I.C.Y.M.I.: Banff Has A Delicious Treasure Map Called a ‘Hot Chocolate Trail’

By Britanny Burr on November 8, 2024.

Winter is for all things cute and cozy. Thankfully, Banff has both of those things dialled. The town of Banff turns into a winter wonderland as soon as the snow falls. You couldn’t avoid the holiday spirit if you tried. From the snow-topped mountains to the bustling streets filled with holiday shoppers, the place might as well exist inside a snow globe. Naturally, the charm doesn’t end there. Banff has a delicious treasure map called a Hot Chocolate Trail that comes around each winter. This year it will run from November 15th to December 31st. We hope you’re as excited as we are.

What’s the Hot Chocolate Trail All About?

Here’s the scoop. Several cafes and restaurants around Banff and Lake Louise come up with unique, mouth-watering variations of your favourite winter chocolatey drink. A list of the participating hot spots will be published online, and all you have to do is pop in and place your order! The drinks are limited-time, holiday-themed, and some or seriously over the top. You’ll want to keep an eye out online for when the list drops.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Phillip Cowell (@gentlemanexpat)

Some places lean into creative flavours and ingredients, others serve up boozy variations of hot chocolate drinks, and some do both. Last year included many creative options for those who like to keep it simple and those who want to go over the top.

This experience is such a fun way to discover Banff, Lake Louise, and their fantastic cafes and restaurants. Not only that, but it’s also the perfect date idea or unique thing to do with your friends or family.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by International Chocolate Girl (@internationalchocolategirl)

The self-guided tour is ideal for anyone who likes to live life on their own schedule. You can choose to pick a place where you can sit down and stay awhile or a place where you can take your sweet sips to go. You could grab your hot chocolate and bring it to a skating rink. You may get the perfect drink to elevate your holiday shopping experience. Or, perhaps, you order a boozy hot chocolate variation to warm you up from the inside out while visiting with someone special. You honestly cannot go wrong.

How Do I Get Involved?

Getting involved is as simple as it gets. First, check out Banff & Lake Louise’s website to learn about the participating venues. Next, browse the menus and offerings and select your bucket list drinks. Last but not least, get that hot chocolate!

If you thought Banff couldn’t get cuter, think again. Holiday cheer is here, and it’s time to fill your cup.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This content has been republished for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

This article was originally published on November 17, 2022.

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