Lynne Godfrey has tackled countless kilometres of envious terrain, engrained her family’s name in Banff’s local fabric (literally) with cutting-edge ski fashions and recently started another business (with her daughter, Southorn) called gogo, featuring one-of-a-kind garments adorned with her paintings and original flourishes. “I’m an artist, really,” says Godfrey, flashing her infectious grin. “A retailer? That just happened.”

In perpetual search of an escape from Banff’s powder-obsessed transients and tourist throngs, Godfrey was ecstatic to discover Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar  (which opened in August, 2007) in the Banff Centre. “It’s sophisticated, it’s world-renowned…this is cool,” she says of the town’s secluded culture hub and artists’ retreat, gesturing towards 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows framing the steep chutes and chunky faces of the Bourgeau Mountain Range.

Wrapping a wine bar, cafeteria and dining room in elegant simplicity and spectacular views, Three Ravens, “adds another layer to Banff. It’s a totally different environment up here than Wild Bill’s, for example,” says Godfrey, referring to one of the myriad party pubs on Banff’s main drag.

Decor

"I think it’s quite modern... Very clean lines. But it’s all about the view. I was just flabbergasted when I came up here.”

Drink

“I think they could do better on the wine list—more Canadian and especially more Okanagan,” says Godfrey, poring over a list that includes decently priced wines from eight countries. “I’d choose the Quails Gate in white. Pinot blanc or chardonnay.”

Dish

"They’ve got great steaks if you like that. I had the pesto-crusted Halibut last time—it was great.”

Dress

“I wish there was a little more dress code. I would wear a cocktail dress if it were a little bit later... I’ll say this: you could dress up here as much as you could dress up anywhere in Banff.”

The Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar Open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily.