Banff isn’t just about stunning mountain views and crystal-clear lakes — it’s also a surprising hub for culinary experiences that add a tasty layer to your trip. With its mix of historic hotels, cozy eateries, and scenic streets, Banff offers several food tours that highlight both local flavors and regional history. Among the standout experiences, the Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle inside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel offers a taste of luxury paired with fascinating stories, while the Take a Bite of Banff walking tour lets you sample Canadian treats like poutine and fudge right where locals go. For those who want to combine food with a bit of sightseeing, these tours do just that, making your visit both delicious and memorable.
If you’re wondering which tour best suits your style, this guide compares six of the best food tours in Banff, covering everything from premium hotel tastings to casual street snacks and evening sweets. Whether you have a few hours or want to indulge in a full-day experience, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
1. Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle
At number 1, the Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle stands out for its combination of gastronomic splendor and historic charm. This 3-hour small-group tour explores the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a landmark that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, but with a real history that your guide will share. The tour visits five locations within the hotel, including the Vermillion Room and the 1888 Chop House, offering “fork and knife” tastings paired with local beverages. The experience is more than just eating; you’ll learn about the hotel’s story, its art, and architecture, making it a full culture.
What makes this experience unique is the combination of luxury dining and behind-the-scenes access, including a chef-led tasting in the Vermillion Room and a decadent dessert at Stock Food & Drink. The reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides and the intimate setting, with one saying, “Simmi was a fabulous guide through our tasting and pairing.” This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious, educational, and personalized food experience, especially those interested in historic buildings and fine dining.
Bottom line: If you want to combine culinary delights with a taste of Banff’s history, this tour offers excellent value for its price of $152.77, with superb food, beverage pairings, and storytelling.
2. Take a Bite of Banff ~ Canadian Rocky Mountain Food Tour
At number 2, Take a Bite of Banff provides a lively, scenic walking adventure that showcases local flavors. Over approximately 3 hours, your guide will take you along Banff’s streets, stopping at hidden spots to sample Canadian staples like poutine, Caesars, and fudge. This tour emphasizes avoiding tourist traps by visiting local favorites, giving travelers a real taste of Banff life.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on authenticity and variety. You’ll try a handful of treats—each with their story—while learning about the area from your knowledgeable guide. Reviews mention the guide Jo’s enthusiasm and the variety of food: “Joanna took us to many great places,” or “lots of delicious food and great stories.” It’s best suited for food lovers who want a casual, fun, and flavorful exploration of Banff’s culinary scene without a hefty price tag (at $106.74).
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for those wanting to sample a range of Canadian snacks and learn about Banff’s local food scene in a relaxed, walk-and-eat format.
3. Banff: Castle Food Experience at Banff Springs Hotel
Number 3 on our list is the Castle Food Experience at Banff Springs Hotel, which offers a premium tasting inside one of Canada’s most iconic historic sites. For around $140, this 3-hour tour takes you behind the scenes of the Fairmont Banff Springs, exploring over 25 local farms’ Alberta signature foods. The highlight is the chance to meet the culinary team, see the kitchen operations, and learn the secrets of the castle’s culinary offerings.
This experience is perfect for those interested in local farm-to-table flavors combined with a historic setting. The small group size (max 12) ensures a more intimate experience and private access to dining venues. Reviewers appreciate the private access and the chance to learn about Alberta’s food sources directly from the chefs.
Bottom line: If you’re after a luxurious, educational, and authentic taste of Banff’s regional produce, this tour is well worth the $140 investment.
4. A Taste of Banff Food Tour
Coming in at number 4, the A Taste of Banff Food Tour offers a delicious walk through Banff’s streets, exploring global flavors in Canada’s mountain town. For about $106.89, this 3-hour tour pairs cultural dishes with stories, giving a multinational culinary experience. Your guide takes you around Banff Avenue, stopping at local eateries and trying dishes that range from local to international.
This tour excels at discovering local hidden gems and giving travelers insights into Banff’s food scene. Reviewers mention Joanna’s engaging storytelling and her ability to select great food spots: “Joanna was very friendly and shared interesting facts,” and “We enjoyed discovering new places.” It’s best suited for cultural curious foodies who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and tasting without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: This tour provides excellent value for its price, especially for those eager to explore Banff’s diverse culinary scene while learning about the town’s local vibe.
5. Morning Glory ~ Banff’s ‘Breakfast Bits’ Food Tour
Number 5 is the Morning Glory – Banff’s ‘Breakfast Bits’, a 2-hour morning tour designed for early risers. For $81.45, you’ll taste breakfast favorites like smoked salmon, maple syrup, and baked goods, all while exploring Banff’s local breakfast spots. This tour is a great choice for those who want a quick, satisfying start to their day with a focus on breakfast.
What makes this tour stand out is the local breakfast experience, ideal for travelers who want to sample Banff’s morning fare while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Reviewers loved how the guide, Joanna, shared stories about the eateries and the region, leaving them full and happy: “We were so full by the end,” and “wonderful stories about Canadian breakfast culture.”
Bottom line: For those wanting an energetic start that combines delicious breakfast foods with a bit of sightseeing, this tour offers good value and a charming morning experience.
$81.45 per person
6. Sips & Sweets – Canadian Evening Food Tour
Rounding out the list is the Sips & Sweets evening tour, a 2-hour walk focused on desserts and drinks. Priced at $85.01, it’s perfect for those who want to unwind after a day of sightseeing with some local Canadian sweets and cocktails. The tour includes stops at Banff’s best dessert spots, with tastings of locally crafted delights, paired with Canadian wine or cocktails.
This tour’s charm lies in its relaxing pace — a sweet ending to your day, with a chance to learn about Banff’s dessert and drink scene. While it has no specific reviews yet, its format is ideal for night owls or those craving a cozy, sweet finale.
Bottom line: If you’re looking to cap off your day with indulgent desserts and drinks in Banff, this tour offers a relaxed, tasty experience.
$85.01 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Banff
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re intrigued by historic hotels and fine dining, the Eat the Castle tour (see details) offers a luxurious, behind-the-scenes experience. For a more casual, street-level taste of local life, the Take a Bite of Banff (more info) is ideal. Want regional farm-to-table flavors? The Castle Food Experience (find out more) provides that in a historic setting.
Those with limited time might prefer the Morning Glory breakfast tour (details here), while evening sweets explorers will enjoy Sips & Sweets (see more). Planning ahead is wise, especially during peak season, as these tours are popular and fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Banff offers a surprising variety of food tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. For a luxurious, historic experience, the Eat the Castle tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a casual stroll with a focus on local snacks, Take a Bite of Banff is a fantastic choice. And for those wanting a breakfast adventure or sweet evening, the respective tours deliver just that.
No matter your preference, booking early ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular experiences. These tours add a delicious layer to your Banff visit — one that will leave your taste buds and your stories full.
Enjoy exploring Banff’s food scene — it’s as spectacular as the scenery.