Banff Vacation Rentals

Where to Eat on Your Banff Vacation

Dining in Banff is more than just grabbing a bite during a hike. There are plenty of elegant places to bring your loved ones, and the culinary scene is buzzing. At the rustic Maple Leaf Grille on Banff Avenue, you'll find typical Canadian dishes such as Albertan beef, BC salmon, East Coast cod, and Okanagan Wine Country salad. Savour dinner at the Bison Restaurant & Terrace and whet your appetite with seafood waffles, escargots, pork belly, and Peking duck.

Nourish, a vegetarian restaurant, offers tapas-style options such as stuffed mushrooms and gluten-free onion rings, while Eddie Burger & Bar is the go-to place if you're craving something more substantial – make sure to try the elk burger with avocado and gouda, or the poutine, a Quebecois indulgence of french fries and cheese curds. Reserve a table at Magpie & Stump for scrumptious quesadillas with pulled pork, chorizo, and shrimp tacos, and for your sweet cravings, stop by at Wild Flour Bakery on Bear Street and enjoy dark chocolate cake and macaroons. Evelyn's Coffee Bar serves great wraps, pies, and giant homemade cookies.

Banff, Alberta: An Ideal Vacation Destination for Nature and Art Lovers

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, on Bear Street, boasts wonderful works by Canadian and international artists dating back to 1800. Many focus on the Rockies, and there are even works by the famous Group of Seven. Influenced by European impressionism, these artists painted Canadian landscapes. Don’t miss the permanent collection about the story of Banff and the people who made a home in the mountains.

If you’re interested in natural history, visit the Banff Park Museum. Its exhibits, set in a former Canadian Pacific Railway building, consist of local minerals and plants and stuffed grizzly and black bears. Nearby is Banff National Park's birthplace, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where there are natural thermal springs.

Top Tips: Things to Do in Banff With Kids

1. Gondola Rides and Mountain Views

One way to witness the incredible mountain scenery of Banff National Park in all its glory is by taking the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. For a lot of kids, the nearly 2km-ride on the gondola is the highlight, but the breathtaking views ain't bad either!

2. Exploring Caves and Banff's Hot Springs

After rambling through the well-lit, spacious underground cave network that's accessible for kids aged 2 and up, relax and warm up in the natural thermal hot springs. You can also enjoy natural hot springs with incredible alpine views at Banff Upper Hot Springs if you really warm up to Banff's geothermal offerings.

3. Go for a Summer Paddle

Any active members in the family? Don't worry, Banff has more than enough world-class outdoor activity opportunities to tire out even the most hyperactive of children.

During summer, go canoeing at Lake Minnewanka, take a pony trek to spot local wildlife, or try one of the many kid-friendly hiking trails of varying difficulty crisscrossing Tunnel Mountain and Mount Cory. Kids will love the impressive glacier-fed Bow Falls, or you can explore the 3 beautiful Vermilion Lakes by bike.

4. Spend a Day on the Slopes

Of course, winter doesn't bring any decrease in outdoor family activities, with Banff's amazing array of family-friendly ski resorts. Depending on the age, ability level, and preference of your family, you might prefer the stunning views and steep slopes of Lake Louise to the gentle, easy-going pistes and family-focused facilities of Sunshine Village; or the smaller crowds and convenient location of Mt. Norquay might be the ticket.

Where to Enjoy Nightlife in Banff: From Bull Rides to Fruit-Infused Beers

Hang out with real cowboys, go bull riding, or sing karaoke at Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon, or head to the Elk & Oarsman to watch sports or listen to live music while sipping draught beer. The Dancing Sasquatch is a favourite night haunt, and at Banff Ave Brewing Co, you can sample bratwurst, burgers, salads, and Saskatoon-berry infused beer.

If you’re not interested in bars, there are plenty of activities on or off the slopes. Sign up for night skiing, skate on a frozen lake, or go for an evening ice walk at Johnston Canyon. Venture up to Lake Minnewanka to spot the northern lights then head back to the comfort of your cozy Banff cabin rental for some late night hot chocolate by the fire.

The Best Things To Do On Your Banff Vacation

Banff National Park's mountains and valleys offer infinite opportunities to watch wildlife, hike, climb, mountain bike, ski, or just commune with nature. Its 6,641 square kilometres of verdant mountains, lush meadows, and scenic waterways beg to be discovered.

Rent a canoe and paddle around Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, or the Vermilion Lakes, or bike the Spray River Loop. Cycling enthusiasts should also check out the route between Banff and Lake Louise, characterized by rolling hills, and hikers will want to explore the Bow River Falls & the Hoodoos Trail, which starts at the Bow River Bridge and goes to the back of Tunnel Mountain, past stunning forests and meadows. Not to be missed is Lake Louise, a breathtaking turquoise jewel surrounded by majestic mountains. About 13km to the southeast is Lake Moraine, another dazzling body of water – the Valley of Ten Peaks and the Tower of Babel form its stunning backdrop.