Tucked into the forest below the Fairmont Banff Springs, the Waldhaus — "house in the forest" in German — is one of Banff's most charming and characterful dining spots. A short walk down from the hotel past the Bow Falls, the restaurant sits where the Spray River meets the 15th hole of the Stanley Thompson golf course, in a rustic hunting lodge setting complete with dark wood panelling, a large stone fireplace, and a cozy wine cabinet that sets the tone perfectly.

The menu leans fully into its Bavarian identity — soft pretzels, cheese fondue, schnitzel, bratwurst, and spätzle, paired with German pilsners and handcrafted cocktails. It's hearty, fun, and unapologetically indulgent. But in summer, the real star of the show is the patio. For our money, it's the best outdoor dining spot in Banff — perched above the river with mountain views in every direction, and the kind of laid-back, sunny afternoon energy that's hard to replicate anywhere else in town. Elk and bear sightings from your table are genuinely common, which only adds to the magic.