Dining in the Canadian Rockies
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Canadian Rockies, Canada.
Dining in the Canadian Rockies is about the destination. Visitors from across Canada and indeed the world don't come for the region's food but for its stunning national parks and a plethora of outdoor activities. Nevertheless, the Rockies' restaurants are anything but boring. Surrounded by jagged peaks and pristine lakes, Alberta's and British Columbia's mountain towns offer a platter of culinary choices: of cuisine, of budgets, of atmospheres.
WHAT TO EXPECT
To start with, the region's restaurants reflect its visitors, meaning diners can feast on everything from Swiss fondue to Japanese sushi. Add to that some local signature dishes like elk steaks, bison burgers and freshly caught trout and the result is menus diverse enough to rival those of cities celebrated for their restaurant scenes. And as many of the Rockies' communities are resort towns—drawing skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers in winter and anglers, golfers, mountain bikers and hikers in summer—eating establishments are part and parcel of the area's hotels, ski resorts and golf courses. Most are casual affairs—independent cafes, cosy pubs and bustling coffee shops—but there is no shortage of fine dining at luxury chateaus and upscale mountain lodges. Throw in some expected fast-food establishments and chain names, and dining in the Canadian Rockies offers the whole enchilada.
ALONG HIGHWAY 1
The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) crosses the Rockies and takes in the well-known destinations of Banff and Lake Louise as well as passing through the scenic communities of Canmore, Field, Revelstoke and Golden.
Banff and Lake Louise have carved out reputations as significant dining destinations not just in the Rockies, but in the whole of Canada. From Albertan steaks and traditional European favourites to Asian fusion and Californian-inspired cuisine, a whole range of global flavours tempts the taste buds.
While Banff's restaurants cover the range of budgets and atmospheres, it is the profusion of luxury fine dining that sets these two destinations apart from their counterparts in the Rockies. Exclusive hotels (including the Banff Springs Hotel, the Chateau Lake Louise and the Rimrock Resort Hotel) offer award-winning gastronomic experiences in extravagant surroundings, while dining with unparalleled views can be enjoyed on the summit of Sulphur Mountain overlooking Banff or at the Moraine Lake Lodge near Lake Louise.
Beyond the buzz of Banff National Park lie the communities of Golden and Revelstoke, both known for their ski resorts in winter and rafting and hiking in summer. Both are also similar in their restaurant scenes. Along the Trans-Canada in each town visitors will find strings of fast-food joints and family restaurants, while a short journey into either town centre exposes a limited but fine selection of contemporary mountain bistros and friendly pubs with live music. Further choices of eateries are available up the mountains at the year-round Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse Ski Resort in Golden.
NORTHERN ROCKIES
Jasper offers similar dining to that of Banff, albeit in less flashy fashion and at more family-style establishments. Like Banff and Lake Louise, many of Jasper's restaurants—particularly those offering slightly more sophisticated dining—are situated in the area's hotels, resorts and lodges. For a one-of-a-kind meal, the Jasper Tramway offers the experience of riding one of Canada's longest aerial tramways along with the opportunity to dine with awe-inspiring views of Jasper National Park's high alpine tundra.
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY & EAST KOOTENAYS
This region stretches from Highway 1 south to Highway 3 and, as the quiet side of the Canadian Rockies, offers tasty treats and affordable tabs.
At Radium Hot Springs and in Invermere-Windermere (along Highway 93), hungry patrons will find mostly independent eateries as there is hardly a drive-through or franchise restaurant in sight. Many are casual family restaurants, while fine dining can also be readily found at the area's hotels, golf courses and hot springs resorts.
Kimberley is a small ski town boasting a Bavarian theme throughout the town centre. Diners here can expect to find a smorgasbord of German-inspired dishes and Canadian favourites like poutine at no-frills, family-friendly tables, whereas a short distance away, Cranbrook is the region's commercial hub and is home to a full scope of dining options. A myriad of national chain restaurants and fast-food joints line Highway 3 and advertise all manner of standard North American fare such as pizza, burgers, wings and steaks, while the town centre boasts independent coffee shops and cafes. Alternatively, the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino offers something a little more exceptional with four distinct dining and drinking atmospheres.
SOUTHERN ROCKIES
Tucked away in the southern Rockies are two communities known for both their mountain and dining scenery—Fernie, BC and Waterton, AB.
Underneath Fernie's simple demeanor lies a subtle sophistication developed largely by the international crowd drawn to its busy ski resort and visitors will find an astonishing variety of flavours to savour, as well as upscale, contemporary dining. From cosy pubs offering fish and chips to a stylish Japanese restaurant or RAW-only establishment, diners can choose something casual, something trendy, something easy on the wallet or something special. For the latter, the Old Elevator Restaurant offers award-winning dining in town, while the Island Lake Lodge features exclusive dining and accommodation deep in the Lizard Range.
Across the Continental Divide, Waterton is a hidden gem in the Rockies. Largely a summer destination, the town is part of the spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park and the charming atmosphere of the township itself and its stunning scenery make for a feast of the senses. The Bayshore Inn—situated along the waterfront of Waterton's signature lake—features a burger barn and bistro, wine bar and trendy chophouse, or hungry patrons can indulge themselves in a hearty meal from one of several casual eateries throughout the centre.
