A few summers ago, we took a road trip through the Canadian Rockies including Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. It was a memorable excursion for me due to the spectacular hiking in Banff as well as the abundance of gluten free food options.
We stayed in Canmore, a 10 minute drive from downtown Banff, and there were several restaurants suitable for those with Celiac disease within shouting distance of our Airbnb.
Here are the top gluten free dining choices to enjoy during your trip to Banff. Regrettably, I embarked on that excursion prior to beginning to photograph everything I eat, so I don’t have many food pictures.
– Holborn: Situated at the boundary of Bloomsbury and the neighboring Holborn district, accessible via the Central and Piccadilly underground lines.
Planning a trip to Banff? You won’t want to miss my guide on the Top 9 Hikes in Banff National Park.
Traveling to Canada? Here are some other posts you may find interesting:
- Guidance for celiac disease in Victoria, British Columbia`s restaurants
- Traveling in Vancouver, British Columbia with celiac disease
Table of Contents
Gluten Free Banff Restaurants
Here are three gluten-free eateries in Banff that are celiac-friendly and that I dined at during my trip.
Are there more eateries that offer gluten free menus in Banff? Definitely.
While the other restaurants not listed may or may not accommodate those with Celiac disease, you`ll need to inquire directly with each establishment to be certain.
For instance, consider Tooloulous. They receive high ratings on Findmeglutenfree, however they prepare the gluten free waffles on the identical waffle iron as regular ones, don’t have a dedicated fryer, and generally aren’t cautious about cross-contamination. Would I dine there? Probably not, because the protocols to manage contact with gluten aren`t fully in place.
It is always advised that one should directly contact each restaurant they want to dine at in advance. Inform them of having Celiac Disease as a medical necessity rather than a lifestyle preference, and the need to eat gluten free and avoid cross-contamination with gluten. Inquire if they have dedicated preparation zones for gluten free dishes, whether utensils are shared between items, and if accommodating nutritional requirements would be possible.
Doing that groundwork up front will make your life simpler once you get to exploring gluten free Banff.
It`s exactly what I do before traveling somewhere new and exciting in order to feel confident about gluten free options available in that place.
Having verified gluten-free dining choices nearby significantly reduces the stress of traveling while managing a gluten intolerance.
Nourish Bistro
I don’t know what makes Canada unique, but they appear to have some of the best gluten free and vegetarian restaurants around (in Tofino and Victoria, I had some of the most delicious veggie food I’ve ever tasted). Nourish Bistro is a vegetarian restaurant located downtown Banff whose menu contains ~95% gluten free options.
The nachos are the highlighted item on the menu, in my view. Their staff was friendly and helpful. They promptly recognized dishes that included gluten, and explained what I could order to minimize the risk of cross-contact.
Eddie Burger Bar
IMPORTANT: Their food is cooked in shared fryers. Request no fries, and inquire about other items that may be deep fried (like the bacon).
Eddie Burger Bar is situated on the main road in Banff, so the location couldn’t be more convenient.
The burger was fairly tasty, but the bun broke apart immediately (#celiaclife). I asked them to switch gloves and omit any spreads that may pose a risk of cross-contamination, and they happily assisted me.
Balkan
IMPORTANT: The menu clearly labels dishes with “gf” next to options that exclude gluten. HOWEVER, not all things so labeled avoid cross-contamination, as they do not dedicate fryers just for gluten free items.
The staff at Balkan assisted me in identifying gluten-free menu options, though their failure to completely ensure gluten removal annoyed me
This was the most luxurious dining experience we had in Banff. It’s a Greek restaurant in the main strip.
The highlights were the Athenian Chicken and the warm halloumi salad. Both were confirmed to be free of gluten and had not come into contact with foods containing gluten. And both were delicious.
What to Eat in Lake Louise?
If you’re staying near Lake Louise, there aren’t too many options I’d recommend for Celiacs.
For an after dinner drink (in the event you ignored my advice and haven’t been drinking all afternoon), head to Millers and Rossi, a hidden cocktail bar that’s elegant, relaxing and distinctive.
If you’re trying to travel on a budget, I’d strongly advise cooking for yourself if possible. There is a grocery store in town with many gluten free choices.
Gluten Free Restaurants in Canmore
Canmore was the highlight of the trip in terms of food. We decided to stay in Canmore because it was significantly cheaper than remaining in Banff itself, and we were not let down.
Here are three suitable gluten free eating establishments in Canmore.
Communitea Cafe
While Communitea is not entirely gluten free, they demonstrate a strong understanding of cross-contact and allergens and were more than happy to change gloves and wipe down surfaces before fixing my breakfast.
As a result, we ended up eating there three times on our trip. It pays to have reliable gluten free options for Celiacs. We’re a loyal bunch.
For breakfast, there are relatively few gluten-free selections. However, the coffee qualifies as good, and the location proves convenient just off Canmore’s main thoroughfare.
Lunch there really stands out. The various dish choices all looked superb, and I opted for the Pad Thai and Coconut Curry bowl. Both were terrific, so if visiting Banff I`d happily eat at Communitea for every meal.
Wild Orchid (100% GF)
Wild Orchid is a fully gluten free restaurant in Canmore, just a short trip away from Banff.
If there’s a gluten free restaurant in Banff that’s highly recommended, this is it.
There is nothing more satisfying than walking into an establishment and knowing you can select anything on the menu. It’s a magical experience.
Sushi. Asian-style small plates. Some larger options. Even gluten free beer! (NOTE: They have four beers on the menu – two from Glutenberg which are safe, and two gluten-reduced beers that you should avoid).
If you’re staying in Banff, it’s well worth the brief trip to Canmore to dine here. It’s a little pricey for what it offers, but the peace of mind is worth it. At least to me.
Spice Hut
Spice Hut is an Indian dining establishment in Canmore. Indian cuisine is one of my preferred types of meals when traveling. See the best Indian food I had in New Zealand in Wanaka. Or Christmas dinner in Berlin.
I enjoy Indian cuisine. And Spice Hut was quite good. Many curries are gluten free, and the menu is clearly designated. Steer clear of the breads (obviously).
Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate and admire Canada deeply. From the gluten free dining options in Victoria (and elsewhere on Vancouver Island), to Vancouver, to the superb hiking trails around Banff, Canada has many remarkable highlights. I hope to explore more of the country`s eastern regions soon.”
From outdoor activities to their comprehension of Celiac Disease and what it implies (compared here in the US, at least), Canada is a great place for Celiac-friendly adventures.
