Mountain air equals a mountain appetite. There’s no better way to start or end a mountain adventure than with tasty food and refreshing drinks both of which are abundant in Canmore, so much so that it can be an overwhelming choice to decide where to eat.
Canmore is where I eat and play. From vacation splurging to budget savings here is what you need to know and where to go for great drinks, eats, and treats in Canmore. There are a lot of offerings, so the places mentioned are either local favourites, the most popular with visitors, or Canmore classics.
Best for the Budget: Bella Crusta
Best for Coffee: Beamer’s
Best for Happy Hour: Bridgette Bar
Best for Lunch: Communitea
Best for Lunch To Go: Harvest Cafe
Best for Pizza: Red Rock Pizza
Best for Ice Cream: Old School Bus Ice Cream
Best for Brunch: Chez François
Best for Pastries: La Fournil Bakery
Best for Baked Goods To Go: JK Bakery
Best for Craft Beer: Canmore Brewing Company
Best for Cocktails: Where the Buffalo Roam
Best Dining View: Take your pick…Murrieta’s, Iron Goat, Malcolm, Tank 310
Best Overall Dining Experience: Crazyweed
The first thing to know about eating in Canmore is that if you’re not into late-night dining, make reservations if they are available. The next thing to know, the next best find is just down the street, as new restaurants are continually opening.
| PRICE REFERENCE GUIDE | |
| $ | Inexpensive (under $10) |
| $$ | Moderate ($11 – $25) |
| $$$ | Expensive ($26 – 40) |
| $$$$ | Very Expensive (over $40) |
VISITING BANFF AND NEED A GAME PLANE? CHECK OUT OUR ITINERARY.
The Blake is a restaurant as well as a brewhouse and distillery (which I didn’t realize the first time I went). Located in a former car garage it has a chill modern, industrial atmosphere. On hot days, in addition to patio dining, the garage doors are opened to create an open-air atmosphere. It can be noisy so not conducive for ‘quiet’ dining but great for families! Save room for dessert to enjoy their unique flavoured homemade ice cream.
Officially called the Stirling Dining Room, Canmorites refer to it as the Malcolm (if you ask for directions for the Stirling Dining Room you might get a blank look). The Malcolm provides a casual dining experience with something for everyone, even the kiddos. It offers a huge outdoor patio to enjoy summer views on its Creekside Patio, and in December a fantastic Festival of Trees display. If you’re in the mood for upscale fancy, order from The King’s Table which offers a fine dining experience of 3 to 5 courses.
HAPPY HOUR: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (food menu and 25% off drink menu)
Canmore loves the Crazyweed. A staple in the community for 20 years, with its rustic charm, and great food it never disappoints. Ask a local where to eat and the Crazyweed is the response you’re likely to get.
HAPPY HOUR: Daily 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (50% off doughs (pizza) + drinks)
The place to go for a cozy, rustic meal in a log building. While not designated seafood dining it has a lot of it on the menu, and provides a Thursday night mussels special.
HAPPY HOUR: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (25% off the entire dining experience).
A local staple, the Iron Goat’s spectacular views, inside and out, are complemented by its charming, rustic interior. The tasty menu has something for everyone, including plenty of gluten-free options. Parking is limited but their website offers great nearby options within walking distance.
Great place to head after a vigorous mountain day. With a chill, inviting atmosphere with a marvellous outdoor patio this is a choice place for a casual lunch or social celebration. As it’s located away from the main town, it’s not as crazy. Add in tasty food and delish wine and it’s the perfect place to relax.
Murrieta’s is known for its fantastic mountain views. Great for wine, the menu, atmosphere, and ‘girls’ night out’.
HAPPY HOUR: Monday to Friday 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Despite the Filipino name, this is not a Filipino restaurant. It’s more of an international food and flavour fest, great for those looking for an interesting eating experience Received a ‘Best in the Bow’ Gold for their Sukiyaki fries.
