Inspired by Bravo's Top Chef visit to Alberta, head from Calgary to the turquoise shores of Lake Louise, feasting on inspiring views and renowned Canadian cuisine.
This itinerary is great for foodies, nature lovers and anyone curious about Indigenous culture.
At a glance
- 4 day itinerary
- 456 km (283 mi) total distance
- 6 hrs 17 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Deane House
Deane House
Swing by for weekend brunch inside a charming riverside heritage home featured in the Elimination Challenge. Serving up refined Canadian cuisine with a side of history, lush gardens, cozy nooks and riverside views make this a hidden oasis just steps from downtown Calgary.
Inglewood Drive-In
Old-school vibes meet comfort-food classics at Inglewood Drive-In, where juicy burgers, crispy crinkle fries and thick milkshakes hit the spot. It’s a come-as-you-are local gem perfect for a casual, retro-fuelled bite—including breakfast.
Alberta Boot Company
Step inside Alberta Boot and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of leather and craftsmanship. Here, real-deal cowboy boots are still handmade on-site. Beloved by locals, royalty, and rodeo stars alike, this is the place to score a legit slice of Western swagger.
Stampede Park and Scotiabank Saddledome
Stampede Park dazzles year-round, not just during July's legendary Calgary Stampede. Beyond "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," this vibrant hub hosts concerts, thrilling Calgary Flames NHL games, and houses the impressive Agrium Western Event Centre—Canada's premier agricultural showcase.
Ten Foot Henry
Bright, plant-filled and effortlessly cool, Ten Foot Henry makes vegetables the hero without sacrificing indulgence. With crave-able sharing plates and butterscotch pudding worth writing home about, find out why this Calgary hot spot featured prominently on the judges’ social channels.
Fairmont Palliser
Sweeping staircases, sparkling chandeliers and a century of stories wrap you in timeless luxury at this grand dame hotel. Just steps from the city’s best attractions, it sports the perfect blend of heritage charm and modern comfort—especially when a celebratory champagne toast is in order.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
If you’re near Stampede Park, visit Sam Centre for a taste of the Calgary Stampede all year round.
CHARCUT
Top Chef finalists Connie DeSousa and John Jackson have ignited Calgary's culinary scene in this carnivore's paradise that champions farm-to-table dining. Open for all three squares, watch chefs craft house-cured charcuterie in the open kitchen while you sip a Caesar, Canada's signature cocktail.
Calgary Food Tour
Dive fork-first into Calgary's eclectic food scene with the Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour. From savoury prairie staples to trendy culinary innovations, this walking feast connects you with passionate local chefs, hidden food gems, and mouthwatering stories behind the city's most delicious bites.
Cluck’n’Cleaver
At Cluck’n’Cleaver, crispy, golden, made-from-scratch fried chicken is the undisputed star. Though co-owner and Top Chef Canada All-Stars winner Nicole Gomes comes a close second. This casual takeaway joint dishes out comfort food with serious local cred and finger-licking flavour.
Bar Chouette
This moody, modern bistro oozes low-lit charm with creative cocktails that taste as good as they look. It’s a cozy perch for sipping your way through show-stopping sips, natural wine and playful bar bites.
Class Clown Hamburgers
At this laid-back burger joint, thick, juicy patties meet quirky toppings and hand-cut fries for a seriously satisfying bite. And fun fact: during their Calgary stop, Bravo’s Top Chef star Kristen Kish treated the competing chefs to dinner here—no twist, just pure burger bliss.
MILK Ice Cream Club
This small batch handcrafted ice cream shop flips the classic milk bar concept with a nostalgic-meets-modern twist. Think cereal milk ice cream and vegan Biscoff cookie butter. It's bright, cheeky and the perfect sugar rush for your Instagram feed.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
If time permits, stroll down 17th Avenue for trendy boutiques, craft brews and creative energy.
Mahikan Trails
Follow Mahikan Trails into Alberta's wilderness for a delicious adventure through the lens of the Cree People. Learn ancient cooking techniques and how the forest was once used as a medicine cabinet. Stories of culture and heritage season every bite better than any gourmet spice ever could.
Bridgette Bar Canmore
This mountain outpost of a beloved Calgary hotspot dazzles with chef-driven, family-style dishes. Wood-fired delights, handcrafted cocktails, and alpine-inspired flavours are served up in a gorgeously designed space where foodies can indulge while soaking up the breathtaking Bow Valley vistas.
Downtown Canmore
Soaring Rocky Mountain peaks frame quaint streets lined with artisanal shops, buzzing cafés, and mercantiles brimming with eclectic finds. Wander between art galleries and historic watering holes along Main Street while soaking in the laid-back alpine vibe.
Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
Packed floor-to-ceiling with retro treats and hard-to-find international candies, this is a sweet tooth’s dream. Step inside to feel what it’s like inside a Willy Wonka wonderland.
Quarry Lake
While Top Chef contestants scoured Quarry Lake's shores for foraged ingredients, locals tend to feast on something else. The lake's perfect picnic spots and paddle-ready waters make every visit feel like a mountain vacation.
Sauvage
Foraged flavours meet fine dining finesse at Chef Tracy Little's unassuming restaurant. Imaginative tasting menus transform Alberta's wild bounty into artistic dishes that tell tales of the landscape. The wilderness is brought straight to your plate during this intimate, ever-changing feast.
The Malcolm Hotel
Rest your head at The Malcolm Hotel, where tartan charm meets mountain majesty. The heated outdoor pool and hot tub both sport jaw-dropping alpine views and are the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventures. Should you wish for a nightcap, there are plenty of roaring fireplaces to sip beside.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Don’t have time for a hike? Stroll along Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk at the edge of downtown Canmore.
Paddling Lake Louise
Gliding across the gem-coloured waters of Lake Louise feels like paddling through a postcard, complete with snow-capped peaks soaring all around you. It’s a bucket-list Canadian experience that looks just as good in real life as it does online.
Afternoon Tea
Quite possibly the most spectacular backdrop for cucumber triangles anywhere on earth, afternoon tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise includes feasting on views of the majestic Victoria Glacier. Dainty sandwiches and freshly baked scones arrive on tiered silver trays as you lounge in an elegant setting.
Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola
Head here in winter to ski and snowboard atop Alberta’s famed champagne powder. The diverse terrain delivers breathtaking panoramas from every run. Summer transforms the slopes into a wildlife-viewing paradise. Take the gondola to view grizzly bears or to access wildflower-riddled hiking trails.
Banff Gondola
Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain without breaking a sweat. At the top, you’ll find an interactive boardwalk and family-friendly exhibits that give context to the six mountain ranges spread before you. Finish off with a bite or nightcap at Sky Bistro while suspended in the clouds.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
There’s no better way to cap off your adventures than with a soak in this mineral-rich all-natural hot pool. Tourists have bathed in Banff’s thermal waters for over a century, as evidenced by the historic photography in the bathhouse. Make your dip more memorable by renting a retro bathing suit.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Wild Flour Bakery is great for snacks and light meals and offers gluten and dairy-free options.
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