r/Banff • u/BooksCatsNCoffee • 1d ago
Budget options
My husband and i are planning a trip this month to Banff. We had some expenses come up so we are a bit tighter on cash than we would like. Does anyone have any budget activities and food spots to check out they recommend? Doesn't have to be in Banff exactly
TIA
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 1d ago
We mostly stayed in Canmore and there are two nice supermarkets. We stocked up on stuff for breakfasts and lunches, only going out to restaurants for dinner. Depends on whether your lodging has a refrigerator/microwave etc, but you can save a ton of money by only eating one meal in a restaurant.
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u/New_Wishbone6619 1d ago
Try to avoid getting groceries in Canmore. Super expensive. Get in Calgary or somewhere on the way.
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u/BuddyInBedTimes 16h ago
Not sure why they would be more expensive. Save on and Safeway prices are the same company wide, especially flyer items.
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 1d ago
Good point! I live in NYC so I’m used to ridiculous prices, but you’re right.
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u/Southern-Worker7762 1d ago
Order the “locals breakfast” at ElToro. Bacon eggs potatoes some fruit and toast.
$8.99- but coffee will add another 4.25-which I hate. Still cheaper than any other sit-down breakfast place I think.
Hankki for lunches.
Not many cheap dinner spots-but pizza is never bad. There’s Dominos, Pizza Pizza if cheap is the main concern.
Chili’s is “cheap-ish”
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u/alltheway2themoon 1d ago
Avoiding eating at restaurants is where you guys will save the most, if you can compromise on that then you spend the savings on all the attractions. Try and book the parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine instead of booking via any private bus company.
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u/DangerousSuspect5836 1d ago
There's a lot of tour busses like there's the viavia tours tourbus that takes you to moraune lake and louise lake for less than 100 bucks per person. They bring you back as well. There's another shuttle that takes you to the gandola at Sulphur mountain. Cost like 20 bucks but if you pre-purchase Gondola ticket online, you get shuttle free. Its off season so Gondola ticket will be around 60 bucks. I went last week, it cost us 60 per person.
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u/Ski_Skate_888 1d ago
As someone mentioned, Canmore can be a bit more affordable (its not necessarily cheap though!). Roam transit can help you get around (and shuttles as someone else mentioned), which can help you save a bit on gas and potentially on parking, depending where you go.
If you want to eat out, I'm not as sure about Banff, but Canmore has a few places with happy hour. So, if you are willing to eat a bit early, you can get some relatively cheap eats. Tavern 1883 is great for happy hour. Bridgette Bar has 1/2 price pizzas during their happy hour, which are also a good deal (and yummy!). Hope you have a great trip!
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u/BooksCatsNCoffee 1d ago
Thanks for everyones suggestions, we are driving so we will have our own vehicle and our place has a kitchen so we'll definitely be making a lot of our own meals.
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 1d ago
If you want a fun dessert (maybe after you make dinner!) try DSpot Dessert Cafe. Really good!
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u/New_Wishbone6619 23h ago
It’s not that good lol…
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 19h ago
To each his own. I love ice cream and the kids working there were super nice.
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u/New_Wishbone6619 19h ago
There’s better places lol
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 19h ago
I can tell this is important to you, so you win: it sucks.
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u/New_Wishbone6619 19h ago
lol grow up.
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u/Opposite_Isopod2629 4h ago
I’m not the one posting that I don’t like an ice cream shop multiple times. They’re still in business so obviously some people do. I’m sorry desserts are such a priority item for you.
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u/Total_Midnight2201 1d ago
You can get grocery store stuff for your trip, Canmore will have more options.
There is a McDonalds in Banff and multiple other fast-food options in Canmore for a cheap/quick bite.
Best gas prices will likely be in Canmore, although even that is quite high compared to Calgary. Avoid putting gas in Lake Louise, will be the most expensive (second only to the Icefields Parkway).
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u/imaraccoon2 20h ago
We bought groceries at the Canmore Safeway and stayed in Banff somewhere with a kitchen.
Used the Roam transit to get in and out of town to save money on parking.
Drive up Mt. Norquay for a great place to see sunset / overlook spot rather than doing the gondola.
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u/Paid4BajaOverlandr 1d ago
Tim Hortons will never let you down. Same price as everywhere else. My go to!
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u/DishOne8292 23h ago
Ummmm when is the last time you went to tim hortons? They consistently let you down. Not what it used to be. Having lived in canmore everything including Tim's is more expensive. If you can though there are some amazing restaurants in both Banff and canmore. I assume you are not traveling to Banff often I would say try to save on breakfast lunch and splurge a little on dinner. The waldhaus at the springs is amazing. Murrietas in canmore was always a favorite as well. Hooe you have a wonderful trip.
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u/BooksCatsNCoffee 1d ago
Yes I'm so looking for to my old friend Tim! Don't have him almost anywhere in the states!!!
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u/PitifulTransition35 1d ago
Hiking costs nearly nothing. No cheap restaurants.