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Wake up and smell the coffee, fellow Banff travelers! It’s time to head out to find the best cappuccino in town!
Banff is home to an abundance of natural beauty; however, it’s also home to some great cafes where you can find delicious barista-made coffee. In fact, one of the best things about visiting here is that there are so many coffee shops in Banff to choose from – you’ll find something for every taste and preference.
Whether you’re looking for a good old-fashioned java, energy-boosting espresso, or even just need some quality time with friends, you’ll be sure to find it in one of the many amazing cafes in Banff.
But how do you know where to go when you’re in search of that delicious cup of coffee? With so many cafes to choose from, narrowing it down can be tricky. Well, in this blog, I’ll tell you about my five absolute favorite cafes in Banff that every coffee lover should enjoy. This way, you won’t have a bad coffee during your visit and can enjoy some of the best local, trendy cafes!
4 BEST Cafes and Coffee Shops in Banff
1. Wild Flour Bakery
- Location: One block from Banff Ave in central Banff
- Hours: They’re open 7 am to 4 pm every day of the week!
- Type of food: Baked goods and sandwiches, dine-in, and to-go
- Average cost per meal: $13 CAD
- Why we love it: Wild Flour Bakery offers a wide variety of always fresh food and is also actively involved in the local community.
- Dog friendly: Yes, but only at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables
Wild Flour Bakery is a local favorite in Banff and one of the best downtown cafes. They have been around since the late 1800s and their rich history is well known in Banff.
Wild Flour Bakery is a fun, light-hearted bakery cafe that will make your travel woes disappear. They have top-notch options to go and their dine-in atmosphere makes it hard not to want everything on the menu! Plus, since they’re dog friendly you can enjoy some tasty treats while interacting with pet owners alike.
This little cafe is a must-visit for any breakfast lover. For one, their coffee is brewed professionally and each cup looks as good as it tastes. You can also get fresh juices if coffee isn’t your thing. Personally, though, I always get their cappuccino which certainly wakes you up in the morning.
For food, their sandwiches are a favorite of mine and come layered with fresh ingredients squished carefully between two slices of their famous homemade bread – they’re perfect to grab to go before a day out exploring all of the fun things to do around Banff. You can also get classics such as Avo Toast, and their signature Breakfast Frittata Sandwich.
If you’re a lover of sweet things, you’ll love their pastries crafted by the chef. The chocolate croissant is a favorite of mine and there is no one in Banff that does them better (a big statement I know, but I stand by it!)
For lunchtime, there are a variety of specials available each day. They change it up frequently depending on what’s available to ensure freshness. Their Vegan Veggie Sandwich has been known by locals as being incredibly tasty. So, if neither meat nor dairy satisfies your appetite then give it a try!
With an ever-changing selection of baked goods to choose from as well as fresh-made sandwiches and salads, Wild Flour is well-known as one of the best cafes in Banff!
Related Read: If you’re visiting Banff on a short trip, our one day in Banff itinerary will help you plan to see the best attractions!
2. Whitebark Cafe
- Location: Southern end of Banff Ave
- Hours: Open from 6:30 am to 6 pm every day of the week
- Type of food: Baked goods as well as freshly prepared meals
- Average cost per meal: $10 CAD
- Why we love it: While being one of the best coffee shops in Banff is enough on its own, their comforting food and atmosphere are hard to beat as well.
- Dog friendly: Yes, on their patio only
What’s better than a great cup of coffee? A delicious brew paired with some yummy treats, which is why this cafe in Banff stands out on our “4 best cafes in Banff” list. But don’t let its location at second place fool you – they were also voted “Best of the Bow: Coffee.” An honor not easily attained!
Whitebark Cafe is the perfect destination for anyone who wants a delicious meal and an enjoyable atmosphere. They have an excellent selection of teas, both hot and cold; light fare; and even offer wine! The coffee is good and needs no introduction since it’s sourced from Moja Coffee – one of the best in Canada.
The best part about this establishment, though, is their sausage rolls- they’re legendary among all who’ve tried them so far (and there are plenty that have).
Another great savory option is their Quiche which is cooked fresh with high-quality ingredients. They also have lots of sweet treats including gluten-free and vegan options. The Banana Mango Vegan Muffin is one of my favorites and pairs perfectly with a hot brew!
Whitebark is also dog-friendly on its outdoor patio. So, don’t leave your pooch at home, bring him down so he doesn’t miss out on all the fun.
