Canada's Oldest National Park Has a Tea Cocktail Trail Full of Surprises

Banff National Park has plenty of stellar stats on its side. It’s Canada’s oldest national park. It has more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. And, for those looking to indulge more and walk less, it’s also home to the Banff Tea Cocktail Crawl, a network of bars and restaurants offering intriguing places to imbibe cocktails (or nonalcoholic versions of them) crafted with locally hand-blended teas, all under the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Though there’s no one right or wrong path to take, first-time visitors should begin in the morning at Jolene’s Tea House, a log cabin dating back to 1890 where current owner Jolene Brewster hand-blends the organic teas you’ll find along the trail. Prime your palate for the long day ahead with a cup of fragrant Alberta rose sencha or a body-boosting Immunitea, a mix of ginger, eucalyptus, basil, and spices.

Amble just over 500 feet to Lynx Street for lunch at Bluebird Wood-Fired Steakhouse and request a perch near the imposing 50-foot pebble and stone fireplace. Order a Meadow Mint, a refreshing concoction of Park Alpine Dry Gin with Seedlip Garden and alpine peppermint tea.

En route to the next outpost, stop for a moment to snap a photo straight down Banff Avenue as it disappears into Cascade Mountain, then join the free afternoon tour at Park Distillery. Combining Alberta-grown grains and glacier water, this small-batch maker is the only distillery located in a national park in Canada. Following the tour, order a Mountaineer Marg, a northern version of the beloved drink made with wild blueberry rooibos tea syrup.

Next, happy hour beckons at Lupo on Wolf Street, another 500 feet away. Lupo is also a perfect place to snack, with a tempting menu of freshly baked focaccia, beef tartare pizzelle, and fritto misto. Request the celebratory Sicilian 75 to go with your grub, a citrus-laden aperitivo with Aperol, Chambord, grapefruit gin, Park Alpine Dry Gin, scarlet berry tea syrup, and Prosecco.

Around the corner on Bear Street is The Bison, a slow-dining experience showcasing Alberta beef and bison, accompanied by seasonal and regionally sourced sides. Finish with an After Eight, a digestif tribute to the post-dinner chocolate made with vodka, crème de cacao, lemon, and alpine peppermint tea syrup.

Toast to the end of the trail in a lava lamp–lit karaoke room at Hello Sunshine, a sushi restaurant with psychedelic mountain lodge vibes. The Matcha Colada is a perennial bestseller, a frothy blend of Park Glacier Rye, coconut and pineapple liqueurs, coconut milk, matcha bitters, and matcha tea.

Wind down from a flavor-filled day at Peaks Hotel & Suites (rooms from $129). Even here, you can brew a mug of Jolene’s Creamy Earl Grey (a hotel amenity) with a shot of Park Distillery’s Maple Rye for a hot toddy to guarantee sweet dreams.