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11 patios you need to try this summer in Banff & Lake Louise

Published Date
Jul 22, 2020|
Themes
Food & Drink
Waldhaus Pub & Patio, Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park

Patio season in the Canadian Rockies is a glorious time when endless views are complemented by local cuisine, Okanagan wine, Alberta craft beer, and locally inspired cocktails.

These Banff and Lake Louise patios are guaranteed to help you soak up summery mountain vibes and provide the perfect setting for those Instagram perfect moments.

Patios in Banff

1. Waldhaus Pub, Fairmont Banff Springs

German-inspired beer and cuisine meet views of the Spray River Valley at the Waldhaus Pub. It's the spot to be this summer after enjoying a bike ride or walk by the Bow Falls. This pub is located just up from the falls, overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. Housed in a heritage building that was once the golf course clubhouse, the Waldhaus is open for brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner seven days a week.

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Food on a table at the Waldhaus restaurant in Banff National Park.Food on a table at the Waldhaus restaurant in Banff National Park.Food on a table at the Waldhaus restaurant in Banff National Park.

2. El Patio at the Magpie & Stump

This sun-drenched rooftop taco bar in downtown Banff provides a classic Mexican experience and is the perfect place to spend sunny afternoons and warm summer nights.

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3. Rose & Crown

The recently refurbished Rose & Crown rooftop patio offers cold beer and million-dollar views of Cascade Mountain in the heart of Banff. Locals love the lounge-style seating and prime location four stories above the ground.

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Two people dine on the Rose & Crown patio in Banff National Park.Two people dine on the Rose & Crown patio in Banff National Park.Two people dine on the Rose & Crown patio in Banff National Park.

4. Elk and Oarsman

The fourth rooftop patio on our list can be found at the Elk and Oarsman, also on Banff Avenue. This is another local favourite and a great spot for enjoying mountain views from downtown Banff.

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Mount Rundle in the background with the Elk & Oarsman patio in the foreground.Mount Rundle in the background with the Elk & Oarsman patio in the foreground.Mount Rundle in the background with the Elk & Oarsman patio in the foreground.

5. Juniper Bistro

The Juniper Bistro is already known for their award-winning food, and in the summertime, this is complemented by an award-worthy view. With panoramic views of Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Vermilion Lakes, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the entire town of Banff, the Juniper Bistro is peacefully nestled at the base of Mount Norquay.

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Juniper Bistro, Banff National ParkJuniper Bistro, Banff National ParkJuniper Bistro, Banff National Park

6. Chuck's Steakhouse

Chuck's Steakhouse can be found at the end of Banff Avenue, where you can head up to a rooftop patio and enjoy your locally-sourced Alberta beef with an unforgettable view. The Taste of Alberta platter is the ideal sharing option, giving you the opportunity to try a little bit of everything.

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Steak and other foods on a table at Chuck's Steakhouse in Banff.Steak and other foods on a table at Chuck's Steakhouse in Banff.Steak and other foods on a table at Chuck's Steakhouse in Banff.

7. Park Distillery

Glacier to glass is what Park Distillery is known for, and from their balcony, you can gaze at the mountain peaks that were formed by the glaciers themselves. Savor the Cascade Cocktail while enjoying views of its namesake above the hustle and bustle of Banff Avenue.

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The dining patio at the Park Distillery in Banff National Park.The dining patio at the Park Distillery in Banff National Park.The dining patio at the Park Distillery in Banff National Park.

8. Peak Patio at the Banff Gondola

As far as open-air dining and views go, this could be the ultimate location in Banff National Park. Take the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and be in awe of the amazing views from the Peaks Patio. Watch as the sun sets behind the mountains over light bites and delicious drinks with your nearest and dearest.

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Two people look over the edge at the Banff Gondola with a mountain in the background.Two people look over the edge at the Banff Gondola with a mountain in the background.Two people look over the edge at the Banff Gondola with a mountain in the background.

Lake Louise Patios

9. Lakeview Lounge

Arguably the best seats in the house - the Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is where you'll find lakefront dining at this iconic Banff National Park landmark. Priority seating goes to guests of the hotel, so reserve ahead of time if you fancy a drink or meal at the Lakeview Lounge.

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The view towards Lake Louise from the outdoor patio at the Lakeview Lounge at the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park.The view towards Lake Louise from the outdoor patio at the Lakeview Lounge at the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park.The view towards Lake Louise from the outdoor patio at the Lakeview Lounge at the Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

10. Lake Louise Station Restaurant

Another off-the-beaten-path option in Lake Louise is the Station Restaurant. This former railway station is the oldest building in Lake Louise and has an outdoor patio on the lawn. Enjoy views of passing trains and luscious gardens in a setting that feels as if it could transport you back in time.

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The outdoor patio at the Station Restaurant in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.The outdoor patio at the Station Restaurant in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.The outdoor patio at the Station Restaurant in Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

11. Whitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola

Sky-high patio views from the Whitehorn Bistro are made possible by a gondola or chairlift ride over the vegetation below. More days than not, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola has passing wild bears grazing below. Once at the top, head over to the Whitehorn Bistro for patio views overlooking the Bow Valley, Victoria Glacier, and Lake Louise.

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Whitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift, Banff National ParkWhitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift, Banff National ParkWhitehorn Bistro, Lake Louise Sightseeing Lift, Banff National Park
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Real Banff is an inside look at the events and activities around the park, brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Our mission is to have a post on pretty much everything that is available for you to do in Banff, Lake Louise and beyond.