Bow Valley Guestbook
Must See Spots
One of the most popular family-friendly day hikes in Banff National Park. Hikers are guided along canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases over the gorge to its upper and lower falls. In the wintertime, the waterfalls freeze over and become a popular spot for ice climbers, whom you can often see from the falls viewpoint. If you do visit this trail in the winter, consider renting ice cleats that strap onto your boots. You can find these at GearUp in Canmore or at Snowtips Bactrax in Banff.
Get there early to ensure you get a parking space and to beat the crowds. Also, while the trail does get very busy, only a small percentage of hikers continue another 3 kilometres to the Ink Pots - seven cold mineral springs bubbling to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Make the hike up there to get away from the crowds.
99 personas locales recomiendan
Johnston Canyon
Bow Valley ParkwayOne of the most popular family-friendly day hikes in Banff National Park. Hikers are guided along canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases over the gorge to its upper and lower falls. In the wintertime, the waterfalls freeze over and become a popular spot for ice climbers, whom you can often see from the falls viewpoint. If you do visit this trail in the winter, consider renting ice cleats that strap onto your boots. You can find these at GearUp in Canmore or at Snowtips Bactrax in Banff.
Get there early to ensure you get a parking space and to beat the crowds. Also, while the trail does get very busy, only a small percentage of hikers continue another 3 kilometres to the Ink Pots - seven cold mineral springs bubbling to the surface in the open meadows beside Johnston Canyon Creek. Make the hike up there to get away from the crowds.
This short picturesque trail is great for families and is one of Canmore's most popular hikes. Choose from the easy route which takes you up a gentle incline to the spectacular turquoise lake, or the more challenging wooded trail that passes by a waterfall and offers beautiful views of Canmore and Bow Valley (closed Wintertime). Plan for about one to two hours for this 4 km (2.5mi) hike.
155 personas locales recomiendan
Grassi Lakes
This short picturesque trail is great for families and is one of Canmore's most popular hikes. Choose from the easy route which takes you up a gentle incline to the spectacular turquoise lake, or the more challenging wooded trail that passes by a waterfall and offers beautiful views of Canmore and Bow Valley (closed Wintertime). Plan for about one to two hours for this 4 km (2.5mi) hike.
Known for its bear, moose and mountain goat sightings, this route takes you past Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka - three accessible and beautiful lakes with trails for exploring.
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive
Lake Minnewanka Scenic DriveKnown for its bear, moose and mountain goat sightings, this route takes you past Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka - three accessible and beautiful lakes with trails for exploring.
This year-round 4.3km scenic road offers wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking scenery of the impressive Mount Rundle. In the summertime, relax on one of the docks and soak up some sun!
13 personas locales recomiendan
Vermilion Lakes
This year-round 4.3km scenic road offers wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking scenery of the impressive Mount Rundle. In the summertime, relax on one of the docks and soak up some sun!
Created as a center for visitors to Banff National Park, the Town of Banff is known for its mountainous surroundings, hot springs and as basecamp for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Banff is a walkable town where you can explore shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Town Of Banff
110 Bear StCreated as a center for visitors to Banff National Park, the Town of Banff is known for its mountainous surroundings, hot springs and as basecamp for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Banff is a walkable town where you can explore shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
This historic hotel, styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle is a must-see. Catch a picturesque view from the Suprise Corner Viewpoint at the end of Buffalo Street. Explore the castle and enjoy classy dining experiences such as afternoon High Tea at Rundle Lounge and Wine and Charcuterie at Grapes.
46 personas locales recomiendan
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray AveThis historic hotel, styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle is a must-see. Catch a picturesque view from the Suprise Corner Viewpoint at the end of Buffalo Street. Explore the castle and enjoy classy dining experiences such as afternoon High Tea at Rundle Lounge and Wine and Charcuterie at Grapes.
Soak in Banff's steamy hot natural mineral waters! For a relaxing start to your day and to avoid evening crowds, consider visiting early in the morning. Visit hotsprings.ca/banff-upper-hot-springs more more information.
