Canmore Dining Guide: The Bankhead Restaurant
Published by The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge | Canmore, Alberta
Table of Contents
Canmore is known for mountain views, outdoor adventures, and a food scene that gives visitors plenty of choices. After a morning on the trails, an afternoon exploring downtown, or a full day in the Bow Valley, finding the right place to eat can make the experience even better.
If you are searching for a Canmore restaurant that offers more than one type of meal, The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is worth considering. Located at 1602 2 Avenue in Canmore, Alberta, inside the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp, The Bankhead serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. Its menu combines Canadian favourites with dishes influenced by cuisines from around the world.
This Canmore dining guide looks at what you can expect at The Bankhead, from breakfast and lunch to dinner, drinks, family dining, location and parking.
Why The Bankhead Is Worth Adding to Your Canmore Dining Plans
When people search for restaurants in Canmore, they often have different needs. A couple may be looking for a relaxed dinner after exploring the Rockies. A family may want a restaurant with choices for children. Visitors heading out for a day of hiking may want a filling breakfast, while others may be looking for a comfortable lunch.
The Bankhead is designed to cover several of these occasions in one location.
The restaurant describes its approach as internationally influenced Canadian cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced food, trained professionals and environmental sustainability. The menu is divided into Canadian Kitchen and International Kitchen sections, making it easy to see the range of food available.
The restaurant was established in 2021 and its Canmore location is at 1602 2 Avenue, beside the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp. There is parking available in the hotel lot off 2nd Avenue, which can be especially convenient when you are driving into Canmore.
For visitors searching for a Canmore dining experience that can work from morning through evening, that flexibility is one of The Bankhead's main advantages.
Breakfast in Canmore: Start the Day With More Choice
Breakfast is an important part of a Canmore trip. Whether you are getting ready for a day in the mountains or simply want a relaxed morning meal, The Bankhead's breakfast menu offers both familiar favourites and international dishes.
The Canadian Kitchen includes classic breakfast choices such as Steak and Eggs, Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, steel-cut oats, a kale smoothie bowl, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelettes and breakfast poutine.
The Steak and Eggs comes with a 6-ounce AAA sirloin, two eggs prepared to your preference, toast, and a choice of crispy smashed potatoes or salad.
Eggs Benedict is available with several toppings, including back bacon, smoked beef brisket, smoked salmon, spinach, avocado and tomato, mushroom, regular bacon, or pulled pork with sriracha. That gives guests plenty of flexibility when choosing a classic breakfast.
For something lighter, the Steel Cut Oats include chia seeds, raisins and honey, while the Kale Smoothie Bowl includes banana, chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds.
International Breakfast Flavours
One of the more distinctive parts of The Bankhead breakfast menu is its International Kitchen.
You can order Turkish Eggs, also known as Cilbir, served with roasted garlic yogurt, chilli oil, sourdough and salad. There is also Shakshouka, made with eggs poached in a spiced tomato, pepper and onion mixture.
The menu also features a Masala Omelette with onion, fresh coconut, ginger, green chilli and curry leaf. Aloo Paratha offers a savoury potato-stuffed flatbread served with yogurt and salad.
Other international breakfast choices include Chinese-style Congee, Ful Mudammas with Halloumi Cheese, Egg Sadou, and chicken and waffles.
For travellers who want something beyond the usual pancakes and eggs, this international breakfast selection is one of the reasons The Bankhead stands out among Canmore dining options.
Lunch in Canmore: Casual Choices and Hearty Meals
Lunch is available from noon and offers a mix of salads, starters, sandwiches and main courses. This makes The Bankhead a practical option if you are looking for a Canmore lunch restaurant after a morning of sightseeing or outdoor activities.
The menu includes the Miner's Power Bowl, made with mixed greens, kale, beans, nuts, avocado, berries, vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette.
The Caesar Salad includes romaine, kale, croutons, bacon, roasted garlic dressing, cherry tomato, lemon wedges and Parmesan. Guests can add options such as chicken, shrimp, scallops or half an avocado.
If you prefer a sandwich, choices include:
Steak Sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Crispy Fish Burger
Blackened Chicken Burger
The Steak Sandwich features 6-ounce sirloin, ciabatta, mushrooms and onion rings. The Pulled Pork Sandwich combines smoked pork, BBQ sauce, a charcoal bun and coleslaw.
For a more substantial lunch, the menu also includes Blackened Atlantic Salmon, Chicken Supreme and Beef Bulgogi.
This range makes lunch suitable for different appetites. You can have a salad and keep things light, order a sandwich after an active morning, or sit down for a more filling meal.
A Canmore Restaurant With Global Flavours
One of the strongest features of The Bankhead menu is the variety of international influences.
