Tops Eats in Banff & Canmore

I’m one of those people who meticulously researches every eatery before I travel, and by the time I get there, I usually know exactly what I’m going to order. This trip to Banff and Canmore, however, was a whole new level of delicious. There were so many amazing recommendations and not enough time to experience them all, so I’ve made sure to list some of my top “eat” spots for our next trip. From cozy cafes to mountain-view dining experiences, this trip was a true feast for the senses. Here’s a rundown of everything we ate—from quick bites to indulgent meals—that made this journey unforgettable.

Friday: The Journey Begins

We arrived in Calgary and made our way to Canmore, where the adventure (and the eating) really began. Here’s how we kicked off the weekend.

• Dinner at Tavern 1883
  After a long day of travel, we were hungry for something hearty and satisfying. Tavern 1883 in Canmore delivered exactly that. We shared a hearty butter chicken and Jacob’s hearty burger, which was absolutely packed with flavor. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food were the perfect way to fuel up for the days ahead.

Saturday: A Day Full of Flavors and Adventure

We woke up early for an exciting day ahead, and between snowmobiling, skiing, and sightseeing, we made sure to fit in plenty of delicious meals.

• Coffee at Beamer’s Coffee Bar (Golden, BC)
  After an early morning drive, we made a pit stop at Beamer’s Coffee Bar in Golden. We sipped on their cardamom lattes, a fragrant and spiced treat that paired perfectly with their delicious gluten-free breakfast wraps. It was a great way to start our busy day!
• Lunch at The Bar (Golden, BC)
  After our snowmobiling adventure, we stopped by The Bar, a famous local spot in Golden. Jacob was absolutely in love with his steak and frites, which came with a side of sweet honey carrots. As for me, I couldn’t resist the famous Canadian poutine fries with gluten-free gravy—it was as delicious and comforting as I’d hoped!
• Apres-Ski at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  After a thrilling afternoon of snowboarding at Lake Louise Ski Resort, we made our way to the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. There, we warmed up with some coffee and enjoyed the picturesque views of the frozen lake. The hotel’s shops also offered local treats and gourmet snacks that we snacked on while admiring the stunning surroundings.
• Dinner at Chuck’s Steakhouse (Downtown Banff)
  We ended our busy day with a fantastic dinner at Chuck’s Steakhouse in downtown Banff. For starters, we couldn’t resist the beef tartare—my absolute favorite appetizer. Then, we dug into a 16 oz ribeye, cooked to perfection. It was melt-in-your-mouth goodness and made for the perfect end to a full day of activities.

Sunday: Relaxing and Exploring the Local Flavors

Sunday was all about slow mornings, exploring the charming town of Canmore, and enjoying the region’s local food culture.

• Breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company (Canmore)
  We kicked off the day with a delicious breakfast at Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, a beloved Canmore gem. We had gluten-free bagels paired with their delicious strawberry cream cheese—definitely one of the tastiest things we ate on this trip! A perfect start to a leisurely day.
• Coffee at Eclipse Coffee Shop (Canmore)
  After breakfast, we strolled through the quaint streets of Canmore and stopped by Eclipse Coffee Shop for a coffee. The cozy vibe and delicious espresso made it the perfect place to recharge before heading out to explore the shops in town.
• Lunch We Missed at The Fairmont Banff Springs
  We had hoped to have lunch at The Fairmont Banff Springs, known for its beautiful setting and world-class dining. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to experience the hotel’s famous restaurants, but it’s definitely on our list for next time!
• Dinner We Missed at Grizzly House (Banff)
  Another spot we missed but were really excited to try was Grizzly House in Banff. This quirky fondue restaurant is a local favorite known for its fun, interactive dining experience. We were hoping to indulge in some cheese fondue and hot rock meals, but unfortunately, we didn’t have time. It’s a must-try for our next visit!

Monday: An Unexpected Extra Day

Our extended stay in Calgary gave us a chance to enjoy some extra culinary experiences before heading back home.

• Brunch at The Beltliner (Calgary)
  Since our flight was delayed, we took the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely brunch at The Beltliner in Calgary. This trendy spot is known for its modern diner vibes and fantastic breakfast options. From eggs Benedict to fluffy pancakes, everything was cooked to perfection, and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to the Rockies.
• Coffee at MobSquad Coffee (Calgary)
  After brunch, we spent some time working remotely at MobSquad Coffee. This cozy café not only served excellent coffee but also had a gorgeous view of Calgary’s skyline, making it the perfect spot to relax and get some work done before heading back to the airport.

What We’d Try Next Time

While we had an incredible time eating our way through Banff and Canmore, there were a few spots we didn’t get to visit but are definitely on our list for next time:

• The Vermilion Room at the Fairmont Banff Springs
  We heard great things about the Vermilion Room, a stylish restaurant at the Fairmont Banff Springs that offers Canadian-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Next time, we’re hoping to have a dinner here for an unforgettable experience.
• Lake Louise Ski Resort Dining
  For a true mountain experience, we’d love to dine at one of the cozy lodges or restaurants at Lake Louise Ski Resort next time, especially after a full day of skiing or snowboarding.
• Dinner at the Top of the Banff Gondola
  We’ve heard that dining at the top of the Banff Gondola is an amazing experience, offering not only great food but also panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. This is definitely on our list for next time.
• Lunch at the Fairmont Banff Springs
  We would love to experience one of the restaurants at Fairmont Banff Springs next time, as we’ve heard so much about the amazing food and ambiance there.
• Dinner at Grizzly House (Banff)
  The famous Grizzly House is definitely a spot we didn’t want to miss. We plan to enjoy the quirky fondue experience and hot rock meals next time we’re in Banff!
• Cedar Room at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
  Another spot on our radar is the Cedar Room at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. This mountain-side restaurant offers a farm-to-table experience with breathtaking views, and we can’t wait to check it out next time.
• Bluebird Café (Banff)
  The Bluebird Café is a popular choice for delicious comfort food and a cozy atmosphere. It’s known for its excellent brunch and hearty meals, so we’ll definitely be adding it to our list for next time.
• Juniper Bistro (Banff)
  Another place we didn’t have a chance to try is Juniper Bistro in Banff. Known for its modern Canadian cuisine and gorgeous views, we’ll be sure to make it a priority next time.

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Final Thoughts

From cozy cafés to decadent dinners, the food in Banff and Canmore was absolutely delicious. Each meal we had was a reflection of the area’s natural beauty, local ingredients, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty steak or a delicious pastry, this region has it all—and we can’t wait to go back and try even more.

Let us know what you think or if you have any culinary recommendations for our next visit!