Where to Eat in Canmore: The Complete Dining Guide for Visitors and Locals
Published by The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge | Canmore, Alberta
Canmore has a way of making you hungry. Maybe it's the mountain air after a hike along the Ha Ling trail. Maybe it's a morning ski run with nothing but frozen fingers and an empty stomach. Either way, one of the most common questions visitors ask is: where to eat in Canmore?
The town punches well above its weight when it comes to food. For a small mountain community tucked between Banff National Park and the Bow Valley, Canmore has a dining scene that surprises most first-timers. You can go from a craft brewery patio to a fine dining tasting menu in a ten-minute walk. What it does take is knowing where to go and what to expect when you get there.
This guide covers what you actually need to know about dining in Canmore, with a close look at The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge one of the few spots in town that serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner under one roof, seven days a week.
Table of Contents
Understanding Dining in Canmore
A few things are worth knowing before you pick a restaurant in Canmore.
Make a reservation when you can: Especially on weekends and during peak summer and ski season, the most popular spots fill up quickly. Walk-ins work mid-week, but don't count on a table Friday night without one.
Canmore dining spans a wide price range: Budget-friendly spots exist bagel shops, bakeries, casual cafes but most sit-down restaurants in town fall in the moderate to upscale range ($20–$60+ per person for mains). Factor in drinks and you'll want to plan accordingly.
The food culture here is genuinely diverse: Because Canmore draws visitors from across Canada and internationally, the restaurant scene has responded. You'll find traditional Canadian comfort food alongside Korean, Filipino, Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern-influenced dishes sometimes on the same menu.
Parking is generally not a problem: which is more than you can say for Banff. Most restaurants in Canmore have dedicated or shared hotel parking nearby.
If you're searching where to eat in Canmore The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is a top choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dining.
What Kind of Dining Experience Are You Looking For?
Here's a quick guide to help match your mood to your meal:
| What You're After | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Full-day dining (breakfast through dinner) | The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge |
| Romantic dinner for two | Candlelit atmosphere with a full dinner menu and cocktails |
| Family-friendly sit-down meal | Kid's menu, flexible menu, welcoming staff |
| Canadian + international fusion | Mixed menus blending local ingredients with global dishes |
| Group celebration or event | Private party bookings, group menus |
| Quick breakfast before hiking | Counter service cafés, bagel shops |
| Craft beer focus | Canmore's local brewery scene |
For the rest of this guide, we'll focus on The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge a restaurant that covers nearly every column in that table.
Related: Best Place to Eat in Canmore for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner
The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge — A Full Overview
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge opened in 2021 at 1602 2nd Avenue in Canmore, located inside the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp. It's one of the more versatile restaurants in town, covering breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner every day of the week which is rarer than it sounds in Canmore.
The concept sits at the intersection of Canadian cooking and international influence. The kitchen team brings dishes rooted in local Alberta ingredients grass-fed beef, fresh produce from regional suppliers and layers them alongside recipes inspired by Korea, India, the Philippines, Italy, Egypt, and beyond. It's not fusion for its own sake. The menus are clearly organized by Canadian Kitchen and International Kitchen sections, so diners know exactly what they're choosing.
The atmosphere shifts through the day. Mornings feel relaxed and family-friendly. Evenings take on a warmer more intimate tone as the lounge side of the restaurant comes alive with cocktails and a dinner menu that leans into Alberta beef cuts and global mains
Breakfast & Brunch at the Bankhead Restaurant
If you're looking for the best breakfast restaurant in Canmore that goes beyond the standard eggs-and-toast formula, the Bankhead breakfast menu is worth your attention.
The Canadian Kitchen side of the breakfast menu covers the classics done properly Eggs Benedict with seven topping options (back bacon, smoked beef brisket, smoked salmon, spinach, avocado & tomato, mushroom, pulled pork with sriracha), steak and eggs with a 6oz AAA sirloin, pancakes or waffles with berry compote and Chantilly cream, and a Breakfast Poutine with crispy smashed potato, cheese curd, gravy, and two scrambled eggs. The kale smoothie bowl and steel-cut oats with chia seeds and honey are solid lighter options.
