Dining in the mountains is as much about the views as it is the fine service and excellent cuisine. To find all three in one place, well, it almost seems like too much to ask. Except… that’s just what happens when you eat out in Banff. [Sky Bistro]

What could be better than a really good salad? How about a salad at altitude…

Given Banff sits at 1383 meters above sea level, technically any salad you might consume here in town qualifies as an elevated experience. We all know that eating a salad and fresh vegetables every day is one of the healthiest habits you can get into - the fiber in fresh veggies is good for you and they are packed with all kinds of vitamins and nutrients.

[Note from Mom: To get the greatest benefit from your vegetables, try to include as many different colors on your plate as possible - not only are those shredded beets and carrots visually delightful, those brilliant colors also indicate that different nutrients are present than you’d find in something deep green - like, say, spinach].

While that all might be true (thanks, Mom), I would add that a really good, fresh salad has to be one of the most delicious meals one could possibly consume! There are endless combinations of veggies and greens, made all the tastier when topped with nuts or fruit, fabulous dressings, or heartier options like beef, shrimp, salmon, or chicken.

Whether you are looking for a side dish to accompany your main or if you prefer the salad to be the centerpiece of your meal, you’ll find some marvelous and unusual veggie options in Banff restaurants. The list would be waaaaaaay too long if I included every single place in town with a great salad, so consider this a starting place, a bit of green inspiration… And, of course, if you want more ideas, have a browse through the many restaurant menus we have up online right here on the website (click that EXPLORE button on the homepage).

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
405 Spray Avenue

Up at the Fairmont Banff Springs, the chefs have access to freshly grown greens (check out the micro-green farm in the Block).

Though they don’t grow enough volume on site for all the many salads served each day at the hotel’s various dining establishments, chances are you’ll have a sprig of something ultra-local on your plate.

Don’t miss STOCK Food and Drink when you are next up at the castle. This marketplace is not your average coffee shop! You’ll find a great selection of great locally-sourced gourmet ingredients in these tasty soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries and other light meal options.

Nourish Bistro
211 Bear St

No discussion of salads in Banff would be complete without mentioning Nourish Bistro, Banff’s go-to destination for veggie lovers. Vegan and mostly organic, you know you’re going to get an excellent salad here.

I can’t be the only one who loves felafel - check out this enticing combination in the Nourish Falafel Salad: field greens tossed with oven-baked chickpea falafels, served up with garlic dills, cucumber tomato crunch, roasted red peppers & raw cracker croutons, all drizzled with a white balsamic honey dressing and served with hummus & dill yogurt.

And, yes, all the other menu items are this creative, healthy, and delish!

Nourish Bistro - you know it’s going to be fresh and fabulous!

Cliffhouse Bistro
Mt Norquay Scenic Dr

The Cliffhouse Bistro, located in a recently renovated teahouse is reached via chairlift ride… Enjoy the cozy ambiance, warm up by the fire, and then order the Alberta Beef Salad served with prairie grains, heirloom tomatoes, baby cucumbers, hemp seeds, maple garlic, and soy dressing. Just the right combination of hearty (that’s the beef) and delicate. And… those views! Open Friday to Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm during the winter, add this to your list of must-do weekend adventures.

Booster Juice
317 Banff Avenue

Looking for a liquid version of a salad? If I’m a little short in the greens department, I love a good smoothie. Have a look at the menu at Booster Juice and try a Green Hornet made with carrots, celery, spinach & parsley. Take a slug of that and I bet you’ll feel the goodness running through your veins…

The views from the top of Sulphur Mountain can be distracting. Give yourself lots of time to enjoy the view before, during and after your meal.

Sky Bistro
Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola - Upper Terminal

Another dining experience that involves a gondola ride is dinner at the Sky Bistro on top of Sulphur Mountain. Plan to arrive early while it’s still light out to make the most of the boardwalk and get a load of the fabulous views of the valley. When you’re ready to order your salad, consider the squash salad for something a little different. Roasted butternut squash is the star supported by a fine cast that includes arugula, watercress, macerated cranberries, candied pecans, goat feta, caramelized cipollini & maple vinaigrette. If you’d like to add a little extra protein, ask for the Alberta free-range chicken breast or some sautéed Canadian jumbo prawns. Yep, a salad at the Sky Bistro is heady indeed!

Of course, these restaurants don’t only serve salads, nor are they the only places in town to get your fix of greens… To browse the full menus (with prices), have a look at our online menus right here on the website.

If you are lucky enough to have enjoyed any of these salads, leave us a comment and let us know what you thought. We’re all ears!

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