What more can one say about the Whitebark Cafe? It’s without question one of Banff’s best cafes but also holds up well among other small-town cafes across Canada. If you’re looking for an energizing liquid grind while traveling through Banff, then be sure to stop by1
3. Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
- Location: On Banff Ave near Park Distillery
- Hours: Open 7 am to 7 pm Sunday to Friday and 7 am to 8 pm on Saturday
- Type of food: Baked goods and sandwiches
- Average cost per meal: $5-$10 CAD
- Why we love it: Evelyn’s has a ton of options for just about everyone
- Dog friendly: Yes, on the patio
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar is not just a place for coffee lovers. If you’re looking to get out of your daily routine and enjoy some time away from the office, this might be just the escape you’re looking for! They offer everything that every cafe guest could ask for – both traditional drinks as well as other options such as light bites or sandwiches which will make their experience more enjoyable overall.
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar houses all your favorite treats and snacks in one place. They have everything from rice Krispie treats to a Salmon Bagel and even homemade soup! If it is Vanilla Scones that you are looking for, then look no further. These delicious little cakes will brighten any day with their sweet flavor combination of fresh whipped cream cheese mixed into fluffy doughy goodness! (Did we just drool?)
The best part is, Evelyn’s Coffee Bar is located on Banff Ave in the heart of town. In fact, you’ll find them next to Park Distillery, one of the best distilleries in Banff. When Banff town began closing the street off to vehicles in the summer for outdoor dining, they had one spectacular view. Hopefully, this returns again!
With its modern design, this cafe is the perfect place for those who want to take their time and enjoy themselves. The menu has plenty of options that can easily be turned into a “grab n’ go” meal too!
4. Good Earth Coffeehouse
- Location: Banff Ave right on the corner of Elk Street
- Hours: Open 6:30 am- 7 pm every day.
- Type of food: Paninis, flatbreads, and breakfast bowls
- Average cost per meal: $9 CAD
- Why we love it: Super fresh food that offers catering for any occasion and a gorgeous patio perfect for people watching
- Dog friendly: Yes but on the patio only
“Do Good Feel Good” – this is the motto from one of Banff’s best cafes, Good Earth Coffee House, and this couldn’t be more true. Not only do they have an amazing selection of delicious food but their eco-friendly practices and commitment to sustainability are unparalleled! You’ll never regret stopping by for a morning cup (or two) here – we promise you’ll leave feeling good about yourself too.
If you are looking to enjoy a delicious meal, Good Earth has got your back. This cafe offers breakfast through lunch and they are open until 7 pm so you could even grab dinner! Some must-try items include their delicious savory breakfast bowls, homemade salads, and fresh baked goods.
One of my favorite things about the Banff location of Good Earth (they’re a small chain with locations in places like Canmore and Calgary too) is their outdoor seating with breathtaking views and a gas fireplace for cooler days. It’s the best place to people-watch, which I do often!
When you need a break from your day, Good Earth Coffeehouse is the place for some relaxation. From their environmentally friendly approach to serving both communities and customers alike, it’s hard not to be satisfied with all they have in store.
Related Read: Visiting Good Earth Cafe is also one of the best things to do indoors in Calgary since they also have a location here!
Other Things to do While You’re in Banff
Going whitewater rafting near Banff is just one of the many awesome things you can do in Alberta! If you’re staying in Banff, there’s lots to explore. To give you an idea, here are some of the other things you can do while you’re in Banff:
- Hike Johnston Canyon – There are tons of amazing hikes in and around Banff, but I especially loved hiking Johnston Canyon and seeing its spectacular waterfalls. You can drive to the trailhead on your own or book a tour. This e-bike and hiking tour is excellent for those who want to combine both activities. Or if you just want transport, take the hop-on-hop-off bus that stops here. If you visit Johnston Canyon in winter, this Icewalk tour will show you ice formations and frozen falls!
- Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – If you want to see stunning lakes in the area, check out these two! Parking at Lake Louise can be tricky (and impossible at Moraine Lake!), so we’d recommend this Banff National Park Tour. You’ll get to visit Lake Louise as well as Moraine Lake in one go – with enough time to walk around, learn the local history, and snap postcard-worthy photos.
- Ride on a gondola – If you want the best vantage points around, take in one of the four gondolas around Banff! You’ll climb up high above the ground with tickets for the Banff Gondola, the Banff Sunshine Gondola, Lake Louise Gondola, or the Mt Norquay Chairlift.
