7 Scenic Restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise
- Jul 2, 2024|
- Food & Drink
Dining and sky-high views go hand-in-hand with the Canadian Rockies. Both Banff and Lake Louise boast restaurants with spectacular outlooks over lakes, mountains and valleys.
The views are jaw-dropping in their own right, but when combined with a mouthwatering meal, they become part of an experience you'll never forget.
This post will give you insider tips on the best restaurants with a view in Banff National Park.
1. Sky Bistro
Sky Bistro is a unique dining experience in Banff National Park that incorporates an adventure at the Banff Gondola. Starting at the base of Sulphur Mountain, you'll ride the gondola for 8 beautiful minutes to the summit
At the summit you will be greeted with a multi-level interpretive experience that features a theatre, Parks Canada ecology exhibit, gift shops, and a rooftop viewing platform and the boardwalk experience to Sanson Peak.
Spend your time exploring before having lunch or dinner at Sky Bistro while overlooking the surrounding mountain peaks.
Local tip: go for dinner in the colder months when the sun sets early. Nothing beats a Rocky Mountain sunset from the top of Sulphur Mountain through floor to ceiling windows in Sky Bistro.
2. Juniper Bistro
Another one of three Banff restaurants on OpenTable Top 100 is the Juniper Bistro at the Juniper Hotel.
Perched at the beginning of Mount Norquay Road and overlooking Banff town, Mount Rundle, Vermillion Lakes, and the Bow Valley, the Juniper Bistro is the perfect place to relax after a day of adventures.
In winter, it offers a unique après menu to compliment a day of skiing, and in summer, the patio offers breathtaking views over the valley.
3. Eden at the Rimrock Hotel
The last of the three Banff restaurants to be featured in OpenTable Top 100 and the only five-diamond restaurant west of Ottawa, Eden is a fine dining experience like no other.
The butler-like service at Eden remarks a past-time era of elegance and class. Located on Sulphur Mountain, Eden overlooks Mount Rundle, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Bow Valley.
Eden has an inspired chef who has brought a unique flair from his years of international experience at top restaurants worldwide to the Rockies.
You'll find Eden in the Rimrock Hotel right beside the Banff Natural Hot Springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain.
4. Cliffhouse Bistro
Mt. Norquay's Cliffhouse Bistro is especially popular with the locals of the Bow Valley and is open early summer through fall and with limited hours in the winter.
This former tea house was renovated and reopened in recent years. During the winter, Mt. Norquay hosts moonlight dining experiences under the full moon.
Diners can enjoy three-course dining with wine pairings and local brews at the top of the mountain with views over Banff and Mount Rundle.
5. Lakeview Lounge
Located at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the Lakeview Lounge gives you a million-dollar view of none other than Lake Louise itself.
Perfect for winter dining before or after a skate, sleigh ride or snowshoe on Lake Louise, the Lakeview Lounge is where you can capture the perfect dining experience at one of the world's most famous lakes.
6. Whitehorn Bistro
Located at Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola, Whitehorn Bistro is open from spring to fall, and reopens when the ski season starts in November at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Enjoy elevated views of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise, and the valley bottom below across into British Columbia. If you want to really keep it local, they features local beer and a menu to suit any adventurer.
7. La Terrazza
Nestled inside the Banff Park Lodge in the heart of downtown Banff you will find La Terrazza.
The Italian menu features an Albertan twist that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
The panoramic windows and glass ceilings offer views that span from Sulphur Mountain to Mount Norquay.
Enjoy a glass of fine wine and savour dinner with a view.
So we said we would give you 7 scenic Restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise... But there's just so many that have amazing views!
We're going to sneak in two extra scenic restaurants for you to add to your ever-growing Banff bucket list!
8. MacLab Bistro
If you're like us, you love a hidden gem. MacLab Bistro at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity definitely fits the bill for both scenic and hidden!
Maclab have panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the outdoor patio, or from behind the comfort of floor-to-ceiling windows.
They open early for coffee and baked goods but word on the trail is that they do one of the best burgers in town for dinner!
9. Rundle Bar
Mt. Rundle is one of Banff's most impressive mountains, and there is no better vantage point than the bar named after it.
You'll find Rundle Bar in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , which is a must-see location in and of itself.
Book yourself in for Afternoon Tea, or order one of their many bespoke cocktails, and soak in the unique atmosphere that only the Fairmont can.
To learn more about the incredible dining options in Banff and Lake Louise, visit our Eat & Drink page.