Date Night in Banff: 10 Restaurants, Spas & Scenic Spots
Banff, Alberta is a great getaway for couples: you’ll find plenty of opportunity for serenity, peace & privacy nestled amongst the gorgeous Rocky Mountains of Canada. Today we’re exploring Banff National Park, the oldest and most well-known national park in Canada. There’s so much to see and in this list, we’re highlighting things to do when you’re on a trip for two.
WELCOME TO BANFF
The Town of Banff has everything you’d need in a resort town - boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants. If you’re driving, make sure to use their parking app for real-time updates.
MOOSE HOTEL AND SUITES / MEADOW SPA + POOLS
You’ll also find various accommodations in town and for this visit, we’re staying at Moose Hotel and Suites - a new upscale 4 star property that provides a warm & relaxing getaway just a few blocks away from Downtown Banff.
The hotel features traditional rooms and suites that have kitchenettes and everything you’d need for a comfortable stay.
There’s also an indoor pool, two roof-top outdoor pools and, for further pampering, there's Meadow Spa + Pools, offering a full range of services and access to a private outdoor hot pool.
CAVE & BASIN
If you’re interested in learning more about how Canada’s national parks came to be, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the place to start. Various trails and boardwalks guide you through the hot springs and mountains that form the birthplace of Canada’s first national park.
TWO JACK LAKE
There are too many spots in Banff to take in views and enjoy a picnic lunch but our favourite is Two Jack Lake. You’ve got water, a perfect view of the mountains, and of course, some friendly wildlife. Depending on the season, you can also hike, fish, dive, and camp on one of the secluded camp sites.
COYOTES SOUTHWESTERN GRILL
For a casual dining experience, check out Coyotes, serving up healthy creative cuisine with a southwestern flair. We tried the Mediterranean and Smoked Salmon pastas, they were made fresh and delicious.
JUNIPER HOTEL BISTRO
Or for something more upscale and decadent, visit the Juniper Hotel Bistro, tucked away a few minutes from Downtown. The view and the menu here are sure to impress - from squid to duck to Alberta beef, its high-quality handcrafted cuisine, made from scratch with a menu that changes seasonally.
BANFF GONDOLA AT SULPHUR MOUNTAIN
Sulphur Mountain overlooks the Town of Banff and while some may choose to hike it, we are taking the Banff Gondola.
With boardwalks and observation decks at an elevation of over 2,000m, Sulphur Mountain is the perfect spot to take in the incredible beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
You can learn more at the Above Banff interpretive centre, which also houses two spots to eat: the Northern Lights Cafe for more casual fare, and Sky Bistro - a sanctuary in the sky.
SKY BISTRO
The menu features the unique flavours of Canada with regionally-sourced local meats, produce & ingredients. And one of the best views in town.
CEDAR & SAGE CO.
After an afternoon of exploration, wind down at Cedar & Sage Co., a massage therapy and relaxation spa hidden away in Downtown Banff. It’s actually Banff’s only holistic lounge and in addition to a wide range of treatments, they offer nutrition consultations, yoga classes, and a juice bar.
LAKE LOUISE
You can’t visit Banff without making a stop into Lake Louise, one of the most iconic spots in Canada. During the winter, the turquoise lake freezes over, but the mountains are just as breath-taking. And for a different point of view, you can take one of several mountain hikes to the summit.
BLOCK KITCHEN + BAR
Block Kitchen + Bar serves up a tapas menu inspired by Asian and Mediterranean flavours, as well as some pretty cool cocktails. It’s a very intimate space with limited seating, but luckily there are plenty of shops and cafés around if you have to wait. Make sure to try the bison, and bring your appetite because the portions are pretty big - even to share.
So! Those are just some of the date spots to check out in Banff National Park but there are obviously a ton more. Let us know your favourite spots! See you next time… à la prochaine!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our video what you can do with 24 hours in Banff & Jasper.