Whatever the destination, the cuisine of the Canadian Rockies pairs rich regional cooking with cultural influences and majestic mountains, making the culinary experience a sweet and savoury delight. Bon appetite!
WHAT TO EXPECT
To start with, the region's restaurants reflect its visitors, meaning diners can feast on everything from Swiss fondue to Japanese sushi. Add to that some local signature dishes like elk steaks, bison burgers and freshly caught trout and the result is menus diverse enough to rival those of cities celebrated for their restaurant scenes. And as many of the Rockies' communities are resort towns—drawing skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers in winter and anglers, golfers, mountain bikers and hikers in summer—eating establishments are part and parcel of the area's hotels, ski resorts and golf courses. Most are casual affairs—independent cafes, cosy pubs and bustling coffee shops—but there is no shortage of fine dining at luxury chateaus and upscale mountain lodges. Throw in some expected fast-food establishments and chain names, and dining in the Canadian Rockies offers the whole enchilada.
ALONG HIGHWAY 1
The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) crosses the Rockies and takes in the well-known destinations of Banff and Lake Louise as well as passing through the scenic communities of Canmore, Field, Revelstoke and Golden.
Banff and Lake Louise have carved out reputations as significant dining destinations not just in the Rockies, but in the whole of Canada. From Albertan steaks and traditional European favourites to Asian fusion and Californian-inspired cuisine, a whole range of global flavours tempts the taste buds.
While Banff's restaurants cover the range of budgets and atmospheres, it is the profusion of luxury fine dining that sets these two destinations apart from their counterparts in the Rockies. Exclusive hotels (including the Banff Springs Hotel, the Chateau Lake Louise and the Rimrock Resort Hotel) offer award-winning gastronomic experiences in extravagant surroundings, while dining with unparalleled views can be enjoyed on the summit of Sulphur Mountain overlooking Banff or at the Moraine Lake Lodge near Lake Louise.
Beyond the buzz of Banff National Park lie the communities of Golden and Revelstoke, both known for their ski resorts in winter and rafting and hiking in summer. Both are also similar in their restaurant scenes. Along the Trans-Canada in each town visitors will find strings of fast-food joints and family restaurants, while a short journey into either town centre exposes a limited but fine selection of contemporary mountain bistros and friendly pubs with live music. Further choices of eateries are available up the mountains at the year-round Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse Ski Resort in Golden.
NORTHERN ROCKIES
Jasper offers similar dining to that of Banff, albeit in less flashy fashion and at more family-style establishments. Like Banff and Lake Louise, many of Jasper's restaurants—particularly those offering slightly more sophisticated dining—are situated in the area's hotels, resorts and lodges. For a one-of-a-kind meal, the Jasper Tramway offers the experience of riding one of Canada's longest aerial tramways along with the opportunity to dine with awe-inspiring views of Jasper National Park's high alpine tundra.
THE COLUMBIA VALLEY & EAST KOOTENAYS
This region stretches from Highway 1 south to Highway 3 and, as the quiet side of the Canadian Rockies, offers tasty treats and affordable tabs.
At Radium Hot Springs and in Invermere-Windermere (along Highway 93), hungry patrons will find mostly independent eateries as there is hardly a drive-through or franchise restaurant in sight. Many are casual family restaurants, while fine dining can also be readily found at the area's hotels, golf courses and hot springs resorts.
Kimberley is a small ski town boasting a Bavarian theme throughout the town centre. Diners here can expect to find a smorgasbord of German-inspired dishes and Canadian favourites like poutine at no-frills, family-friendly tables, whereas a short distance away, Cranbrook is the region's commercial hub and is home to a full scope of dining options. A myriad of national chain restaurants and fast-food joints line Highway 3 and advertise all manner of standard North American fare such as pizza, burgers, wings and steaks, while the town centre boasts independent coffee shops and cafes. Alternatively, the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino offers something a little more exceptional with four distinct dining and drinking atmospheres.
SOUTHERN ROCKIES
Tucked away in the southern Rockies are two communities known for both their mountain and dining scenery—Fernie, BC and Waterton, AB.
Underneath Fernie's simple demeanor lies a subtle sophistication developed largely by the international crowd drawn to its busy ski resort and visitors will find an astonishing variety of flavours to savour, as well as upscale, contemporary dining. From cosy pubs offering fish and chips to a stylish Japanese restaurant or RAW-only establishment, diners can choose something casual, something trendy, something easy on the wallet or something special. For the latter, the Old Elevator Restaurant offers award-winning dining in town, while the Island Lake Lodge features exclusive dining and accommodation deep in the Lizard Range.
Across the Continental Divide, Waterton is a hidden gem in the Rockies. Largely a summer destination, the town is part of the spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park and the charming atmosphere of the township itself and its stunning scenery make for a feast of the senses. The Bayshore Inn—situated along the waterfront of Waterton's signature lake—features a burger barn and bistro, wine bar and trendy chophouse, or hungry patrons can indulge themselves in a hearty meal from one of several casual eateries throughout the centre.
Whatever the destination, the cuisine of the Canadian Rockies pairs rich regional cooking with cultural influences and majestic mountains, making the culinary experience a sweet and savoury delight. Bon appetite!
Western BBQ Experience
Condo Hotel
Banff Area Cabins
Mountain Resort
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