Alberta bucket list: 16 food and beverage experiences you need to try
Alberta is blessed with a nearly unmatchable number of delicious spots to dine, and there are tons of incredible eats for you to add to your bucket list.
From a beef jerky shop in the foothills to fondue in the Rockies, there are some spots all foodies must visit while in our province.
Here are 16 bucket list eats you’ve gotta try in Alberta.
Exotic meat at The Grizzly House
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Where: Banff
An iconic establishment nestled in the heart of Banff, The Grizzly House is a rare treat where you have the option of ordering some of the wildest dishes you’ll ever find, from rattlesnake to ostrich to alligator. The fondue is ridiculously good, as is the French onion soup – and to top off your meal, try the chocolate fondue. The Grizzly House is a bit pricy and it’s best to make a reservation in advance, but my oh my, is it ever worth it for the taste and experience.
Address: 207 Banff Avenue, Banff
Phone:Â 403-762-4055
Meat from MEAT
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Where: Edmonton
Located in Old Strathcona, MEAT serves up juicy, delicious dishes that border on legendary for their flavour. The Beef Brisket is mouth-watering, as are its BBQ Pork Ribs. Going with the one-pound brisket and full rack of ribs is a safe bet – you’re going to want leftovers. Their side dishes are delicious as well, with their mac and cheese or fries being the perfect complement.
Address: 8216 104th Street, Edmonton
Phone:Â 587-520-6338
Doughnuts from The Donut Mill
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Where: Red Deer
This sweet spot in Red Deer is a must-hit destination for donut lovers. Plus, the building is in the shape of a windmill, and it’s hard to neither love nor miss. The Mill’s menu has dozens of doughnut flavours, with fan favourites like Oreo, Rolo, Apple Pie, and Rainbow Dip, just to name a few.
Address:Â 123 Leva Avenue, Red Deer County
Phone:Â 403-347-8904
Breakfast from the Chuckwagon Cafe
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Where: Turner Valley
Saddle up and head to the Chuckwagon Cafe in Turner Valley for a breakfast like no other. With their big scrambles, pancakes, and eggs Benedicts, you can sit back and enjoy this western breakfast spot.
Address:Â 105 Sunset Boulevard NW, Turner Valley
Phone:Â 403-933-0003
Beef jerky from the Longview Jerky Shop
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Where: Longview
Who doesn’t enjoy beef jerky? The Longview Beef Jerky Shop attracts people from all across Alberta with its honey garlic, original, and Szechuan shop staples. The little store’s door is usually constantly opening and closing, with people coming in to get their hands on some of this perfect road trip snack. It’s truly a bucket list spot you’ve got to try at least once.
Address:Â 148 Morrison Road, Longview
Phone:Â 403-558-3960
A burger and milkshake from Peter’s Drive-In
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Where: Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer
Peter’s is practically an Alberta institution, and you’ve just got to try one of their burgers paired with a milkshake. With locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, Peter’s allows patrons to choose up to three of its many flavours for milkshakes, meaning that there are over 4,500 flavour combinations up for grabs to pair with one of their juicy burgers.
Address:Â 219 16th Avenue NE, Calgary
Phone:Â 403-277-2747
Address: 5151 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton
Phone: 587-635-2986
Address: 131 Leva Avenue, Red Deer
Phone: 403-356-5803
Bagels from Rocky Mountain Bagel Company
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Where: Canmore
A must-hit when travelling in the Rockies, this bagel shop in Canmore is a true delight. It has a ridiculous selection of bagels, and each order comes with heaps of fixings. It’s a whole meal in just a bagel.
Address: 102 830 8th (Main) Street, Canmore
Address:Â 101 1106 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore
Phone:Â 403-678-9968
Tea and treats at the Lake Agnes Tea House
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Where: Lake Louise
This bucket list foodie spot requires you to take a short hike in the Rocky Mountains first, which, in our opinion, simply adds to the Alberta experience. Make the one-hour trek up to the Lake Agnes Tea House from Chateau Lake Louise and then treat yourself to a hot tea and a delicious pastry or lunch – you deserve it! Plus, the views from this spot are practically unparalleled.
