We're flying much of the day to get to Calgary and will be ready for a great late lunch by the time we arrive. Any lunch spot that is a local favorite near the airport that we should visit before we head to Banff?

Unless you eat at the airport itself, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity that I would recommend.

Incidentally, avoid going through downtown Calgary on your way to Banff; better to take a route around the north side of the city via 'McKnight' or 'Country Hills' Boulevards.

If your tummy could handle the extra hour, I would stop off at one of the grocery stores along the way and garb the fixings for a light picnic. Once you get on the freeway wast of Calgary, there will be numerous gorgeous places to pull onto a turnout to enjoy your bite to eat while overlooking the Bow River Valley and the Rockies.

Calgary has numerous primo restaurants but I would leave one of them for your return trip to the airport when you had some more casual time. I would park down town near the 7th Avenue pedestrian street mall or Eau Claire Market. You will find numerous places there.

Have a good visit!

I think Teleea meant to say the 8th avenue pedestrian street mall. If you walk down the centre of 7th avenue you're going to be hit by a bus or rapid transit train.

Grand Isle Seafood has great dim sum, but it is downtown. Actually most of the really good restuarants in Calgary are downtown.

Randy -
when you say a "great late lunch" what exactly do you have in mind? There are some restaurants within a 10 minute drive of the airport. Although they are not exactly exotic they can provide some decent fare. It might be nice to have a bite before getting in the car for another hour until you hit Banff.
There is Oriental Pheonix - a vietnamese restaurant at Barlow and 32nd Ave NE - they have great food. Close by is Earl's and Joey Tomatoes (both restaurant chains at the same intersection as Oriental Pheonix) - neither is what I would call fantastic but it has the standards available - sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc. There is a great little Indian restaurant just south of 32nd Ave called the Clay Oven - they do a great lunch buffet - not sure when you're landing? A la carte is great there as well. For a little southern TexMex there is another chain called Chili's just south on Barlow Trail (north of 32nd Ave) - you'll see it on your right (west side) as you head south.
As I said earlier - these restaurants aren't necessarily "fantastic" (although I do really like Oriental Pheonix) but you can have a decent meal at any one of them.
You didn't ask but while in Banff check out Coyote Grill and Giorgio's - great food at both establishments!
Good luck!

Yes, 5-Stars for Coyote Grill in Banff; but you better make reservation.

If you have a little extra time try the following: before leaving the city turn North off the TransCanada Highway (16th Avenue) at Canada Olympic Park, follow the hill down (Bowfort Road) to the four way stop. Turn right and follow Bowness Road to "downtown Bowness". There is a fabulous Mexican Restaurant called Salt and Pepper on the right hand side.