Summer Foodie Getaway
- 7 Days
- 24 Experiences
Dining on mountaintops, outdoor patios, a cowboy cookout and historic teahouses are just a few of the highlights you can expect from this culinary mountain getaway. Enjoy the best of the outdoors and a thriving restaurant scene as the two collide for this unforgettable foodie escape to Banff and Lake Louise.
For the best experience we recommend spending five nights in the Banff area and two to three nights in the Lake Louise area.
Who's it For?
- Travelling Foodies
- Culinary Couples
- Adventurous Eaters
When to Go
- June - October
Trip Itinerary
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise
With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.
Learn about getting here.Day 01
Begin your Banff exploration on a high note by dining at the Juniper Hotel's renowned bistro. Treat yourself to an evening of culinary delight amidst the backdrop of majestic mountain views as you savour dishes that pay homage to the region's culinary heritage, thoughtfully crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Day 02
Start your day with a hearty and delicious brunch at Farm & Fire and then enjoy an easy morning in Banff exploring downtown and shopping. Head out to the Lake Minnewanka Cruise in the afternoon for the Beer Voyage where you'll be able to sample beers from local breweries while enjoying a scenic boat cruise. Finish your day with an Italian feast at LUPO, which was named one of 'Canada's 100 Best' restaurants for 2023.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
After brunch take a quick walk to the downtown shopping area of Banff Avenue.
Public Transit
Distance: 14km
Use Roam Route 6 from downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka.
Day 03
Enjoy breakfast or brunch at Bluebird and be sure you order the soufflé pancakes, even if it's just a side serving, you won't regret it! In the afternoon get ready for a western themed adventure as you head to the historic 3 Mile Cabin via horseback or wagon for a delicious steak dinner.
Day 04
Get ready for another day of scenic dining adventures in Banff. First stop; The Maple Leaf Steak & Seafood for brunch featuring fresh dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Next head to the Banff Canoe Club for a leisurely paddle to Vermilion Lakes. In the afternoon head to Banff's very own castle, the Fairmont Banff Springs for a guided food tour. And if you've still got room for more, finish your day at Shoku Izakaya with traditional and modern Japanese fare plus an irresistible cocktail menu.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Take a short walk down to the canoe docks. We suggest leaving your car at the hotel as parking is extremely limited near the docks.
Public Transit
Distance: 2km
Take Roam Route 2 towards the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 05
Visit Whitebark Cafe for some of the best coffee in town and grab a quick bite while you're there to fuel up for the day. Head into downtown and pick up a rental bike and then take a scenic ride along Vermilion Lakes Road. When you've worked up an appetite, head up to Mt. Norquay for a chairlift ride and a scenic dining experience at the Cliffhouse Bistro. Enjoy your afternoon and make your way back into town where you can plan for dinner at Chuck's Steakhouse, with the long summer days you can enjoy your Alberta Beef experience on their outdoor patio.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Walk a couple of blocks to downtown Banff where multiple bike rental stores are available.
Walk
Distance: 0.1km
The Cliffhouse Bistro is located at the top of the Mt. Norquay Chairlift.
Day 06
Get an early start as you head to Lake Louise for a day of hiking and breathtaking lakes. Take the scenic route via the Bow Valley Parkway and keep an eye out for wildlife. Use a shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort to get to Lake Louise and then start your hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse or if you're up for it you can join the trails together and make it a big 15km loop. When you're done catch the shuttle to Moraine Lake for one of Banff National Parks most iconic views and then check into your hotel in Lake Louise for the evening.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 60km
Drive from Banff to Lake Louise and then park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort where you can catch the Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise. You must book your shuttle in advance.
Walk
Distance: 3.4km
Enjoy this 6.8 km round trip hike on an easy to follow trail with moderate incline. Be prepared with water and snacks and cash for the tea house.
Walk
Distance: 5.3km
Enjoy this 10.6 km round trip hike on an easy to follow trail with moderate incline. Be prepared with water and snacks and cash for the tea house.
Day 07
Start your last full day in Banff National Park right with a breakfast wrap from local favourite Trailhead Café and then head to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you ride the gondola to the top and then choose from a variety of hiking trails or book in for a guided hike. Once you've worked up an appetite make your way to Whitehorn Bistro for gourmet dining with unbeatable patio views. Finish your foodie getaway with a memorable dinner at the historic Station Restaurant.
Walk
Distance: 2km
Central to most hotels in Lake Louise, Trailhead Café will likely be within walking distance.
Car
Distance: 5km
Make the short drive to the Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola where ample parking is available.
Walk
Distance: 400km
Whitehorn Bistro is just a short, scenic walk from the upper gondola station.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Cowboy Cookout + Wagon Ride
Paddle Vermilion Lakes
Eat the Castle Guided Food Tour
Bike Vermilion Lakes Road
Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail
Moraine Lake
Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Get a Park Pass
Make reservations for dining and activities
Learn about the best ways to get around
Check the weather forecast