Our Alberta Touring Magazine Issue 1

OUR ALBERTA TOURING MAGAZINE© MAGAZINE© ISSUE 01

I VOL 01 I SEPT 2021

RUMBLE ALBERTA™ “SEE ALBERTA THROUGH THE EYES OF A TOURIST”

Brew Houses of the North The Market at Deep Creek How to Rumble Alberta

PUBLISHED BY ZX MEDIA FOR THE CMTA

COVER PHOTO BY CARLA LEHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Our Alberta Touring Mag© 1

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CONTENT

BREW HOUSES OF THE NORTH 4 GP BREWING CO. 4 HEILAN BEER HOUSE 5 PEACE RIVER BREWING 6 DOG ISLAND BREWING 7 COLD LAKE BREWING 8 LAKELAND BREWING CO. 9 4TH MERIDIAN BREWING CO. 9 SANGUDO 10 THE MARKET AT DEEP CREEK 11 NORTH CENTRAL ROUTE 4 12 (WETASKIWIN TO NISKU THE LONG WAY!)

THE RUMBLE TO FORT MCMURRAY A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING (NORTHWEST ROUTE 6) BEST SHEETS? NORTHEAST ROUTE 7 ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE ALEXANDER FIRST NATION MACKENZIE CROSSROADS MUSEUM ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE LETHBRIDGE TO CROWSNEST PASS (RUMBLE ALBERTA SOUTH ROUTE 3) OLE SMOKES COFFEE CHALLENGE KONQUER CUSTOM RIDES CHALLENGE

14 18 25 26 31 34 36 37 38 43

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NORTHERN LIGHTS + HIGH LEVEL CHALLENGES 45 MORE THAN MEAT + POTATOES 46 GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL TOURISM ASS’N 47 MORE THAN MEAT + POTATOES 48 For Advertizing or Editorial inquiries please contact: Krista Malden: kmalden@communitynowmagazine.com

How to Rumble Alberta!

Explore - Save - Earn Points - Win Swag & Prizes!

Made for families, friends or solitary travellers, there’s something for everyone of all ages, no matter what they drive.

Rumble Alberta Touring Challenges get you out of the door exploring the many hidden gems across Alberta.

Explore any, or all of the 44 Highway + the Adventure Routes - or you can mix them up.

Find the hidden gems when you travel anywhere in Alberta.

Two Ways to Play: Just Explore - Play For Free: Check out the route maps at RumbleAlberta.com.

Download your choice and follow the routes.

Discover more when you download the History Check app and explore your favorite places on the route maps.

Rumble Alberta - Play the Game!

Purchase your event pass to play at www.rumblealberta.com $25 per Seasonal Rumble (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring) Each challenge site has a number to search in History Check to find the challenge.

Each site will tell you what challenge you are to complete - Selfies - Scenic Images - Trivia Do the challenges & you’ll earn points towards our growing list of Themed or Route prizes.

High point earners win!

RumbleAlberta.Com

Rumble Alberta is a Provincial wide Series of Seasonal Scavenger Hunts.

There are some fabulous prizes up for grabs for paid pass holders and incredible savings for all who participate.

You can buy a seasonal Scavenger Hunt Pass for $25 and it comes with Free Membership in the CMTA - and that means savings on a regional and national level added to your Rumble Pass!

It’s simple and easy to participate. Grab the family, jump in the car and go for a tour! You’llbe amazed at all you will learn!

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BREW HOUSES OF THE NORTH

Stories and photos by Rheannon Green + Tannis Baker, Food Tourism Strategies + Alberta on the Plate

GP BREWING CO. When the craft brewing restrictions changed in Alberta, there was a surge of craft breweries popping up in all corners of the province - Grande Prairie was no different.

Enter GP Brewing, Grande Prairie’s first craft brewery.

Opened by co-owner of Maddhatters (local foodie hotspot), GP Brewing was set on creating light, easy drinking brews to slowly introduce craft beer into Grande Prairie, which was traditionally a commercial beer community.

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Fast forward to today, and GP Brewing still has their flagship Mercury Lager being produced, as it has become a staple for many area resi-dents. Our visit to GP Brewing revealed a recent move - from their previous location next to Maddhatters to an industrial park on the south side - which came as a bit of a shock. If it has been a bit since your last visit, make sure you have the new address before you set out! The new location has a much smaller tasting room, meant more for growler fills and retail sales, so a quick stop is all you need to stock your cooler!

There is ample parking to get in and out, and you can also snag some brewery merch while you’re at it. The commitment to local remains the same, with each brew using Alberta barley and locally-sourced fresh spring water.

GP Brewing Co., 8812 111A St, Grande Prairie, T8V 5L3 Email: gpbrewingco.com Phone: (780) 533-4677 @gpbrewingco

HEILAN BEER HOUSE

Hidden away in Fairview, AB is Heilan Beer House, an unbelievable hidden gem serving up local eats and craft brews that rival any major city hot spot!

It’s the ultimate community hub using produce and ingredients from nearby farms to brews for both the traditional and adventurous beer drinkers (and even in-house kombucha for the non-beer drinkers) to a space that is cozy and exciting all in one go.

It is the perfect meeting place for any gathering.

There’s even a conference room upstairs with a gorgeous bar!

Heilan Beer House 9212 113 St, Fairview, AB T0H 1L0 heilanbeerhouse.ca Phone: (780) 306-7686 Mighty Peace Tourism: mightypeace.com #rumbleabnw #roadtrip #northernAB #fairviewAB

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PEACE RIVER BREWING

The “Grazing Counter” has some great local products (like Old School Cheesery cheeses and @brewbites01 spent grain crakers), perfect for pairing with any of their beers.

The retail store is always hopping, with a revolving door of happy customers stocking up.

Side note: Pour nos amis francophones, il y a plusieurs per-sonnes qui peuvent vous aider à choisir la bière parfaite.

Every stop on our Rumble Alberta North Road Trip is unveiling truly amazing places to eat and drink.

Nestled on the bank of the namesake Peace River, Peace River Brewing is no exception.

With a beautiful patio (lined with a super fun mural), a lively taproom and a retail store full of local and artisan products, you could easily pass 4 hours in the blink of an eye.

Like most craft breweries, there’s a great variety of beer styles to choose from, as well as housemade kombucha, with expansion into distilling coming soon.

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#northwestAB #roadtrip #rumbleabnw #greatbrews Peace River Brewing 4-9710 94 St, Peace River, AB T8S 1J2 peaceriverbrewing.ca Mighty Peace Tourism: mightypeace.com Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta Economic Development Council of Alberta lecdea.ca

DOG ISLAND BREWING

If you’re headed to Slave Lake, you absolutely cannot miss Dog Island Brewing.

They have an truly beautiful space, gorgeous year-round patio, and wicked good beer. They are converting the town into craft beer drinkers with their amazing lineup of brews (available across Alberta in craft beer retailers).

Only a few minutes drive to Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, it’s the perfect spot to grab some cold beers for your camp or overnight stay.

