Banff Restaurants

There are plenty of Banff dining options including fast-food joints, steakhouses, fine dining, and various international restaurants such as Indian, Italian, Mexican and Japanese, although most of the dining consists of Canadian staples which can get a fraction tedious after a while.

Many of the Banff restaurants can be found inside the hotels. In general, the Banff restaurant prices can be a little inflated relative to other Canadian ski towns. The following are some examples of the many Banff restaurants.

The Bear Street Tavern (211 Bear Street) has lots of reasonably priced Canadian fare, although pizzas are their specialty.

Inexpensive Mexican food is available at the Magpie and Stump (203 Caribou St Banff), along with happy hour margaritas.

There are two Keg steakhouses (117 Banff Ave and 521 Banff Ave) which have familiar fare. Wildfire Grill has good food at reasonable prices. To be a typical Albertan and eat yet another steak, you can also try Saltlik Steakhouse (221 Bear St).

The Maple Leaf Grill and Lounge is an up-market restaurant with an extensive wine list.

For daytime dining, head to Tooloulous (204 Caribou St, Banff). This casual eatery has a huge menu for breakfast and lunch, and prices are very reasonable.

Our favourite dining venues were a few of the pubs – see below.

Banff Bars & Nightlife

Banff has vibrant après ski festivities and nightlife. There are a variety of places to enjoy a drink, play pool or dance. Many of the pubs have live music, with some dancing later into the evening.

The Park Distillery (Banff Av) is a fabulous spot for a drink and a feed. With the distillery visible, you can sample a range of vodka, gin and an unaged whiskey, some of which are fashioned into fantastic cocktails. The food is also very good and more interesting than what many of the other Banff restaurants serve up. The distillery has fantastic décor, with some made-to-look-old wooden beams and aspen trunks, and the ambience only marred by sports TVs.

A classic Canadian pub is the casual Elk and Oarsman. English style pubs include the Pump and Tap Tavern and the Rose and Crown.

Our favourite for a casual feed and locally brewed beers was the Bear’s Den Pub. In typically Banff style, they sell a variety of t-shirts to remember your visit.

For some pumping nightlife, head to the Aurora Nightclub.