The Bison Restaurant & Terrace
Dine at Banff's highly-rated (4.6/5) restaurant featuring Canadian cuisine and a beautiful terrace. Enjoy cocktails and live music. Reservations recommended.
Seasonal Canadian cuisine prepped in an open kitchen, plus a terrace with mountain views.
About The Bison Restaurant & Terrace
Nestled in the heart of Banff, this popular establishment offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1500 reviews, it's clear visitors appreciate the quality and service. The menu, characterized by its focus on Canadian flavors and a touch of elegance, consistently earns praise. Diners often highlight standout dishes like perfectly prepared bison short ribs and flavorful steak frites. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by the option of outdoor seating and the occasional presence of live music, making it a memorable spot for groups or a special evening out. This is a place where thoughtful cuisine meets a welcoming mountain setting.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love The Bison
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
This was our second trip to The Bison and it was just as phenomenal as our first experience two years ago! We absolutely loved the bison short rib and duck during our first visit but wanted to try something new this time. We thoroughly enjoyed the Caesar salad, steak frites and crispy fried chicken!! The flavors along with the textures and contrast was on point! We loved our server, Maria! Thanks for taking such good care of us! Lastly, all of the drinks we have tried (cocktails and wine) have been fantastic too. We will be sure to come back for round 3 the next time we visit Banff! The Bison Restaurant in Banff absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the warm rustic atmosphere and mountain views set the perfect tone for dinner. The service was outstanding — friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. We tried the bison tomahawk, and it was phenomenal — perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of rich, smoky flavor. Every dish was beautifully presented and made with fresh, local ingredients. A truly memorable dining experience in Banff — highly recommended for anyone looking for top-quality Canadian cuisine in a cozy yet elegant setting! We have dined here several times over the years and am so happy to have made it back as they have not missed a step at any point and remain our favorite place for fine dining here n town. Simply yum. A thoughtful menu that changes over time for new surprises to discover, with a solid wine menu to pair as u prefer. I love the authentic Caesar and the duck was absolutely divine w the added twist of the confit and that savory yet oh so light broth. Service was top notch once again. Reservations recommended for sure. Enjoy, explore, enjoy some more.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
Kristen E.
September 28, 2025
This was our second trip to The Bison and it was just as phenomenal as our first experience two years ago! We absolutely loved the bison short rib and duck during our first visit but wanted to try something new this time. We thoroughly enjoyed the Caesar salad, steak frites and crispy fried chicken!! The flavors along with the textures and contrast was on point! We loved our server, Maria! Thanks for taking such good care of us! Lastly, all of the drinks we have tried (cocktails and wine) have been fantastic too. We will be sure to come back for round 3 the next time we visit Banff!
Raymond L.
October 5, 2025
The Bison Restaurant in Banff absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the warm rustic atmosphere and mountain views set the perfect tone for dinner. The service was outstanding — friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. We tried the bison tomahawk, and it was phenomenal — perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of rich, smoky flavor. Every dish was beautifully presented and made with fresh, local ingredients. A truly memorable dining experience in Banff — highly recommended for anyone looking for top-quality Canadian cuisine in a cozy yet elegant setting!
renegadegeeK
August 10, 2025
We have dined here several times over the years and am so happy to have made it back as they have not missed a step at any point and remain our favorite place for fine dining here n town. Simply yum. A thoughtful menu that changes over time for new surprises to discover, with a solid wine menu to pair as u prefer. I love the authentic Caesar and the duck was absolutely divine w the added twist of the confit and that savory yet oh so light broth. Service was top notch once again. Reservations recommended for sure. Enjoy, explore, enjoy some more.
Joy K.
November 18, 2025
Delicious! We both had the $39pp 3 course meal and it was such a good deal. Best salmon I’ve ever had, it was perfectly cooked. The beet salad was phenomenal
Tiffany B.
August 29, 2025
We managed a last minute reservation for a party of three. We'd been hiking (scruffy but not smelly or covered in mud) and the dining room was upscale but relaxed so we didn't feel out of place. We ordered the Bison Tartar, Venison Steak, Duck, and Spare Ribs... Maybe one of the best meals of my life! I especially loved the venison and I usually hate it. The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this place to anyone interested and will definitely be going back
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make The Bison special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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View RestaurantPlan Your Banff Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Banff.
Transportation Tips
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the area. Organized tours provide access to remote areas, and shuttle services are available for popular destinations.
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