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Trip Ideas

Summer Foodie Getaway

Duration
7 Days
Num of Experiences
24 Experiences

Dining on mountaintops, outdoor patios, a cowboy cookout and historic teahouses are just a few of the highlights you can expect from this culinary mountain getaway. Enjoy the best of the outdoors and a thriving restaurant scene as the two collide for this unforgettable foodie escape to Banff and Lake Louise.

For the best experience we recommend spending five nights in the Banff area and two to three nights in the Lake Louise area.

Who's it For?

  • Travelling Foodies
  • Culinary Couples
  • Adventurous Eaters

When to Go

  • June - October

Trip Itinerary

Getting to Banff and Lake Louise

With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.

Learn about getting here.

Day 01

Begin your Banff exploration on a high note by dining at the Juniper Hotel's renowned bistro. Treat yourself to an evening of culinary delight amidst the backdrop of majestic mountain views as you savour dishes that pay homage to the region's culinary heritage, thoughtfully crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Juniper Bistro

See details about Juniper Bistro

Day 02

Start your day with a hearty and delicious brunch at Farm & Fire and then enjoy an easy morning in Banff exploring downtown and shopping. Head out to the Lake Minnewanka Cruise in the afternoon for the Beer Voyage where you'll be able to sample beers from local breweries while enjoying a scenic boat cruise. Finish your day with an Italian feast at LUPO, which was named one of 'Canada's 100 Best' restaurants for 2023.

Farm & Fire

See details about Farm & Fire
Shopping Banff AvenueShopping Banff Avenue

Shopping Banff Avenue


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Shopping Banff Avenue
Lake Minnewanka CruiseLake Minnewanka Cruise

Lake Minnewanka Cruise


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Lake Minnewanka Cruise

LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio

See details about LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio

Day 03

Enjoy breakfast or brunch at Bluebird and be sure you order the soufflé pancakes, even if it's just a side serving, you won't regret it! In the afternoon get ready for a western themed adventure as you head to the historic 3 Mile Cabin via horseback or wagon for a delicious steak dinner.

Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse

See details about Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse
A horse drawn wagon following a trail along the riverA horse drawn wagon following a trail along the river

Cowboy Cookout + Wagon Ride


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Cowboy Cookout + Wagon Ride

Day 04

Get ready for another day of scenic dining adventures in Banff. First stop; The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood for brunch featuring fresh dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Next head to the Banff Canoe Club for a leisurely paddle to Vermilion Lakes. In the afternoon head to Banff's very own castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs for a guided food tour. And if you've still got room for more, finish your day at Shoku Izakaya with traditional and modern Japanese fare plus an irresistible cocktail menu.

The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood

See details about The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood
Paddle Vermilion LakesPaddle Vermilion Lakes

Paddle Vermilion Lakes


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Paddle Vermilion Lakes
Eat the Castle Guided Food TourEat the Castle Guided Food Tour

Eat the Castle Guided Food Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Dec
See details about Eat the Castle Guided Food Tour

Shoku Izakaya

See details about Shoku Izakaya

Day 05

Visit Whitebark Cafe for some of the best coffee in town and grab a quick bite while you're there to fuel up for the day. Head into downtown and pick up a rental bike and then take a scenic ride along Vermilion Lakes Road. When you've worked up an appetite, head up to Mt. Norquay for a chairlift ride and a scenic dining experience at the Cliffhouse Bistro. Enjoy your afternoon and make your way back into town where you can plan for dinner at Chuck's Steakhouse, with the long summer days you can enjoy your Alberta Beef experience on their outdoor patio.

Whitebark Cafe

See details about Whitebark Cafe
Two people biking Vermilion Lakes Drive with a view of Mount Rundle in the backgroundTwo people biking Vermilion Lakes Drive with a view of Mount Rundle in the background

Bike Vermilion Lakes Road


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Bike Vermilion Lakes Road
View of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summerView of the Mt. Norqauy Sightseeing Chairlift in the summer

Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.A person in a restaurant with a glass of wine in hand and a charcuterie board with mountain views in the background.

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep & Dec - Apr
See details about On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Chuck's Steakhouse

See details about Chuck's Steakhouse

Day 06

Get an early start as you head to Lake Louise for a day of hiking and breathtaking lakes. Take the scenic route via the Bow Valley Parkway and keep an eye out for wildlife. Use a shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort to get to Lake Louise and then start your hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse or if you're up for it you can join the trails together and make it a big 15km loop. When you're done catch the shuttle to Moraine Lake for one of Banff National Parks most iconic views and then check into your hotel in Lake Louise for the evening.

A couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunriseA couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunrise

Lake Louise


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Lake Louise
View looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the backgroundView looking across Lake Agnes to the Lake Agnes Tea House with mountains in the background

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse TrailPlain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail


Duration
3-6 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail
Moraine LakeMoraine Lake

Moraine Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Moraine Lake

Day 07

Start your last full day in Banff National Park right with a breakfast wrap from local favourite Trailhead Café and then head to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you ride the gondola to the top and then choose from a variety of hiking trails or book in for a guided hike. Once you've worked up an appetite make your way to Whitehorn Bistro for gourmet dining with unbeatable patio views. Finish your foodie getaway with a memorable dinner at the historic Station Restaurant.

Trailhead Cafe

See details about Trailhead Cafe
Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing GondolaLake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola

Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
Two people taking in the view as the dine at Whitehorn Bistro at the Lake Louise Ski ResortTwo people taking in the view as the dine at Whitehorn Bistro at the Lake Louise Ski Resort

On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep & Nov - Apr
See details about On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro

Lake Louise Station Restaurant

See details about Lake Louise Station Restaurant

Where to Stay

Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:

Banff Park Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Banff Park Lodge

Banff Aspen Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Banff Aspen Lodge

Fairmont Banff Springs

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Fairmont Banff Springs

Mount Royal Hotel

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Mount Royal Hotel

Mountaineer Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Mountaineer Lodge

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Lake Louise Inn

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Lake Louise Inn
See more options

Reservations & Booking

Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

  • Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Cowboy Cookout + Wagon Ride

Paddle Vermilion Lakes

Eat the Castle Guided Food Tour

Bike Vermilion Lakes Road

Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift

On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail

Moraine Lake

Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola

On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro

Good to Know

Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:

  • Get a Park Pass

  • Make reservations for dining and activities

  • Learn about the best ways to get around

  • Check the weather forecast