Dog Island Brewing 250 Caribou Trail SW, Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0 dog-island-brewing.square.site Phone: (780) 666-4777 Slave Lake Region: slavelakeregion.ca Rumble Alberta! rumblealberta.com #nwAB #roadtrip #albertabeer #allthebest

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COLD LAKE BREWING

Cold Lake Brewing and Distilling has some of the best views in all of Alberta!

Their rooftop patio overlooks the stunning Cold Lake (Kinosoo Beach was named one of Canada’s top beaches), and the taproom is equally beautiful.

You can even watch the brewers at work from a window right in the taproom! Or book a tour to get a “behind the scenes” look.

Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co. 5109 51 Ave, Cold Lake, AB T9M 1P1 coldlakebrewingdistilling.com Phone: (780) 654-2523

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Rumble Alberta #roadtrip #northernAB #albertabeer #breweryroute #albertabeer Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta Economic Development Council of Alberta lecdea.ca

LAKELAND BREWING CO.

After a long day of driving, Lakeland Brewing Company is a great spot to sit back with a flight of local craft beer.

(Grab some of their beer cheese to go with it, you’ll be glad you did!) When both the patio and taproom are filled to capacity, you know you’re in an awesome spot.

They even have virtual golf for when you don’t have room for your clubs! #rumblealberta #northernAB #albertabeer #allthebest #lecdea #breweryroute Lakeland Brewing Company 4227 50 Ave, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A3 lakelandbrewing.wixsite.com/beer Phone: (780) 614-9466

4TH MERIDIAN BREWING CO.

4th Meridian Brewing Company in Lloydminster has got such a great energy, it’s perfect for gathering with loved ones or for making new friends. Be sure to get there early it’s the place to be and fills up fast!

4th Meridian Brewing Company 2626 50 Ave unit 6, Lloydminster, AB T9V 2S3 4thmeridianbrewing.com Phone: (780) 522-9998 #rumblealberta #breweryroute #albertabeer #roadtrip lecdea.ca Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta Economic Development Council of Alberta

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Story and photos by Steve McGean

SANGUDO

Just off of highway 43 tucked in behind the noise and speed of the highway is the beautiful little community of Sangudo.

As you follow the road into the town there are older

settlement structures along with a town map and history.

One of the coolest things I noticed was this mini grain elevator in the middle of a field surrounded by rocks.

Looking on the information boards this mini grain elevator is in fact part of a large sundial!

There was an information board showing how to read and interpret the time.

After making sure the sundial and my watch were working I rode into the main street and toward the campground.

The next thing that caught my eye was the town’s War Cenotaph along with a retired Artillery Gun. Being a veteran, I take my time and reflect on the soldiers lost but also the ones that laid the stones for this memorial for friends, family.

I then proceeded to the Deep Creek Campground where I met Camp owners and maintainers Cory and Ray (Thanks for the burgers Ray).

After a wee bite to eat we chatted about the campground and the space, who their average campers are and I learned that they are booked up till August.

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THE MARKET AT DEEP CREEK

Its taken a lot of work to get it to this point.

They have two different camping areas, one which is owned by the county but Cory and Ray now maintain it for them.

Winding all around the campground is a freshwater creek where people can camp and hang out to tan on their own beachfront. The grounds are very well kept, and the staff are always checking all services and delivering firewood.

The Deep Creek Market started off Friday evening with vendors showing up and setting up.

An area the size of a football field, it was quiet until 8 am when the rest of the 75 vendors showed up to set up, then it became a hive of activity. The market was the most organized chaos.

Michelle and Shoshanna, the two gals who run the Market, are two women on a mission and by 0945 hrs everyone was in their place and putting on the finishing touches of their booths.

There was everything from beef jerky, candy bags, tarot

This was such a hit that when the nice weather hit then the Deep Creek Market came together.

After spending time walking around chatting with Vendors and shoppers it was a unanimous verdict that the market was a hit and what these businesses needed. www.deep-creek.ca Deep Creek Campground + Market 5250 54 AveSangudo, Alberta T0E2A0 (780) 204-0497 @deepcreekcampingandevents @Themarketatdeepcreek

cards, holistic vendors, virtual reality hockey camp, clothing, creams, candles, crafts, gardening.

There was something there for everyone.

Now this all started with Michelle and Shoshanna setting up “Christmas in Deep Creek”, this being vendors setting up in the Deep Creek main house.

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NORTH CENTRAL ROUTE 4 Story and photos by Phoenix Phillips With the City of Wetaskiwin as its starting point, North Central AB Route 4 of Rumble Alberta, is a fun route to travel with all sorts of things to see and do.

Harley-Davidson and Grande Prairie Regional College, Fairview Campus.

Mayor Tyler Gandam (helmet on) Myself, Phoenix Phillips Historic with a modern flair is how I would describe Wetaskiwin. This community of 13,000 stands strong amongst the pines. From the History Check App, which is a guide for the Rumble Alberta Scavenger Hunts, I learned that the name Wetaskiwin comes from the Cree word “witaskiwinihk”, meaning “the hills where peace was made”.

My overnight stay was at the Best Western Wayfare where comfort and the convenience of two on-site restaurants, Barney’s Pub and Grill, and O’Brian’s Restaurant made my evening very pleasant.

This massive exhibit includes 40 rare gems in the college’s ‘toy box’ collection of motorcycles integral for training, including both concept and early productions bikes. Of note, this is the only Harley-Davidson Tech program in Canada and that fact is proudly recognized by residents of the North.

After my tour of the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, the Mayor met me out front on his decked-out Harley-Davidson...a sweet ride!

From here he graciously agreed to give me the grand tour of Wetaskiwin. The plan was to experience Wetaskiwin on 2-wheels, and we did.

Guided by this first-term mayor, Tyler Gandam, I was soon to discover that Wetaskiwin is a vibrant city with lots to offer. Mayor Gandam skilfully marries the link between the old and new, the same way he navigates his Harley-Davidson Street Glide through the streets of this proud city.

As a politician and a new father of a 3-month-old daughter, Gandam, like so many before him, is keenly aware that this is where he wants to raise his family.

We motored from the stunning City of Wetaskiwin water-tower built in 1909 dubbed one of the oldest municipal water towers in Canada, then through the nearby refurbished streets of downtown.

Equally impressive, our travels took us along the recently completed massive round-about where we were flanked by the stunning 1907 architecture of city hall.

I was offered up a private tour of the historic Reynolds-Alberta Museum by their head of marketing, Cynthia Blackmore. I got a rare sneak peak of their new exhibit “Motorbikus Mechanicus”. This is a love story of the partnership between famed motorcycle manufacturer,

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With time on our side, I was treated to a tour at the Wetaskiwin Heritage Museum Centre by the executive director & chief curator Karen Aberle.

After a wonderful conversation about the City he manages

WETASKIWIN TO NISKU THE LONG WAY!

co-presenting sponsor of Rumble Alberta; Blackjacks Roadhouse and Games Room owner Clarence Shields.

Blackjacks Roadhouse and Games Room was a vision of Clarence’s for a while and when he opened the doors to this outstanding and beautiful building some 10 years ago it was with the dream of being a hub for motorcyclists and truck drivers.

