Events at
The Bison

Bright // Airy // Chef-Driven

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ABOUT

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.

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Private Venue
120
Guests
Exclusive use of our modern open concept restaurant, featuring stunning mountain views, a private terrace, and unforgettable chef-created regional and seasonal food.

Capacity

82-88
seated
120
standing

Features

All guests seated together in one open area, oval bar with cocktail tables for reception, private mountain-view terrace, display kitchen, AV capabilities, DJs/bands permitted, dance-floor, chef-attended food stations for standing cocktail receptions. Guests are seated at long tables of 8-12.

Considerations

Minimum spend and set menu required.

Floor Plan

false
Main Dining Room
32
Guests
Available October - May. Gather in our modern, open concept main dining room for fresh, regional and seasonal cuisine.

Capacity

32
seated
0
standing

Features

No minimum food and beverage requirement. Group is seated together at 2-3 tables with 10-12 seats each.

Considerations

Available October - May only. Set menu required. Reservations available at select times only (5:45 pm or earlier and 8:15 pm or later) and subject to a 2-hour time limit. Guests are seated up on arrival (no cocktail space). Group is seated together but custom floor plans not available. No AV capabilities.

Floor Plan

false
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The Bison

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

  1. A signed event contract and online credit card authorization form are required to complete any group booking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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’.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. All events must be paid in full the day of the event, with payment presented on-site. We do not invoice.
  8. 20% gratuity + 5% gst will be added to the bill. Rental fees are subject to 20% gratuity + 5% gst.
  9. 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!).
Testimonials

Glowing Feedback

Our wedding reception was absolutely perfect, and we are so grateful for all the effort, care, and professionalism your team brought to the evening.

Your staff were fast, efficient, and maintained a positive, fun atmosphere throughout the entire night. Their professionalism was remarkable, ensuring that every detail was handled smoothly and that our guests felt well taken care of. At one point, my sister was experiencing low blood sugar, and when I asked for some additional appetizers, the chef whipped them up in no time. This quick response truly impressed us, showcasing your team's commitment to excellent service. We’ve attended many weddings, but the service and food at The Bison were by far the best we’ve ever experienced. Our guests can’t stop raving about how much they enjoyed the entire evening. There were so many aspects to the evening your team brought to the evening that made it top notch. We deeply appreciate everything your team did to make our celebration so memorable. Please extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved. Thank you again for making our special day unforgettable!

Victoria & Hal
September 2024

Great service and food for our wedding reception!

All our guests raved about the food and drink, and yours [Hayley] and Kayla’s communication and service to us during the planning process was awesome. Everything was a success!

Sally & Alva
September 2024

Our guests raved about the food, cocktails, service - everything!!

Our guest from Texas said the steak was the best they ever had! Thanks for being the best wedding vendor, we are soooo happy we chose the Bison!!!

Crosby, Bannister
August 2022

Thank you so much for everything last Saturday.

Everything went so brilliantly. Food was fabulous - and the service was amazing. Thank you for arranging it so well!

Erica
February 2020

The venue was perfect!

Thank you once again, I would highly recommend your services and the Maple Leaf to anyone that is doing a function in Banff!

Maxine
June 2017

Our experience at The Maple Leaf exceeded our expectations. Jason and Eli were exceptional in their service, etiquette and professionalism.

The food was beyond wonderful. Our guests raved about the meal, the wine selection and the overall ambiance. Thank you personally for all you did to help me organize this special event.

Dyan
September 2018

Your staff was super attentive, and the food was so well prepared, and presented.

The hors d'œuvres were just right, and well served. All was accomplished in a timely manner. You were a pleasure to deal with, and your restaurant was a perfect location for the rehearsal dinner.

Mychele
November 2018

The Bison was the PERFECT venue for our reception.

We fell in love with The Bison the weekend we got engaged when we stopped in for some late night cocktails. They did not disappoint for the wedding. The staff, food, drinks and overall space were amazing. They were very accomodating and all our guests could not compliment the staff and food/drinks enough. A great experience and we could not have been happier with the evening.

Courtney & Branden
August 2022

I truly do not know where to begin, we were blown away by every aspect of The Bison.

The venue looked amazing, thank you to the amazing team who were there to assist my family during set up, they were incredibly helpful and great to work with. The food, our guests could not believe the quality and how wonderful every part of the meal was, the chefs did and an incredible job in the kitchen! We have received countless compliments.

Steph and Kurtis
July 2018

The food was delicious and the evening was everything we could have hoped for.

You made the process so easy for us.

Elise
August 2019

Our day was perfect and everything we imagined and more.

The atmosphere, food, drinks and staff were all amazing and memories we will cherish for a lifetime. I had very high expectations when picking the Bison and its safe to say the Bison exceeded those expectations by far! All of our guests could not stop raving about the food and how intimate and beautiful the setting was, and Cam and I could not agree more.

Meghan
September 2019

The Bison Team knows how to manage a party! From the host, servers, bar managers, and event manager.

Everyone was so welcoming, service focused and went above and beyond for our guests. We are still getting rave reviews from our friends and family about the food, especially the bison short rib. Thank

Jaci & Matt
September 2022

Inquire Now

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.

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