For relatively small towns, they present a monstrous choice of international cuisine for all palettes, complete with award-winning chefs to prepare it for you.
The ethnic cuisine encompasses: Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Southwestern, Swiss and, oh yes, Canadian. You can also find the regular franchise places and plenty of pizza houses.
We will start at the grocery store, and then sample a few of the many restaurants, moving up through the price range, in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis. Dress codes are the exception. Casual dining, is just that: blue jeans or your hiking clothes are fine. Also note, the casual, family dining establishments don't take reservations, so prepare for a wait on busy summer nights.
Grocery Stores
Kananaskis Village has a small grocery store in the village. Canmore has two major grocery stores downtown: IGA is the superstore and Marra's is the locally owned/operated friendly grocer, with fresh meat cut to your specifications.
Banff has two major grocery stores: Safeway is the superstore and Keller's is the locally owned/operated friendly grocer. These full-service grocery stores are open seven days a week, with hours from 8am to 9pm in the winter and 7am to 11pm in the summer. Lake Louise has a pricey, small grocery store in the Samson Mall.
Coffee, Light Meals, and Desserts
The land of cappucinos, muffins, fresh sandwiches and desserts till you drop. The locally baked goods are made from the finest ingredients. Most shops are friendly, family owned and operated businesses, and have outside seating for those exceptional blue-sky days. I haven't included addresses, because truthfully the locals wouldn't know either. The towns are small enough that if you ask, the friendly locals will guide you there (first left, around the corner, beside the big dog!, etc).
The Coffee Mine, Canmore
Fantastic, freshly made sandwiches and muffins. A downtown favorite with the locals.
Beamer's Coffee Bar, Canmore
On the #1A Highway beside Boston Pizza. Now a non-smoking atmosphere that serves Seattle's Best Coffee, and great light lunches.
Evelyn's Coffee Bar, Banff
Downtown local establishment renowned for its classic homestyle baking and superb coffees served in a warm, cosy atmosphere.
Jump Start, Banff
Near Central Park and the river trails. Coffees, muffins, soups and sandwiches. Picnic meals available to go.
Cilantro Cafe, Banff
On Tunnel Mountain, this cozy mountain cafe with outdoor patio. California and southwestern cuisine.
Laggan's Deli, Lake Louise Village
A Lake Louise tradition. Coffee, fresh baked goods, world-famous breads, soups and sandwiches. Eat in or take out.
Deer Lodge, Lake Louise (at the lakeshore)
A world renowned view, and a historic building are the setting for light lunches and exotic award-winning Canadian cuisine.
Pub Grub
The Rose 'n' Crown, Banff & Canmore
Aye laddie, get your fish 'n' chips here! The neighborhood pubs: cosy fireplace, rooftop patio (Banff), live entertainment, pool tables, darts and value-packed food.
Wild Bills's Legendary Saloon, Banff
Banff's only western restaurant and bar! Serious fun and serious value.
The Sherwood House, Canmore
Canmore's busiest outdoor patio with exceptional views of the surrounding
peaks, a fine restaurant, pub, and pizza house all in one.
Outpost Pub, Lake Louise
A favorite pub with most excellent burgers, a cosy fireplace, found in the Post Hotel.
Unusual, Awfully Good and Ethnic Eateries
Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff
High, open beam ceilings and hand-hewn timber. Canadian wild meats, exquisite presentation, complete with friendly, mountain hospitality.
Coyote's Deli & Grill, Banff
Casual dining featuring southwestern cuisine and fresh pastas.
Sushi House of Banff
A small, quaint choo-choo train delivers freshly made Japanese sushi and don buri (meal in a bowl).
Magpie & Stump, Banff
Mexico in the Mountains. On old west style restaurant and late nite Cantina. Casual comfort for family and friends.
The Bistro, Banff
Cosy spot popular with Bow Valley residents for lunch and dinner. Recommended by "Where to Eat in Canada.".
French Quarter Cafe, Canmore
Cajun and creole specialties, with an open kitchen that entertains as well, cooking classes and special live music nights.
Giorgio's Trattoria, Banff
Relaxing, casual, affordable. Italian specialities from our special woodburning oven. Reservations for groups of six or more.
Continental and Gourmet Establishments
Bumper's, The Beef House
A Banff tradition since 1975. Famous for Alberta Prime Rib & steaks, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
Lake Louise Station
Vintage rail cars and landscaped gardens compliment this turn of the century historic log station.
Le Beaujolais, Banff
Romantic, enchanting, impeccable. Recommended by "100 Best Restaurants of Canada". AAA Four Diamond Award winner. Dress code and reservations recommended.
Post Hotel Dining Room, Lake Louise
Housed in the original log building, this renowned restaurant offers modern and classic European delights. Dress code and reservations recommended.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