What immediately caught my eye was the stunning truss work that greets you upon arrival. Inside the attention to detail continues with a 2nd floor mezzanine to enhance the experience, a definite must see. On this night, Tuesday, affectionately known as Bike Night, this visual masterpiece of 400+ motorcycles paints a new landscape each week... well worth the look.

and the family he embraces, Mayor Gandum and I parted ways on a full-stomach, thanks to a tasty butter-chicken dish from Fresh Grill Kitchen & Bar. With my two-wheels pointed westward on Highway 13, I set out to discover the rest of North Central Route 4 of Rumble Alberta.

North Central Route #4 is shaped like a rectangle: From Wetaskiwin, west to Buck Lake, north to Drayton Valley, then east to Nisku.

The route is seasoned with eye-catching places such as Ma-Me-O beach and a sea of small outlying communities like Alder Flats and Warburg nestled neatly along the way.

Don’t blink, you may miss some of the history and scenery!

Discover the historic and the modern on this route and you will want to return time and time again.

Supporting Rural Alberta is what Rumble Alberta is all about with your next adventure only a click away at www.rumblealberta.com Reynolds-Alberta Museum: 6426 – 40 Ave., Wetaskiwin (780) 312-2065 www.reynoldsmuseum.ca Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum: 5007, 50th Avenue, Wetaskiwin Phone: (780) 352-0227 wetaskiwinmuseum.com Blackjacks Roadhouse: 2110 Sparrow Drive, Nisku Phone: (780) 955 – 2336 www.blackjacksroadhouse.com

I enjoyed the drop into one of the numerous valleys across the countryside, crossing bridges surrounded by rich greenery and hearing the occasional moo from a local cow.

I came across a random Ukrainian Greek Orthodox church and thought it warranted a little exploration.

(PS At the church there’s a nearby outhouse, just in case.)

Upon arriving at the completion of Rumble Alberta North Central Route 4, in Nisku, I got a visit in with the

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THE RUMBLE TO FORT MCMURRAY Story and photos by Eric Larson There comes a time when one must look back on the preconceived notions we have and rethink them - or maybe even question how you have come to hold them in the first place.

Such was the case for me when I rode up to Fort McMurray after the May long weekend to see for myself what Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has to offer.

I knew the week was going to be challenging with the weather and a couple of times I was very sorry that I left my heated vest at home, but most people that set out for adventures often have challenges upon the way.

I did find some great gravel when I took some industry roads just to see where they went, and the trip into Crow Lake Provincial Park was short but awesome. Crow Lake park was a great place to have a coffee and a rest and to watch the birds on the water.

For those that wish to bush camp, there are lots of areas that will fit your style throughout this whole area.

Day 2 started with a great breakfast at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort McMurray and then a coffee overlooking a forested area regrowing from the 2016 Horse River Wildfire behind the hotel.

Probably the biggest challenge I had while in this northern region was finding enough hours in the day to see everything.

Let’s start with a bit about Fort McMurray and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).

Fort McMurray started as a Northwest Company fur trading post back in 1790 and was named after William McMurray who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company. In 1995, the City of Fort McMurray amalgamated with Improvement District #143 to form the RMWB. This vast region includes six First Nations communities, five Métis Local Councils, one Métis Community Association, the city of Fort McMurray, and the rural communities of Fort Fitzgerald, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Draper, Saprae Creek Estates, Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, Janvier, and Conklin.

The sand on the winter road to Fort Chipewyan After coffee I met with Tyler Cole from Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism and we headed out to explore south on Highway 881 towards Engstrom Lake Provincial Recreation Area.

Our day consisted of exploring some of the parks in the area and checking out some of the industry roads to see where they go.

Of note was the short lived attempt to try the winter road that ends up in La Loche, Saskatchewan. The road was rutted and wet so after a short distance we turned around.

Day 3 was an epic day for me!

No motors allowed on this lake at Maqua Lake Provincial Park.

Day one was the ride up to Fort McMurray, which was a lot of slab (highway) and very little dirt. The slab consisted of Highway 63 which was once known as the Fort McMurray 500, due to the speeds people drove on this highway.

Now though, you will find the highway twinned into four lanes from the junction of 55 and 63 about 230 KMs south of Fort McMurray. You will see lots of Sheriffs and RCMP to ensure that speeds are closer to the posted speed limit.

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Riding up to the sand dunes north of Fort McMurray at the gates to the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road was an awesome experience and riding into the soft sand was amazing. Now, I did not go far as a heavy bike with improper tires was not the ticket to conquer this stretch, but give me an ATV or smaller dual sport bike and watch out! The Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland and Richardson Wildland Provincial Parks offer limitless exploring opportunities for those keen for adventure.

When you see this area, you think of Morocco or some other foreign land but not Alberta, Canada!

Words can not describe this area accurately, but think of the best beach sand going on for miles and miles, with

Adventures up here don’’ ‘t stop’ when the tarmac runs out

explorewoodbuffalo.ca @explorewoodbuffalo

#ExploreFMWB #MyFMWB @ExploreFortMcMurrayWoodBuffalo

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THE RUMBLE TO FORT MCMURRAY trees and a few lakes interspersed within all this sand.

Impassable bog for this rider on the Conklin - Lac La Biche winter road.

A little lake on the winter road near Lac La Biche Day 4 was the day to start heading back so I mapped my route to include the winter road known as the Alpac haul or K road.

Again more sand welcomed me and I made it a short way down the winter road before a deep boggy area turned me around.

This night I hit the winter road from the south and camped beside a small lake, listening to the birds singing to me to sleep in my tent.

Day 5 I was up with a light rain on my tent.

I was on the road by 7am, and experienced one of the wettest days in a long time.

When I finally made it home later that afternoon a hot shower and a nap was needed.

My trip up to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo covered about 2500 km and a wide range of weather conditions, but what’s most notable was the people I met and the places that I saw.

Would I ride up there again you may ask?

In a heartbeat, and I would likely camp in some of the many out of the way lakes and rivers that dot this amazing

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region.

For all the information you need to know about Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, visit: explorewoodbuffalo.ca or connect with them on Facebook or Instagram.

You can also connect with them in the rumblealberta.com members lounge!

RUMBLE ALBERTA!!!! #rumbleab #ExploreFMWB

THE RUMBLE TO FORT MCMURRAY TownePlace Suites by Marriott; Fort McMurray A review for Rumble Alberta by Eric “Iggy” Larson

them or affect them negatively. My final rating for this hotel is a 5 out of 5, and I would not hesitate to stay here again.

When you stay at certain hotel chains you come to expect a certain level of service and cleanliness. When I stay at any of the Marriott hotels in North America I do so because of the quality of the facility and staff, and the TownePlace Suites in Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo was absolutely no exception.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott; Fort McMurray 321 Sakitawaw Trail, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 5E7 Canada Phone: (780) 750-8530

I was greeted at my arrival by the gentleman at the front desk and instantly made to feel welcome. Unfortunately the pool, waterslide and hot tub was closed due to COVID but after a day of riding in the wind, they sure looked inviting. Upon getting my keys, I was given a care package with some goodies and water and headed up to my home for 3 nights. When I opened the door to the room, I smiled as I knew I was going to enjoy my stay. The room had a kitchenette and was set up in a way to make a person comfortable for a single night or for multiple nights. As always, I jumped on the bed and noticed how comfortable the bed was. I really do love the mattresses that the Marriott chain uses.