Where the Bankhead genuinely stands apart is the International Kitchen section of the breakfast menu. This is where the kitchen team puts their background to work. Highlights include:
Turkish Eggs (Cilbir): roasted garlic yogurt, chilli oil, sourdough. A dish with roots in the Ottoman Empire, done right.
Masala Omelette: inspired by the chef's own family cooking, made with fresh coconut, ginger, green chilli, and curry leaf.
Shakshouka: eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper stew, served with sourdough. A North African dish that has found a loyal following here.
Aloo Paratha: savoury potato-stuffed flatbread with yogurt, bringing a proper Indian home-cooking feel to a mountain town breakfast.
Congee: Chinese-style rice porridge in chicken stock with shredded chicken, sesame oil, and soy. Unusual on a Canmore breakfast menu, and a genuinely comforting choice on a cold morning.
Chicken and Waffles: crispy fried chicken over golden buttermilk waffles with maple syrup, with a note about its roots in Pennsylvania Dutch and Soul Food traditions.
Brunch cocktails are available and include a Pitman Caesar, Mimosa, Blackberry Gin Hot Chocolate, Tequila Sunrise, and the Canadian Coffee Cocktail (cold brew, vodka, oat milk).
The Bankhead is a genuine answer to the question of where to go in Canmore for a breakfast that goes beyond the ordinary.
A welcoming breakfast and brunch experience at The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge in Canmore.
Lunch Options Worth Knowing About
The lunch menu (available from noon) keeps things practical without being boring. Salads, sandwiches, and mains all sit alongside each other, and you can build your meal as a light bite or a proper sit-down.
Sandwiches come with house salad or fries and include the Pulled Pork Sandwich (smoked pork, BBQ sauce, charcoal bun, coleslaw), the Crispy Fish Burger, the Blackened Chicken Burger, and the Steak Sandwich with a 6oz sirloin, ciabatta, mushrooms, and onion rings.
Salads include the Miner's Power Bowl a signature dish with mixed greens, kale, beans, nuts, avocado, berries, and balsamic vinaigrette and a Caesar Salad with romaine, kale, croutons, roasted garlic dressing, and parmesan. Both can be enhanced with protein options including chicken, shrimp, scallops, salmon, or a half avocado.
For a fuller lunch main, the Blackened Atlantic Salmon with citrus-infused tomato bisque and brown butter gnocchi is one of the standouts.
Kids are not forgotten the Mini Miners section runs at lunch and dinner with Mac & Cheese, Buttered Dinosaur Pasta, Chicken Fingers, and Grilled Chicken Breast with steamed rice and broccoli.
Dinner: Canadian Mains and International Flavours
Dinner at the Bankhead is where the kitchen turns up the attention on detail. The atmosphere shifts lighting mellows, the lounge hums and the menu expands into its full range.
Canadian Kitchen Starters: include Firecracker Calamari (crispy, with sauteed peppers, soy, and sesame), Steak Bites with garlic, onion, smashed potatoes and sourdough, and an Artisan Bread Selection with compound butter, olive oil, and balsamic.
International Kitchen Starters: are a highlight. The Oxtail Balbacua is a Filipino-inspired broth with spices, hazelnuts, almonds, chilli peppers, fish sauce, and black beans. The Gamberetti Alla Puttanesca is tiger shrimp in a puttanesca sauce with sourdough. The Chopped Chaat Salad takes an Indian street food classic chickpea, radish, cilantro, chaat masala vinaigrette and turns it into a proper starter.
Canadian Main Course is where the menu earns its reputation. The Alberta beef selection runs deep:
Alberta Beef Striploin 10oz: $49, served with mashed potato, vegetables, and red wine demi-glaze
Alberta Beef Ribeye 12oz: $63
Alberta Beef Tenderloin 8oz: $68
Northern Gold Beef Tomahawk: 35-day aged, served for two or more at $225
The secret to The Bankhead's success is serving delicious steaks that keep guests coming back.
