Our Favourite Day in the Town of Banff
Banff is one of Canada’s number one destinations — and there’s a reason for that.
Featuring an über-adorable downtown, amazing vistas and its very own castle, is it any wonder that Banff easily wins over the hearts of so many?
At Yoho & Co., we’re regulars to Banff being that our studio is just a short 15-minute drive away. We adore the many awesome restaurants, shops and history of Canada’s first national park. With plenty of places to see, you’ll want to arrive in Banff energized and ready-to-explore!
One of Banff’s Signature Views: Iconic Mount Rundle
Winter is a beautiful and vibrant season in Banff. A time when the crowds are quiet, the skies are striking and cold inspires a festive atmosphere that will warm your heart.
WHIRL AROUND THE MOUNTAINS
Arriving early in Banff, we love to grab an earl grey tea at White Bark Cafe before lacing up a pair of ice skates for a couple twirls around on the free downtown skating rink. If skating isn’t your thing, renting a pair of ice cleats from a local company and setting off on a hike up Tunnel Mountain for a lovely view above the Town of Banff is also a fun idea.
Delicious lunch treats and Rocky Mountain vibes can be found at Park Distillery on Banff Ave where they distill their own signature spirits. Or take in all the vegetarian delights of Bear Street’s Nourish Bistro where you can try their award-winning nachos which have too many toppings to count.
Park Distillery
SPA-AAAAAAH
After filling up on lunch, one of our favourite things to do is relax at the Willow Stream Spa at the Banff Springs with a massage. Featuring 9 different plunge pools, relaxing in an outdoor hot pool under a gentle snowfall at the Castle, is the ultimate winter experience.
Radiating with a relaxing ‘spa glow’, indulging in a glass of wine and plant-based cheese from locally-made Glowfood Banff at Grapes Wine Bar in the Banff Springs is an especially, warm, welcoming, and inviting experience at the Castle.
Glow Food Cheeses at Grapes Wine Bar in the Fairmont Banff Springs
DINNER IN THE SKY
February and March are especially enjoyable months to enjoy a dinner-time ride up the Banff Gondola to the Sky Bistro for their Alpen Glow Festival. Make reservations early (4:30 pm at the end of February works amazingly well, as seen below in the photo) and book well in advance for best seating as you enjoy well-crafted food and take in the setting sun views over frosted Rockies peaks.
Sky Bistro Dinner Views — Our friends from Kentucky & Oregon were wowed!
After dinner, visit the viewing platform for fire-roasted s’mores, live music and plenty of photo ops that will make your family and friends back home oooh and aaaah.
Igloo at the top of the Banff Gondola
After cuddling up in an igloo, grab a gondola ride down to the base. Even as a long-time local, the ride down at night, with all the lights of Banff twinkling below and cozied-up under their soft, fleecy blanket, is simply magical.
View of Town of Banff from top of the Banff Gondola
The great thing about Banff is that nearly everything stays open late, meaning you can sneak in some late night shopping. We love the Canadian artists of Canada House (Bear Street), the one-of-a-kind luxury knitwear crafted from the Canadian Arctic Muskox at Qiviuk (Banff Ave and in the Banff Springs Hotel) and, of course, t-shirts and Yoho & Co. pennants galore at Cool As A Moose (Banff Ave).
Don’t forget one of those famous chocolate grizzly bear claws from one of the local candy shops. Cashews, chocolate, and caramel — yes, please!
Cool Souvenirs at Cool As A Moose Banff
LATE NIGHT, UNSCRIPTED
If you’re interested in a night out on the town, the hottest new show in Banff is at the Den & Meadow. Located in a hard-to-find lower level of the Mount Royal Hotel, this 18+ show is camp-y, dance-y and full of laughs. Half-cabaret and half-comedy, with live music, drag show and burlesque thrown into the mix, it’s a fun night out for adults for just $5. Book ahead for the best seats in the house. Friday and Saturday nights only.
WHERE TO STAY:
Fairmont Banff Springs - Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
THE MOOSE
Close to Downtown, The Moose features a spa and is one Banff’s newest hotels. Welcoming mountain rooms and a great location for those without a car.
THE JUNIPER
For the best views of Mount Rundle, this is your hotel. Quiet and charming with a modern edge, the Juniper is located out of the hub-bub of Downtown Banff.
THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
Reachable via bus, staying at the Castle is the ultimate historic Banff experience. Christmas, especially, is one of the most magical times of the year here.
THE MOUNT ROYAL
Beautifully-reno’d with great design nods throughout and a rooftop hot tub with all the right views, the Mount Royal is located right in the centre of it all.