The next morning, I went down for the complimentary breakfast and although it was not laid out like in pre COVID times, I could order whatever I wanted from the gent working in this area. This morning it was a fruit cup, muffin, yogurt as I really need my riding gear to keep fitting me.

The next two mornings I did have their egg dish (changed daily) and sausage or bacon.

With my coffee in hand I went out the back door and sat in their patio area and worked on Rumble Alberta planning, while the birds sang in the fire scarred valley off the backlot. This was the routine for the rest of my stay, when I was not out exploring the local trails, lakes and sand dunes.

As I stated earlier, I am a big fan of the Marriott hotels, and I am really a big fan of the ladies and gentlemen that worked hard to ensure my stay was an amazing experience.

I could tell that like most businesses in this area, they are suffering due to the reduced bookings caused by the pandemic and a slower economy, but that did not hamper

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A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

Story and Photos by Rumble Alberta Influencers Rheannon Green and Tannis Baker, Food Tourism Strategies Inc.

When you look at Northern Alberta, one thing is for sure, it is massive. A far cry from the metropolitan areas surrounding Calgary and Edmonton, where the next town is only a few minutes outside the city limits.

Northern Alberta neighbouring communities can sometimes take upwards of one hour to reach.

As we prepared to head out from Calgary to our starting point in Edson, we knew two things to be true: the days were going to be long, and we had always better have a full tank of gas (just in case).

As we made our way into Edson, it was clear that the town is heavily focused on drive through traffic and overnight visitors.

Like many of Alberta’s small towns along major highways, there seemed to be an abundance of chain restaurants, gas stations, and hotels aimed at getting you on your way again quickly.

After a long day of driving, we headed straight to our first stop, the Lakeview Inn & Suites – Edson Airport West.

We had been driving through the rain most of the day, and there were no signs of it letting up, so hitting the hotel to get cleaned up and get situated was top priority.

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The hotel is quaint and is clearly a favourite of industrial and oil patch workers, given the lineup of large trucks outside. Inside, the lobby is lovely, and the staff is very friendly and keen to share information about the town.

Lakeview Inns + Suites - Edson Airport 528 63rd Street Edson, AB T7E 1M1 Phone: 780.723.7508 Fax: 780.723.7853 Toll-Free: 877.355.3500 After checking in and dropping our bags in the room, we set

NORTHWEST ROUTE 6

out to find some dinner at a recommended stop unique to Edson, the Lil’ Igloo.

Lil’ Igloo is a tiny drive through restaurant that serves up staples like hearty burgers and poutine, but what they’re really known around town for is their ice cream.

We went with their dipped soft serve and are still dreaming about the toasted coconut and the jolly rancher weeks later.

There is only a tiny patio though, so be prepared to eat your treats in the great outdoors or take them back to your hotel with you as we did.

Lil Igloo 4520 4 Ave, Edson, AB T7E 1B9 Phone: 780.725.0105

The next morning, we prepared to begin exploring more of the route that would have us passing through many of the towns throughout the northwest.

Typically, the hotel provides a continental breakfast, but with covid restrictions in place, they opted to suspend this service, so we grabbed a quick coffee and headed off to our first stop of the day, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery.

Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery is a small, family-run craft distillery located about 10 minutes north of Edson in Yellowhead County. The entrance is framed by beautiful, branded gates, so it is impossible to miss the entrance.

The driveway up to the taproom and distillery is mostly dirt, so if it is a rainy day like we had, could be difficult for those riding in on two wheels. Their lineup of spirits and liqueurs use locally sourced ingredients, including grains from a nearby farm and herbs grown right on their own patio.

As new as they are, they have already acquired several awards for their lineup, including Best in Class at the 2020 Alberta Beverage Awards for their Alpine Cream and their Cornshine, and their flagship Big Horn Vodka took ho-

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NORTHWEST ROUTE 6

bronze at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Book ahead for a tour of the distillery, and then kick back in the gorgeous taproom with a cocktail or do a tasting to find your new favourite!

Rocky Mountain Big Horn Distillery 17315 Township Rd 540, Yellowhead County, AB T7E 3J7 Phone: 780.712.3709 The drive to Hinton took just under an hour, and by then, we needed to re-caffeinate. We headed to The Old Grind, a local favourite with not only great coffee (roasted in Jasper

by Rocky Mountain Roasters), but an amazing selection of sandwiches, soups, sweets and more.

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You can tell it is a great spot to eat, as it had a revolving door of customers coming in for almost everything on the menu. The favourite of our visit was a French tortière, which uses owner Carl Widenmaier’s family recipe.

A quick browse of the local art selection (including pieces by some of the staff), and we were on our way again.

The Old Grind Cafe 175 Pembina Ave Hinton, Alberta Phone: 780.865.1934 Hitting the road on route towards Grande Cache, we saw almost nothing but green, green, green. Almost the entire

drive has you surrounded by deep forests and sprawling hills in every shade of green, from emerald to olive and everything in between.

NORTHWEST ROUTE 6

It was a beautiful drive, until we managed to find snow.

That’s right – snow! In June.

Our drive into Grande Cache revealed an important note: Mondays are not a great day to try to visit small town spots.

Unlike in cities like Calgary where we are used to everything being open seven days a week, small towns tend to have a lot of restaurants and shops that are closed on Sundays and Mondays. While we were not able to try it ourselves this trip, Yum Yum’s Café is a local ice cream shop that is absolutely worth the mention.

(Yes, we confess, we have eaten their ice cream before)

After leaving Grande Cache, we headed towards our final destination for the day, Grande Prairie. The two-hour drive was again filled with stunning landscapes full of trees, waterways, and even a small mountain climb. There is not much in the way of cell service or stops, so be sure to have a full tank before you leave. We arrived in Grande Prairie in time to grab some delicious barbecue takeout from Red Rock Urban BBQ before heading over to our hotel, the Sandman Inn + Suites.

The portions were huge, the meat was cooked to perfection, and we could not have asked for a better way to end the day. If you are not sure what to get, go for the “Oink, Cackle & Moo,” it includes their pulled pork, quarter dixie chicken and sliced brisket plus two sides and cornbread. It is definitely enough to feed at least two people, if not more.

Red Rock Urban BBQ 10408 67th Ave #107, Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0K8 Phone: 780.402.7431 Sandman Hotel, Grande Prairie 9805 100 St, T8V 6X3 Phone: 780.513.5555 While in Grande Prairie, we could not pass up visiting Fourteen 14 Food Co., an amazing lunch and brunch spot that serves up simple, fast,

Their ice cream treats are every child’s (or inner child’s) wildest dreams, from ice cream nachos to mini donut milkshakes to ice cream flights. They even have an adorable patio space so you can enjoy some fresh mountain air while you eat.

and delicious sandwiches and more. They are huge proponents of local, working with nearby farms and producers whenever possible.

