Banff National Park

BOW LAKE

Best Banff Cafes in 2024

The best Banff cafes in 2024 are not always obvious in a town that is filled with predictable chains. Banff also lacks the hip hangouts that you’ll find in nearby cities like Calgary and Vancouver, but there are many options for good coffee in a relaxing indoor or outdoor setting.

Our favourite two Banff cafes are along Banff Avenue north of the main core, but still within easy walking distance. GOOD EARTH COFFEE HOUSE (333 Banff Ave., 403/985-0989) is locally owned, but part of a well-regarded western Canadian chain that sources sustainable beans and offers up good, reliable coffee drinks. The food is all made in-house, including breakfast wraps, sandwiches, muffins, and pastries. The Good Earth patio, on a busy corner with views across the high school field to Mt. Rundle, centres on a gas firepit.

One block further north, WHITEBARK CAFE (401 Banff Ave.) has a reputation for excellent coffee in a much quieter setting than comparable downtown cafes. The coffee poured is as good as anywhere in Banff and teas are sourced from the locally-owned Banff Tea Company. Daily baking always includes vegan and gluten-free choices, and the yoghurt parfaits are made in-house. Like Good earth, Whitebark has a large patio with a gas firepit and heaters.

Near the far north end of Banff Avenue is Canalta Lodge and its HAPPY CAMPER CAFÉ. Tucked away behind the lobby, it has a large indoor seating area, a fireplace with couches, and a courtyard with a fire pit and hammock chairs. Prices are higher than downtown cafes, but you may find it worth it to escape the crowds. 

Happy Camper Café, Banff National Park

Happy Camper Café.

Back downtown, EVELYN’S COFFEE WORLD (215 Banff Ave.) has a central location pouring good coffee and serving huge sandwiches. When Banff Avenue is closed to vehicles in summer, the outside tables—on the busiest stretch of the busiest street in town—are perfect for people-watching.

Almost directly opposite Evelyn’s is UPRISING BAKE SHOP (202 Banff Ave.). Uprising is an artisanal bakery with the very best freshly baked breads in town, along with baguettes, croissants, other pastries, and Italian-style coffee.

WILD FLOUR BAKERY (Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St., 403/760-5074) is a popular bakery/café that generally attracts a younger, outdoorsy crowd. Organic ingredients are used whenever possible, and everything is baked onsite, in a kitchen in full view of customers. The result is an array of healthy breads, mouthwatering cakes and pastries, and delicious meat pies. Eat inside, where the walls often feature the work of local artists, or out in the courtyard. LITTLE WILD (119 Banff Ave.) is affiliated with Wild Flour. The location on Banff Avenue is handy for a grab-and-go coffee, but this location doesn’t have the ambience of Wild Flour.

One block back north, BANFF NATIONAL PERK (220 Bear St., 403/762-8642) is a reliable Banff cafe to bump into longtime locals who find their way here for decent coffee and pastries, muffins, and cakes baked daily on the premises.

STOCK FOOD AND DRINK is on the lobby level of the Fairmont Banff Springs (405 Spray Ave.). Although designed primarily as a convenience for Fairmont guests, the coffee is excellent. Food choices includes all the usual muffins, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as salads and meals. Although pricey compared to downtown choices, the setting is stylish and the food is top quality. It’s also the only Banff café open 24 hours.

Stock Food and Drink is in the Fairmont Banff Springs.