Beyond beef the dinner mains include Bison Short Rib with mashed potato and sautéed mushrooms ($71), Braised Lamb with mashed potato and rosemary crisp ($39), Blackened Atlantic Salmon with citrus-infused tomato bisque and brown butter gnocchi ($38), Chicken Supreme with mushroom and gnocchi ragout ($37), and a Surf & Turf Alberta Striploin 10oz with four scallops and four shrimp ($68).
The Lobster Ravioli in creamy lobster bisque ($33) and Canmore Pasta Quinoa Macaroni (gluten-free, $23) round out the international pasta section.
Desserts: include the Signature Chocolate Gateaux (gluten-free, vegan, $14), the Golden Fig and Honey Pudding with roasted figs and vanilla ice cream ($14), and a Mango & Berry Cheesecake with fresh berry sauce ($14). Dessert cocktails Mudslide, Chocolate Martini, Espresso Martini are also available.
This is a dinner menu that holds its own as a genuinely cozy and romantic Canmore dining option. The combination of Alberta beef cuts, thoughtful international mains, and a relaxed evening atmosphere makes it a strong choice for a date night or a celebratory meal in the mountains.
Drinks, Cocktails & the Lounge Side
The Bankhead Restaurant operates as both a restaurant and a lounge, and that's reflected in the drinks program. The bar carries a cocktail menu alongside spirits, wine, and non-alcoholic specialty drinks.
For coffee, the specialty selection covers ristretto, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, Americano, iced cappuccino, flavoured lattes, and iced latte macchiato. The Chef's Special Ginger & Cardamom Chai ($4) and the Arabic Karak with Saffron ($5) are worth trying both reflect the international kitchen ethos that runs through the whole menu.
The brunch cocktail list covers all the morning classics and then some, including the Canadian Coffee Cocktail and the Blackberry Gin Hot Chocolate, which deserves more recognition than it typically gets.
Related: Best Lunch Spot in Canmore: Why The Bankhead Should Be on Your List
Group Bookings & Private Events
The Bankhead accepts group bookings at both its Canmore and Sherwood Park locations. Whether it's a birthday dinner, a corporate group, a family reunion, or a pre-wedding meal, the team can accommodate larger parties with dedicated attention.
For Canmore group inquiries, the booking page at thebankheadrestaurant.ca/canmore-group-bookings outlines the options. For Sherwood Park group bookings, visit thebankheadrestaurant.ca/sherwood-park-group-bookings.
The restaurant also offers a private chef experience at the Canmore location a distinctive option for those who want a customized dining event beyond the standard dining room format. Details are available at thebankheadrestaurant.ca/private-chef.
For groups planning a visit to Canmore for a mountain trip, outdoor event, or team gathering, booking early is strongly recommended, especially during summer (July–August) and winter ski season (December–March).
If you're dining with a group and searching where to eat in Canmore The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is an excellent choice.
Location, Parking & Reservations
Canmore Location: 1602 2nd Avenue, Canmore, Alberta, T1W 1M8 Located in the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp (SE side of the hotel
Getting There:
Travelling west on Highway 1: Take Exit 91 to Bow Valley Trail (1A), continue 3.3 km.
Alternative westbound route: Exit 89 to Palliser Trail → Benchlands Trail → cross the bridge → west on Bow Valley Trail for 1 km.
Travelling east from Banff: Take the Visitor Info Centre exit → follow Bow Valley Trail for 1.8 km → Northwinds Hotel will be on the east side of the road.
Parking is available in the Northwinds Hotel lot off 2nd Avenue free and easy to access. This is a significant convenience compared to downtown Banff, where parking can be a genuine challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge on 2nd Avenue is one of the strongest breakfast options in Canmore for anyone who wants more than a standard diner plate. The menu runs from classic Eggs Benedict (with seven topping choices) and Steak and Eggs to genuinely international dishes like Turkish Eggs (Cilbir), Shakshouka, Masala Omelette, and Congee. The brunch cocktail menu is also available, making it a solid choice if you want a relaxed morning meal with a Mimosa or Canadian Coffee Cocktail. It's open daily and accepts reservations.