Yum Yum’s Cafe 1800 Pine Plaza, Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0 Phone: 780.827.8086

The “Uncle Joey” is one of their most popular sandwiches, which is like a Cubano and made to perfection. Paired with the “Loaded Fries,” it was more

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NORTHWEST ROUTE 6

than enough to share between two people, though it was so good you would not want to.

Wash it down with a Grain Bin craft brew, or a Grizzly Paw soda, or with a coffee from local roasters at Mink Hollow Coffee. This might sound odd, but be sure to check out their washrooms before you leave – they have some amazing artwork all over the walls!

Fourteen 14 Food Company 10120 100 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0V5 Phone: 780.533.1414 Leaving Grande Prairie, we were once again back to rural Alberta. Small towns, open roads, and lots of farmland. The view shifted from greens to golden yellows as we made our way past farms and fields to arrive in High Prairie.

Just outside of this tiny town is Shady Orchard & Winery, a small family-owned and operated fruit winery.

Their retail store is absolutely beautiful, with vintage décor and a stunning display for their wines that leads into their “Taproom,” a private space that can be booked for tastings and events, complete with a small menu of delicious bites to go alongside their selection of fruit wines.

The wines range from the more common varietals like the Strawberry, Rhubarb and the Cherry, to the more unique like the Chokecherry and the Lemon (which has a touch of pea flower to give it a stunning purple colour).

You won’t want to miss the Pear, which may be one of the best fruit wines we have had to date. William and Kristie are exceptional hosts and will have you feeling right at home (beware of Dobson, however, he tends to get shaky when visitors are near!).

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NORTHWEST ROUTE 6 @abontheplate | @foodtourismstrategies

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Only 20 minutes from the east end of Lesser Slave Lake, Shady Orchard & Winery also makes a great rainy day excursion!

Shady Orchard & Winery 16115 Twp Rd 744, AB T0G 1E0 Phone: 780.523.5260

They know almost all their customers by name (and by voice, for those who phone in orders).

The menu is simple with about a dozen numbered items, and everything is cooked fresh to order.

As we neared the town of Slave Lake and the end of the route, there was just one last spot to hit – the Slave Lake Grill (or SL Grill). When locals say they order from there up to five times per week, you know it must be good.

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by a lovely couple, Aeja and Woojin Park.

The Slave Lake Grill is owned and operated

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It makes the perfect quick lunch or dinner and should be enjoyed by a view of the lake.

SL Grill 601 Main ST NE Slave Lake AB T5G 2A2 Phone: 780.805.8302 Food Tourism Strategies Inc. is a Calgary-based consulting and event company that produces Alberta on the Plate, a platform that highlights and celebrates Alberta food and drink, as well as hosts a province wide dine around festival every August during Alberta Local Food Week. The 2021 Dine Around takes place August 6-15, 2021 and features over 60 restaurants in over 20 cities and towns throughout the province.

Learn More: AlbertaOnThePlate.com | FoodTourismStrategies.com Follow on Instagram & Facebook:

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You could win the rooms you need to go to Whitehorse YT or to Yellowknife NWT depending on where in the province you start your epic vacation from!!!!

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NORTHEAST ROUTE 7

Story and Photos by Carla Lehman, Carla Lehman Photography

evening air, have dinner and watch the stars come out.

Trip Overview The Rumble Alberta Route 7 tour is a scenic and winding trip, starting in Lloydminster, Alberta and finishing up in the lovely and interesting town of Two Hills, Alberta.

The tour started with a visit to Revolt Motorsports, hosted by owner Clint Rabb. Clint is a business owner known for running his business with integrity and going above and beyond for his customers. His name is well known in the motorcycle community as the place to go for the best service.

A visit to the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre showed the true spirit of community and friendship in this city.

The center offers a place for community members to come together, offers employment and nutrition training, meals on Wednesdays, and heritage craft classes.

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Lloydminster and get the tour started bright and early, the place to stay is Microtel by Wyndham.

No visit to the city is complete without a selfie at the border survey stakes.

They are the world’s largest border markers and represent oil and gas, the Barr Colonists, agriculture and First Nations & Métis.

I just like to have fun stepping back and forth from one province to another.

Along this tour are some hidden gems that one may not have ever heard of, but that deserve a visit for their history and for the chance to pay respects that those who came before us and forged a life in this small hidden outposts.

The hotel is lovely, staff are attentive and friendly the rooms are comfortable and beautiful.

The hotel has built a great gazebo for clients to enjoy the

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Check out the following spots for fabulous photo opportunities of historical buildings. Many of them are stone built which is not often seen but there are many to explore in this area of rural Alberta. Check out Alcurve, Heinsburg, Islay, Derwent, Myrnam, Beauvallon, Musidora

NORTHEAST ROUTE 7

and Morecambe to make some truly beautiful portraits of historical Alberta architecture (or make some selfies your friends will be jealous of).

Lea Park is a great place to stop and camp, surrounded by rivers, rodeo grounds and golf course. It’s in a valley, and feels like one is in another world. It’s a lovely, nature surrounded spot to stop and relax.

Sitting on the patio of the famous Historical Marwayne Hotel, feeling the warm breeze on your face, and eating one of the best burgers around is a treat.

The bigger treat however, is that every single local that walks by will smile and say hello, and those driving offer the patented country wave. It’s a treat to visit this town.

Ask owner Cheryle for a tour of the rooms and the history of the hotel. I guarantee, you’ll want to stay.

When pulling up to the World’s Largest Chuckwagon in Dewberry, to truly take in the massive size of it, get right up close. It’s quite shocking once you’re beside it to see just how big it is, the view from the highway is quite deceptive.

Now that you’re in town, take a tour past the Dewberry hotel – stop and say hello and ask for a peek at the giant bottle of Grey Goose the hotel has donated to the tour!

Not quite as big as the chuckwagon, but it’s a coveted tour prize!

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NORTHEAST ROUTE 7

Alberta’s sentinels, our historic grain elevators are few.

In the last decade many have been torn down, history lost.

This tour will take you to three communities with grain elevators, which are a great photo opportunity. While visiting the Myrnam elevator, be sure to check out the dove statue in the park, and to check out some incredible old buildings. They are a great spot to park your bike (or minivan) for a photo op.

Vermillion is a great mix of history, agriculture, fabulous boutiques, western shops and restaurants. Hubkins Restaurant is a must

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stop, the menu is plentiful, the smoked meat smells divine and the décor is a perfect nod to the town’s eclectic mix

Mannville may be one of the friendliest communities in Alberta. Within moments of visiting Confectionary 881, you’ll feel like a local.

Not only that, they have the best candy, totally retro, things I haven’t seen since childhood. Mannville has the first rural Telephone Exchange building, and a fabulous historical museum.

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If you choose to lay your head down here, for the night, Alberta’s Own Restautant/Motel is spotless, quaint and pretty. For breakfast, the omelette will fill you for the entire day.

Throughout the route, there are plenty of stops on the Royal Canadian Legion Challenge, be sure to stop in for a word or a selfie and pay respects to those who protect our country.

