Our next city guide is perfect for your winter adventure. Check out Banff! Technically speaking, Banff isn’t a city. It’s a town in the province of Alberta, Canada, sharing its name with one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. For this guide, we leaned on the perspective of Danielle Bourassa-Young, a Creative Services Manager at KBAA who grew up in Canada and has returned to Banff many times over the years. Her insider knowledge is perfect for planning your trip no matter what time of year you decide to visit.
Where to Stay
Moxy Banff
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Canadian Rockies at the newly refreshed Moxy Banff. Part of Marriott Bonvoy, this recently renovated resort revives the spirit of Banff’s first motor hotel from the 1960s, The Voyager Inn, with a playful edge. We’re lucky to call Moxy Banff one of our clients, so you’ll spot regional art motifs throughout the lobby, shared spaces, and guest rooms, with work by local artists woven into the experience.
Fairmont Banff
Set within Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs rises from the alpine landscape like something out of a storybook. First opened in 1886 as a romantic railway stop through the Canadian Rockies, the hotel’s history is deeply tied to the town itself. Another longtime KBAA client, the property features art that playfully nods to its storied past, from railway references to textural interpretations of the surrounding landscape.
Must-See Art
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
As you might expect, our advisors are always drawn to art rooted in story and place. The Whyte Museum topped our list for its role as a gathering space that explores the evolving history, cultures, environments, and ideas of mountain life. Home to the largest collection of art focused on the Canadian Rockies, the museum showcases Indigenous art alongside works that trace the region’s past and present through exhibitions, archives, films, and events.
Iconic Snow Sculptures
If you’re visiting in January, you’re in for something special. During the SnowDays Festival, downtown Banff transforms into an open-air gallery of massive snow sculptures carved by local and international artists. You can watch the process unfold as chisels and saws shape these intricate, temporary works before they quietly melt back into the season.
Cozy Cafés
Wild Flour Bakery
Known for baking fresh bread every single morning, Wild Flour is perfect for a quick coffee or a lingering brunch. Their breakfast sandwiches, croissants, soups, and salads make it an ideal stop before a day of exploring.
Whitebark Cafe
A beloved local staple for over a decade, Whitebark consistently serves some of the best coffee in the area. Pair your latte with a warm sausage roll and you’ll quickly understand why it’s been voted “Best of the Bow: Coffee” for years running.
Casual Eats
Ramen Arashi
Reminiscent of small family ramen shops in Japan, Ramen Arashi is consistently noted as one of the most delicious ramen in the country. The name Arashi, inspired by the mountain winds of the Rockies, reflects both their deep connection to Banff and their hope that those winds would carry their ramen far beyond it. Now, they have seven locations across Canada and continue to grow.
COWS Ice Cream
Founded in 1983 in Cavendish Prince Edward Island, COWS is an iconic Canadian brand known for its rich handmade ice cream that uses the highest quality ingredients, including 16% butterfat. There’s constantly a long line to grab a scoop in Banff, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. And if ice cream feels a little ambitious in winter, their hot chocolate is legendary. Add a scoop of any ice cream flavor to make it the most incredible hot cocoa you’ll ever have.
Elevated Dining
Sky Bistro
Get your instagram ready for this one. Sky Bistro offers wraparound windows with sweeping mountain vistas, reached by a scenic eight-minute gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The menu highlights refined takes on Rocky Mountain flavors using ingredients from local farms.
1888 Chop House
Located within the Fairmont Banff hotel, 1888 Chop House is a longtime favorite of our team. The name references the year the hotel first opened, a milestone that helped shape Banff itself. Inspired by classic 18th-century London chophouses, the restaurant honors tradition with expertly prepared cuts and timeless hospitality.
Nature & Wellness
Banff Canoe Club
Canoeing on the Bow River is a quintessential Canadian experience and a peaceful way to explore Banff National Park. The Banff Canoe Club is located just five minutes from downtown and offers canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals. If you are visiting in the warmer months, experiencing Banff from the water is something you should not leave without doing.
Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
For incredible views without the hike, hop on the sightseeing chairlift at Banff Mt. Norquay. In just ten minutes, you’ll rise to 7,000 feet with sweeping views over the town below. You may even get to see some black or grizzly bears from above if you’re there in the summer months!
Hidden Gems
Roots
This is certainly not a hidden gem to Canadians, as Roots has been around since the 1970s creating clothing inspired by Canadian wilderness and heritage. Stop in for salt and pepper sweats, Canadian-made leather goods, or the iconic Varsity Jacket to blend in with the locals in effortless style.
Lake Agnes Teahouse
Banff is known for its remote teahouses, and Lake Agnes is among the most memorable. Typically open in the warmer months (from June through October), this teahouse sits above Lake Louise and operates without electricity. From loose-leaf teas to freshly baked goods, everything is made by hand over an open fire.
This beloved local brewery offers more than great beer. It’s also a fun spot for groups, with shuffleboard lanes, tasting flights, and seasonal small-batch releases that feel like creative experiments in a glass.
Banff is truly unlike anywhere else. We hope this artful city guide helps you make the most of your visit. And if you take any of our recommendations, please tag us on Instagram @kevinbarryartadvisory, even if it gives us all major FOMO!
