The more I read the posts the more excited I become about the trip. If anyone has specific eating places to suggest in Canmore, Banff or Jasper, would like that info. I have a B&B recommendation from SFWilshire for Jasper and I believe that will work for us. The Jasper Lodge would be wonderful but is out of our price range. Thanks.
Yes, another vote for Magpie & Stump, although if it's nice out, you might not want to be inside with not much of a view.
I would recommend Juniper Bistro (formerly Muk a Muk), just across the #1 highway from Banff at the base of Mount Norquay. There's a hotel there, too, but it's just out of the way enough that it's usually (from our experience) not too busy, and they have one of the best views from the dining area/lounge/patio that you'll find anywhere in that area. Even if you just go there for drinks or dessert, enjoy the view and possibly catch the sunset there.
In Banff, we also like Balkan (Greek), Giorgio's (Italian), and if you're feeling a little adventurous, try Grizzly House Fondue - you could taste
rattlesnake if you like!
Melissa's is a great place, esp. for breakfasts, but there can be line-ups on weekends.
In Canmore, many fine choices as well. Murrietta's is worth climbing a set of stairs for, The Wood has a nice outdoor patio and fine food, and I'll throw in another option for food to go or take home to BBQ: Railway Deli. They have prepared foods in a cafeteria-style buffet (meat pies are tremendous) and connected next door is the deli, with luncheon meats, raw meats 'done up' (e.g., marinated kebabs), cheeses, and bread. Since you're at Banff Gate Mountain Resort, you'll have access to your own propane BBQ on your (large) deck, so Railway Deli can offer you some tasty treats for that.
Of course, there's always the Safeway and Sobey's grocery stores for BBQ goodies, too.
For a nice breakfast, try French Quarter Cafe out in the Elk Run Industrial Park. They also serve some mean Cajun cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Also, Communitea has more going for it than a wide selection of tea, but their paninis and salads are big and fresh, so don't be alarmed by the steep prices.
I was going to also highly recommend Gourmet Croissant, but we discovered that the original owners from France have sold it (and moved back, we presume), so the jury's still out on whether the new owners can maintain the high (delicious) standards from before.
That reminds me... Harvest is also a great breakfast/lunch place, just 2 blocks over from Canmore's main street.
Hope that helps - I'm sure there will be more suggestions coming from others with their faves!
Bart
