Top Places in Banff & Canmore for a Pre or Post-Round Sweet Treat
🍦 1. Lovely Ice Cream (Canmore)
After a perfect round in the mountains, few things hit the spot like a handcrafted treat. Whether you’ve just played 18 at Stewart Creek or soaked in the views from Silvertip’s patio, reward yourself with something truly special—Lovely Canmore, the Bow Valley’s boutique ice cream shop that’s redefining dessert, one small batch at a time.
A Scoop Above
Born in the heart of Canmore during the 2020 lockdown, Lovely started as a passion project between two dessert-lovers, Conor and Alexis. What began as a few experimental flavors in a home kitchen has since grown into a full-fledged, small-batch ice cream shop tucked into Old Canmore Road—now one of the Bow Valley’s best-kept (and best-tasting) secrets.
At Lovely, everything is made with intention:
No stabilizers
No artificial colors or preservatives
No shortcuts
Just real, whole ingredients churned daily for maximum freshness—and maximum joy.
Flavors That Hit the Fairway
You’ll find a rotating lineup of indulgent, inventive flavors that go way beyond vanilla. Think Cowboy Coffee, Salted Caramel Deluxe, Custard & Blueberry, and vegan favorites like Lemon Squeeze. Each batch is made by hand, from scratch, in limited quantities, so you’ll never get the same experience twice.
Their creations extend beyond scoops too—be sure to check out the:
Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches (incredible!)
House-Made Tiramisu & Mousse Cups
Take-Home Pints for après-golf cravings
And yes—they cater to all diets. Lovely’s kitchen is nut- and gluten-free, and they always offer a dairy-free option.
Why Golfers Love It
Let’s be honest—playing a mountain course works up an appetite. Whether you’re wrapping up a round at Silvertip or need a pick-me-up before an afternoon tee time at Stewart Creek, Lovely Canmore is an ideal stop. The shop’s welcoming vibe, stylish branding, and community-first philosophy fit perfectly with the post-round mood: relaxed, recharged, and ready for something sweet.
Plus, it’s local. It’s family-owned. And it’s delicious.
🏌️♀️ Pro Tip from Bow Valley Golf Concierge:
Check their Instagram @lovelycanmore to see what’s in rotation. Their cookie sandwiches tend to sell out fast—you’ve been warned.
Visit Lovely Canmore
📍 #101 – 300 Old Canmore Road, Canmore
🌐 lovelyicecream.ca
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🍫 2. Le Chocolatier (Canmore)
No golf trip to the Bow Valley is complete without a little indulgence—and few places deliver quite like Le Chocolatier in Canmore. Tucked just a few minutes from the region’s top golf courses, this artisan chocolate studio has been crafting handmade confections for over two decades. Whether you’re celebrating a low round, looking for a unique gift, or just craving something rich and elegant, Le Chocolatier is a must-visit stop on your golf getaway.
Handcrafted. Small-Batch. Decadent.
Founded in 1999, Le Chocolatier is proudly women-owned and operated, and everything is made onsite in their Canmore studio using traditional European techniques. Their secret? A blend of fine Belgian chocolate, locally sourced Alberta cream, and seasonal ingredients that reflect the spirit of the Rockies.
From bold darks to creamy milk chocolates, every piece is hand-poured, hand-decorated, and built to impress.
Signature Offerings
Le Chocolatier’s boutique is filled with temptations, from elegant boxed assortments to playful chocolate novelties. Highlights include:
Truffles & Bonbons – Rich, velvety, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
Gourmet Bars – Infused with flavors like ginger, mint, sea salt, and Canadian maple.
Hot Chocolate Bombs – A fan favourite, perfect for cozy mountain evenings.
Whimsical Treats – Including chocolate LEGO bricks, wildflower wafers, and seasonal shapes.
They even offer custom orders and chocolate rentals for events—because why not elevate your après-golf celebration with a tray of handmade chocolate?
Local & Loved
Le Chocolatier has become a staple in the Canmore community, admired not just for their chocolates but for their commitment to craft and customer care. If you’re heading back to your hotel or want to bring something unique home, their boxed sets and signature bars make the perfect souvenir—or just a reward for that clutch birdie on 18.
They also offer local delivery in the Bow Valley, so you can have indulgence brought straight to your door.
🏌️♂️ Pro Tip from Bow Valley Golf Concierge:
Ask about their Chocolate Sampler or Canmore Collection Box—great for sharing with your foursome (or keeping all to yourself… no judgment here).
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🍨 3. COWS (Banff)
Whether you’re fresh off the course or strolling Banff Avenue post-round, COWS Banff is one of those iconic stops that’s impossible to resist. With its signature cartoon cows, rich creamy scoops, and playful energy, it’s more than an ice cream shop—it’s a Canadian institution.
Founded in Prince Edward Island in 1983, COWS has earned legendary status nationwide, and their Banff location brings that same joyful spirit to the mountains.
Canada’s Creamiest Ice Cream
What sets COWS apart? It’s all about the high butterfat content (around 16%) and the use of 100% Prince Edward Island dairy, giving each scoop an ultra-rich texture that’s velvety and satisfying. Every batch is made using traditional methods and premium ingredients, ensuring a level of quality you can taste in every bite.
