In 2011, more than 35.3 million people visited destinations in Alberta (Tourism in Alberta, A Summary of 2011 Visitor Number and Characteristics, 2013). These tourists come from Alberta, other parts of Canada, the United States, and overseas countries to experience the culinary innovation the province has to offer.
Plan to travel during Alberta Open Farm Days, a collaborative, province-wide, two-day event that provides opportunity to visit more than 40 farms and better understand food origin. Like a backstage pass to meet farmers (in late August), participants of all ages learn about the practices, the animals and how to shop for produce freshly picked from the farm. Take away fresh insight into how farmers and ranchers contribute to our communities, working with one another and with chefs and purveyors of speciality food items unique to Alberta.
Dine Alberta began as a smattering of annual events to showcase the province’s top chefs, producers and offers. Today, Dine Alberta is more of a way of life than a yearly event. With so many restaurant and market options, Albertans are inspired and motivated to eat locally for their wellbeing, support their neighbours and ultimately further define Alberta cuisine. Join Dine Alberta to celebrate rich harvests, enjoy more than 100 participating restaurants, cooking schools, caterers, and bistros.
Taste of Markerville celebrates great local food, farmers and community in a historic small town. Visit to learn how to separate milk, churn butter and ice cream, and pick the best locally grown fruit and vegetables guests in season. Farm life comes to life for people keen to learn more about where their food grows and how.
Alberta is home to five national parks, including Canada’s largest and one of the largest in the world, Wood Buffalo National Park in Northeaster Alberta is a total size of 44,840 square km. Also home to the world’s largest free-roaming herd of Bison.
Calgary is home to ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the Calgary Stampede, which frequently tops best party, festival, and celebration lists around the world. Every year, international media come to the Stampede to taste its most curious and wonderful fairground midway treats.
Edmonton is known across Canada as festival city with over 30 events happening year round, many of which have a foodie fun built into every aspect of programming.
Alberta is the largest cattle producing province in Canada, and the second largest agricultural producer in the country. Alberta is the world’s largest producer of wheat.
Omega 3 bread was first created and introduced in 1989 by Edmonton’s Bon Ton Bakery owner Eugene Edelmann.
One of North America’s favourite answers to Chinese food, ginger beef was invented in Calgary in the early 1980s.
Canada’s own cocktail, the Caesar was invented in Calgary in 1969 by Walter Chell Today, more than 350 million Caesars are consumed annually in Canada.
More than 200,000 pancakes are given away for free each year across Calgary during its annual Calgary Stampede pancake breakfasts.
Cochrane, Alberta is home to one of the most internationally recognized ice cream brands, Mackay’s.
Alberta’s beer scene is shaking up. Calgary is home to more beer halls than any other Canadian city. Alberta also boasts a number of microbreweries across the province, a tribute to its locally harvested malt barley.
The craft distillery movement is taking hold in Alberta. Its first (open Spring 2014) is Eau Claire Distillery in historic Turner Valley on the legendary Cowboy Trail. Distillery tours and tastings will be hosted here.
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