively; the street-level Taproom offers a fresh experience watching the Banff "wildlife" stroll by. Part of the Bear Hill Brewing family alongside Jasper Brewing Co. and Campio Brewing. Great apres-ski spot.
Nourish Bistro
Banff's premiere vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving innovative plant-based cuisine since 2006. Creative menu featuring gyoza, tempura broccoli, beetroot bruschetta, and globally inspired mains made with fresh local and organic ingredients. Eco-bar with craft cocktails, rotating unique beers, and carefully selected organic wines.
Magpie & Stump
Downtown Banff's go-to for authentic Mexican food and tequila with over 60 tequilas behind the bar. Tacos are $6 each or $18 for three, with proteins including suadero beef, carnitas pork, tinga chicken, and vegetarian options. The rooftop patio "El Patio" is legendary in summer. Taco Tuesday offers $3.50 tacos and drink specials.
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
Award-winning Southwestern cuisine voted #1 Best Breakfast and Best Lunch in the 2024 Rocky Mountain Outlook Reader's Choice Awards. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with dishes like Huevos Rancheros, Southwestern Steak and Eggs, and hearty Tex-Mex favourites. Fresh, local ingredients with bold flavours.
Bear Street Tavern
Signature pizzas, sandwiches, and cast iron specialties on Banff's beloved Bear Street. A cozy tavern atmosphere with a dog-friendly courtyard patio, selection of craft beers and cocktails, perfect for casual group dinners or a relaxed afternoon.
Where to Eat in Lake Louise
From refined Chateau dining rooms to cozy village cafes, Lake Louise offers a surprising range of culinary experiences amid some of the world's most stunning mountain scenery.
Lake Louise Station
Housed in the beautifully restored 1910 Canadian Pacific Railway station, this restaurant blends heritage charm with contemporary Rocky Mountain cuisine. Dine inside restored rail cars or the original station building featuring local game, Alberta beef, and seasonal ingredients. A must-visit for history and food lovers alike.
Fairview Dining Room
The signature restaurant at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, offering refined Canadian cuisine with jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. Seasonal tasting menus spotlight Alberta beef, Pacific seafood, and locally foraged ingredients. An unforgettable fine-dining experience in one of Canada's most spectacular settings.
Walliser Stube
A cozy Swiss-inspired fondue restaurant nestled inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Featuring authentic cheese and chocolate fondues, raclette, and hearty Alpine fare in an intimate chalet-style dining room. Perfect for a special evening after a day exploring the lake or skiing at Lake Louise Resort.
Trailhead Cafe
A casual and welcoming cafe in Lake Louise Village serving hearty breakfasts, fresh-baked goods, and satisfying lunch fare. Popular with hikers fueling up before hitting the trails or warming up after a day in the mountains. Espresso drinks, smoothies, and grab-and-go options make it the village's go-to morning stop.
Bill Peyto's Cafe
The legendary budget-friendly cafe inside HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre, named after the famous Banff park warden. Beloved by backpackers and travellers for generous portions of comfort food — burgers, wraps, poutine, and daily specials — at prices that won't break the bank. A social hub where hikers swap trail stories over pints.
The Alpine Social
A modern mountain gathering spot in Lake Louise Village offering craft cocktails, local beers on tap, and elevated pub fare with a Canadian twist. The warm timber interior and stone fireplace create a welcoming apres vibe after a day on the slopes or trails. Shareable plates and seasonal specials keep the menu fresh.
Where to Eat in Canmore
Just outside the park gates, Canmore's Main Street is packed with locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, and innovative kitchens that rival any mountain town in North America.
The Iron Goat
A Canmore institution on Main Street serving elevated pub fare and craft beer in a warm, industrial-chic space. Known for their creative burgers, hearty mains, and an ever-rotating selection of Alberta craft beers on tap. The rooftop patio offers stunning views of the Three Sisters peaks and is one of the best outdoor dining spots in the Bow Valley.
Tavern 1883
Canmore's historic gastropub named for the year coal was first discovered in the Bow Valley. Locally sourced Canadian comfort food meets craft cocktails in a beautifully restored heritage building. Highlights include bison meatloaf, elk bolognese, and a curated whisky list. The patio buzzes all summer long.
Crazyweed Kitchen
One of the most celebrated restaurants in the Canadian Rockies, Crazyweed has earned a reputation for bold, globally inspired cuisine crafted with local ingredients. The ever-changing menu draws from Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin influences with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes. An intimate dining room and knowledgeable staff make every visit special.
