
Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar
A lodge-style sports bar in Banff offering unique elk dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled mountain views from its rooftop patio.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lodge-style sports bar in Banff offering unique elk dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and unparalleled mountain views from its rooftop patio.
"Amazing to be able to get this with only a moderately priced restaurant. Loved it."
Book Ahead for Groups
Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.
Try the Elk Specialties
Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Pub Food
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Patio with Mountain Views
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Banff's mountains from the rooftop patio. Perfect for a summer day.

Unique Elk Dishes
Savor adventurous dishes like elk brisket poutine, elk dip sandwich, or elk ravioli for a true taste of the Rockies.

Vibrant Sports Bar Atmosphere
Experience a lively atmosphere with rugby and other sports on TV, making it a fun spot for game days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Groups
Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.
Try the Elk Specialties
Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For quicker service and a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Check Happy Hour Specials
Take advantage of daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails from 3-6pm.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Groups
Make reservations for larger groups to ensure accommodation, especially during peak times.
Try the Elk Specialties
Don't miss unique elk dishes like elk tacos or elk ravioli for an adventurous culinary experience.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
For quicker service and a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Check Happy Hour Specials
Take advantage of daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails from 3-6pm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elk & Oarsman is praised for its stunning rooftop mountain views and adventurous elk dishes. While many enjoy the hearty pub fare and lively sports bar atmosphere, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service, with occasional long waits and inattentive staff.
"Generous serving of food, attentive waitstaff and reception. We got the half rack ribs, burger and beers to go with and it was perfect. We got a seat with a nice view of Banff downtown and the mountain on the background. Noise level can be improved but it was okay, since we can still hear each other. Enjoyed this place during dinner which was a busy time for them."
Leah De Los Santos
"It has a great view of the mountains. Food was decent. We tried the Elk Ravioli and Fish and chips. The batter of the fish isn’t my favourite, but considering the price and all… it wasn’t bad. It comes with fries and added $1 for coleslaw.
Service could be a tad better, but no complains."
Ming
"We had an amazing dining experience at Elk & Oarsman! The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish bursting with flavours. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. Great job!"
Leonard Salvoro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is known for its unique elk dishes, lively sports bar atmosphere, and especially its rooftop patio with stunning mountain views.
Yes, the restaurant offers a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options on its menu.
The rooftop patio is best enjoyed during warmer months, but check with the restaurant for seasonal availability.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.
Popular dishes include the elk burger, elk ravioli, ribs, and fish and chips.
The restaurant has a casual, lodge-style atmosphere, so no specific dress code is required.
They often have daily happy hour specials on draft beer, wine, and cocktails.
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This aesthetically pleasing sports pub is all timber and river rock and has space to socially distance. Elk and Oarsman’s frozen cocktails taste best in the summer on the rooftop patio with 360-degree views of the mountains, while its specialty coffees, such as the Irish, are perfect by the wood-burning, stone fireplace. It also offers three kinds of sangria – very berry, just peachy and rose – and the kitchen slings burgers, bar snacks and pizza.
The Complete Guide to Wildlife Viewing in
Banff has a robust elk population numbering in the thousands. The Vermilion Lakes Drive, the Buffalo Paddock, the Banff Springs golf course and the Bow Valley Parkway are all excellent venues for seeing and photographing elk, and the town of Banff itself is frequented by elk intent on eating the greenery in local’s yards and escaping the predators they would face anywhere else in the park. For the best viewing opportunities, visit the park in late winter or early spring when huge herds gather at Vermilion Lakes and along the highway near the Buffalo Paddock, or come in September and watch the great bulls battle it out in the elk rut.
Banff Après Ski & Nightlife | Lake Louise Après Ski
If you can tear yourself away from the roof terrace’s 360° mountain panoramas, the Elk and Oarsman’s menus cater for individuals and groups of up to 200 people. The late-night menu offers everything from pizza to poutine, complemented by a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. To find out more about the best of Lake Louise and Banff après ski and nightlife, speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700.
Best American restaurants in Banff [2024]
Address: 119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6, CanadaPhone:+1 (403) 762-4616Website:elkandoarsman.comDetails: $$, Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Banff, Elk And Oarsman Restaurant & Bar offers a remarkable dining experience with its friendly staff, inviting atmosphere, and diverse menu. The restaurant features a main lounge on the first floor, boasting a standard pub menu and a friendly and attentive staff.
