Banff is known as the heart of the Rockies, and for good reason. Amazing views, gorgeous natural wonders and plenty of great restaurants make Banff a can’t-miss destination. Another great perk of Banff is the unique shops in the heart of downtown, where you can get your hands on sweet treats, snowboard gear, art and more.
Here are five great places to shop the next time you’re in Banff.
Banff Sweet Shoppe
No trip to Banff is complete without stopping at the Banff Sweet Shoppe. A staple on Banff Avenue, this shop has been churning out handmade fudge and chocolates for visitors and locals for more than 20 years. Besides these excellent treats, Banff Sweet Shoppe also sells more than 60 flavours of salt water taffy, as well as rare and retro candies. Be sure to stop by and grab a bag of treats on your way out of town (and don’t be surprised if they’re long gone by the time you get home).
12, 201 Banff Ave., 403-762-3213, banffsweetshoppe.com
Canada House Gallery
Being surrounded by beautiful vistas means some incredible art is bound to follow, so why not stop by a Banff gallery like Canada House Gallery? Purchase a one-of-a-kind piece by Canadian, Indigenous and Inuit artists, or just stop by to appreciate the incredible paintings, sculptures, photography and jewellery featured inside this mountain gallery.
201 Bear St., 403-762-3757, canadahouse.com
Jolene’s Tea House
Visit this mountain tea house for unique, hand-blended varieties of teas, as well as mugs and accessories that make perfect gifts. Shoppers can choose from more than 60 tea varieties, which come in flavours like wild blueberry rooibos, raspberry green and alpine peppermint. Most blends are available in loose leaf or sachets, or you can get a Tea House, a cute box modeled after Jolene’s rustic wood building that comes with 15 tea bags.
211A Bear St., 403-985-5500, jolenesteahouse.com
Rocky Mountain Flannel Company
Nothing screams Banff like cozy flannel, and Rocky Mountain Flannel Company has it in spades. From jackets, to toques, to socks, and even t-shirts with plaid designs, you can find everything flannel for men, women and children at this unique Banff store.
225 Bear St., 403-762-8788, rockymountainflannel.com
Rude Boys and Rude Girls Snowboard Shops
The Rude brand has been around in Banff for a long time (Rude Boys opened in 1988 and Rude Girls joined in the early 2000s). Today, it’s still a major player in the sale of snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories in the area, contributing to the laid-back snowboard style you have probably seen around the town. Visit one of the two locations (Rude Boys and Rude Girls operate out of both) to grab the latest in outerwear, accessories and snowboarding gear.
205 Caribou St., 403-762-8211 and 215 Banff Ave., 403-762-8480; rudegirlshop.com, rudeboys.com