Dining

On the mountain, Marmot Basin has six places to eat plus a Starbucks next to the ski rental shop. Upstairs in the Caribou Chalet, the Caribou Bar & Grill ($–$$) serves excellent sandwiches, burgers and salads. Sit by the windows for spectacular views of the Athabasca River Valley and the mountain. There's also a cafeteria ($) in the base lodge which serves breakfast and lunch. Paradise Chalet ($-$$) at mid-mountain has a cafe and lounge ($) as well as a nice deck. On busy days, eat lunch at their Charlie's Lounge before 11:45 or after 1:15. For more casual meals, visit Paradise Cafeteria ($-$$) for self-service sandwiches, salads and made-to-order hot foods. Eagle Chalet ($–$$) at mid-mountain is a cozy rustic restaurant with a fireplace. Or sit on its big outdoor deck and watch skiers and riders as you enjoy a hearty meal. There's also a shooter bar. Both Paradise Chalet and Eagle Chalet have fabulous views of Jasper National Park.

Jasper has some excellent and varied restaurants. Canadian, Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, continental and family-style dining are all available.

The lakeview Edith Cavell Dining Room (852-6052; $$$) in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge specializes in elegant informality. The dress is resort casual, the setting, china on white linen, the service, attentive and the food, the best in the area. The menu includes game specialties and delicious desserts. For breakfast, The Meadows ($–$$), just downstairs in the main lodge, serves light and simple fare in a more casual setting. A lovely breakfast buffet and lunch are also served.

The Pines (852-4900; $$-$$$) at Pyramid Lake Resort has a huge stone fireplace, soaring ceilings and spectacular views over Pyramid Lake which set the stage for a wonderful meal. The menu includes appetizers such as Rocky Mountain mushroom bisque and entrees such as rack of lamb, smoked chicken and shrimp carbonnara..

In Jasper, The Inn Restaurant (852-4461; $$; right) at Jasper Inn offers a cozy, casual atmosphere. The creative menu includes such appetizers as citrus-marinated chicken brochettes, pernod-soaked scallops and various pasta entrees. Also choose from Alberta beef, salmon, fish and chicken.

Andy's Bistro (852-4559; $$), very popular, especially with locals, has a friendly, intimate setting in downtown Jasper. The moderately priced menu emphasizes Swiss and Canadian cuisine. Locals recommend the mixed salad and the lamb shanks. A $25 special (Cdn$) some nights includes an appetizer, entree and dessert.

Walter's Dining Room (852-5111; $$) in the Sawridge Hotel specializes in tasty Canadian and continental dishes. Tonquin Prime Rib Village (852-4966; $$) serves steaks, prime rib, barbecued ribs, seafood and Italian dishes. It has a bar and a beautiful view. Make reservations. Fiddle River Seafood Company (852-3032; $$–$$$) an upscale upstairs bistro, gets raves for creative fresh fish cooking. Embers Steakhouse (852-4471; $$) serves light and healthy cuisine (beef, local fish) in a casually elegant restaurant. Sorrentino's Bistro Bar (852-5644; $$$) in the Chateau Jasper features Jasper's own authentic Italian fare.

L&W Restaurant (852-4114; $$) with an atrium setting and remarkably broad menu is a great family restaurant. It has very good Greek cuisine as well as steaks, seafood, pasta, pizza.The kids menu has prices from $5–$7 Cdn$. Something Else Restaurant (852-3233; $$) is also a good choice for families with a combination of good Greek, Italian and Cajun foods.

Whistlestop Bar (852-3361; $) at Whistlers Inn serves a bar menu in a cozy atmosphere

The area's best sushi is served at Oka Sushi (852-3301; $$) in the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Also quite popular is Denjiro (852-3780; $$) in downtown Jasper featuring Japanese entrees and a sushi bar.

Miss Italia (852-4002; $$) is the spot for Italian cooking. Mountain Foods Cafe (852-4050; $), a sit-down or take-out restaurant, has affordable prices for its deli items. For espresso and pizza by the slice, head to the local's favorite, Truffles and Trout (852-9676; $). Steaks, ribs, donair, poutine, pizza and Italian dishes are served at Jasper Pizza Place (852-3225; $).

The Soft Rock Café ($), with Internet service, serves the area's best breakfast which is served it all day. For breakfast, lunch and diner, don't miss Papa George's Restaurant (852-3351; $–$$; above right) in the Astoria Hotel on the main drag. It has a rich, lengthy history in Jasper and serves some of the best Italian food in the Rockies. Bear Paw's Bakery (852-3233; $), a local favorite with a big reputation, sells freshly baked goods daily. Coco's Cafe (852-4550; $), downtown on Patricia Street, is a locals' favorite with awesome little dishes, pastries and Jasper's best coffee. They cater to vegans, vegetarians and carnivores.

Dining Legend (Cdn$): $$$–Entrees $20+; $$–$10-20; $–less than $10