Eat, Drink, Stay & Play in Banff Travel Itinerary

Breathtaking Banff is a must-see destination in the Canadian Rockies. But, with so much to do and see, it's hard to decide where to go and what to do, especially when you only have limited time. Discover the ultimate Banff travel itinerary to help you plan your upcoming trip. See where to eat, drink, stay and play in Banff and beyond.

Banff Avenue with Cascade Mountain in the background

Eat in Banff

There are plenty of delicious restaurants to try in Banff. Here are three of our favourites to suit all budgets.

Eat on a budget at Little Wild Coffee

Stop by Little Wild Cafe, a quaint nook nestled along Banff Avenue. This coffee shop is small but mighty, offering light pastries and gelato alongside barista made coffee using high quality roasted beans. It's a great place to start the day or stop for a tea break.

Eat for comfort at Tooloulou's

A personal favourite is cajun-inspired diner Tooloulou's. Head there for a cozy vibe and delectable diner staples like chicken and waffles, pancakes, cornbread and more Americana cuisine. Breakfast is served until 2:00 pm in case you want a sleep-in and the restaurant is open until late. It's not one to miss!

Treat yourself at The Prow

The Prow is an intimate dining space at Buffalo Mountain Lodge with a delicious menu of European and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Don't miss Monday night pasta night, with homemade pasta dishes on special for half price, and bottles of wine for 20% off.

Drink in Banff

Quench your thirst at one of these watering holes in Banff.

Drink on a Budget at Banff Ave. Brewing Co

Get a fix of locally brewed beer at Banff Ave. Brewing Co. Beers are brewed in-house and encapsulate the local Banff flavour. Plus, enjoy late-night specials from 9:00 pm every day, and daily specials every week.

Drink for Comfort at The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant and Bar

Located on Banff Avenue and boasting epic vistas from the balcony, The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant and Bar is a perfect end-of-day stop. They have an extensive menu of local and international drinks to keep you hydrated after a day of sightseeing. Sit back, relax and soak in the views of Cascade and Rundle mountains.

Treat Yourself at The Rundle Bar at Banff Fairmont Springs

Step inside the castle of Banff at Banff Fairmont Springs and make time to visit the Rundle Bar. Expect world-class service and a unique experience inside the library-themed bar. Try a specialty cocktail or two and relax in style.

Stay in Banff

Rest well at one of these comfortable accommodations in Banff, no matter your style!

Stay on a Budget at HI Banff

HI Banff is a great option for travellers on a budget, offering dorm bed and private room options. The hostel offers the usual creature comforts while also allowing travellers to customise their experience with a kitchen for cooking and other amenities available. One thing to note, is that the hostel is located up Tunnel Mountain Road which a bit out of town, so factor this into your travel plans.

Stay in Comfort at Hotel Canoe & Suites

Hotel Canoe & Suites is a great base for your Banff adventure. Located at the quiet end of Banff Avenue, this stylish hotel offers great views from every room (and free parking!) while being located out of the usual hustle and bustle of downtown. It's within walking distance to shops and restaurants, and has a bus stop right outside so you can easily get transport. Plus, the dual story hot tub is the perfect place to relax after a long day.

Treat Yourself at Banff Fairmont Springs

This goes without saying, but Banff Fairmont Springs is the place to be if you want ultimate luxury on your trip. Experience world-class hospitality in Banff's very own castle in the mountains and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer — restaurants, the Fairmont Spa, the golf course and more.

Play in Banff

Explore and have fun in nature's playground of Banff National Park!

Play on a Budget and Go Hiking

Banff is nature's playground and offers so much on its doorstep. Try hiking some of the many free trails accessible from town and soak up those mountain views. Or, try snowshoeing in the winter for an affordable snow experience.

After a busy day exploring, relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs in the mineral loaded natural spring. Run by Parks Canada, this is one of the oldest attractions in Banff, dating back to the early 20th century, and is a bargain at only $17.50 for all-day entry.

Play for Fun at the Banff Gondola

Head up into the clouds on the Banff Gondola and catch sweeping views of the Bow Valley and beyond atop Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy hiking up top or try hiking up or down from the Gondola for a more challenging experience.

Treat Yourself

Unwind with a mountain specialty treatment at the Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs. The spa offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, hair treatments and more. Take relaxation to the next level and bundle the treatments for an unforgettable luxe experience. Be sure to book ahead as spots book up fast!

Tee up at the Banff Fairmont Springs Golf Course. Consistently acknowledged as one of North America's best and most iconic golf courses, playing a round of golf here is considered a bucket list item for many. Choose from a round of 9 or 18 holes for a special experience golfing in the mountains. Book ahead for this one as well as the season is only from May to October and fills up quickly!

Go for a ski at one of two ski resorts nearby Banff. Banff's home mountain Mount Norquay is great for a quick trip up the mountain at only 8 minutes away by car, or spend the day at Banff Sunshine Village exploring new terrain above the clouds.

These are just some of the many activities on offer in Banff National Park. No matter the season, summer or winter, there's plenty to do and something for everyone in the lively mountain town.

For more travel planning, itineraries and guides, visit The Departure Desk — where every trip takes off.