HAPPY HOUR: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (25% off appys and wine by the glass, $2 off beer and cider)
Don’t Miss: Should You Stay in Banff or Canmore? A Local’s Advice
The Flatbread is another place that sees regular line-ups outside the door. It specializes in traditional wood-fired pizzas but also has pasta and can accommodate gluten-free and vegan diets. While it doesn’t provide delivery you can order take-out.
Red Rock provides all the traditional pizzas plus some unique combinations like the ‘Fun Guy’, ‘Electric Grizzly’, and ‘Buddha Gouda’. Enjoy outdoor patio seating where you can sit with your furry pet, grab take-out or get delivery. This place gets busy. Place orders early or expect a wait.
Rocket Pie specializes in Neopolitan style pizza baked in a stone-fired oven that can be paired with local craft beer, ciders, and cocktails. It offers in-person and patio dining as well as take-out service. The best is access to free parking and EV charging. This is a great place for apres ski or post hike appetites.
The Harvest Cafe is the best! They have the yummiest wraps and paninis, and their carrot cake and cinnamon buns (only available on weekends) are dreamy. When it comes to lunchtime catering this is a top pick as there are options for vegan and gluten-free diets. This counter-serve cafe is on the small, cozy side so getting a spot can be tricky. In the summer there’s a patio where you can enjoy a cold brew (yes, it’s licensed). Furry friends are welcome.
If you’re craving healthy, tasty, and environmentally friendly, visit this modern trendy establishment for breakfast, lunch, and tea. They specialize in bowls and wraps for every diet. I’m a big fan of the Yoga Bowl and BLT Panini. Most of the dishes are served with seasoned popcorn as a side.
The place to go for fresh breakfast, lunch bagels, and bagels with spreads. The perfect option for a grab-and-go breakfast or lunch. At the end of the day stop by for the end-of-day bags of bagels for sale.
Chez François is best known for its breakfast, particularly its eggs benedict but the waffles, pancakes, and crepes are also fabulous. Their breakfast is so popular it’s available all day. Expect 30-minute waits or longer on the weekends. Chez François is only open for breakfast and lunch.
A local and visitor favourite, Beamer’s yellow and black coffee cups have been gracing Canmore for 25 years. Beamers offers a variety of coffee options and yummy baked goods, most notably their giant muffins which are a meal in themselves. I recommend visiting the original location on 7th Avenue.
The Summit Cafe is a happening place with a fun, low-key vibe with creative table markers – we had a t-rex but I’ve seen Marvel action figures too. It’s a small space that can feel cozy or claustrophobic depending on how busy it is. Seating is better in the warmer months when the patio opens. It offers grab-and-go lunch boxes, which is a great option if you don’t have time to wait for a table.
JK Bakery has two locations. The most popular is located on 7th Avenue as it has easy access adjacent to Main Street. It’s great for soup and sandwiches. The cherry cheesecake danishes and scones are morning favourites. JK is also a popular lunch catering option for local business lunches.
A local specialty coffee roaster that offers smooth coffee, espresso, chai lattes, moccachino, and more in a quiet, spacious place with modern decor. It’s a great place to go to relax or work while sipping java.
Most people don’t think of going to a bike store for coffee. Too bad for them – the Bicycle Cafe is a favourite for local coffee lovers. It’s the only place in Canmore that serves Monogram coffee.
Gaucho’s has a casual atmosphere with an upscale price tag. It’s the perfect place to sample a variety of Brazilian cuisine in a cozy social atmosphere. It offers a unique serving experience where patrons order their meal ‘sides’ (the pineapple & cucumber salad was a big hit with my family) while servers come to tables offering different selections of meats on skewers…they don’t stop until you tell them to which is done by flipping a marker on the table. It’s like a buffet that’s brought to your table. Ensure that you bring a big appetite and lots of time.