94 personas locales recomiendan
Banff Upper Hot Springs
1 Mountain AveSoak in Banff's steamy hot natural mineral waters! For a relaxing start to your day and to avoid evening crowds, consider visiting early in the morning. Visit hotsprings.ca/banff-upper-hot-springs more more information.
Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for epic panoramic mountain views and to explore the boardwalk, interpretative center, theater and events. Go for sunset!
86 personas locales recomiendan
Banff Gondola
100 Mountain AveRide the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for epic panoramic mountain views and to explore the boardwalk, interpretative center, theater and events. Go for sunset!
Castle Mountain
World-famous for its vivid turquoise waters and mountain backdrops, Lake Louise offer excellent "birds-eye-view" hiking opportunities as well as canoe rentals by summer and ice skating during wintertime.
371 personas locales recomiendan
Lake Louise
Lake Louise Lakeshore TrailWorld-famous for its vivid turquoise waters and mountain backdrops, Lake Louise offer excellent "birds-eye-view" hiking opportunities as well as canoe rentals by summer and ice skating during wintertime.
This glacial fed lake's captivating blue-green waters attract photographers and onlookers from around the world. The access road open mid-May and the vibrant colors peak in mid-June. During high season, the parking lot can fill by Sunrise! Plan your trip accordingly! You can reserve your spot on a Parks Canada shuttle by visiting pc.gc.ca.
127 personas locales recomiendan
Lago Moraine
This glacial fed lake's captivating blue-green waters attract photographers and onlookers from around the world. The access road open mid-May and the vibrant colors peak in mid-June. During high season, the parking lot can fill by Sunrise! Plan your trip accordingly! You can reserve your spot on a Parks Canada shuttle by visiting pc.gc.ca.
Local Foodie Favorites
Campfire-inspired cooking & small-batch spirits distilled in-house with free daily distillery tours.
16 personas locales recomiendan
Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
219 Banff AveCampfire-inspired cooking & small-batch spirits distilled in-house with free daily distillery tours.
Masala serves up brilliant Indian food in a classy but casual setting. The staff are super thoughtful and friendly, too. Go for the "all-you-can-eat" lunch buffet, 12:00 - 2:30. It's a great value and allows you try a variety of yummy curries and salads with rice, naan and samosas.
6 personas locales recomiendan
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
229 Bear StMasala serves up brilliant Indian food in a classy but casual setting. The staff are super thoughtful and friendly, too. Go for the "all-you-can-eat" lunch buffet, 12:00 - 2:30. It's a great value and allows you try a variety of yummy curries and salads with rice, naan and samosas.
6 bowling lanes, 3 pool tables, New-York style pizza and 48 craft beers on tap.
26 personas locales recomiendan
High Rollers
110 Banff Ave6 bowling lanes, 3 pool tables, New-York style pizza and 48 craft beers on tap.
Crazyweed Kitchen
1600 Railway Ave
Le fournil Bakery
101-1205 Bow Valley TrailA long-time local favorite for breakfast and lunch crepes and sandwiches
59 personas locales recomiendan
Chez Francois breakfast & brunch
1716 Bow Valley TrailA long-time local favorite for breakfast and lunch crepes and sandwiches
$12 lunch menu by day and unique fine dining experience by night.
24 personas locales recomiendan
The Sensory & Wit Bar
101-300 Old Canmore Rd$12 lunch menu by day and unique fine dining experience by night.
One of the Bow Valley's most romantic restaurants, using local and organic ingredients
73 personas locales recomiendan
Tapas Restaurant
633 10 StOne of the Bow Valley's most romantic restaurants, using local and organic ingredients
One of Banff's oldest establishments with tacos, nachos and tequila, plus a rooftop patio.
Magpie & Stump Restaurant
203 Caribou StOne of Banff's oldest establishments with tacos, nachos and tequila, plus a rooftop patio.
Small affordable and authentic ramen spot with excellent reviews
13 personas locales recomiendan
Ramen Arashi
215 Banff AveSmall affordable and authentic ramen spot with excellent reviews
Grapes
405 Spray AveA curated selection of house-cured meats, artisan cheeses, preserves and wine
Schnitzel and cheesy fondue in an atmosphere reminiscent of a rustic hunting cottage
Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub
405 Spray AveSchnitzel and cheesy fondue in an atmosphere reminiscent of a rustic hunting cottage
Whitebark Cafe
401 Banff AveFair-trade organic coffee with pastires, light fare and house-made granola to pair
Go Tuesday or Friday for a dinner extravaganza featuring bellydancing, plate smashing and Greek dancing.