6 Banff Rooftop Patios Where You Should Chill This Summer
Perched on top of Banff Avenue you’ll find the Elk & Oarsman patio – the perfect slice of rooftop to soak up the sun on a summer day. Choose from the delightfully named Patio Crushers menu and sip on fuzzy peach punch and hard strawberry lemonade. They're no slouches when it comes to food either; tuck into the elk tacos or portobello burger to refuel after a day in Banff National Park.
Must-See Wildlife In Banff National Park & Where To See Them -
The elk population is in the thousands in Banff NP and they can be seen throughout the park and close to the town. The best places to see elk are at the Buffalo Paddock, Banff Springs golf course, Vermilion Lake Drive, and the Bow Valley Parkway. While they might look harmless, they can be dangerous if provoked, which is something you don’t want to do to an animal that big.
Wildlife Viewing
Sometimes mistaken for the larger Moose, Elk are a common sight in Banff and are spectacular to see in the fall with their antlers in full growth. One of our favourite spots for photos of elk is the Hillsdale Meadow along the Bow Valley Parkway. Splendid with the fall colours of the Aspen trees as the backdrop.
Taxi Mike's Restaurant Guide for Banff
Menu 360° view of Rundle, Sulphur, Cascade & Norquay mountains. Chuck’s Steakhouse (403) 762-4825 • 101 Banff Ave. • Menu Simply the Best rooftop views in town!!!. Magpie & Stump & El Patio (403) 762-4067 • 203 Caribou St. • Menu El Tacos, El Beers, El Patio (dependant on El Weather!) Banff Ave.
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The warm, friendly atmosphere and authenticity of the imported Irish woodwork and fantastic artifacts make St. James Gate one of the premier Irish pubs in the world. The Maple Leaf features Canadian cuisine in a lodge-style atmosphere, specializing in beef, bison, elk, and fresh fish and seafood.
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The Elk and Oarsman: This premiere sports bar and restaurant has a fantastic rooftop patio. Enjoy the views while you take advantage of their daily happy hour from 3-6pm and 5pm till close on Sundays. Their specials feature $5 draft beer, $6-$9 glasses of wine and 2 oz cocktails for $7.
Best happy hours in Banff
As I have mentioned several times throughout this blog post, The Elk and Oarsman is my favourite bar in town. With so many deals on good-quality food, it’s hard to go anywhere else. This is probably the cosiest sports bar I have been to, with warm lighting and soft wooden features.
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If you’d like your pub to have a 360-degree view of the beautiful natural surroundings, grab a pint at the Elk & Oarsman, which boasts a beautiful summertime rooftop patio. For cooler days or nights, head inside and enjoy their stone fireplace while listening to live music.
Summer Fun in Banff National Park with Kids
Families are welcome until 10 pm at the the Elk and Oarsman Kitchen and Bar, a gastro-pub flooded with loads of game. Dig into elk potato skins, elk poutine or a bison burger for a truly Western Canadian meal. If you have a sitter, stay late for live bands.
The Best Pubs to Visit in Banff
Across the street from Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub lies Elk and Oarsman. As a matter of fact, all four of the pubs in Banff so far on this list are right next to each other!. If you like, you can easily go pub-hopping and visit them all!
Discovering Banff's Hidden Gem for Sports Enthusiasts
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Elk & Oarsman Banff’s number-one sports bar, from its vibrant ambiance to its delicious menu. By the end, you’ll understand why this spot is a favorite among sports enthusiasts.
Best patios in Banff and Lake Louise
The rooftop summer patio at this joint offers 360-degree views of Banff all season long. Take advantage of the scenery and enjoy one of their 12 beers on draft. Address: 119 Banff Avenue, BanffPhone: 403-762-4616
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Banff
I wouldn’t exactly write home about the food here, but they do do a great deal on steak sandwiches on certain days!. It’s a small, cozy bar that serves all the usual beers, and it won’t break the bank.
Ultimate Adventure Travel Guide to Banff
Check out the Elk & Oarsman for local elk nachos, or The Beaver Bar at Samesun Backpackers for trivia nights and open mic. For late-night fun, visit Rose & Crown, Tommy’s, or get back to the Beaver!
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Dinner: Elk & Oarsman – played the OSU vs. Notre Dame game for us with surround sound. Such a fun, outdoorsy atmosphere and perfect if you’re wanting to catch a sports game like we did
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This fantastic restaurant and bar boasts a large cozy fireplace for winter ambience, and a large rooftop terrace with stunning views for guests to enjoy in summer.
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Classic pub menu with a good burger selection, such as the bang bang buttermilk chicken breast. Patio with 360 degree view of Banff’s surrounding mountains.
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A post shared by Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar (@elkandoarsman). Media from elkandoarsman. Address: 119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6, Canada
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit