The Bear Street Beat: Exploring one of Banff’s Most Vibrant Streets
- Jul 27, 2021
Adventures big and small in Banff National Park carry their own moments of exploration and discovery. You might expect this from the hiking trails around Banff, but the same spirit is alive and well in the heart of town. Find it on Bear Street, a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. The studios, shops, and cafes that line the street are quintessentially Banff and should be included on every stroll through town.
This row of delights recently underwent a beautification and has now re-opened in a pedestrian-friendly space with your favourite classics and new options to explore!
Mountain-Made Coffee
Wrapping your hands around a velvety latte is a guaranteed way to slow down the pace and transition to mountain time. Pair your artisan coffee with a breakfast sandwich at Banff National Perk, freshly-baked focaccia of the day at Wild Flour Bakery, or a signature slice of German strudel at JK Bakery.
Boutique Fashions & Salon Happenings
The shops and salons you’ll find along Bear Street are bursting with character. Shop for authentic activewear at Lole Banff or trendy accessories at House of Angelica. Don’t miss the cozy apparel on offer at Rocky Mountain Flannel Company, and the surprises you might find at The Last Temptation Vintage. You can even surprise your sweetheart with flowers from Forget-Me-Not-Flowers or Banff Mountaintop Flowers. If you’re looking for more than retail therapy, the talented stylists at B-Towne Salon or Botega Salon & Gallery will look after you well.
Wellness & Wonder
Get your mountain legs moving at Summit RX; then, you’ll have a well-deserved opportunity to ground yourself with a visit to one of Banff’s expert massage therapists or estheticians. Check out Body Concepts Esthetics & Massage or Cedar & Sage Co. for bodily benefits that are the perfect complement to the fresh mountain air.
Guides to Adventure
You might not be ready to stray from Bear Street yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think about what’s around the corner. Sign up for a locally-led e-bike tour with White Mountain Adventures or go further afield with a bicycle rental from Banff Adventures, Banff Soul Ski & Bike, or Snowtips Bactrax. And if you’re ready for next-level adventure, stop by CMH to learn more about their heli-skiing and heli-hiking trips.
Eat on Bear Street
Fuel up for exploration with a taste of Montreal at Banff Poutine, locally-famous pizza at the Bear Street Tavern, or vegetarian cuisine at plant-based eatery Nourish Bistro. Or, spend your afternoon relaxing on a patio at Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant. If you’re winding down your day, choose from a number of Banff’s top restaurants for dinner: Saltlik, Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine, or The Bison.
Indoor Entertainment
Visit Eureka Banff Escape Room Adventures for a mountain twist on escape room antics and learn something about the Canadian Rockies while you’re at it. Catch a film at the Lux Cinema for a trip down memory lane, where the plush red seats will take you back in time to the childhood magic of movie theatres.
Alpine Artisans
The art galleries of Bear Street are deeply rooted in mountain culture and worthy of their own tour. Start on the corner at Canada House Gallery, wind your way over to Willock & Sax Gallery and back across the street to Brandon T. Brown, and finish at Carter-Ryan Gallery.
All the Essentials
In case you haven’t found what you’re looking for yet, chances are you still won’t have to go beyond Bear Street. Stock up at Spiritleaf, Fire & Flower, Townhouse Groceteria, or Townhouse Liquor. You’ll even find two staples of the Banff community here - the long-standing Gourlay’s Banff Pharmacy and the classic Standish Home Hardware. Still haven't gotten your fill of beautiful Bear Street? Brewster's Mountain Lodge is located in the heart of downtown with easy access to all of the exciting offerings along Bear Street. This is the perfect accommodation choice if you're searching for something cozy and convenient.