Where art meets food, The Sauvage, offers a unique fine-dining experience in an intimate setting. While the restaurant is considered fine dining feel free to wear what you like (it’s a great opportunity to fancy it up in the mountains). With a fixed multi-course menu, patrons choose between ‘The Hunter’ or ‘The Gatherer’ offerings, complete with wine pairings. Menu items change according to the offerings of the season (so everything is fresh) which means the menu posted online might not be what’s offered. The Sauvage is a must-try for food enthusiasts and those seeking a taste adventure.
Quickly scaling the ranks of one of Canada’s top restaurants, at änkôr choose between a 6-course tasting menu or your own 3-course adventure from the seasonal menu in an elegant, intimate atmosphere (and easy parking). Specialty cocktails complement the creative food offerings and Canadian craft brews. Various offerings are suitable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Visit 4296 for a fun unique food with an emphasis on cocktails in an intimate, amazing atmosphere. The 4296 menu is another multi-course fixed menu that changes with the seasons. The food is served as it’s prepared and is meant to be shared with the table. Connected to 4296 is a secret panel door that leads to Bar Deja Vu, a moody, energetic speakeasy, that conjures up the most amazing cocktails while serving samplings from the 4296 menu. The dress code is Come As You Are.
Guide includes shuttle, bus, and tour options as well as reservation windows
This is hugely popular with the student population for its tasty focaccia pizzas and sandwiches at an affordable price. Voted Best in the Valley Sandwich it’s also the best place for bubble tea.
Craving ramen? This is the best place in Canmore (and Banff because there’s one there too). This is another hot spot for students due to the lower cost, big portions, and great taste. This is a small establishment, but you can order online for pick-up.
Located in the day lodge at the Canmore Nordic Centre you can’t beat the view of the Cornerstone Cafe. This is the perfect spot to hit after partaking in one of the area’s many activities. Cornerstone is a catering company so you get to enjoy great food at amazing prices for value. My favourite is the smoked tomato soup and grilled cheese, but the poutine also gets a thumbs up.
HOT TIP: Order the kid’s meal. It’s generous enough to fill the average human appetite at half the price.
The Bridgette Bar is the ‘go to’ place in Canmore. With an upscale modern interior, it has a swanky mountain vibe but is still welcoming to everyone. It’s best known for its fabulous pizzas and great Happy Hour deals. If it’s busy (a 45-minute wait is not uncommon) consider taking a spot at the bar where you can chat with the chef and score yourself an extra scoop of rum sauce if you order the ‘to die for’ banana pie.
HAPPY HOUR: 2:00 – 5:00 pm (half-price pizza and beverages)
This quaint ‘happening’ local favourite always has something going on so check the website before going to find out the evening’s entertainment. It gets super busy and festive in the evenings. For a quieter experience consider stopping by for lunch or at happy hour. Minors are welcome until 10:00 pm with a cool kids menu that includes the ‘I don’t want that’ picky platter or the ‘ I don’t want dinner’ waffle.
HAPPY HOUR: 2:00 – 4:00 pm (40% off all food and drink)
Fergus & Bix is new to Canmore and will appeal to the adventurous eater looking for a great bar experience. The menu is standard pub fare and entrees made from fresh eclectic ingredients (the Oven Roasted House Wings are delish). The menu is appropriately complemented by 10 to 12 craft beers from Western Canadian brewers on tap and 2 IPAs on tap – the wine selection is similarly diverse to complementary
HAPPY HOUR: 2:30 – 5:30 pm, 9:00 pm to close.
It’s hard to miss this Main Street saloon because it looks vintage 1800s with an upscale country atmosphere. The menu and tasty cocktails and global tapas are not. Supplied with local craft producers and craft brewers. While space is limited inside, there’s plenty on the patio.
A local staple, the Drake has been the party place of Canmore for decades. If you’re looking for Karaoke, live sports viewing, live bands, and a games room while enjoying local brews and classic foods this is the place to go. During the day, with its outdoor deck, this is an alternative to standing in line at the Grizzly Paw.
HAPPY HOUR: 2:00 pm -7:00 pm Sunday to Friday
Favourite local spot for post-activity beer and nachos, the menu has expanded so it’s now a popular restaurant. The original location on Main Street is a two-story mountain cabin with the option of outdoor dining. Dogs are permitted on the street patio. While the Griz is best known for its beer, it also makes delish craft soda.
