Follow Banff's Hot Chocolate Trail
Things may look a little different in 2020, but we’ll still be celebrating the holidays in Banff and Lake Louise! Stay tuned for more information – we’re working on the best way to keep visitors and locals safe this festive season.
Whether you’re a kid at heart or are visiting Banff and Lake Louise with kids of your own, sipping on a steaming cup of hot chocolate is a must this Christmas season!
And we’re not alone in the sentiment either. Stop by these eight cafes and restaurants to try their unique spins on the famous winter-loving drink. Make sure to share your foodie snaps with #MyBanffChristmas for your chance to win a trip to Banff and Lake Louise for Christmas 2020!
Wild Flour & Little Wild
If you’re strolling Banff Ave or Bear Street, there’s no excuse not to cozy up at Little Wild or Wild Flour - where everything is made from scratch. Their hot chocolate is made from rich Belgian chocolate derived from whole-roasted beans and blended with perfectly frothed milk. You can even add a shot of peppermint syrup to give it a festive twist.
Don’t forget to grab a freshly baked gingerbread cookie to dunk in your creamy hot chocolate.
STOCK Food & Drink
Prefer yours with a little kick? Try STOCK’s Mayan Hot Chocolate. It’s made from crumbled dark chocolate and almond milk with a little added spice from red chili and cinnamon. If you want to kick it up another notch, add a shot of Amaretto.
Park Distillery
Here’s another one for those kids at heart! Park Distillery’s Park Double Dutch mixes your choice of their expertly distilled Park espresso, vanilla or chili vodka with plant-based Double Dutch Dark Chocolate, and an optional dollop of whipped cream.
For the actual kiddos, this drink can be made zero proof so everyone can enjoy it.
The Juniper Bistro
The Juniper Bistro has us hooked on the mingling of these two Canadian favourites - maple nut and hot chocolate. Their signature cocktail is paired with local Park Maple Rye Whisky, Frangelico, hot chocolate, whipped cream, and toasted marshmallow.
Nourish Bistro
Warming you up on those cool winter nights is none other than Nourish Bistro’s Hot Chocolate Chili Chai Delight. Partnering with local Banff Tea Co, their vegan and gluten-free hot chocolate is a blend of a chocolate chili chai tea, chocolate almond milk and a medley of secret spices. You can choose to add whipped cream or a shot of your favourite liquor, too.
Good Earth Coffeehouse Banff
A classic holiday favourite, Good Earth Coffeehouse serves up a Candy Cane Hot Chocolate. Blending rich dark chocolate and peppermint syrup, this scrumptious drink is topped with whipped cream and candy cane sprinkles.
For mom and dad, try the Candy Cane Caffe Mocha Espresso instead.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Best enjoyed by a roaring fire is Baker Creek’s The Creek Hot Chocolate. A blend of hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps, whipped cream, and freshly crushed candy canes - there’s no better way to warm up after a winter adventure.
Banff Gondola
Baby, it’s Chili Outside and you can’t blame us for heading into the observatory at the Banff Gondola for a hot beverage. Their take on the classic includes Canmore’s Le Chocolatier Gourmet Hot Chocolate, house-infused Wild Life Distillery Chili Vodka and is garnished with homemade whipped cream and cinnamon.
Once you’ve warmed up enough, explore the observation deck for even better views!
The Balkan Restaurant
The perfect nightcap is The Balkan’s Hot Chocolate Rasta. The classic hot chocolate is topped with a mixture of Kahlua, Malibu coconut rum and shaved chocolate. For an after-dinner drink and dessert, we recommend ordering it with a side of their famous Baklava!
