Let’s be honest: Skiing is just one of the reasons to go on a ski holiday. Lucky for you, the day doesn’t have to end when the boots come off. We’ve compiled the ten best bars, restaurants, and spas so you powder hounds can relax after a long day at play.
1. BANFF UPPER HOT SPRINGS
After a day of hill hopping, soothe your aching body in this natural mineral pool, which sits at an elevation of 1,585 metres, making it the highest in Canada. Temperatures are kept between 37 and 40° Celsius, and the mineral content includes sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium and sodium—the perfect mix for a therapeutic soak.
+ AMARewards: Members save 15% on regular-price admission
2. WALDHAUS PUB & PATIO (at the Fairmont Banff Springs)
This cozy pub overlooking the Stanley Thompson golf course at the Fairmont Banff Springs offers a generous beer and wine list, an Alpine-inspired menu, and two giant HD TV screens. Relax by an outdoor fire pit with a pint of local draught beer, shoot some pool or darts, or indulge in a decadent dessert to reward yourself for a long day on the slopes. Toblerone Chocolate Fondue, anyone?
+ AMARewards: Members save up to 20% on accommodations and a receive $50 dining credit (on two-night booking)
3. BEAR STREET TAVERN
Step into the Bear Street Tavern in Banff National Park for a pint and one of their ridiculously good pizzas. The rustic spot features eight locally brewed beers on tap—not to mention a selection of bottled craft beers—and a menu that boasts ten signature pizzas, plus their famous oven-baked mac and cheese. ’Nuff said.
4. FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE
After a day outdoors, warm up your frozen toes in front of the humongous lodge fireplace at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. You can also indulge in a Mountain Stone Massage at the spa, or visit the Health Club for a steam. Top it off with a reservation at the resort’s sushi bar, chophouse, or newly opened Italian trattoria.
+ AMARewards: Members save 20% or more on accommodations and receive a $50 dining credit (on two-night booking)
5. FIDDLE RIVER RESTAURANT
Who says you have to choose between the mountains and the Maritimes? Jasper’s Fiddle River serves fresh, delicious seafood from its perch overlooking the Rockies. For the audacious eater, the menu also includes braised elk, wild game meatloaf, and wild boar.
6. WORKSHOP EATERY
Just a short drive from Snow Valley Ski Club, the newly opened Workshop Eatery is dedicated to seasonal, locally grown fare. Standouts include pan-seared organic Chinook salmon, perogies stuffed with potato and ricotta, and a smoky Rueben sandwich served on freshly baked bread. Save room for panna cotta topped with honey made from Workshop’s rooftop honeybees.
7. GRIZZLY PAW BREWING COMPANY
Canmore’s Grizzly Paw has been pumping out ales, pilsners, and wheat beers since 1996. They even make their own caffeine-free sodas. At their downtown outpost, you can dine on turkey wings, elk burgers or, for the healthier set, spinach-quinoa salad with pomegranate vinaigrette. On mild days, the patio is a happening place to sip a pint. You can also tour the brewery itself, which is located right off the TransCanada Highway.
8. ONE WELLNESS SPA
Pamper yourself at One Wellness, located in the Solara Resort and Spa. The 9,500-square-foot facility offers massages, facials, scrubs and hot stone treatments, as well as an aromatherapy steam room and a relaxation lounge complete with a fireplace. You’ll be so relaxed you might forget you came here to ski.
+ AMARewards: Members save at Solara Resort & Spa when you book with AMA.
9. WEST LAKE GRILL
Date night alert! Located in Heritage Ranch, the West Lake Grill is a romantic spot to unwind after an action-packed day at Red Deer’s Canyon Ski Resort. Spoil your significant other with a seafood dinner for two, rack of lamb, or duck breast. You can even book a private carriage ride through the trails of Heritage Ranch. Swoon!
10. T-BAR PUB & GRILL
The Castle Mountain Ski Resort in Southern Alberta’s Pincher Creek is home to the T-Bar, a charmingly rustic place to grab a beer and a bite. With classic pub fare (try the pizza) and regular events like karaoke, trivia nights, and live music, the T-Bar is for those who aren’t quite ready to call it a day.