Buffalo Mountain Lodge – Where To Stay In Banff

Banff is a destination that’s been on my bucket list for years. When Russ and I were planning where to stay in Banff this fall, I reached out to a resort I’d heard incredible things about, the Buffalo Mountain Lodge. They were kind enough to invite us to their property for the weekend and let us capture the resort to share with you.

Russ and I flew into Calgary, rented a car, and then made the beautiful 1.5-hour drive from Calgary to Banff. The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is close enough to downtown Banff that you could walk if the weather is nice, but removed enough that it feels like a mountain lodge more than an urban hotel. When we arrived I was struck by the property’s cozy elegance. The lobby was grand but rustic, featuring a massive hearth complete with a crackling fire, in addition to a modern bar. Our room left me with the same impression. It boasted a vaulted, log-cabin type roof with a fully stocked fireplace, as well as a modern bathroom with heated tile, a full-sized bathtub, and a fully glassed shower. Our room also had a balcony with an incredible view of the mountains. 

After checking-in and settling into our room, Russ and I headed down to the on-property restaurant for dinner and drinks. The first night we treated ourselves to a delicious meal featuring squash bisque, wild boar, a delicious cod filet, cocktails and of course cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious. The food was so fresh and flavorful. That night we also got to know our server, Kyle, who helped us not only navigate the menu, but also the city all weekend.  If you enjoy a meal at the Sleeping Buffalo Restaurant, make sure to ask for Kyle! He’s the best. 

The next morning we woke up and enjoyed a stroll around the property. We were surrounded by breathtaking views in every direction. I truly felt like Fraulein Maria in the Sound of Music. I was in heaven. That morning we returned to the Sleeping Buffalo once again to enjoy the breakfast buffet. There they spoiled us with everything from french toast (my favorite), to avocado & egg toast, bacon, sausage, pastries, and endless fruit options. After multiple, filling, trips to the buffet, we took another stroll through the grounds before packing up for the day. One of my favorite parts about this resort was its appeal to all ages. There was endless running around space for kids, food options for all ages, and even a homey cafe. 

After our first day exploring the lakes, we built a fire in our room and enjoyed a movie before dinner. For dinner on our last night, we enjoyed broccoli and cheddar soup, ahi tuna, linguine pasta, elk striploin, fritters and an array of fall-flavored house-made ice cream. The elk was super tender and flavorful, and I absolutely loved it. Russ and I had an absolute blast exploring the menu and trying new things. Plus, ending the night’s meal with maple ice cream was the perfect nightcap for my Canadian adventure. 

I didn’t think I could love a place as much as I loved Banff after only a weekend, but packing up to go home was no easy task. We had such a blast at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge and couldn’t bear the thought of leaving already. The lodge had the most helpful, friendly staff and made the visit nothing short of remarkable. Russ actually left his passport in the room and they were kind enough to let us back in after checkout and help us search for it. 

It may not have been immediately relevant to this trip for us, but Buffalo Mountain Lodge looked like it would be a fantastic venue to have a wedding. The resort had numerous ballrooms capable of hosting a service/reception of any size, not to mention their outdoor options. You can actually get married in a lush meadow with beautiful mountains in the background. The ballrooms were great, but I have to admit that the outdoor amenities were my favorite. 

There are only a handful of places I’ve been that I constantly find myself raving about (and if you follow me, you probably know what they are), but the Buffalo Mountain Lodge will definitely be one of those places. Russ and I had such a weekend to remember, and we can’t wait to return again soon. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Banff, I know Buffalo Mountain Lodge will treat you right.

*This trip was in partnership with the Buffalo Mountain Lodge but we can assure you all the above is from the bottom of our hearts! We only share places we truly love.