The Ultimate Culinary Tour of Banff including Behind the Scenes Action of Cochon 555
Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism. All opinions expressed are my own. All information, offerings, and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Banff and Lake Louise Tourism and corresponding businesses/restaurant websites for the most up to date information.
*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable*
When you ask most people about Banff, Alberta they will almost immediately respond that it is on top of their travel bucket list. Or if they have already been that then it is easily one of their favourite places in the world.
It is easy to see why as being Canada’s first national park, third in North America, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural beauty here is unparalleled in all of Canada and easily holds its own as one of the most breathtaking places in the world.
What some people don’t realize though is that there has been a bit of a quiet uprising of the food scene here in Banff, so much so that it in itself has become a draw and a reason to come to Banff beyond those mesmerizing mountains and emerald coloured waters.
Cochon 555 Banff
Cue Cochon555, a prestigious culinary event that chose Banff as the only Canadian stop in their North American tour, and thereby further cementing Banff’s status as a food lover’s paradise.
Cochon555 is a food tour whose main purpose to to educate buyers and to provide support to local small farmers on heritage breed pigs which provide superior flavour and appearance. Dubbed as a ‘nose-to-tail’ experience it aims to show that there is a difference between types of pigs just as there is a difference between types and cuts of beef.
In each of the city stops on this tour there are 5 chefs, 5 pigs, 5 winemakers. Meaning 5 local chefs are given 5 types of heritage breed pigs to create unique dishes which will showcase the high caliber quality of these hogs in a competition with one another. The chefs are tasked with using the entire pig to create several bite sized samples for guests to enjoy and judge. The winner is crowned ‘prince/princess’ of pork, all while supporting the Piggy Bank charity, which aims to build a genetic sanctuary for heritage breed pigs as well as make food safer and more sustainable for future generations. They also aid small local farmers with building business plans and providing them with their own heritage breed hogs.
The final ‘5’ in ‘555’ represents the 5 sommeliers that are chosen to pair wines with the dishes created by the chefs with the heritage breed pigs. The winning sommelier is also chosen by guests and judges and it is easy to see why this event sells out almost immediately in each city that it tours in.
While the star of the show is definitely the heritage breed pigs a wide array of offerings are available. The focus is on showcasing local talent in the food industry. Everything from local distilleries, cheeses, seafood, veggie bar, and the most decadent sweets all topped with heritage breed maple glazed bacon of course.
Cochon 555 Banff: Eau Claire Gin Distillery 
Cochon 555 Banff: Maple Bacon Wagon Wheel Cochon 555 Banff: Vabella Bacon
Other Must Eats in Banff
While Cochon555 is certainly a culinary jewel for Banff, there are so many great places here to indulge in all year round. Here is a round up of some of some of Banff’s finest that you’ll want to make sure you get to in addition to those ski runs.
Three Ravens Restaurant and Wine Bar in Banff Centre
A little bit of a Banff secret this place is a gem of a spot. Located inside Banff Centre most people, locals included, do not even realize that this fine dining establishment exists in this centre for arts and creativity. With floor to ceiling windows and stunning views of the mountains and the city it is a place that oozes with wow factor. As part of the Cochon 555 festivities I was treated to a celebrity chef collaborative dinner here between Michelin Star and Top Chef winner Chef Anita Lo and resident Banff Centre chef, Chef Sebastien Tessier. Needless to say it was a memorable meal, but not to worry because Three Ravens opens all year round and is open to everyone in the know about it…which now includes you!
Melissa’s Misssteak
Lakeview Lounge at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Lone Pine Pub at Cascade Lodge
Looking to redefine the concept of ski resort fare Lone Pine Pub inside Cascade Lodge at Mt. Norquay does exactly that and then some. Combining global flavours with high quality ingredients the menu consists of elevated classics with a modern twist.
Cliffhouse Bistro
Situated at the very top of Mt. Norquay is the Cliffhouse Bistro. I didn’t get a chance to dine here since they were closed when I visited but the views alone make this spot worth a visit. It is also a capsule to history as the 1950s decor has been lovingly maintained and features several photographs of Marilyn Monroe in the space when she famously filmed River of No Return.
Sky Bistro
Perched on top of Sulfur Mountain Sky Bistro is only accessible by taking the Banff Gondola up to the very top. And let’s be real, you’re going to go up the gondola anyways because the views from Sulfur Mountain are legendary. Let me tell you something though, the food at Sky Bistro matches the view and was my favourite meal from the entire time I was in Banff. It is no surprise that Chef Scott Hergott took home first place at Cochon555. I highly recommend the bison tartar, honey glazed duck wings, stout braised Alberta beef short rib, and the Alberta bison burger. Regardless of what you choose though feel confident that anything you point to on the menu will be absolutely bangin’
