Banff, Canada

Eating out in Banff, Canada

Good meals are easy to come by in Banff, though you must be prepared to stretch your budget a bit for them. Banff Avenue is lined with many restaurants specializing in everything from ethnic delicacies to fine local Alberta beef. Once you know what type of food you want, look around and choose your preferred ambiance among family buffets, boisterous bistros, or romantic elegance in a room with an unbelievable view.

Gourmet

Ristorante Classico never ceases to amaze. Fine Italian cuisine with New World influences and a selection of sublime, award-winning vintages elevate your senses. The dedicated staff pampers you through an evening of epicurean delights in a luxurious setting. The Sommelier's Table in the wine cellar is a swank option. Mountain Avenue Near the Hot Springs.

Highly Recommended

Le Beaujolais is Banff's most acclaimed restaurant, hailed by Bon Appetit and many others as "simply the finest in town," awarded Four Diamond-status by the AAA Guide, and granted the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. Enjoy classic yet innovative French cuisine, elegant décor, and a beautiful view. Corner of Banff Avenue and Buffalo Street.

Local Flair

Lake Louise Railway Station, built in 1909, is the oldest building in Lake Louise. Once the hub of community life, the Station is now beautifully restored and welcomes visitors to glowing fires and delicious family fare prepared with garden-fresh herbs. On sunny summer days, join a barbecue in the Station garden and play a game of croquet or bocce. Fine dinners are served in vintage railway cars, evoke the romance of a bygone era. 200 Sentinel Road.

Romantic

The Pines is rated as one of Banff's top three restaurants. The dining room overlooks a tree-studded park and Mount Norquay, with a décor of rustic elegance accentuated by pine wood, white linen, and paintings by local artists. Canadian cuisine includes Atlantic lobster, British Columbia salmon, duck, farmed deer, the famous Alberta beef, ostrich, and lamb. 537 Banff Avenue.

Going party in Banff, Canada

After-dark fun is rather limited, but what there is guarantees a great time. For starters, you can always go to the larger hotels and restaurants for entertainment of varying nature, but the best time is usually found in downtown Banff, where several saloons, pubs, and pool halls provide live music, dance floors, and a reliable crowd of energetic revelers.

Barbecue and Barn Dance

Put on your Stetson and mosey on down to an old-fashioned Wild West, foot-stompin' good time at Brewster Stables. Everyone is encouraged to kick up their heels, join in the country western dancing, and chow down on delicious grilled eats!.

Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon

Canada had its Wild West days too, and this is the place to catch the spirit. Toss back a sasparilla and sidle up for a bit of line dancing.

The Banff Centre

This is an internationally renowned cultural center that trains performers and presents events year-round, including music, dance, opera, theater, and film.

Silver City

Banff's version of restless, rebel youths are the regulars in this underground all-purpose pub, pool hall, and dance club. Music is alternately live and spun, and rocks 'till 2:00am.

King Eddy Billiards

This is where the chic crowd goes to savor a good cigar and sink one in the left corner pocket.

St James Gate Irish Pub

When all you want is a quiet place to sip a pint and have a good conversation with a friend or friendly stranger, this old-fashioned pub is the place to go.

Common events in Banff, Canada

Banff Winter Festival

This event is fun for everyone and includes an artwalk and cultural events, the Town Party, a Family Winter Carnival, silly and serious winter athletic contests, and nightly bar and social activities. A Banff tradition since 1917! January.

Springtime in the Rockies

Celebrate the history and legends of the Canadian Rockies with street dancing, packhorse and stock dog demonstrations, Native American heritage, and tall tales trail riders who first explored this mountain landscape. May.

Canada Day

Celebrating Canada's Birthday, this event includes various ethnic and cultural entertainment, food booths, parade, fireworks, and a concert in Central Park. July.

Banff Arts Festival

This festival presents some of the most progressive, exciting art in the world. From epic Canadian theatre to new opera, from jazz concerts to visual arts using new technology, this is culture for the body, mind, and soul! July-August.

International Banff Springs Wine and Food Festival A relaxed and congenial celebration of wine and food without pretence or competition. Novices enjoy this event as equally with connoisseurs. The wine and cuisine of a different nation are highlighted each year. October.

Banff Mountain Film Festival

One of the largest and most prestigious film festivals of its kind, this event previews and honors mountaineering/adventure films from around the world. Theme-related exhibits and seminars are part of the event. November.