The historic Banff Springs Hotel is a highlight for many visitors to Banff National Park. Famous for their sumptuous Saturday and Sunday brunch, dining here can be the perfect end to a weekend get-a-way in the Canadian Rockies, or the reason for a day trip from Calgary.
Surrounded by mountains, most of the hotel dining rooms have a spectacular view of the Bow Valley and the weekend buffet is no exception. When making reservations request a table by the window; if it’s possible the conscientious staff will honour this request.
Keep in mind that the Banff Springs Hotel is very large and while some of the window tables are in close proximity to the buffet most of them will require a short walk to and from the table. This is definitely something to think about when dining with elderly grandparents or friends with mobility issues.
Where to Eat Alberta Beef, Venison and Bison
The buffet will always have the usual Sunday brunch favourites. Fresh waffles, omelettes, seafood and salad but meat lovers may want to save room for the carving stations.
It’s almost impossible to visit Alberta and not eat beef and at the Banff Springs, depending on the season, one can taste dishes made with wild venison or bison. Often there will be sausages made with buffalo meat and the venison chops are delicious.
There will always be a large roast of beef, sliced generously and served with jus and fresh horseradish as well as a rack of lamb and baked ham. The food at the Banff Springs is always delicious and the buffet spread is extensive so arrive hungry.
It is best to call ahead to make a reservation especially for holiday brunches and remember no ripped denim jeans or athletic wear allowed. The price is $39.50 CAD per person, drinks are extra.
Saturday 11:30—13:30
Sunday 11:00—14:00
Easy Day Hikes and Walks from The Banff Springs Hotel
After brunch head out onto the terrace for perfect photo opportunities. Relax on one the benches while enjoying the scenery or take an easy hike along the river.
The Bow River runs through the town of Banff and Bow Falls is a short walk from the hotel. There is a marked hiking trail that runs alongside the river and the path will meander through the forest and down to the water’s edge. Please note there will be stairs involved and several small hills so although it is an easy hike it’s not great with a stroller.
A more vigorous option for a day hike in this area would be Sulphur Mountain. There is an old road that leads up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain from the Banff Springs Hotel parking lot. It will take approximately two to five hours. While the hike is only 5.5 kilometres it is classified as a “strenuous” day hike and the elevation gain is 742 metres.
The view form the top of Sulphur Mountain is amazing and definitely worth the effort but visitors who aren’t interested in hiking do have the option of riding the gondola instead.
The weekend brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel is a long standing tradition in many Alberta homes and it is the perfect choice for a Sunday daytrip any time of the year.
