Gourmet on the Go: Walliser Stube

Deep within Canada’s glorious Banff National Park sits the inimitable Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. And tucked away in a corner of the grand hotel, lucky visitors will discover the restaurant Walliser Stube.

For cheese fondue lovers, this establishment offers many choices, such as black truffle, roasted garlic, porcini mushroom, and, of course, chocolate. However, the real stars are the local meats and Swiss-German specialties.

To begin, try the “Jäger” Forest Mushroom Spätzle Skillet. These little house-made dumplings arrive sautéed with wild mushrooms, arugula, and onion in a light cream sauce. The Walliser Stube salad with twee cornichons is another ideal choice.

Memorable mains include the Alberta bison tenderloin, the delicate local lake trout, and the amazing Wiener schnitzel. The breaded veal escalope melted in my mouth, along with the complement of parsley potatoes with lingonberry preserve.

Desserts don’t disappoint. The apfel strudel with white chocolate and thyme ice cream is intriguing, but I’d return for the Black Forest, which features chocolate chiffon, chocolate mousse, brandied cherries, and cherry sorbet. What a finale! 

The large, reasonably priced wine list includes favorites from France and Italy, plus high-quality Canadian options. I enjoyed the difficult-to-find Moët et Chandon Ice Champagne.

Offering great food, top-notch service, and stunning views of glistening Lake Louise, Walliser Stube is the perfect place to relax after a day of alpine hiking or skiing.

Fairmont Lake Louise, 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, (403) 522-1601