Dining
Banff and Lake Louise have developed great culinary reputations, with talented chefs creating delicious food of all types. If you enjoy food, you’re going to be well satisfied in Banff and Lake Louise. You can eat food from all around the world or choose to stay more local with the regional fare, known as Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine, which features seasonal produce and beef and bison from Alberta. Banff and Lake Louise also celebrate our foodie culture with annual events and festivals, such as Cochon555 in April, at Banff Gonola's Sunset Festival in the summer, during the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in late October through early November and Banff Craft Beer Festival in late November.
It can be difficult to choose with so many options. You could try classic Western-style steakhouses, fusion cuisine, fine dining, sushi, Thai, Swiss fondue, Italian, pub food, pizza, or vegetarian restaurants. Take a look at the member listings below to check out all of the restaurants, bakeries, fast food, delis, and cafés.
Après
After your day on the ski slopes or your hike in the hills, the natural next step is après. Banff and Lake Louise pride themselves on their après scenes - it could even be said to be a way of life around here. Spend a leisurely, late afternoon by the fire trading stories of your day and refuelling with drinks and appetizers. Take the family for hot chocolate at a mountain lodge. Enjoy the evening sunshine and a beer brewed with glacial water at a terrace table. Listen to upbeat tunes while kicking back at the base of a ski hill. Sip cocktails and meet new people at a plush hotel lounge. There are endless options.
Night Clubs, Bars and Lounges
After refuelling with a delicious dinner, your next stop will depend on your energy levels and mood. If you’re still in après-mode, there’s a variety of pubs and lounges throughout Banff and Lake Louise where you can keep the spirit of the day going with more relaxing by a fire, chatting with family and friends, and sipping on your favourite beverages. Try Rose & Crown, Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub, Elk & Oarsman Kitchen and Bar for live music, High Rollers for late night bowling, pizza and a selection of over 48 craft beers, Bear Street Tavern for locally-made craft beer, or for a more cosmopolitan feel, try The Vermillion Room or at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel or Alpine Social at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
If you feel like the night is still young and you have energy to burn, Banff Avenue in downtown Banff is a great place to dance and laugh the night away. Visit Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon for a true Canadian western experience or show off your tremendous dancing skills at the Dancing Sasquatch.