Balkan Restaurant
120 Banff AveGo Tuesday or Friday for a dinner extravaganza featuring bellydancing, plate smashing and Greek dancing.
Recommended Family Dining
Delicious artisanal pizza with gluten-free and vegan options. Always makes for fun family style dining and kids will enjoy watching kitchen-staff bake their pizza in the wood fired oven. They've even do $2 refills of kids menu pasta!
99 personas locales recomiendan
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
838 10 StDelicious artisanal pizza with gluten-free and vegan options. Always makes for fun family style dining and kids will enjoy watching kitchen-staff bake their pizza in the wood fired oven. They've even do $2 refills of kids menu pasta!
Popular family friendly spot after a day of adventures with traditional fare, craft beer and handcrafted small-batch soda's. They've also got private "snugs" for large groups.
213 personas locales recomiendan
Iron Goat Pub & Grill
703 Benchlands TrailPopular family friendly spot after a day of adventures with traditional fare, craft beer and handcrafted small-batch soda's. They've also got private "snugs" for large groups.
Serves up a Pasta Buffet, Wing Wednesday and other family favorite menu items for breakfast lunch and dinner.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Patrinos Steak House & Pub
1602 Bow Valley TrailServes up a Pasta Buffet, Wing Wednesday and other family favorite menu items for breakfast lunch and dinner.
Family-owned for over 30-years, serving family-style menus, all-day breakfast with bottomless coffee, lunch and dinner.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Craigs' Way Station
1727 Mountain AveFamily-owned for over 30-years, serving family-style menus, all-day breakfast with bottomless coffee, lunch and dinner.
Chef Jose Castillo and Laura Matamoros were born in Mexico City and have been serving authentic and traditional Mexican cuisine in the Bow Valley since 2009. Gluten-free, vegan and kid friendly!
11 personas locales recomiendan
Aroma Mexican Restaurant Canmore
101-837 8 StChef Jose Castillo and Laura Matamoros were born in Mexico City and have been serving authentic and traditional Mexican cuisine in the Bow Valley since 2009. Gluten-free, vegan and kid friendly!
Family-owned for over 30-years, serving traditional family-style menus, all-day breakfast with bottomless coffee, lunch and dinner.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Craigs' Way Station
1727 Mountain AveFamily-owned for over 30-years, serving traditional family-style menus, all-day breakfast with bottomless coffee, lunch and dinner.
A casual restaurant with cajun and creole inspired, hearty homestyle cooking. You may also sample over 100 hot sauces!
8 personas locales recomiendan
Tooloulous
204 Caribou StA casual restaurant with cajun and creole inspired, hearty homestyle cooking. You may also sample over 100 hot sauces!
From-scratch Southwestern and Mediterranean with something for everyone in a casual atmosphere. Kids love to sit at the bar and watch the chefs!
Coyotes Southwestern Grill
206 Caribou StFrom-scratch Southwestern and Mediterranean with something for everyone in a casual atmosphere. Kids love to sit at the bar and watch the chefs!
Banff's most popular steakhouse for over 30 years serving family friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Melissa's MisSteak
201 Banff AveBanff's most popular steakhouse for over 30 years serving family friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Outpost Pub
200 Pipestone RdComfortable English-style pub with a warm fireplace and traditional pub fare
Dining with Dietary Preferences
A popular community hangout offering vibrant salads, soups, sandwiches and bowls with local, organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
128 personas locales recomiendan
Communitea Cafe
117-1001 6 AveA popular community hangout offering vibrant salads, soups, sandwiches and bowls with local, organic, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
This is a wonderful restaurant with a 100% gluten-free menu and uses low to no preservatives, fillers and MSG. Their menu features sushi, tapas and mains including a Teriyaki Bison Burger, Wild Fish and Chips and Fragrant Green Curry. They're also very welcoming to families and groups!
