48 Hours in Banff: A Culinary Experience

Banff may be celebrated as one of Canada’s most beautiful natural wonders, and while that is certainly true, it also happens to be an exquisite foodie destination. Home to a variety of delectable restaurants, Banff is the perfect place to sample traditional and unique Canadian cuisine. From farm-to-table offerings to wood-fired fare, wild game plates, and meals with a view, here’s a complete list of the best places to eat (and the best things to do) during 48 hours in Banff, Canada.

Farm & Fire Restaurant

Get your fill of local farm-to-fork specialties at Farm & Fire, where almost everything on the menu is wood-fired or slow-roasted. Open for brunch and dinner, this contemporary restaurant is the perfect addition to your 48 hour Banff itinerary.

Brazen Restaurant 

Sample one of Banff’s newest restaurants located at the Mount Royal Hotel. Dedicated to the town’s original explorers, Brazen offers a mix of old-world and modern Canadian cuisine. 

Sky Bistro

Grab a bite to eat and take in the views from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Accessible only via the Banff Gondola, Sky Bistro serves a variety of Canadian-inspired meals for lunch and dinner. 

Reservations here are highly recommended and can be made up to thirty days in advance!

Banff Gondola 

Enjoy the ride on your way up to Sky Bistro and take in all the sights the gondola has to offer. 

Banff Avenue

Spend an afternoon wandering along Banff Avenue, the town’s main pedestrian zone. Here you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars set within some of the town’s most historic buildings.

Lake Minnewanka 

Get outside and explore Banff’s second-largest lake. Located close to town, Lake Minnewanka is the easiest and best lake to visit during a 48 hour stay in Banff. Here you can partake in various activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, and picnicking. 

 

Bow River 

Go for a stroll along Bow River and enjoy the sights you see along the way. If you venture far enough, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of Bow Falls.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site 

Learn more about the town’s history and discover the natural hot springs that led to the creation of Banff National Park. While swimming and bathing are not allowed here, you are welcome to explore the cave and visit its museum.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Take a break and relax in the natural hot springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open year-round, this popular attraction is perfect for any 48 hour stay in Banff, regardless of the season.

Stay at Mount Royal Hotel

Located in the midst of town, Mount Royal Hotel is perfect for a 48 hour stay in Banff. In addition to its close proximity to the town’s most popular attractions, the hotel offers several unique amenities, including an on-site museum, library, and roof-top hot tubs.  

Bonus Tips

Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind when planning your 48 hours in Banff. 

Transportation 

You’ll most likely fly into Calgary International Airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away from Banff. If you’d like to avoid renting a car, there are several shuttle services that you can utilize. Brewster Express, for example, is a great one that features new coach buses and on-board Wi-Fi.

Packing for the Weather

The weather in Banff varies greatly from season to season. While summer is pleasantly warm and sunny, winter can get quite cold and snowy. As such, it’s best to plan accordingly, so you can make the most of your 48 hours in Banff. Generally speaking, you’ll want to bring lots of layers during the spring and fall months, adding on additional winter wear such as hats, mittens, and scarves for the cooler months. Meanwhile, you can usually get by in summer with shorts, t-shirts, and other lightweight clothing.

References:

• Farm & Fire: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/dining/farm-fire/ 
• Brazen Restaurant: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/dining/brazen/ 
• Sky Bistro: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/dining/sky-bistro/ 
• Banff Gondola: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
• Banff Avenue: https://banff.ca/1146/Banff-Avenue-Pedestrian-Zone 
• Lake Minnewanka: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/lake-minnewanka 
• Bow River: https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/bow-river-trail-to-bow-falls 
• Cave & Basin National Historic Site: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/caveandbasin 
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: https://hotsprings.ca/banff/ 
• Mount Royal Hotel: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/mount-royal-hotel/ 
• Brewster Express: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/brewster-express/