Ski holidays in Banff

Banff is a lively town with over 130 bars and restaurants. From casual après-ski spots to gourmet experiences showcasing regional ingredients, the town caters to all tastes, budgets, and occasions. Whether you're craving fine dining with panoramic mountain views, a cosy pub with local craft beer, or a trendy cocktail bar tucked into the heart of the Rockies, Banff's food and drink scene is as diverse as its landscapes. 

Try some local craft beers at Banff Ave Brewing Co. They offer a great selection of drinks, some brewed on-site using pure glacier water. To top things off, there’s a solid menu of pub classics that hit the spot after a day outdoors.

High Rollers is a really fun evening spot for a game and a drink. Hit the ten-pin bowling alley or challenge your mates to a few games of pool. There's a wide selection of drinks and some great snack food on offer.

If you're looking for a bit of class, head up to the Fairmont Banff Springs and enjoy a touch of sophistication at Rundle Bar. Our recommendation: the signature Rundle Bar Gin cocktail, made in collaboration with Wild Life Distillery.

Many hotels have their own in-house restaurants, but if you're after some standout local Canadian food, hit up The Bison. Located in downtown Banff, the restaurant focuses on farm-to-table fare—highlights include locally raised bison, wild mushrooms, and creative vegetarian dishes, all served with panoramic mountain views from the dining room or patio.

Ready to get the party started? Banff is brimming with fantastic spots to kick off your après experience, and where better than the town's oldest bar, The Rose & Crown Banff. If the sun's out, head up to the rooftop patio to soak in the stunning mountain views. This iconic venue is famous for its live music, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails, with the party often carrying on into the early hours.

If catching the game is more your style, The Elk & Oarsman is the place to be. This local favourite is where people gather to watch the NHL, NBA, and NFL. For the Brits, don't worry, ask nicely, and they can usually find the English Premier League matches and possibly even the Six Nations. With screens dotted all around the bar, you won’t miss a moment of the action, unless, of course, a 101oz beer tower blocks your view.

As the night rolls on, you might feel the urge to hit the dance floor or belt out your favourite tunes. Melissa's has you covered. By day, it serves up mouth-watering steaks, but by night it transforms into Banff's largest live music venue. With live bands, DJs, and the ever-popular karaoke nights, the fun kicks off around 9pm and keeps going strong until 2am.

Banff’s shopping scene is as vibrant as its mountain views, with Banff Avenue serving as the main hub for everything from outdoor gear to locally crafted treasures. As you wander down the bustling street, you’ll find a blend of boutique stores, souvenir shops, and well-known outdoor brands.

For those looking to bring a piece of Banff back home, there are plenty of options. Local artisan shops feature handcrafted jewellery, woodwork, and unique home décor that capture the spirit of the Rockies. Rocky Mountain Soap Company is a must-visit for its all-natural, handcrafted products, perfect for gifts or a little self-indulgence.

If you’re after something truly Canadian, keep an eye out for local maple products, indigenous art, and cosy Canadian-made clothing. Many shops also carry beautifully designed postcards, prints of the Rocky Mountains, and Banff-branded apparel that make for perfect souvenirs.

Travelling is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate both body and soul, especially in Banff, where majestic mountains, serene lakes, and untouched wilderness create a landscape that inspires tranquillity. Amongst the vibrant townships and peaceful forests, you’ll discover countless ways to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Take the cable car up Tunnel Mountain for a breath-taking sunset view over the town of Banff, or find a quiet spot along the Bow River to relax with a book. For a deeper sense of calm, join a yoga or fitness class set against the stunning mountain backdrop. Indulge in a soothing spa treatment or immerse yourself in the blissful warmth of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a natural thermal spa where mineral-rich waters ease your muscles and refresh your spirit.

Whether you’re absorbing the stillness of the forest, stargazing beneath the crystal-clear skies, or soaking in the healing waters of the hot springs, Banff offers the perfect setting to relax, rejuvenate, and renew.

Banff was established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park and the third national park in the world. It began with the discovery of natural hot springs on Sulphur Mountain by Canadian Pacific Railway workers in 1883, which led to the area being protected as a 26-square-kilometre reserve. This grew into what is now Banff National Park, covering 6,641 square kilometres in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The town of Banff itself was incorporated in 1990, but its roots trace back to the late 19th century. With such a rich history, there plenty of places to visit.

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
This museum celebrates the heritage of the First Nations peoples of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. Exhibits include traditional regalia, decorated tipis, quillwork, and hunting tools, showcasing the resilience and diversity of Indigenous cultures.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Founded by artists Peter and Catharine Whyte, this museum preserves the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies. It features art collections, historical artifacts, and archives. Notably, it hosts exhibitions like "The Ancestors Are Talking – Paintings by the Indigenous Seven," highlighting Indigenous artistry.

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
Established in 1903, this is the oldest natural history museum in western Canada. It houses over 5,000 botanical and zoological specimens, offering insights into the region's natural history.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Situated in Treaty 7 territory, the Banff Centre offers programs for Indigenous artists across various disciplines. These programs emphasize cultural expression and are inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Guided Indigenous Experiences
Visitors can engage in activities such as medicine walks and e-bike tours led by Indigenous guides. These experiences provide opportunities to explore Indigenous arts, crafts, and histories first-hand and can be arranged at the local Tourist Information Centre.

Your Inghams Destination Expert is based in Banff but please be aware, there is no physical rep at the airport. All information will be provided in your travel itinerary to ensure you get your transfer.

Your Destination Expert is a local expert and works on behalf of Inghams to make sure you have an enjoyable holiday and everything runs smoothly. They aim to contact you within 24 hours of your arrival plus they will send you your Digital Resort Guide before you travel, which will be full of useful information about your holiday and ski area.