28 personas locales recomiendan
Wild Orchid Bistro
1818 Mountain AveThis is a wonderful restaurant with a 100% gluten-free menu and uses low to no preservatives, fillers and MSG. Their menu features sushi, tapas and mains including a Teriyaki Bison Burger, Wild Fish and Chips and Fragrant Green Curry. They're also very welcoming to families and groups!
Eclectic cuisine with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian options
6 personas locales recomiendan
Elita Restaurant
107-743 Railway AveEclectic cuisine with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian options
Saloon-style and local, gluten-free, vegetarian options
160 personas locales recomiendan
Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon
626 8 StreetSaloon-style and local, gluten-free, vegetarian options
Delicious artisanal pizza with gluten-free and vegan options
99 personas locales recomiendan
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
838 10 StDelicious artisanal pizza with gluten-free and vegan options
This is a fun space with fresh and inventive vegetarian cuisine and raw, organic and gluten-free options. They also have decadent desserts and throw great parties.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Nourish Bistro Banff
211 Bear StThis is a fun space with fresh and inventive vegetarian cuisine and raw, organic and gluten-free options. They also have decadent desserts and throw great parties.
A seasonal and local farm-to-table menu featuring both plant-based and big game meals. Go for the patio or live music Thursday Evenings 6-9pm + Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm.
15 personas locales recomiendan
The Bison Restaurant
211 Bear StA seasonal and local farm-to-table menu featuring both plant-based and big game meals. Go for the patio or live music Thursday Evenings 6-9pm + Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm.
Homey spot with sandwiches, salads, soups, baguettes and treats with natural, local, organic ingredients
7 personas locales recomiendan
Wild Flour Bakery
211 Bear StHomey spot with sandwiches, salads, soups, baguettes and treats with natural, local, organic ingredients
Bear Street
Bear StreetPizzas, sandwiches and cast iron dishes with gluten-free and vegetarian options
A classy but casual spot with vegetarian specialties and a superb lunch buffet
6 personas locales recomiendan
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine
229 Bear StA classy but casual spot with vegetarian specialties and a superb lunch buffet
Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly authentic mexican
11 personas locales recomiendan
Aroma Mexican Restaurant Canmore
101-837 8 StGluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly authentic mexican
Dining with a View
Perched at the summit of the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain, this destination restaurant serves a distinctively Canadian menu with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors also enjoy a collection of adventures such as mountain-top sunsets and stargazing, the interpretive center and theater, a 1km mountaintop boardwalk and gathering around rooftop fire pits. Call to make a reservation.
12 personas locales recomiendan
Sky Bistro
100 Mountain AvePerched at the summit of the Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain, this destination restaurant serves a distinctively Canadian menu with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors also enjoy a collection of adventures such as mountain-top sunsets and stargazing, the interpretive center and theater, a 1km mountaintop boardwalk and gathering around rooftop fire pits. Call to make a reservation.
Inspired by creativity, sustainability and culinary diversity, this restaurant at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has one of the best views in Banff. It is also one of the 100 Best Restaurants in Canada on OpenTable. Check the Banff Centre events calendar if you're visiting!
6 personas locales recomiendan
Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar
107 Tunnel Mountain DrInspired by creativity, sustainability and culinary diversity, this restaurant at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has one of the best views in Banff. It is also one of the 100 Best Restaurants in Canada on OpenTable. Check the Banff Centre events calendar if you're visiting!
Serving consciously sourced, handcrafted Canadian cuisine and cocktails in one of Banff's most stunning settings, the Juniper Bistro is a wonderful spot to feast and relax after a day's adventure. Visit for their famous daily brunch, voted Best in Banff by Bow Valley locals!
Juniper Hotel
1 Juniper WayServing consciously sourced, handcrafted Canadian cuisine and cocktails in one of Banff's most stunning settings, the Juniper Bistro is a wonderful spot to feast and relax after a day's adventure. Visit for their famous daily brunch, voted Best in Banff by Bow Valley locals!
