Nobody wants to be stranded without lunch, or hiking for hours on an empty stomach!
If you’re visiting Banff National Park this year, and you’ve wisely factored in a trip to Moraine Lake, you might be wondering where and what your dining options are. Nobody wants to be stranded without lunch, or hiking for hours on an empty stomach!
Let’s face it: knowing your choices for a pre-hike breakfast, a quick afternoon lunch, and a nice dinner at the end of a busy day can really help to reduce some pre-vacation stress — especially if you have specific dietary requirements.
You’re in luck! Read on to find out what your options are for dining around Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake Lodge
First, we’ll start by chatting about Moraine Lake Lodge. This is the only accommodation at Moraine Lake and the only place where you can get food once you’ve arrived for a day of exploring.
At the Lodge café, you can pick up standard fare like soups, sandwiches, ice cream, and coffees and teas. You can get your snacks either to go or you can sit on the lodge’s gorgeous outdoor patio.
It’s important to note that you can access Moraine Lake only via one of the local shuttle bus services in the area — you cannot drive there yourself. But don’t worry! Shuttles like those offered by Morainelakebus.com make getting there and back easy. This shuttle company, in particular, lets you book your seat to and from Moraine Lake, and their pick-up zones are conveniently located both in and nearby Lake Louise Village — which is now where we’ll turn to discuss other places to eat.
For breakfast and lunch — Check Laggan’s Mountain Bakery and Deli
This popular spot is open early in the morning through late afternoon. They’re known for their breakfast on a bun — which is so popular, it’s served all day! — and their pastries. Their maple croissants and cinnamon buns are all-time fan favourites.
This is a great place to stop for a morning coffee and snack or to pick up your lunch for later in the day at the lake.
For casual dining — Try Bill Peyto Café
Located inside the highly rated HI Hostel, the Bill Peyto Café — named after one of the most famous local guides — serves up no-fuss grub from morning until night. This place has fantastic reviews, with visitors recommending the Café’s quality and fresh ingredients in popular dishes like their full-cooked breakfasts, as well as their Elk Burger and Smoked Salmon Fettucine later in the day.
More casual dining — There’s Timberwolf Pizza and Pasta Café
The Timberwolf Pizza and Pasta Café is located inside the Lake Louise Inn in the centre of the village. The food here is as described: pizza and pastas, made with care. Past diners have given the Café some glowing reviews, so if you’re a fan of Italian food, this might be the perfect spot.
They offer vegan and gluten-free options, too, and you can take your pizza to go if you’d prefer to kick back and relax, pizza in hand, in your accommodations.
For an elevated dinner — Enjoy the Caribou Lounge
Boasting both comfort and class, The Caribou Lounge — located inside the Deer Lodge Hotel — is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Dining here at the end of a busy day of hiking around Moraine Lake is a decadent way to round out your day. The comfortable lounge overlooks phenomenal scenery, most notably Victoria Glacier.
This is farm-to-table fare with zero waste — the game meat on the menu is sourced from the hotel’s very own 540-acre ranch in Calgary. Reservations here are recommended, and vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
The takeaway on dining opportunities around Moraine Lake
These are just a few of the diverse places for you to dine around Moraine Lake. Whether you want a casual snack to go or you’d like a fancier dining experience — the Moraine Lake area can cater.