Tank310 has a more varied menu with steaks, chicken, and pasta meals. This family-friendly restaurant has amazing views of Ha Ling, Rundle, and Three Sisters mountains.
A Canmore favourite, there will typically be 12-15 beers on tap. It’s a popular post activity spot, for the beer lover. There is no restaurant option, it does offer a light snack menu featuring warm pretzels or you can bring in your own food or order pizza to your table). There’s plenty of seating inside and out on the heated patio. This family-friendly establishment is a great place for hosting events due to its spacious interior and awesome staff.
Sheep Dog is as chill as it gets. It’s tucked away in an industrial area on the sunny side of Canmore, as a result, it’s often overlooked for visitors. Locals love it for its ever-changing beer menu. Dogs love it because they’re allowed inside on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Oct to May). This brewery is also family-friendly. Best of all it’s Roam transit accessible on Route #5.
It doesn’t get more homegrown than Wild Life Distillery. Created by two locals born and raised in Canmore and Banff, the pair matched Scottish distilling knowledge with Bow Valley roots to create spirits representative of the area. Stop by the warm, cozy tasting room for innovative and creative drinks from their cocktail menu that highlight their craft spirits. Distillery tours are also available.
HAPPY HOUR: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm weekdays ($8 cocktails/$5 canned cocktails)
DISCOVER: How to Spend One Day in Kananaskis, Canada
Stop by BeaverTails to enjoy a warm, flat, deep-fried, over-the-top Canadian pastry adorned with every delectable topping imaginable. Mix and match to create your own heaven. Bring your appetite or a buddy for sharing because for most these things are big and filling.
Buy ice cream and other cold treats out of a converted school bus. There’s a variety of changing flavours offered in a cone (yes, there’s waffle) or cup. There is limited outdoor deck seating, but most people take their treats to go. This is a seasonal offering.
Local homemade ice cream in unique flavours, that’s just ‘lovely’ but don’t expect to eat this like a traditional cone. This ice cream comes in a cup with the cone on top (it’s so pure, it’s not made with stabilizers) or enjoy it as an ice cream sandwich (super delish!). Gluten-free options available.
People salivate walking by La Fournil – it’s that mouth-watering. While serving as a coffee shop and cafe, La Fournier is listed here for what it excels at, which is their stand-out pastries (to die for croissants) and baked goods. Tucked away in a business plaza by the hospital it often gets overlooked. It is a bit pricey compared to it’s counterparts so for locals it’s a sweet indulgence.
Mmmm….gourmet handmade chocolate in all shapes, sizes, and flavours.
If you’re looking for a taste of Canada start with these Canadian traditions:
While not a food, there’s nothing more quintessentially Canadian than going to “Timmie’s’ and ordering a ‘double-double’ (coffee with 2 cream and 2 sugar). No one admits to going but everyone does which is why there’s a Timmie’s in almost every Canadian town. Canmore has two locations: at the west end gas station near the visitor center, and in the Save-On-Foods grocery store.
Canadians and their donuts…these are over the top.
Canadians love their fries and gravy covered in cheese. Try it at Cornerstone Cafe, The Grizzly Paw, The Drake, and Chez Francois.
A chocolate confection with cashews that looks like bear claws. Try one at Le Chocolatier.
Visiting Banff and need a game plan? Check out our itinerary.
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times.
BANFF TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about Banff National Park, check out our Banff Homepage
THINGS TO DO: Don’t miss all that Banff has to offer including Lake Louise, Banff Hot Springs, the Cave and Basin Historical Site, and shopping downtown
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Find out how to get to Banff and what reservations
you may need
WATCH: Enjoy videos of gorgeous Banff National Park while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Banff YouTube Playlist
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.
Receive weekly newsletters updating you on the Best of the West including: essential travel tips, park updates, stories, and our favorite things to see and do.