The restaurant does not limit its international offerings to one cuisine. Instead, the menus feature dishes inspired by several culinary traditions.
For dinner, guests can find Beef Bulgogi, a Korean-inspired dish made with soy garlic and sesame-marinated beef, cellophane noodles and steamed rice.
The menu also features Oxtail Balbacua, a Filipino dish presented as a broth with oxtail, spices and aromatics, hazelnuts, almonds, chilli peppers, fish sauce and black beans.
Another international starter is Gamberetti Alla Puttanesca, featuring tiger shrimp in puttanesca sauce with sourdough bread. The Chopped Chaat Salad brings Indian-inspired flavours together with romaine, chickpeas, radish, cilantro and chaat masala vinaigrette.
This variety can be especially useful when dining with a group. Instead of everyone having to agree on one type of cuisine, different guests can choose dishes that suit their individual tastes.
Dinner at The Bankhead Restaurant
For visitors searching for dinner in Canmore, The Bankhead offers a larger evening menu with Canadian classics, Alberta beef, seafood, pasta, international dishes and desserts.
The Canadian Kitchen dinner menu includes several Alberta beef options.
Guests can choose from:
Alberta Beef Striploin, 10 oz
Alberta Beef Ribeye, 12 oz
Alberta Beef Tenderloin, 8 oz
Northern Gold Beef Tomahawk
Bison Short Rib
Braised Lamb
Blackened Atlantic Salmon
Smoked Pork Chops
Chicken Supreme
Surf & Turf
The steaks are served with mashed potato, vegetables and red wine demi-glaze. The Northern Gold Beef Tomahawk is listed as a 35-day-aged cut and is intended for two or more people.
For seafood lovers, the Blackened Atlantic Salmon comes with citrus-infused tomato bisque, brown butter gnocchi and vegetables.
The Surf & Turf combines a 10-ounce Alberta striploin with scallops and shrimp, along with mashed potato, vegetables and red wine demi-glaze.
There are also choices for guests who prefer something other than meat. The menu includes a Vegan Protein Loaf with roasted vegetables, squash puree and red wine reduction.
International Dinner Options
The international side of the dinner menu adds even more variety.
The Lobster Ravioli is served with creamy lobster bisque, tomato and Parmesan. The Quinoa Macaroni is marked gluten-free and can be served with tomato, cheese or rosé sauce. Guests can also add proteins to pasta dishes.
The Beef Bulgogi is another popular-style international option, combining marinated beef with cellophane noodles and steamed rice.
For starters, the Oxtail Balbacua and Gamberetti Alla Puttanesca give diners an opportunity to try something different before their main course.
This combination of Alberta ingredients and international flavours is central to The Bankhead's identity. The restaurant's website describes its food as internationally influenced Canadian cuisine, and the menus clearly reflect that approach.
Family-Friendly Dining in Canmore
Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family can be difficult when travelling.
The Bankhead includes a Mini Miners section on its menu with several child-friendly choices.
Options include:
Mac & Cheese
Buttered Dinosaur Pasta
Kids Chicken Fingers
Grilled Chicken Breast
The Grilled Chicken Breast comes with buttered broccoli and steamed rice, while the chicken fingers are served with French fries and plum sauce.
Having a dedicated kids' menu gives parents more flexibility when planning a family meal in Canmore.
Drinks, Coffee and the Lounge Experience
The Bankhead is more than a restaurant. It also has a lounge component, making it a place to stay for drinks and conversation after a meal.
The breakfast and lunch menu includes specialty coffee options such as espresso, cappuccino, Americano, iced cappuccino, flavoured latte and iced latte macchiato.
Guests can also try the Chef's Special Ginger & Cardamom Chai or Arabic Karak with Saffron.
For brunch, the restaurant lists cocktails including the Pitman Caesar, Mimosa, Canadian Coffee Cocktail, Tequila Sunrise and Blackberry Gin Hot Chocolate.
The dinner menu also includes dessert cocktails such as a Mudslide, Chocolate Martini and Espresso Martini.
Whether you are stopping in for coffee in the morning or looking for a drink with dinner, the beverage selection adds another part to the overall dining experience.
Desserts to Finish Your Meal
A good Canmore dining experience does not have to end with the main course.
The Bankhead's dessert menu includes the Golden Fig and Honey Pudding, a warm almond pudding with roasted figs, vanilla ice cream and brandy snap.
The Signature Chocolate Gateaux is listed as gluten-free and vegan and features chocolate mousse, chocolate soil, coffee cream and berry compote.
There is also a Mango & Berry Cheesecake served with fresh berry sauce and crushed French meringue.
For a special dinner or date night in Canmore, sharing a dessert can be an easy way to finish the meal.
Where Is The Bankhead Restaurant in Canmore?