Just across from the golf course is the Wayside Fallen Riders Park.

The park is a spot for tired travellers to rest, for families to picnic and play, and a spot to pay respects in the chapel. It’s got a spiritual and ethereal feeling, a must stop on the tour.

Be sure to stop in at Beauvallon to check out the historic buildings, great portrait locations for your family and your ride. When the Boar’s Nest opens its doors, it’s going to be a happening place.

Owner Bob Ross is an ambassador for all things rural Alberta – and yes, he does paint too.

He’s heard all the jokes before.

Two Hills is a very interesting town, a blend of culture and community, incredible down home cooking in the restaurants and perhaps the most beautiful 9 hole golf course rural Alberta has to offer.

The deck at the clubhouse is beautiful as well.

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NORTHEAST ROUTE 7

Above - Renita Senz at the Golden Gopher The tiny town of Derwent has great historical buildings and is the home of one of rural Alberta’s largest craft shows.

It’s a stopping place for many riders, and is the home of a pretty fun and unique business, owned by a pretty fun and unique lady, Renita Senz, who is a café and gift shop owner and a tattoo artist of great renown.

Her clients come great distances to be inked by Renita.

Also – the Friday night fish and chips are off the hook!

Revolt Motorsports 4501 62 Ave, Lloydminster, AB T9V 2G3 (780) 875-3373 Microtel Inns + Suites by Wyndham 4257 44 St, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2H1 (306) 825-3820 Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre 4602 49 Ave, Lloydminster, SK S9V 0T2 (306) 825-6558 Hubkins Restaurant - Vermilion 5004 50 Ave, Vermilion, AB T9X 1A2 (780) 853-5691 Confectionery 881 5127 47 St, Mannville, AB T0B 2W0 (780) 853-7306 Alberta’s Own Restuarant Motel 4728 47 St, Mannville, AB T0B 2W0 (780) 763-3910 Historic Marwayne Hotel 1 N Railway Ave, Marwayne, AB T0B 2X0 (780) 847-4029 Two Hills Lions Golf & Country Club 5414 55 St, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 (780) 657-3451

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Rumble Alberta Saving Book Your Event Pass - be it Free or Paid entitles you to all sorts of savings and special offers!

Visit the digital passholders savings book at: SAVINGS BOOK Paid Passholders can win some pretty amazing prizes like almost all of the hotels you need to get to Whitehorse and back!

ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE

Story and Photos, Steve McGean

With great parking and a super clean room I turned up the

AC on high and off I went to meet Mayor JJ at local staple Pizza Napoli. This place had the home cooked

I had the privilege of being asked to do a special route with the Mayor of Mayerthorpe, Ms Janet Jabush. When I got to the community Janet had me set up in the Haven Inn.

vibe! From the seating being just like sitting at your kitchen table at home to the comfortable environment and the amazing smells, this place is nothing short of perfection. Steve and Petra took over this pizzeria just Our Alberta Touring Mag© 31

ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE 2 years ago; Steve stating that after being a patron for the previous 10 years with the original owners selling, he said he could not let this place close. So he bought it and learned how to run a restaurant from the original owners and he has not looked back. Mayor JJ joined me for some amazing pizza and we chatted about the route we were going to ride in the morning.

We said our goodbyes to Carol and headed on Hwy 33 to Fort Assiniboine. On the route there we pulled off to a roadside turnout where there was a hidden attraction.

The Geographical Centre of Alberta.

After a refreshing shower and sleep at the Haven Inn, I met up with JJ and her friend Lynn. Dean and Michelle from the Deep Creek Market joined us as well.

Me, Steve McGean (L) Carol Webster (M) Mayor JJ (R)

A short 3km hike can find this point of interest.

After a few pictures we continued to Fort Assiniboine.

This community has a few rumble stops like the museum, the largest Pick and Wagon Wheel and also the Royal Canadian Legion.

We left Mayerthorpe and rode Hwy 43 west to Whitecourt to have brunch at the RoadHouse Pub and Grill. The food was nothing short of delicious and our waitress was friendly and fast.

We then Backtracked on Hwy 33 to Hwy 658 toward Blue Ridge, there was a lovely stretch of fresh paved road.

Fed and watered, we then made our way to Hwy 32 toward Swan Hills, with smooth roads and little traffic, it was a very mellow ride to the Town of Swan Hills.

We met up with Councillor Carol Webster who treated us to milkshakes at Sammy’s restaurant, with the day warming up this was a delicious if unexpected treat.

We took this Hwy all the way back to Hwy 43 and back into Mayerthorpe, JJ took me to and talked with passion about the Memorial of the Fallen 4 RCMP officers that were lost in that community in March of 2005. We walked the grounds and JJ passed on information about the Officers and the incident, as we were there there were workers there cleaning and restoring the statues of each Fallen Constable.

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After talking and doing a facebook live, JJ had one more

ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE

stop to end the day, it was the look out of the Rochfort Bridge which is a large trestle bridge that crosses over Hwy 43, truly an amazing view of great ingenuity.

We ended the day with Ice cream at the Rochfort Bridge Trading Post, which after the heat from the day was very much warranted.

Thanks to Mayor Janet Jabush (JJ), Lynn, Dean, Michelle, Carol for the amazing ride and memories that will not be forgotten! Shiny side up!

Stop in to the Mayerthorpe town office and ask to see Mayor Janet Jabush. Ask her to go for a ride/drive - at the very least get her photo!

Then submit the photo/s to the to rumblealberta.com You could win a cool bit of swag for your efforts!

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ALEXANDER FIRST NATION

Alexander First Nation’s Gas Station and Kokum’s Deli Story and ohotos by Steve McGean A short drive north on Hwy 44 and 5km from the highway is a brand new Gas station owned and run by the Alexander First Nations.

There is, pop and all the good road trip snacks, minor vehicle maintenance items, charging equipment for your cell phones.

Not just a gas station, there is also Kokum’s Deli.

Two major changes are the addition of soda machines and slushie machines, second is the addition of Kokum’s Deli.

This is where Tracy shows her passion for food making homemade sandwiches, chicken wings, dry ribs,pizza and my favorite donairs!

The building and pumps being only a year and a half old, it was a massive upgrade from the single pump they had before.

Both Sam and Tracey Paonessa are proud of the progress of this new Community staple, and they should be, with stocked shelves, a very clean store front, and friendly staff the gas station and Deli are truly a hidden gem.

While chatting with the manager Sam Paonessa, he told me of the small shop and single pump that was previously there. Now they offer an array of grocery items that can save a trip to the city if you’re out camping at nearby sites.

Alexander Gas Bar AB-642, Alexander First Nation 134A, AB (780) 939-9852

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ALEXANDER FIRST NATION

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MACKENZIE CROSSROADS MUSEUM

Become a CMTA Member for FREE When you purchase your Rumble Alberta Event Pass!

