Finding inspiration from the natural beauty and majestic mountains that surround them, and the abundance of fresh produce and quality meats from local farms, ranches and artisan food producers, innovative chefs, brewers and distillers throughout Banff and Lake Louise impart a sense of place into their culinary creations. Bison is most defi nitely a specialty at The Bison, but with their farm-to- table philosophy and seasonal menus, this award-winning restaurant in downtown Banff also serves an array of fresh, locally-inspired dishes, along with a gorgeous mountain view. From seated dinners to cocktail receptions with chef’s tasting tables, an oyster bar and hors d’oeuvre stations, this contemporary, open-concept venue is ideal for small, intimate gatherings, and groups of up to 120 with a full buyout. At The Rimrock Resort Hotel, Brandon Clemens, chef de cuisine, uses traditional French cooking techniques to create fi ne-dining cuisine at on-site restaurant, Eden. The only AAA/ CAA 5-Diamond award winner in Western Canada, this elegant venue offers unforgettable chef’s tasting menus paired with specifi c wines for each course, selected by certifi ed sommeliers. Eden is also a “Best of Award of Excellence” Wine Spectator award winner and has an inventory of over 17,000 bottles of wine. From the pure Rocky Mountain glacier water and Alberta-sourced grains used to distill their award-winning spirits to the back-country decor and elevated campfi re-inspired menu using local ingredients—think spit-roasted chicken, wood-fi red veggies and smoked s’mores—Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar captures the essence of Banff National Park. Full buyouts for seated dinners are available for 174 attendees, which includes two full-service bars, two heated patios and views of the working distillery. Be sure to grab a welcome cocktail featuring their hand-crafted spirits, or try them all with a Banff-born spirits tasting fl ight. Banff Ave Brewing Co. is a hometown favourite. Pop in for a tour of the brewery and sampling of their craft beers, and stay for a bite at one of three dining venues. Their largest venues, The Pub and The Lodge, seat 160 and 60 respectively, and both are available for buyouts. A favourite for the surf-and-turf crowd, Melissa’s MisSteak is a go-to for that requisite indulgence of a hearty Alberta beef dinner. Mel’s, as it’s known to the locals, prides itself on its made-from- scratch menu, serving locally-sourced cuts of the fi nest quality meats. Groups will feel at home in this warm and inviting space in downtown Banff–a full buyout accommodates up to 500 attendees, and a private room is available that can host up to 40. TASTE THE ROCKIES Park Distillery Eden at The Rimrock Resort Hotel The Bison PHOTO: NOEL HENDRICKSON PHOTO: TRAVEL ALBERTA/MIKE SEEHAGEL SKY-HIGH DINING Three of the highest elevation restaurants in Canada are in Banff and Lake Louise: Sky Bistro at 7,923 ft . Lake Agnes Teahouse at 7,002 ft . Cliffhouse Bistro at 6,900 ft . PHOTO: TRAVEL ALBERTA/MIKE SEEHAGEL 6
