Cozy cafés worth a visit in Banff & Lake Louise
If you're visiting Banff and Lake Louise in the winter, you'll want to check out these cafes to warm up. They'll get you all cozy with their mouth-watering, tummy-satisfying beverages and treats.
If you're visiting Banff and Lake Louise in the winter, you'll want to check out these cafes to warm up. They'll get you all cozy with their mouth-watering, tummy-satisfying beverages and treats.
Softly the snowflakes fall one by one, landing on your cheeks. You stick out your tongue to catch a couple and gaze up in wonder. This is winter in Banff and Lake Louise.
But if you’re keen for a little more sustenance than the odd snowflake, we’ve listed the best places for a hot drink and a treat.
Uprising Bakery + Espresso Bar
Raise your hand if you like European-style bread with the right amount of crunchy crust and fluffy air pockets. Now, smother it in salty butter and enjoy it alongside a strong espresso. If this is what your dreams are made of, head over to Uprising Bakery + Espresso Bar, centrally located on the corner of Banff Ave and Caribou Street.
Here, you’ll find straight-out-of-the-oven sourdough bread, fresh focaccia, and sandwiches made from scratch.
Wild Flour
This is Banff’s original bakery, and you can tell by the lineups for their morning batch of loaves. On top of freshly baked bread, they also have a full-serve café with daily soup and sandwich specials that pair perfectly with their scones and a cup of Banff Tea Co’s seasonal blend. They also make a mean Belgian hot chocolate and are often featured in Banff’s Hot Chocolate Trail.
Their primary location is on Bear Street in the courtyard, but you can also sneak in for a quick cup of coffee at their sister location on Banff Ave, known as Little Wild.
Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen
Laggan’s is a place where you eat with your eyes before your stomach. Their long glass cases feature their daily creations, including more sweets than your tooth can handle.
If you’re there in time, grab a slice of their pizza and add a classic Canadian delicacy, the Nanaimo bar.
You’ll find them right in the hamlet of Lake Louise just as you exit off the highway. Parking is much easier to find during the winter and is outside the door in the main lot at 101 Village Road.
The Guide's Pantry
If you prefer the meal selection you get from a sit-down restaurant but want the convenience of a bite to-go, stop into The Guide's Pantry at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It’s perfectly located as the beginning and endpoint to all of your Lake Louise adventures. In fact, they’ll even pack you a picnic lunch. Just make sure you place your order ahead of time.
For your picnic basket, you’ll select a custom menu for you and your travelling companions with snacks, cold drinks, salads, sandwiches and more.
Trailhead Café
Next to Laggan’s, you’ll find the Trailhead Café. This small but mighty shop grills up a mouth-watering selection of breakfast bagels and daily specials like tacos, sloppy joes, and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
It’s a great place to grab a latte and a meal to go since there’s limited seating inside unless you brave the cold and eat at their year-round outdoor dining set.
JK Bakery
Warm up inside JK Bakery. Their hearty homemade soups, lasagnas, and quiches are the perfect comfort food in the middle of winter. Uniquely, they’ll make your sandwich to order with a base of their bread made in-house.
You’ll find the bakery inside the Wolf & Bear Street Mall on the first floor.
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar is where many gather since it has one of the largest seating areas in Banff’s cafés, meaning you’re most likely to find a spot to warm up here. You’ll find it right in the heart of downtown on the 200-block of Banff Ave.
One fan favourite is the Roast Chicken Sandwich, which reminds you of a holiday meal complete with cranberry sauce. Grab a biscotti and Cappucino on the side while you settle in and enjoy your meal.
Whitebark Café
Known for their expertly brewed coffees, Whitebark is a must-visit. They have a small menu of flavoursome baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options, like banana mango muffin, coffee cake, and pecan cookie bites.
Whitebark is in the lobby of Banff Aspen Lodge and is a little more of a walk from downtown unless you’re staying at a hotel along the strip. Either way, it’s worth the trek--and locals make it daily.