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Pick Up and Picnic in Banff National Park

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Jul 13, 2021
A picnic spread including a charcuterie board and sparkling water on a blue checkered blanket

When seeking fresh mountain air, it only seems fitting that your getaway is a breeze. Let Banff National Park’s world-renowned restaurants take the stress out of meal planning for your trip to the park. Just order, pick up, and picnic as you combine iconic sights with delectable bites and relax in settings as dynamic as the food selections. It’s time to celebrate summer with a perfect picnic in the park.

Lake Minnewanka Loop

The Lake Minnewanka Loop offers a plethora of picnic options for couples and families; including iconic picnic spots such as Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Johnson Lake. You can’t go wrong with any site as you will be surrounded by mountains and turquoise lakes. The Royal Canadian Lodge offers a perfect pairing for this peak setting. Their Picnic in the Park Package creates a seamless experience including your room and a takeaway charcuterie picnic for two. Pick up your packed Charlton Resorts reusable bag featuring cured meats, cheese, a baguette, pickles, brownies, and a bottle of sparkling water. This convenient offer allows the ultimate flexibility as you catch the Roam Route 6 bus to the Minnewanka Loop – no driving or searching for parking necessary.

*Visitors not staying at the hotel may call and order for takeout. Must be booked in advance.

Vermillion Lakes

One of Banff’s most peaceful locations is also the perfect spot for a summer picnic. Combine wildlife spotting and great views, all just a short walk or bike from the Banff townsite. If you are heading to the lakes, we encourage you to take your bike a bit further to one of Banff’s hidden gems to pick up your picnic from the Juniper Bistro.

The Juniper Bistro’s Picnic Lunch includes a sandwich, granola bar, fruit, and drink – everything needed for a day of adventuring and sightseeing. With this packable grab-and-go option, you are ready to bike or walk down to picturesque Vermillion Lakes.

*Pre-order required (24-hour notice).

Two cyclists ride their bikes down Vermilion Lakes Road.Two cyclists ride their bikes down Vermilion Lakes Road.Two cyclists ride their bikes down Vermilion Lakes Road.

Tunnel Mountain

Maclab Bistro at the Banff Centre features the largest outdoor eating area in the Bow Valley. Take advantage of open green spaces and enjoy a special takeaway menu. You can savour your delicious meal looking out over the Bourgeau Range. Be sure to bring your blanket or camp chair, or find a seat at the picnic tables and Muskoka chairs.

You'll find an assortment of healthy, creative comfort food inspired by fresh local ingredients. Signature dishes include house-made burgers, flatbreads, and the famous Cobb Salad, plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Picnics at Maclab BistroPicnics at Maclab BistroPicnics at Maclab Bistro

Cascade Gardens and the Bow River

Cascade Gardens overlooks Banff Avenue from in front of the historic Parks Canada building and is the perfect setting for your lunch from Banff’s very own castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. You are invited to stock up for your day of adventure with a gourmet picnic lunch from STOCK. This takeout offer includes a beverage, sandwich, side salad, and snack.

Another convenient picnic option is anywhere along the majestic Bow River. With benches spread out all along the path from Bow Falls to Vermillion Lakes, you are sure to find the perfect spot for your pickup picnic.

You can find some fabulous picnic options just a few blocks away from the river on Banff Avenue. Stop into The Radiant for a Picnic Date for Two featuring a full charcuterie or vegan charcuterie, your choice of salads and desserts, as well as refreshing options such as beer, soda, or cocktails.

Similarly, pick up and picnic has never been easier with Park Distillery’s Picnic in the Park featuring a large Caesar salad, two Park burgers + fries, and a smoked s’more to share!

Eddie Burger Bar also invites you to Picnic in the Park with Eddie as you enjoy an order of deep-fried pickles; and two Eddie classic burgers + fries.

Central Park & Rec Grounds

You can find some of Banff’s hidden gem picnic options on the newly renovated Bear Street. Swing by Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant, where you can pick up two pizzas of your choice as well as two pints of Three Bears beer included in their Picnic for Two.

It doesn’t matter if you get your picnic from Banff Avenue or Bear Street, it’s just a short walk to Central Park or the Rec Grounds on the other side of the Bow River. Relax in open green spaces and lay out a picnic blanket. Or find a picnic table and enjoy your fill of views and food.

Arriving to Central Park with a Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant takeout bagArriving to Central Park with a Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant takeout bagArriving to Central Park with a Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant takeout bag

Lake Louise

Did you know there is more to Lake Louise than the two lakes? You can find plenty of space to relax and unwind at picnic locations that aren’t in the hustle and bustle of the Lake Louise shoreline. Baker Creek Mountain Resort, just a short ten-minute drive from the lakeside, invites you to enjoy a quintessential rocky mountain picnic either in their log cabin bistro; or along Baker Creek in one of the many fireside dining areas. *Baker Creek Bistro is temporarily closed. Please visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Similarly, the Lake Louise Inn is happy to offer a convenient and diverse picnic offering to accompany your day of adventuring and exploring. Once you’ve got your grab-and-go options, head to nearby hidden gems such as Corral Creek or Herbert Lake.

Baker Creek BistroBaker Creek BistroBaker Creek Bistro

*Please remember to pack out everything you take in, including all takeout packaging and cups. This helps keep the park beautiful and safe for us all (including our wild neighbours)

Delaney Johnston

Delaney Johnston

She's all about adventures. If Delaney isn't hiking to the peaks of mountains, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, then she's trying something new or diving into ice-cold lakes. Delaney, one of our valued Visitor Experience members is all about providing visitors with accurate information from personal experiences. When she's not in the great outdoors, you'll find Delaney at one of the local bars or restaurants indulging in a few beverages.