Our Restaurants
An Airy Rocky Mountain Venue
The Bison is quickly becoming known as the premier venue for intimate, Rocky Mountain events. Our modern, open-concept space features breathtaking mountain views while our display kitchen provides a glimpse of what is to come. Have a pre-dinner reception around our oval bar, feast on regional specialties in our intimate dining room, and then wrap up a perfect night with after-dinner drinks under the stars on our rooftop terrace.
Hilary & Andrew’s Mountain Wedding
The rain clouds cleared just in time for this beautiful late-August mountain ceremony. A few wispy clouds stuck around creating a beautiful backdrop for this couple's special day. Hailing from Alberta, Hilary & Andrew chose The Bison for its homage to regional cuisine with spectacular views - the foothills meeting the mountains seamlessly.
While the couple took advantage of a nearly empty Bear Street for some more wedding photos, their guests enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres on a picturesque patio. As guests were seated for dinner, the couple laughed and cried through heartfelt speeches, and shared their first dance as man and wife on the patio under twinkling cafe lights and their closest family and friends.
These cowboys kicked up their heels late into the night, creating memories that will be sure to last a lifetime.
Images by Deserae Evenson
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Additional Information
Our Sales Commitment
Minimum Food & Beverage Rates
All minimum food & beverage spends are subject to 5% GST and 20% gratuity. Rates may vary by season and day of the week. Holiday & long weekend rates may exceed listed prices. Please contact a Sales Manager for exact pricing.
Private Venue
High Season (May - October, plus all Saturdays)
- $15,000 - $20,000 minimum food & beverage requirement.
Low Season (November - April, excluding all Saturdays)
- $12,000 - $16,000 minimum food & beverage requirement.
Main Dining Room (groups of 14 – 32):
- No minimum food & beverage requirement. Groups of 14 & more are required to dine from a set menu.
RATES FAQs
What is the difference between a private and a main dining room booking?
A private booking is when the entire venue is closed to the public, giving your group exclusive use of all areas, including the mountain view terrace, dining room and lounge. A private booking is always subject to a minimum food & beverage spend which may vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.
A main dining room booking is when tables in the restaurant are reserved for your group dinner but the restaurant remains open to the public. Please note, main dining room groups are seated at dinner tables upon arrival (there is no space for a standing reception).
What is a minimum spend?
A minimum spend is the amount your group is required to spend on food and beverage before 5% tax and 20% gratuity are applied. Items such as food, wine, and drinks (all consumed on-site) count towards a minimum spend. If the minimum spend requirement is not met, the difference will appear as a room fee on the final bill. Off-sales, gift cards and takeaway items do not contribute to the minimum spend.
Audio Visual & Music
Private Venue
With a private venue rental, DJs, bands and live entertainment are permitted. Entertainers are required to provide their own sound equipment as our in-house system is for house music only. The following equipment is provided free of charge:
- Wireless Microphone
- A speaker system into which you may connect an AUX compatible device, such as an smartphone or tablet (note: playlist must be pre-downloaded)
Main Dining Room
A/V capabilities are not available for this area. No DJs, bands, or additional sound equipment (Bluetooth speakers) are permitted.
Group Policies
- A signed event contract and online credit card authorization form are required to complete any group booking.
- Events subject to a minimum spend:
- 30% non-refundable deposit will be automatically processed 60 days prior to the event date.
- Events may be cancelled without penalty up to 61 days before the event.
- Events cancelled with less than 61 days notice are subject to full cancellation charges and the full 30% deposit is forfeited.
- Events may be postponed up to 61 days before the event, in which case the deposit is transferred to the new event date.
- It is the responsibility of the client to act within the stated time frame, and to provide ample notice of postponement or cancellation.
- In the event you do not achieve the minimum, a rental fee in the amount required to achieve the minimum spend will be applied to the host bill.
- Both the host bill and individual guest bills count toward a minimum spend. In the case of separate bills, if the minimum spend is not achieved, the host is responsible for paying a venue fee in the amount required to achieve the minimum spend.
- Only food and beverage consumed during the event count toward achieving the minimum spend. Venue fees are processed the night of the event and are non-transferrable to other dates or purchases.
- Minimum spend rates are agreed upon at the time of booking and will not be reduced if Provincial public health measures limit the features or reduce the capacity of any event space. It is the responsibility of the client to stay up to date on all Provincial public health measures.