With discounts at several regional and national hotel chains, the Never Ride Alone Program and 30 days of Premium Membership on the Wolf Pack App this is a great FREE Membership whether you Ride or not. Buy your Rumble Alberta Pass today to save! www.rumblealberta.com 36

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ELECTED OFFICIALS CHALLENGE

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RUMBLE ALBERTA SOUTH ROUTE 3

Story and Photos by Rumble Alberta Influencers Rheannon Green and Tannis Baker, Food Tourism Strategies Inc. Kicking off our exploration of Rumble Route South 3, great coffee is an essential - and Bread, Milk & Honey in Lethbridge did not disappoint! Housed in the historic Wallace Block built in 1910 and proudly displays the name on the outside facade.

This building started out as a religious space owned by The Knights of Pythiasa (an international nonsectarian fraternal order), then switched owners many times before turning into a coffee shop.

The business itself incorporates old and new with artful transition. The brick and pressed metal cornices have all been preserved with fun funky elements to bring it to the current era. Many of the prized recipes for their baked goods have a historical charm as well- part of the arrangement when purchasing the shop from the last cafe owner, the recipes came with it.

roasted red pepper sauce) to housemade creations like charcuterie boards and vietnamese subs, the store itself is like taking a trip around the world. It has an on-site specialty coffee bar and lunch counter for grab and go.

Staying for a night or two? Check out their cooking class schedule. Customers come from all over for specialty

items (when we stopped there was a couple who came from Cranbrook specifically to pick up their items), but you can also order online and they will ship worldwide. The real fun is in wandering the aisles though, so definitely worth the stop. If you want to try a local sauce, Umami even makes their own line that includes DA LAT, BANG-

The recipes are a throwback to an earlier time, and blended with a new cafe concept that the owners modelled on “Portland Coffee Culture”.

Their local BC roasted coffee is delicious, and this hotspot has become a charming place that caters generationally to both the senior and the university crowd with equal appeal.

A great space to enjoy a slow coffee, or to grab a quick one for on the road.

If you’re more in the mood for global flavours, Umami is the place to find just about anything you could possibly want, from specialty grocery items like Avjar (Serbian

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KOK, CHILIWACK and SAIGON. Above - Umami Grab some lunch and eat on the outside patio or hit the road.

LETHBRIDGE TO CROWSNEST PASS

Heading out of Lethbridge brings you into agricultural areas bursting with farms, growers and producers.

The area has a large Dutch population, so we are looking forward to learning more about that as well! Our first stop was only a few minutes outside of the city at the famous Broxburn Farms. It is well marked off the highway, so really easy to find. Broxburn Farms offers much more than you would expect to find with a U-pick (seasonal of course), a farm store, and a café that uses fresh items from the farm in every dish.

The name may be familiar - their products are available at many restaurants and farmers’ markets around the province. A family-run business (run by a hard-working Paul de Jonge and his children), Broxburn is a great place to stop that has something for everyone - perfect if you’ve got kids in tow. The strawberries were ripe when we visited, so the U-pick was hopping and the patio was full with guests. A few fresh produce items for the cooler, and we were back on the road.

Just 20 minutes away, and we were absolutely blown away

by Crystal Springs Dairy Company. A beautiful space where art meets science. Started in 1984 by the Beyer family, they control the cheesemaking process from start to finish, from raising the dairy cows to packaging and selling the cheese.

The cows are a mixture of six breeds (including Jersey and Holstein) with careful attention to breeding and lineage.

The slick set-up pipes the milk

directly into the facility from the barns on the other side of the property, allowing for a seamless flow of product. We had an opportunity to tour the facility with cheesemaker Jacco Beyer, and are now (and forever) Crystal Springs enthusiasts.

The immaculate cheeserie was beyond pristine, and the state of the art machinery for producing world class cheeses was fascinating.

The A2 milk production program they have been working on for the last nine years, to the processing, and finally to the aging chamber with the hand applied wax casing - this is clearly a labour of love. Soon you will be able to book a tour of the full facility, but for now you can just peek through the glass from the retail shop into the production area to see it in action.

Plan to arrive early in the day - that’s when they are in full production. In the retail front and cafe, you can try Dutch items like frikandel sausage (sausage with onion mayo and curry ketchup) and Dutch war fries (fries with onions and peanut sauce). No matter what you pick, you can’t go wrong. You can purchase their wide assortment of cheeses at the retail shop, and order a counter service lunch. By the fall of 2021, Crystal Springs will also be licensed so you will be able to enjoy all these little delights with a local craft beer, cider, or wine. Another batch of goodies for the cooler, and away we go!

Brand new to the cottage winery scene, Little Gem Winery was the next stop on our trip, just outside of the town of Nobleford. As they are just getting started, we wanted to take a peek at what they have.

The trio that built the winery are Joel, Rick, and Jordan, who have a three generation farming experience in the area. They have plans for a tasting room down the road, but for now they are an all-in-one facility, so definitely check ahead of time to see if they are open. For Little Gem, they have put their focus on the haskap berry - a heritage berry that is seeing a resurgence across Alberta thanks to the hard work of a farmers collective (Vitalaberry).

Joel walked us through some tank samples, and they have one batch ready to go into fancy French Oak barrels, so we can’t wait to come back in 6 to 8 months to taste it!

For now they have a delightful rose, a classic red, and a fun cider that is a blend of five different apple varieties.

The hidden gem is their soon to be released Haskap dessert wine. Production is pretty limited, but be sure you’re watching to get your hands on this treasure!

After trying the frinkende (below) at Crystal Springs, we knew that we needed to know more about this delicious product made by 4th generation butchers bringing their Dutch heritage here, so we headed to the Dutch Grill Meat Products. It’s a bit off the beaten path and is by appointment only, but you can find it in specialty shops

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RUMBLE ALBERTA SOUTH ROUTE 3 like the Wooden Shoe (Lethbridge), Crystal Springs, and in both Calgary and Edmonton at boutique shops. This stop is as much about exploring our Alberta heritage and the wonderful backgrounds we find in the province as it is about the frinkendel.

and the Windsor Heritage Centre and the Lundbreck Liquor Store & Pizza restaurant buildings which have both marked the entrance to the community. The town boasts a history back to 1907, and Oldman River microbrewery and taproom are perfectly situated to greet the visitors.

The Dutch butcher is certainly doing different things here in Alberta, and we love the ability to find a butchery that is producing European delights with Alberta ingredients.

The Anker family moved to Canada 2010 with their four children, settling in Southern Alberta and working in the cattle industry for almost a decade. Wim Anker is back to his roots with the licensed butchery. A few years into their business, they now produce a wide assortment of products including dutch smoked rings, fricandelle (Dutch spelling) Metworst, Slavinken, along with traditional items you would expect to find, as well as custom butchery. It’s like taking a trip to the Netherlands without ever having to leave Alberta!

From there we headed to the hamlet of Lundbreck.

With a population around 250, it’s not a surprise to find out everyone in the town knows everyone and everything.

As you drive in from Highway 3, you are greeted by Oldman River Brewing on the East side of the street,

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The brewery started in 2017, and the taproom has an inviting atmosphere with wood paneling, fishing reels for the tap handles and an outdoor patio that is dog friendly. This award-winning brewery has tasting flights and serves an assortment of “bites” that range from healthy salads to pulled pork sliders, and corned beef sandwiches to nachos.