- Look for wildlife – Banff is home to some pretty incredible wildlife. You might just spot elk, bears, deer, foxes, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and more! The best chance you have of seeing the most critters is on a wildlife tour in Banff. We really liked this small group tour where the guides tailor the itinerary to recent wildlife spottings and you get to see highlights of the national park along the way.
- Explore Banff town – While many nature-based activities are nearby, you shouldn’t neglect Banff town itself! Start your morning by visiting one of the cute local cafes, or grab patio drinks along Banff Avenue in the afternoon. To avoid traffic, check out the pedestrian-only Bear Street, with even more restaurants, cafes, and shops. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a Farmers Market every Wednesday in the summertime.
Where to Stay in Banff, Canada
This is one of the most important parts of your trip, and in Banff, the selection can be overwhelming and expensive. There are lots of different areas to consider when it comes to deciding where to stay in Banff National Park. There are also plenty of great hotels in Banff town to consider. Below are some amazing hotels we recommend:
Samesun Banff Hostel (Low Budget)
A great budget hostel with dorm rooms. Perfect for those on a tight budget. Expect to pay around $55 CAD for a bed in a mixed dorm room. It’s located right in the middle of town and just a short walk to bars and hotels. A free breakfast is also included every morning and there is fast wifi!
High Country Inn (Low Budget)
While the High Country Inn is still a budget range where you can get a private queen hotel room for as low as $139 CAD there is also the option for upgrades like a king room with a jet tub or a one-bedroom suite with a balcony.
A fridge and tea and coffee maker are part of each room. The property offers an indoor pool, a cedar sauna, and a hot tub for your enjoyment.
You can book the High County Inn on Booking.com.
Banff Inn (Moderate Budget)
The Banff Inn is in the perfect price and luxury range. It’s still affordable but also comes with lots of luxuries, the first being the location and the mountains right behind the hotel.
The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern. Expect to pay around $350 CAD or more during peak season. There is an on-site restaurant that serves things like pizza and burgers and a bar and lounge where you can wind down with a glass of wine in the evenings.
You can book the Banff Inn on Booking.com.
Banff Rocky Mountian Resort (Moderate Budget)
Pushing up into the mid-range budget this hotel is sure to please. It is located just 2 miles from town so you are close by for convenience but not right in all the noise. All the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, each has either a kitchenette or a full kitchen. The price for summer per night will be a minimum of at least $300 CAD.
This beautiful property has an indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor hot tub, gym, tennis courts, and more! You can dine right at the Alpha Bistro which is located in the main building.
You can book the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort on Booking.com.
Fairmont Banff Springs (Luxury)
This is easily the most luxurious hotel in Banff. If you’re saving by doing free things in Banff so you can splurge a little more on your accommodation, this is the spot to do it! It’s not cheap but the place is simply incredible (pictured above)! The mountain views and stunning grounds are just the beginning.
The rooms are very comfortable some of them offering mountain views. The price per night begins at an average of $1,200 CAD but it varies on the season and type of room. If you like to eat and shop there are 11 different restaurants and 14 shops to explore. Then go bowling, pamper yourself in the spa, relax in the hot tub, or go for a swim in the pool.
Expect the staff to go above and beyond to make you feel like royalty. If you’re visiting Banff on a honeymoon, then this should be the hotel you choose!
You can book the Fairmont Banff Springs on Booking.com.
Important info: Accommodation in Banff can be tricky. For starters, you need to book well in advance if you want to have a large selection. In the peaks of winter and summer, Banff often books out months in advance. Using Booking.com is great too because lots of hotels offer free cancellation so just lock in a place (or two) for now and make the final decision later!
Don’t get Caught without Travel Insurance!
We never travel without travel insurance! We’ve had a few instances during our travels when one of us has ended up in the hospital, and travel insurance has saved us thousands of dollars over the years!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance, we both have policies with them whenever we travel.
They offer travel medical insurance that’s super affordable (only $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!) While most travel insurance companies left people stranded, SafetyWing fully reimbursed us for our last-minute, pricey flights!
Also, because it is so affordable, there really is no excuse not to take out a policy. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you can even take out a policy if you’re already traveling!)
Thanks for reading!
We hope you enjoyed our blog about the absolute best cafes in Banff. It’s true, Banff is a coffee lovers paradise and the above cafes are my personal favorites. We could go on and on about how amazing these cafes are, but you’ll just have to try them for yourself!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this guide has helped plan your next coffee adventure in Banff. If it has, be sure to check out more of our blogs from around Banff such as:
Carlos G Kilometravel
Sunday 21st of May 2023
Great post! Helped me a lot. Thank you!