Beavertails

About Beavertails

Go to Beavertails for the fried pastry that defines Canadian park tourism. You're getting a palm-sized piece of dough fried crisp and topped with whatever combination of cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit appeals to you. This isn't fine dining or particularly original food, but it's what you eat while walking Banff Avenue at 3 p.m. on a Saturday, and it serves that purpose better than anywhere else.

Order the cinnamon and sugar version if you're a purist, or go loaded with Nutella and berries if you want something richer. Their chocolate-hazelnut creation works well alongside coffee. The line moves fast since this is counter service only, and they make everything fresh. Skip the upscale toppings if you're not in the mood for extra sweetness.

Hit this spot in shoulder seasons like May or September when the main strip is less congested. The real trade-off here is that Beavertails tastes exactly like every other location across Canada, so there's nothing distinctly Banff about it beyond the address. Go if you want a quick, satisfying carb boost between hikes. Skip it if you're looking for something that reflects the local food scene.