The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is located at:
1602 2 Avenue Canmore, Alberta T1W 1M8, Canada
The restaurant is located inside the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp, on the southeast side of the hotel.
For drivers, the restaurant's location page says parking is available in the hotel lot off 2nd Avenue.
If you are coming from Highway 1, the restaurant can be reached through Bow Valley Trail. The official location page provides driving directions from both directions on Highway 1.
This location can be convenient for visitors who want to avoid spending time searching for parking before a meal.
Canmore Dining for Visitors and Locals
One of the things that makes Canmore dining interesting is the mix of visitors and local residents.
People come to Canmore for hiking, skiing, sightseeing, cycling, climbing and trips through the Canadian Rockies. A restaurant therefore needs to work for different types of guests.
The Bankhead's menu reflects that variety.
Someone looking for a traditional Canadian breakfast can order Steak and Eggs or Eggs Benedict. A guest looking for something different can choose Turkish Eggs, Masala Omelette or Aloo Paratha.
At lunch, diners can choose between salads, sandwiches and more substantial mains.
At dinner, the choices range from Alberta beef and bison to salmon, lobster ravioli, Beef Bulgogi and Oxtail Balbacua.
That breadth makes The Bankhead a useful option when a group has different tastes.
A Convenient Option for Different Occasions
The Bankhead can fit several types of Canmore dining plans.
For breakfast: Choose from classic Canadian breakfast dishes or international options such as Turkish Eggs, Shakshouka, Masala Omelette and Aloo Paratha.
For lunch: Try a salad, sandwich, burger or a more substantial main course.
For dinner: The menu expands into Alberta beef, seafood, lamb, bison, pasta and internationally influenced dishes.
For families: The Mini Miners menu provides familiar choices for children.
For groups: The restaurant offers group booking options at the Canmore location.
For a date night: The evening menu, lounge setting, cocktails and dessert selection provide the ingredients for a relaxed dinner.
For visitors driving through Canmore: The Northwinds Hotel location provides access to parking off 2nd Avenue.
Tips for Planning Your Canmore Restaurant Visit
If you are visiting Canmore during a busy travel period, planning ahead can make dining easier.
Reservations can be made online through The Bankhead's website, and the restaurant also provides an online delivery option for the Canmore location.
It is also worth checking the current menu before visiting. Menu items, prices and availability can change, particularly with seasonal ingredients or restaurant updates.
If you have dietary requirements, look at the menu's dietary indicators or speak with your server before ordering. The current menus identify gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian items.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is a Canmore restaurant serving internationally influenced Canadian cuisine. Its menus include Canadian favourites alongside dishes inspired by Korean, Indian, Filipino, Italian, Turkish, Egyptian and other culinary traditions.
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The Bankhead is located at 1602 2 Avenue, Canmore, Alberta T1W 1M8, inside the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp.
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Yes. The Canmore location has a breakfast menu with options including Steak and Eggs, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelettes, breakfast poutine, Turkish Eggs, Shakshouka, Masala Omelette, Aloo Paratha and Congee.
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Yes. The lunch menu is available from noon and includes salads, starters, sandwiches, burgers and main courses.
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The menu includes Beef Bulgogi, Oxtail Balbacua, Gamberetti Alla Puttanesca, Chopped Chaat Salad, Turkish Eggs, Masala Omelette, Aloo Paratha, Shakshouka and Congee.
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Yes. The dinner menu includes Alberta Beef Striploin, Alberta Beef Ribeye, Alberta Beef Tenderloin and a Northern Gold Beef Tomahawk.
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Yes. The Canmore menu includes a Mini Miners section with Mac & Cheese, Buttered Dinosaur Pasta, Kids Chicken Fingers and Grilled Chicken Breast.
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Yes. The menus identify vegan and vegetarian dishes, including the Miner's Power Bowl and other marked options. The dinner menu also lists a Vegan Protein Loaf, while the Signature Chocolate Gateaux is marked gluten-free and vegan.
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Yes. Some menu items are marked GF, including the Steel Cut Oats, Kale Smoothie Bowl, Quinoa Macaroni and Signature Chocolate Gateaux. Guests with allergies or dietary restrictions should confirm ingredients with the restaurant before ordering.
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Yes. The restaurant provides group booking options for the Canmore location. For larger gatherings, it is best to contact the restaurant directly to discuss your requirements.
The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge – Canmore
Address: 1602 2 Avenue, Canmore, AB T1W 1M8
Phone: (403) 679-1771
Email: info@thebankheadrestaurant.ca
Book a table: Visit The Bankhead's official website to make a reservation.
Explore the menu: Check the current Canmore breakfast, lunch and dinner menus before your visit.
Order delivery: Online delivery is available for the Canmore location.
For the latest menu items, prices and restaurant information, visit The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge website.