In Banff, Alberta, the Banff Hospitality Collective recently published “The 12 Best Restaurants in Banff,” a curated list on its website spotlighting its downtown venues along Bear Street ahead of the summer tourism surge.
The guide features 12 restaurants owned by the Collective; the Banff Hospitality Collective’s website states the group operates 16 downtown restaurants. Highlights include award-winning spots like LUPO (which has appeared on Canada’s 100 Best). Three Bears Brewery is also highlighted by the Collective and appears on other industry lists (for example, BHC notes Three Bears and LUPO in OpenTable’s 2025 Top 100 for Outdoor Dining). The feature does not include independent Bear Street businesses such as Nourish Bistro or Wild Flour Bakery, which are separately owned.
Bear Street was transformed into a pedestrian-friendly ‘shared street’ under the Bear Street Reconstruction project, a municipal redevelopment commonly reported at about $9.5 million (roughly $10 million) to encourage walking and outdoor patios. BHC venues at 205 and 211 Bear Street — including Three Bears Brewery (205 Bear St.) and Bear Street Tavern (211 Bear St.) — were among the businesses anchoring the corridor and have added patios along the shared-street block.
Some independent operators on Bear Street say any boost in foot traffic is welcome, but they also acknowledge the challenge of competing with the Collective’s marketing reach. Observers note that because all 12 picks are properties of the same group, the feature functions more as a BHC portfolio showcase than an impartial dining guide.
With Banff entering its busiest season, restaurants along Bear Street are preparing for crowded patios. Visitors planning to dine at popular spots are advised to reserve tables early to secure a seat this summer.
