The Waldhaus Restaurant is part of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. It’s a Bavarian Cottage style building that sits below the hotel property on the edge of the golf course and the Spray River. It makes for a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Banff. A cozy atmosphere is created inside with walls of dark wood and a large fireplace.
Upon entering the restaurant we were warmly greeted by the maitre d’ and taken to our seats. Once seated we were given a run down of the menu and specials for that evening. We thought it was a nice touch to have a sommelier come around to suggest wine pairings for our dinner choices. This is definitely a fine dining establishment. The small size of the restaurant allows the waiting staff to be very attentive, but yet they are laid back enough to not create a stuffy feeling.
The Waldhaus is well known their fondues. There are a variety of options to choose from, we had the cheese fondue with vegetables and bread. The cheese was a heavenly mix of gruyere, emmental, white wine and kirsch.
I don’t know how we managed, but afterwards we further stuffed ourselves with a course of chocolate fondue and fruit.
The majority of the menu offerings are German cuisine which include venison, smoked meat platters, wiener schnitzel, duck breast, lamb, black forest cake and apple strudel and a variety of wine selections.
Located below the restaurant is the Waldhaus Pub and Biergarten with a relaxed atmosphere and casual menu of pub style food like nachos, wings and fish and chips. You can watch your favorite sports event on t.v. while you enjoy a locally bottled brew or beer on tap. In the summertime the deck is the perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks while taking in the views of the Bow river, golf course and beautiful mountains.
Locals and tourists are welcome to dine at either establishment regardless of being a guest of the hotel or not. Reservations can be made for the restaurant, and are recommended. If you’re dining inside while it’s still light out ask for a table next to a window overlooking the river. The bar is first come, first served.
For more dining options see our post: Our Favourite Places To Eat In Banff
My wife and I are going to be visiting this fine estblishment again on our fifth visit to Banff this spring. We come to Banff once a year for a week every year for the last five and well we go to the Waldhaus atleast once each time. The braised beef short ribs are mouth watering and the fondues are all great. Down in the pub the mango chicken wings are perfect with any pint of beer. Would highly recomend this to anyone who visits the town of Banff. And if your lucky enough to sit out on the deck you can watch golfers tee off right beside you on an elivated tee. Anything you can recomend we do while we are in banff during the first week of April? Didn’t really see much on the events calander.
Sounds like you have fully enjoyed the Waldhaus. Have you ever tried the Walliser Stube, the restaurant at the other Fairmont property in Lake Louise. You could make a nice day trip out to the area by taking the alternate 1A highway and stopping for a walk into Johnston Canyon. Perhaps a horse drawn sleigh ride down the side of the lake while you’re there.
Take a walk on some of the lower levels trails around the town of Banff, such as Fenland trail. It’s always a pleasant stroll along the river as well. Then you can warm up by taking a dip in the Banff Hotsprings!