-
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge is one of the more reliable choices for a romantic evening in Canmore. In the evenings, the restaurant transitions into a lounge-style atmosphere — softer lighting, a full cocktail menu, and a dinner menu anchored by Alberta beef cuts, Atlantic salmon, Bison Short Rib, and dishes like Braised Lamb and Lobster Ravioli. For couples, the table reservation system means you're not waiting at the bar hoping for a spot. The dessert menu — including a Signature Chocolate Gateaux and Mango & Berry Cheesecake — makes for a proper finish to a dinner out. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
-
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge is one of the few places in Canmore that explicitly structures its menu around this combination. The kitchen separates its offerings into "Canadian Kitchen" and "International Kitchen" sections across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the Canadian side: Alberta beef steaks, smoked pork, Atlantic salmon, and locally sourced ingredients. On the international side: Korean Beef Bulgogi, Filipino Oxtail Balbacua, Indian Masala Omelette and Chopped Chaat Salad, Italian Gamberetti Alla Puttanesca, Egyptian Ful Mudammas, and more. The team's mission statement puts it plainly: locally sourced food, cooked by professionals with a passion for environmental sustainability.
-
Yes. The Bankhead takes group bookings at both the Canmore and Sherwood Park locations. For larger parties, celebrations, or corporate dinners in Canmore, you can submit an inquiry through the group bookings page on their website. The Canmore location also offers a Private Chef experience for those looking for a more tailored event. It's worth contacting the team directly at (403) 679-1771 or info@thebankheadrestaurant.ca to discuss group menus and availability, particularly during peak season.
-
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge has a second location at 1005 Provincial Avenue, Sherwood Park, Alberta (inside the Four Points by Sheraton Sherwood Park). This location also accepts group bookings and can accommodate parties for celebrations, corporate events, and family gatherings. The Sherwood Park location carries its own dinner menu, breakfast and lunch menu, and drinks menu. You can reach the Sherwood Park team at (587) 269-5000 or info-sherwoodpark@thebankheadrestaurant.ca. Delivery and pickup are available via DoorDash. Group booking details are at thebankheadrestaurant.ca/sherwood-park-group-bookings.
-
Yes. Free parking is available in the Northwinds Hotel lot off 2nd Avenue at the Canmore location. This is a meaningful advantage compared to parking in downtown Canmore or Banff during peak season.
-
Yes. Online delivery for the Canmore location is available through FoodieOnline at foodieonline.ca/thebankhead. For Sherwood Park, delivery and pickup are available through DoorDash.
-
Absolutely. The Mini Miners kids menu is available at both lunch and dinner, with options like Mac & Cheese, Buttered Dinosaur Pasta, Kids Chicken Fingers, and Grilled Chicken Breast. The relaxed daytime atmosphere makes it an easy choice for families with children.
-
If you're wondering where to eat in Canmore with a group of family, friends, or colleagues, The Bankhead Restaurant & Lounge is an excellent choice. With a welcoming atmosphere, spacious seating, a diverse menu, and options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, it offers something for everyone at the table.
Book Your Table at the Bankhead
If you've been asking where to eat in Canmore and want a restaurant that can handle breakfast before a hike, lunch after a morning on the trails, or dinner with a proper cocktail to end the day the Bankhead is worth a visit.
The Bankhead Restaurant and Lounge — Canmore 1602 2nd Avenue, Canmore, Alberta, T1W 1M8 (Located in the Northwinds Hotel by Basecamp)
Phone: (403) 679-1771
Email: info@thebankheadrestaurant.ca
Website: www.thebankheadrestaurant.ca
Book a Table Online: thebankheadrestaurant.ca
Order Delivery: foodieonline.ca/thebankhead
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @thebankhead_restaurant
Sign up for their newsletter and get 10% off your next in-person meal at the Canmore location.