Alberta Food Tours’ 2025 Guide to Banff
Alberta Food Tours’ 2025 Insider’s Guide to Banff
If Banff has been sitting on your bucket list for years, this is the article to read before you finally make it happen. You have probably heard about the dramatic mountain views, turquoise lakes, and world-class hiking. What most first-time visitors do not know is where to begin.
- Should you stay in Banff the whole time?
- Is it worth renting a car?
- Can you find peace and quiet without venturing too far off the map?
Local tips, stunning hikes, and where to stay for your first trip.
Karen Anderson, founder of Alberta Food Tours and a long-time local, shares her go-to recommendations for a first-time visit. She has spent years guiding travellers and helping them uncover the best of this region. Her advice will help you skip the guesswork and make the most of every day. This guide is perfect for couples or groups who want breathtaking nature, incredible food, and a low-stress plan to follow.
Fly into Calgary to start your trip
Most visitors begin their journey by flying into Calgary, which sits about 90 minutes from the park. If you are planning a week-long stay, consider arriving on a Friday and giving yourself a night or two in Calgary before heading into the mountains.
Kensington is one of Calgary’s most walkable and food-forward neighbourhoods. It is home to bakeries, markets, coffee shops, and a vibrant dining scene. That’s why Alberta Food Tours has a DIY food tour on an app called Alberta Food Finder in this neighbourhood.
They also run their Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour every Saturday afternoon. It’s in the heart of downtown and it’s a favourite for locals and travellers alike. You will meet chefs, try Alberta’s famous beef and a few dishes invented in Calgary. You’ll leave having enjoyed a true taste of the region.
Canmore makes an excellent home base
While Banff gets most of the attention, Canmore is just 20 minutes down the road and offers a quieter, more relaxed setting. For travellers who prefer to settle in one place, Canmore’s condos and lodges offer space, comfort, and access to a surprising number of excellent restaurants. Alberta Food Finder is also available here so you can get off the touristy beat and find where the locals eat.
It is also incredibly convenient. ROAM transit or FLIX buses can take you directly to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are two of the most iconic hiking spots in the Canadian Rockies. This means you can avoid parking hassles and still access the best of the park.
Want to stay somewhere remote and special?
If you enjoy moving around and waking up in new places, Karen suggests building your week around a few scenic lodges and hidden gems along the way. Here is her personal itinerary for a week of hiking, fresh food, and views you will not forget.
Start at Mount Engadine Lodge
This secluded lodge sits in a quiet valley just outside Canmore. Guests are welcomed with charcuterie boards, served gourmet dinners and breakfasts, and sent off with lunch for the trail. Right across the road is the Chester Lake trail, or you can take on Burstall Pass, one of the most iconic hikes in the region.
Next stop: Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows
These cozy cabins sit right on the trail to Johnston Canyon’s famous waterfalls. Be sure to hike beyond the falls to reach the lesser-known Ink Pots, an incredible series of brilliant blue-green pools tucked into a mountain meadow.
Other scenic stays nearby:
- Storm Mountain Lodge
- Castle Mountain Chalets
- Baker Creek Mountain Resort
- Paradise Lodge
Each of these has access to excellent hiking. Storm and Castle Mountain give you easy access to Bourgeau Lake and Lake Louise. If you go VERY early to Lake Louise, you can hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse and then up to Little Beehive for an unforgettable view.
Go Further: Drive the Icefields Parkway
Even if you are not heading all the way to Jasper, the drive to Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway is one of the most spectacular in the world. Stay at the recently renovated Lodge at Bow Lake to experience quiet beauty and meaningful hospitality. This is where the Bow River begins, a source you can trace all the way back to Calgary.
End the trip in Banff
It is always nice to end your trip with a little luxury and easy access to restaurants and shops. The Juniper Hotel offers mid-century modern vibes and a restaurant with panoramic views. If you prefer to be in the center of town, the Moose Hotel and the newer Otter Hotel are both excellent picks.
Shhhh!! Good Folk at the Otter is one of Karen’s new favourite places to eat.
Even if you do not stay there, a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a must. Alberta Food Tours runs their Eat the Castle experience inside this grand hotel, giving you access to the food, the stories, and the scenery without booking a room. If you love historic hotels and fine dining, this is the best way to experience it.
A few hikes to remember
Karen shared her favourite trails for first-time visitors who want beauty without intensity. Here are three to consider:
Spray River Loop Trail
A peaceful hike that follows the river in a beautiful 12 Km loop. The trailhead is just behind the Banff Springs Hotel. Great for a relaxing day or an afternoon walk.
Tunnel Mountain Trail
A short but rewarding climb with panoramic views of the Bow Valley. Karen likes to do this trail in the evening to unwind after a long day.
Chester Lake or Burstall Pass
Both accessible from Mount Engadine, these are ideal for travellers who want a mix of challenge and scenery.
Final tips from a local
- Banff is stunning from late June through early October. It is less crowded October through May.
- Book key experiences and accommodations early! The Eat the Castle tour sells out months in advance.
- If you are not a fan of driving, ROAM buses are reliable and easy.
- Pack layers. The weather can shift quickly in the mountains.
- Leave space in your itinerary for slow mornings and spontaneous stops.
Banff is not just a national park. It is a place where time slows down, views stop you mid-sentence, and the air feels different the second you step outside.
If this is your first trip, you are in for an unforgettable experience.