- If there is a government mandated shut-down of in-person dining, the deposit would be refunded regardless of timing.
- Events NOT subject to a minimum spend:
- No deposit is required in advance of the event date.
- Events may be cancelled without penalty upto 7 days before the event.
- Events cancelled with less than 7 days notice will be automatically charged 100% of the set menu price for the reserved number of guests.
- If there is a government mandated shut-down of in-person dining, the above cancellation penalty is waived.
- We require a final guest count 7 days prior to the event date. After this time you will be charged the full price of the set menu for any ‘no shows’.
- 30-minute grace period for group reservations. After 45-minutes, group is deemed a ‘no show' and you will be charged the price of the menu for the reserved number of guests.
- In the case of separate bills, the credit card provided on the authorization form will be charged the price of the menu for any ‘no shows’ or any charges not paid in full.
- All events must be paid in full the day of the event, with payment presented on-site. We do not invoice.
- 20% gratuity + 5% gst will be added to the bill. Rental fees are subject to 20% gratuity + 5% gst.
- Damages: The client is responsible for any damages to or on The Bison’s property and/or injury to the staff and/or guests caused by the client and/or client’s guests. Please note that verbal & physical abuse will not be tolerated towards any of our staff.
Access Times, Last Call & Venue Accessibility
Main Dining Room:
- Earliest access to the table is 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. Reservations are permitted at 5:45pm & earlier or 8:15pm & later and subject to a 2 hour dining time.
Private Venue:
- Earliest access for the event set up is 11:30 am. Event start time is 5pm or later. Last call is 12:30am, with an event finish of 1am.
Please note, earlier access may be arranged for an additional minimum F&B spend. Please contact a Sales Manager for exact pricing.
Accessibility
Is the venue accessible?
Accessible - yes
Elevator - yes
Wheelchair compliant bathrooms - yes
The Bison is wheelchair accessible and accessed via an elevator. The doorway entrance is 28.5" wide which allow for standard wheelchair access.
Wedding Specific Information
DECOR POLICY
Our staff are focused on preparing the space for an impeccable meal service and are therefore unable to set up décor.
- All décor needs (assembling center-pieces, unpacking décor, putting out place cards according to a seating plan, etc.) must be left in the hands of your Wedding Coordinator or friends & family. Special Event Rentals Banff is a local company that aids with set up should more extensive assistance be required.
- The Bison uses tea light candles on all tables as part of the regular dinner set up. Guests are permitted to bring in additional candles for décor as long as the flame is contained within a votive.
- We have very limited storage available at the restaurant, therefore we are not able to store décor at the restaurant in advance of the scheduled access time or after the event.
WEDDING CAKES
- The Bison does not make wedding cakes, however there are many exceptional bakers within the Bow Valley and we would be happy to make local recommendations for a professional wedding cake should you require one.
- There is a $3.50/person cake cutting fee to cut, plate, and serve the cake to your guests. There is no charge for a small ceremonial cake if you choose to cut and plate the cake yourselves (we will provide cutlery and plates). There is no charge for cupcakes and clients are responsible for the set up of a cupcake station.
- Cakes may be delivered and stored at the restaurant the day of the event. Please ensure the cake is packed safely and labeled with your reservation name & details (for example: Smith Wedding, June 15th, The Bison, Main Dining Room).
- Please note, by bringing your own wedding cake, the client assumes full responsibility for the event guests. The Bison will not be held liable for any allergic reaction resulting from the consumption of cake, frosting or fillings.
DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED LIST OF VENDORS IN BANFF?
- We work with many amazing florists, stylists, bakers and photographers in the Bow Valley. Please speak with your Sales Manager for our favorite local vendors.
MAY WE HOLD OUR WEDDING CEREMONY AT THE RESTAURANT?
- The Bison is first and foremost a dining room and we are therefore limited in terms of ceremony space. On occasion, and only with a private venue booking of the entire restaurant, we may be able to host your ceremony. Please note we are not able to remove all the tables from the dining room and therefore cannot set up a traditional ceremony space with rows of chairs.
IS THERE A DANCEFLOOR?
- For a private venue rental, there is not a dedicated dance floor, however tables can be moved after dinner service to allow for dancing (which we highly encourage!).
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We are your single point of contact representing 10 spectacular downtown Banff event venues. Let us assist you in the planning of your corporate group, wedding celebration or social occasion.
We will get back to you within 24-48 hours.