Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit: Banff-Style
ONE TRIP TO BANFF and you’ll understand why this inspiring mountain town is so good for the soul. The healing aura of the place isn’t held solely in the majestic wilderness, nor within the connected and positive people of Banff – although they all help contribute to the whole. Because it’s not in any one individual element, it’s the total scenario. And when creative and loving people merge with the creative and loving natural world, art is made. In particular (for the theme of this current train of thought), art as food is made. The perfect blends of plants and animals are brought together in the hands of people who know their craft, and channel the therapeutic energy of Banff National Park into the healthy and vibrant meals for you to eat and enjoy. So while one sandwich made with love isn’t going to make everything all better, when taken as part of the whole, well… it’s a step in the right direction.
Nourish Bistro
Nourish offers an abundance of vegetarian delights that do just what the restaurant’s namesake suggests. Enjoy tapas style dining with savoury and sweet dishes made with a beautiful variety of organic ingredients and intended as a unique taste experience. Come with the concept of sharing in mind and leave feeling more energized than before. Nourish handpicks all their ingredients and makes everything fresh to order. The eclectic decor and enchanting atmosphere provide a peaceful and blissful setting to Nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Nourish might be a little tricky to find, but the unique menu and tasty food is worth the hunt. It’s on the second floor of the Sundance Mall (the complex on Banff Ave with the fudge being handmade in the front window). Walk up the stairs and elevate your healthy dining experience.
Wild Flour Bakery
Banff’s Artisan Bakery Cafe is love in edible form. The bread rises with the sun and is hand-crafted the traditional way: with long fermentation periods, careful hand shaping, and small batch baking. The organic loaves, fresh baked pastries, and the tastiest tantalizing treats are all locally-sourced and made with the finest natural ingredients. So you can rest assured you’ll be energized with that positive fuel; good for the mind, body, and spirit. And of course, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and raw options are always available. The atmosphere in Wild Flour Bakery is warm and welcoming, with art on the wall reflecting the natural surroundings and the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing bite of Banff. The evenings encourage even more art, with local and visiting musicians, poetry readings, conversations cafes, and even custom calzone nights in the outdoor wood-fired oven. Experience bread the natural way. And may we suggest one of their sumptuous sandwiches; they’re always something to savour.
For Other Great Dining – Check out these Culinary 3 Hotspots in Banff:
The Bison: No other restaurant in all of Banff manages to capture the rustic charms and hearty dishes of Canada quite like the Bison. Diners can expect to indulge in creative twists on classic fare. Entrees include locally sourced bison, steak, lamb, chicken, steelhead trout and quail. The produce comes from the surrounding region and a great emphasis is placed on organic ingredients and supporting locally sustainable farming. Along with incredible dinners the restaurant offers a wine list of over one hundred varieties and a spectacular Sunday brunch each week.
Saltlik: This contemporary steakhouse is one of the best restaurants in Banff. Unlike many traditional steakhouses, Saltlik offers a fresh take on the classic steak menu. Even vegetarians will be impressed by the array of salads, soups and entrees that feature fresh, local and meat free ingredients. Unique dishes like duck tacos and lobster potato skins will inspire and delight the palate. Of course, the steakhouse does offer over twenty types of steak and prepares each specifically to order with a range of spices, rubs and marinades to please the diner.
The Maple Leaf Grill and Lounge: This dining establishment is exactly what you might expect from a restaurant in Banff. The lodge style location is cozy, warm and inviting for those who have just spend a day on the slopes. The Canadian inspired menu features proteins and produce sourced locally from throughout Alberta. The diverse offerings include brie and pear pot pie, Thai steamed mussels, bison meatballs and jalepeno duck wings. The Maple Leaf Grill and Lounge has earned a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff and the honor is truly well deserved.
Be sure to indulge in one or all of these three culinary hotspots on your next trip to Banff.
Do something good for yourself.