Address:Â Lake Agnes, Lake Louise (a 3.7 km hike from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at 111 Lake Louise Drive)
Phone:Â 403-763-7242
Barbecue eats from Big Sky BBQ Pit
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Where: Okotoks
Beef and other meats are an Alberta staple, so naturally, barbecue makes the list of can’t-miss eats. Head to Big Sky BBQ Pit, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Calgary, for some amazing carnivorous dishes paired with sides like bacon jalapeño mac and cheese, scalloped cheddar bacon potatoes, and scratch-made cornbread.
Address:Â 306016 15th Street East, Okotoks
Phone:Â 403-938-0701
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Comfort food from the Starlite Diner Car
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Where: Bowden
Chances are you’ve driven past this picture-perfect dining car on the QEII Highway, but have you stopped in? You won’t regret it after you try the Starlite Diner Car’s comfort food – and it’s a great opportunity to snap some old-school-style content for the ‘gram, too.
Address:Â 1 Heritage Drive, Bowden
Phone:Â 403-657-3503
Afternoon tea at one of the Fairmont hotels
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Where: Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, Jasper, and Lake Louise
If you’re feelin’ a little fancy, look no further than the Fairmont Hotels’ Afternoon Tea. Alberta’s five Fairmont properties each offer their own unique flair, but one thing they have in common is a scrumptious high tea. Featuring a variety of pastries, tea sandwiches, sweets and, of course, a specially curated tea selection, this dining event will make you feel like royalty.
Address:Â 133 9th Avenue SW, Calgary (Fairmont Palliser)
Phone:Â 403-260-1219
Address: 405 Spray Avenue, Banff (Fairmont Banff Springs)
Phone:Â 403-762-6860
Address:Â 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise (Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise)
Phone:Â 403-522-1601
Address:Â 10065 100th Street NW, Edmonton (Fairmont Hotel Macdonald)
Phone:Â 780-424-5181
Address:Â 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper (Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)
Phone:Â 780-852-3301
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Bagels from New York Bagel Cafe
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Where: Edmonton
A staple in Edmonton’s brunch scene, New York Bagel Cafe offers pretty much any bagel you can think of, accompanied by delicious sides of egg and buttery hollandaise sauce. Its small setting makes it a desirable, busy place any morning of the week. Knock it off that bucket list ASAP!
Address:Â 8430 Gateway Boulevard NW, Edmonton
Phone:Â 780-432-2003
Pasta from Pasta Pantry
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Where: Sherwood Park
If you love heaping bowls of delicious pasta, Pasta Pantry in Sherwood Park is the spot to hit up. Its portions are plentiful, filling, and tremendously tasty. You’ll instantly become a fan and you’ll be going back for more and more.
Address: 305-101 Granada Boulevard, Sherwood Park
Phone:Â 780-467-3777
Macarons from Duchess Bake Shop
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Where: Edmonton
When you see a lineup snaking down 124 Street, you know you must be near Duchess Bake Shop. The shop has a legendary reputation for its pastries, especially its macarons. With its macaron classic menu and its seasonal specials, it’s a sweet treat you’ll want to bite into.
Address:Â 10718 124 Street, EdmontonÂ
Phone:Â 780-488-4999
Little Duchess in Ritchie MarketÂ
Address: 9570 76 Avenue
Fried chicken from Chicken on the Way
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Where: Calgary, Airdrie
If fried chicken is what you want, then fried chicken is what you shall receive at Chicken on the Way. This longstanding establishment (family-owned and operated since 1958) offers fast, fresh, and delicious fried chicken. Purchase by the piece or as a combo.
Address:Â 1443 Kensington Road NW
Phone: 403-283-5545
Address:Â 3235 17th Avenue SE
Phone:Â 403-265-1350
Address:Â 9673 Macleod Trail SW
Phone:Â 403-452-7118
Address:Â 27 McKenzie Towne Avenue SE
Phone:Â 403-720-2367
Address: #114 – 5401 Temple Drive NE
Phone:Â 403-453-5557
Address: #207 – 150 Crowfoot Crescent NW
Phone:Â 587-356-2689
Address:Â 2131-2800 Main Street SE, AirdrieÂ
Phone:Â 587-775-9936
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Fondue from Moonlight & Eli
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Where: Calgary
This 627 1st Avenue NE eatery specializes in cheese fondue and champagne, which is a spectacular pairing if you ask us. If you are in the mood for fondue in YYC, this is the place to check out!
Address: 627 1st Avenue NE
Phone: 825-437-9202
With files from Elle McLean