Is salad for breakfast a thing? According to the number and variety of very green options on local menus first thing in the morning, I’d have to say yes. Until recently, I might have headed out for breakfast fully expecting I’d wind up with bacon and eggs, or some such fare. I didn’t think I was into veggies for breakfast.

Communitea
1001 6th Avenue

That was before I discovered the amazing breakfast bowls on offer at Communitea. I’ve had lots of chances to sample the offerings over the past months as the Bow Valley Women Entrepreneurs networking group meets at Communitiea every Tuesday morning. The parade of deliciousness that arrives at the table each week goes way beyond what one might expect at a coffee shop (muffins and other baked goods) and moves into the realm of the sublime. 

The Big Breakfast Bowl involves farm scrambled eggs, avocado, quinoa, spiced black ben mix, sweet potato, tomato, chipotle and tomato chili sauces on spinach… and, there’s a vegan option (substituting tofu scramble for the eggs). Smoothies garnished with fresh fruit, berry compote with house-made granola, breakfast burritos or paninis with bacon and eggs - it’s all good, healthy, fresh, and delicious. 

Bonus for a tea lover like me, you can’t beat the selection of loose-leaf teas lined up in those pleasingly symmetrical canisters.  

Freshii
300 Old Canmore Road

Walk into Freshii and you are surrounded by fresh, healthy, nutritious meal options starting with green smoothies (your salad in liquid form). It’s no wonder these guys are fond of their slogan, Eat! Energize! Just looking at the food here makes me feel healthier! 

The breakfast menu is reasonably priced and oh, so, tasty - Ranchero Burritos, Steak Egg and Cheese Burritos, Spinach Mushroom and Cheese Pockets - there’s a bit of a Mexican-inspired theme to be sure.

Green Eggs and Kale is a bowl full of power foods and the Cali Smoothie Bowl is just plain yummy! What’s not to love about fresh fruit, yogurt, and shredded coconut?

Looking for a hit of protein? Go straight for the hard-boiled eggs. Or, try the Metaboost plate of spinach, kale and field greens, goat cheese, mango, almonds, carrots, edamame, all drizzled with a hit of balsamic vinaigrette. 

For something light and playful, you also have the option of frozen yogurt, various nutrient-loaded smoothies, or Freshii juices. Interested in a juice cleanse? Well, Freshii can you help you out there, too. Pick up a 5-day supply of juices in several varieties and super-charge your body’s nutrient intake. 

Table Food and Drink
511 Bow Valley Trail

Table Food and Drink at the Coast Hotel has plenty to offer diners at any time of day, but start things off on a good foot by stopping in for breakfast. 

When I was a kid, one of my all-time favourite breakfasts involved silver dollar pancakes. Diminutive hotcakes seem to be enjoying a new incarnation at Table Food and Drink as Loonie Pancakes. Served with syrup and fruit, you’ll find these on the kids’ breakfast menu. 

For grown-up appetites, Smoked Salmon Benedict or Steak and Eggs will take care of even the hungriest members of the family. Looking for gluten-free options? Just ask and your server will be happy to let you know what variations are available.  

Sage Bistro
1712 Bow Valley Trail

Another great option if you are looking for a delectable weekend brunch in Canmore is Sage Bistro. With its charming log interior, big windows with mountain views and a superb menu, Sage Bistro is all about ambiance, good food and excellent service. 

For nearly thirty years, this family-run restaurant has been tickling tastebuds in both the main floor restaurant and upstairs in the wine bar. Quality ingredients from local sources mean you really do get to enjoy a taste of the mountains - both on your plate and by soaking up those mountain views. 

Weekend brunch is popular with locals. Sure, you can always go for the tried and true eggy favourites (omelettes,  sausages and eggs, and so on), but don’t be afraid of cool alternatives like a Hippie Bowl (warm quinoa, arugula, tomato, corn, organic wild mushrooms, citrus tahini and 2 sunny-side-up eggs) or the Wild Pig Bowl that combines wild boar bacon with potato wedges, Sylvan Star gouda, tomatoes, and red peppers). There are plenty of other options, too - ricotta pancakes, croissants, quiche, banana bread French toast… the list is long!  

Come prepared to stay awhile, linger over coffee, and make plans for the rest of your day exploring the Bow Valley.

Weekend Brunch for Late Starters

Aroma Mexican Restaurant
837 Main Street

During the week (Tuesday - Friday), Aroma Mexican Restaurant is only open for dinner (from 5 pm), but Friday, Saturday and Sunday, head on over to Aroma for a late brunch starting at 11:30. This is slow-style, authentic Mexican cooking at its best. Everything is prepared fresh from scratch, so plan to sit, relax, and enjoy some good conversation with your companions.

You’ll find all your favourites here - burritos, enchiladas, and tacos plus salads and treats like garlic prawns, calamari, and ceviche Matzatlan (raw basa fish marinated with fresh lime juice mixed with pico de gallo—tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers— served with house-made corn tortilla chips). Wonderful family-cooking and service - you’ll soon feel like you’re part of the family yourself!

Don’t forget to put on one of the sombreros and snap a photo! 

For that matter, no matter where you wind up for breakfast, don’t forget to tag us (@tastecanmore or #tastecanmore) in your posts. Yep - we’re paying attention to who is out an about enjoying all the great food and drink this valley has to offer. By joining the conversation, you become one of our Menu Hunters and are eligible for some fun foodie prizes!