The Drake
A lively Canmore pub and late-night hangout known for wood-fired pizza, generous pours, and a vibrant atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike. The open kitchen and rustic mountain decor set the tone for a casual, fun evening. Live music on weekends and a great happy hour make The Drake a Bow Valley staple.
Blake Brewpub
Canmore's original craft brewery and taproom pouring house-brewed beers alongside a menu of elevated bar bites and mains. The open-concept space lets you watch the brewers at work while you sip a fresh pint. Flagship brews include the Grizzly Paw Pilsner and Powder Hound IPA. A must for craft beer enthusiasts visiting the Bow Valley.
PD3 by Blake
A neighbourhood pizzeria from the Blake Brewing family serving Detroit-style and Neapolitan pizzas with creative toppings and house-brewed beer pairings. The casual, family-friendly vibe and affordable prices make it a Canmore local favourite. Try the pepperoni with honey drizzle and the garlic knots.
Where to Eat in Highway 1A & Castle Junction
Tucked into the forests along the Bow Valley Parkway, these wilderness dining gems offer romantic, candlelit meals in heritage lodges surrounded by towering pines.
Baker Creek Bistro
Nestled among towering pines at Baker Creek Mountain Resort on the Bow Valley Parkway, this intimate bistro serves refined Rocky Mountain cuisine in a quintessential log-cabin setting. Seasonal menus feature wild game, Alberta beef, and locally foraged ingredients. The candlelit dining room and crackling fireplace make it one of the most romantic dinner spots in the Canadian Rockies.
Storm Mountain Lodge
A remote heritage lodge built in 1922 offering an unforgettable wilderness dining experience on the Bow Valley Parkway at Castle Junction. The lodge's rustic dining room serves a seasonal menu of Alberta-raised meats, fresh fish, and garden-inspired sides by candlelight and wood fire. An ideal stop for a special meal between Banff and Lake Louise.
Where to Drink
Whether you need a craft cocktail after a day on the slopes, a perfect espresso before a morning hike, or a rooftop pint with mountain views.
High Rollers Bowling & Pizza
Six ten-pin bowling lanes, three pool tables, over 48 craft beers on tap, and brick-oven pizza in downtown Banff. Weekly specials include 75-cent wings on Tuesdays, all-day happy hour Wednesdays, and half-off pizza with $5 margaritas on Thursdays. Live music and late-night DJ parties.
The Rose & Crown
Banff's oldest pub since 1985, welcoming over 250,000 guests each year. Classic pub fare with a mountain twist, rooftop patio with stunning views, and live music every night. Daily specials include $15 fish and chips, $3 Taco Tuesdays, and comedy nights. Open 1pm to 2am daily.
Whitebark Cafe
Independent specialty coffee house at the Banff Aspen Lodge, voted "Best of the Bow: Coffee" multiple times. Serving Moja fair-trade organic espresso, Banff Tea Company loose leaf teas, and fresh homemade goods daily. Heated patio terrace with mountain views. Committed to sustainability with compostable takeout.
Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant
Craft brewery set in a forest-themed space on Bear Street with a stargazing retractable roof, beer garden, and multiple patios. Over 80 house-brewed beers on rotation including the flagship Wishing Tree IPA. Happy Hour daily 3-5pm with beer specials. Dog-friendly patio and live music on select nights.
Elk & Oarsman
Iconic rooftop sports bar with 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains. Fifteen draft beers, a diverse pub menu, and the best spot in town to watch live sports. Timber and river rock decor with a wood-burning fireplace create a cozy mountain atmosphere.
Plan Your Banff Dining Trip
Book a food tour to discover Banff's best restaurants, or find the perfect hotel for your culinary getaway.
Browse Food Tours on GetYourGuide → Find Hotels on Expedia →Dining Tips for Banff
Reserve Ahead
Banff's best restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends and during ski season. Book via OpenTable or call ahead for fine dining spots like The Bison, Juniper Bistro, and Park Distillery.
Bear Street is the Heart
Bear Street is Banff's foodie hub. Within two blocks you'll find Wild Flour Bakery, Nourish Bistro, Three Bears Brewery, Bear Street Tavern, and The Bison -- all walkable.
Happy Hour Culture
Nearly every bar offers daily happy hour specials. High Rollers does all-day happy hour Wednesdays, Three Bears runs 3-5pm daily, and Eddie Burger has all-day specials on Thursdays.