Bright by day, enchanting and intimate at night, the Rundle Lounge at Fairmont Banff Springs is a unique dining experience in a grand, historic Castle with a view. Go for the aesthetic and classy afternoon tea and pastries. Or, go for the burgers which have been voted best in the Bow Valley. Ask for a window seat!
Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray AveBright by day, enchanting and intimate at night, the Rundle Lounge at Fairmont Banff Springs is a unique dining experience in a grand, historic Castle with a view. Go for the aesthetic and classy afternoon tea and pastries. Or, go for the burgers which have been voted best in the Bow Valley. Ask for a window seat!
This three level timber frame restaurant features a great view of Three Sisters. They've got plenty of craft beer on tap, shareables like Ahi Tuna & Wonton Nachos, Chipotle Mayo Duck Wings and Coconut Shrimp Salad and hearty mains such as the Bison & Elk Game Burger, Game Meatloaf, Blackened Salmon and Chicken Bacon Fettuccine. They also host weddings and large groups.
213 personas locales recomiendan
Iron Goat Pub & Grill
703 Benchlands TrailThis three level timber frame restaurant features a great view of Three Sisters. They've got plenty of craft beer on tap, shareables like Ahi Tuna & Wonton Nachos, Chipotle Mayo Duck Wings and Coconut Shrimp Salad and hearty mains such as the Bison & Elk Game Burger, Game Meatloaf, Blackened Salmon and Chicken Bacon Fettuccine. They also host weddings and large groups.
This award winning, modern industrial converted car garage offers creative menu items with great views and plenty of room for walk-ins. If you're going as a group, call to make a reservation and ask for the loft dining room. Check out the seasonal bus-taurant in the summer.
66 personas locales recomiendan
BLAKE
810 Bow Valley TrailThis award winning, modern industrial converted car garage offers creative menu items with great views and plenty of room for walk-ins. If you're going as a group, call to make a reservation and ask for the loft dining room. Check out the seasonal bus-taurant in the summer.
Building on the success of their brewpub downtown, this new spot is Grizzly Paw Brewing Company's newest location with big views of Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle. It is the perfect spot for an IPA and flatbread at sunset.
28 personas locales recomiendan
Tank310
310 Old Canmore RdBuilding on the success of their brewpub downtown, this new spot is Grizzly Paw Brewing Company's newest location with big views of Three Sisters, Ha Ling Peak and Mount Rundle. It is the perfect spot for an IPA and flatbread at sunset.
Almost three decades in as a family owned business, Sage Bistro and Wine Lounge provides and intimate and rustic Canadian log cabin in the mountains vibe. Visit the classic and sophisticated bistro downstairs or the contemporary upstairs wine lounge and enjoy one of two distinct menus with ingredients from local purveyors.
39 personas locales recomiendan
Sage Bistro
1712 Bow Valley TrailAlmost three decades in as a family owned business, Sage Bistro and Wine Lounge provides and intimate and rustic Canadian log cabin in the mountains vibe. Visit the classic and sophisticated bistro downstairs or the contemporary upstairs wine lounge and enjoy one of two distinct menus with ingredients from local purveyors.
Catering
Healthy and delicious ready-made from-scratch meals, deserts and snacks you can bring home, to the ski hill or on a backcountry adventure.
32 personas locales recomiendan
An Edible Life
112 Kananaskis WayHealthy and delicious ready-made from-scratch meals, deserts and snacks you can bring home, to the ski hill or on a backcountry adventure.
Charcuterie Platters, Wellingtons, Turduckens, Fondue, Sausages and Marinated Meats for those big dinners from home.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Valbella Gourmet Foods
104 Elk Run BlvdCharcuterie Platters, Wellingtons, Turduckens, Fondue, Sausages and Marinated Meats for those big dinners from home.
Hiking Trails
Mount Lady Macdonald Trail
Mount Lady Macdonald Trail9.8km local favorite
Grassi Lakes Trail
Grassi Lakes TrailNearby must visit with easy and moderate options
Ha Ling Peak
7.9km prolific summit
Johnson Lake
Johnson Lake RoadEasy 3km loop with picnic areas
Bow River Trail
Bow River TrailBegin at Bow Falls and walk along the river to town
Lake Agnes
7.6km moderate hike to a teahouse