Fan-Favourite Flavours
COWS is known for its creative, pun-filled flavour lineup. Some highlights include:
Wowie Cowie – Vanilla ice cream with chocolate flakes, cookie dough, and toffee
Gooey Mooey – A caramel and chocolate lover’s dream
Messie Bessie – Rich chocolate with chunks of brownies and chocolate flakes
Cownadian Maple – A tribute to the homeland, infused with sweet maple syrup
You’ll also find seasonal offerings and rotating specials—perfect for trying something new with each visit.
More Than Just Ice Cream
Part of the COWS charm is their unique merchandise, from cow-themed t-shirts and hoodies to socks, mugs, and stuffed animals. The shop’s vibrant, cartoon-filled interior makes it fun for families, but the ice cream’s quality keeps even the most serious foodies coming back.
If you’re after a light-hearted souvenir to remember your round at Banff Springs Golf Course—or just something cold and decadent after 18 holes—COWS Banff delivers every time.
🏌️♀️ Pro Tip from Bow Valley Golf Concierge:
COWS is popular, especially in the afternoons. Swing by before dinner or just after your morning round to beat the line—and grab a cone to go while you stroll along Banff Avenue.
Visit COWS Banff
📍 134 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
🌐 cows.ca
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☕️ 4. Evelyn’s Coffee Bar (Banff)
When you need a warm-up before your tee time—or a laid-back spot to refuel after a day on the course—Evelyn’s Coffee Bar in Banff is as comforting as your favourite club in the bag. A fixture on Banff Avenue since 1992, this locally owned and operated café is where classic coffeehouse vibes meet small-town hospitality.
Whether you’re kicking off a sunrise round or coming down from a high-scoring front nine, Evelyn’s hits just right.
A Banff Classic
Step inside and you’ll find a cozy, inviting atmosphere filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade baked goods. The space feels familiar, with its warm wood tones, vintage charm, and a steady mix of locals and travelers fueling up for mountain adventures.
This isn’t a flashy spot—it’s a dependable, delicious one.
On the Menu
Evelyn’s offers breakfast and lunch all day, plus a rotating selection of baked goods that are made fresh each morning. It’s the kind of place where everything tastes like it was made in someone’s home kitchen (because, frankly, it almost is).
Fan favorites include:
Freshly Baked Muffins & Scones
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Croissants, Cookies & Cinnamon Buns
Hot & Cold Sandwiches, Soups, and Wraps
Pair it with a handcrafted espresso or local roast coffee, and you’ve got the perfect fuel for a day on the fairways—or a relaxing reward after.
A Local Favourite
What makes Evelyn’s special isn’t just the menu—it’s the feeling. Friendly service, generous portions, and a strong sense of Banff community make this a spot that locals return to year after year, and visitors fall in love with on the first sip.
It’s casual, it’s charming, and it’s exactly where you want to be when you’re not golfing.
🏌️♂️ Pro Tip from Bow Valley Golf Concierge:
Evelyn’s opens early, making it ideal for pre-round breakfast or grabbing a coffee and muffin to-go on your way to the course. It’s also just a short walk or drive from the Banff Springs Hotel Golf Club shuttle stop.
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🥐 5. BeaverTails (Banff)
Craving something iconic, indulgent, and unmistakably Canadian after your round? Look no further than BeaverTails Banff—a deliciously nostalgic experience that combines deep-fried dough, inventive toppings, and pure post-golf joy.
Whether you're walking off a round at Banff Springs or just strolling through town with your foursome, BeaverTails offers the kind of feel-good treat that hits the spot every single time.
A True Canadian Classic
Born in Ontario in 1978, BeaverTails has grown into one of Canada’s most beloved snack brands, known coast-to-coast for their signature hand-stretched fried pastries, shaped like—you guessed it—a beaver’s tail.
Lightly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, each “tail” is made fresh to order and loaded with creative, crave-worthy toppings.
The Lineup
There’s something for everyone on the BeaverTails menu. Some of the most popular picks include:
Classic Cinnamon & Sugar – The original, and still undefeated.
Hazel Amour – A decadent spread of chocolate hazelnut topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Apple Pie – Warm apple slices with cinnamon sugar and caramel drizzle.
Pistach-Oh! – A premium favourite topped with pistachio spread and crushed nuts.
Mehple™ – A sweet tribute to Canadian maple syrup, with maple icing and crunchy maple sugar.
You’ll also find seasonal specialties and over-the-top options that make for an unforgettable treat.
Not Just Dessert
Feeling hungrier? Some locations—including Banff—also offer BeaverDogs (a savoury spin using the same hand-stretched dough wrapped around a hot dog), poutine, and cold treats like ice cream-topped tails.
It’s a playful, satisfying stop whether you’re wrapping up 18 holes or just need to balance out your scorecard with a little indulgence.
🏌️♀️ Pro Tip from Bow Valley Golf Concierge:
BeaverTails are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Grab one to-go and head to Central Park or the Bow River Trail—it’s the perfect way to wind down post-round with a mountain view.
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Great golf deserves a great reward.
Let us help you plan a Canadian Rockies golf getaway filled with incredible courses—and even better treats. Explore your options at www.bowvalleygolfconcierge.com.