It’s a perfect stop for travellers - right off the highway full of small town charm, friendly folks and good eats in a matter of seconds. Don’t miss stopping at Lundbreck Falls - a picture-perfect spot to rest and snap some road trip selfies!

As we wind our way into the Crowsnest Pass, the next stop in the town of Blairmore is aptly named the Pass.

Newly opened in the fall of 2020, The Pass Beer Company has been off to a bit of a slow start with the pandemic interrupting their big launch, so they focused on their brewing, waiting for the big day to open to the public for good! With a spacious outdoor patio, an extended

RUMBLE ALBERTA SOUTH ROUTE 3 pet-friendly grass patio, and a charming taproom, they will be bringing in new customers from miles away in no time.

We chatted with the co-owner and Pizza Overlord Danielle Radvak and worth mentioning, the patio is child and pet friendly not just dog friendly, and rumour has it a chicken was visiting the other day. The patio has a stunning view of the Crowsnest Mountain, and the raised plant beds add both charm and herbs for their kitchen.

The indoor space is inviting and upscale with a lovely pizza oven. When “crazy times call for crazy pizza,” give their Quarantine pizza a try - truffle oil, garlic, mushrooms, blue cheese, and balsamic. It’s a pizza you will never forget, that’s for sure! A great side stop for groups of any size with ample parking and lots of indoor and outdoor space for customers.

Pass is Cinnamon Bear Bakery & Café in Coleman, so naturally we had to stop. Even before they opened in the morning, there was already a lineup around the building.

Chatting with fellow folks in line, one gentleman mentioned that he times his transport trips to be able to come through specifically when they are open.

With COVID hours, times were a bit off but that did not deter him. Ordering is lightning fast, getting you back on the road again in no time (albeit with sticky fingers).

Between the warm cinnamon buns, cookies the size of your head, and an assortment of squares and bars, there is plenty of variety to grab for a picnic outside or for a snack on the road.

There’s even some gluten-free options!

The cinnamon buns were amazing with a chewy texture and not-too-sweet cream cheese icing, truly the highlight of this bakery.

While not a foodie stop, the next landmark was one we had to stop to investigate, and a great reason to stretch your legs. The majestic yet eerie looking dead tree on the westbound side of the highway caught our attention as it welcomed us into the pass. It is this same fascination that intrigued the people of the mining town of Burmis over one hundred years ago. This limber pine has stood at the entrance to the pass for over three hundred years, with some experts claiming that it may be up to seven hundred years old and is the most photographed tree in Canada.

Though the Burmis Tree outlived its namesake town, death would come for the tree in 1978 with the tree standing until the mid 1980s.

This proved little more than an inconvenience for the tree that was promptly reinstated by the communities of the pass with metal beams in the trunk of the tree to give structure and more beams anchoring it to the rock below to this day. It is a symbol of rugged resilience against all odds that welcomes travelers into the pass.

Locals will tell you that the best bakery in the Crowsnest

Other offerings include both sweet and savory, so don’t be deterred if you don’t have a sweet tooth. You can opt for the equally delicious spinach and feta or tomato and parmesan pastries.

The shop itself is hard to miss, situated just off the main highway with a large carved bear sign to greet customers. We strongly recommend you check out this bakery and see what the Crowsnest pass has to offer.

We couldn’t resist a quick peek into the next stop - a combination of coffee house and fly shop?

You can’t NOT take a look!

With this part of Alberta renowned for fly fishing, it seems logical to have a coffee shop and a fly shop - but does it really work together?

The Crowsnest Cafe and Fly Shop has been here since

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RUMBLE ALBERTA SOUTH ROUTE 3 1988, so clearly they are making it work. It offers a variety of breakfast and lunch choices ranging from paninis to burritos to fresh homemade salads.

With delicious Oso Negro organic coffee out of Nelson BC, breakfast is served starting at 8:00am making it one of the first shops open in the morning in Coleman.

Lunch starts at 11:00am, switching gears to sandwiches and paninis.

It was a long and full day exploring, and we were looking forward to kicking back and relaxing for the evening in Coleman at a recommended dinner stop.

The Rum Runner Restaurant and Pub is the perfect spot with a fun atmosphere and storied history as you try to imagine the space throughout history.

Built in 1914, the building was intended to run as a Catholic School nestled next to the church, but the parish

The back half of the cafe is dedicated to fly fishing equipment, flies, and wearables.

If you are keen to fish, guided tours can take you to the best local fishing holes, with the café’s cooks doubling as fishing tour guides!

It was time to walk off our decadence, so we set off to learn about Turtle Mountain and the tragic but historic Frank Slide.

On April 29th, 1903, the small town of Frank was buried with 110 million tonnes of limestone.

There is an interpretive centre located just off the highway, and has short walking trails (1.5km) to explore.

Reflecting on the pure devastation of the slide on this small community (over 70 people passed), the aftermath of this slide is a reminder of the destructive powers of nature.

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was denied the school application, so the building was rented out as a bunkhouse for miners.

In 1923, the parish resumed control of the space and used the building as a hall until it closed in 1997.

Now as the Rum Runner, the place has taken on a warmth and charm of its own, decked out with antlers and taxidermy of many varieties; it is a combination of prohibition era speakeasy with atmospheric lighting and an outdoor dog-friendly patio.

Serving Canadian style pub foods, they have themed burgers sure to satisfy even the hungriest of travellers.

They also serve delicious soups, salads, pizzas, and wings. If you happen to be driving through on a

OLE SMOKES COFFEE CHALLENGE Food Tourism Strategies Inc. is a Calgary-based consulting and event company that produces Alberta on the Plate, a platform that highlights and celebrates Alberta food and drink, as well as hosts a province wide dine around festival every August during Alberta Local Food Week.

The 2021 Dine Around takes place August 6-15, 2021 and features over 60 restaurants in over 20 cities and towns throughout the province.

Learn More: AlbertaOnThePlate.com | FoodTourismStrategies.com Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @abontheplate | @foodtourismstrategies Wednesday you are in luck - it’s wing night!.

Adding to the charm, the restaurant is situated next to a historic Holy Ghost Church (1905).

This is a church-turned-cafe-turned-music venue-turned B&B. If you are planning an overnight stay, be sure to check out Blackbird Rentals.

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KONQUER CUSTOM RIDES CHALLENGE

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NORTHERN LIGHTS + HIGH LEVEL CHALLENGES Explore County of Northern Lights Challenge @ExploreCountyofNorthernLights explorecountyofnorthernlights.com/ CHALLENGE: Take a selfie in front of our County of NorthernLights Building located at #600 7th Ave NW Manning, AB, take a picture and upload it to the History Check App (earn 100 POINTS!) ROUTE MAPS: NW Route 9 High Level - Slave Lake

Rumble Alberta High Level Partners in Tourism Challenge

RUMBLE ALBERTA.COM + HISTORYCHECK.CA = 4 Seasonal Scavenger Hunts PROVINCE WIDE

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MORE THAN MEAT + POTATOES

Grande Prairie’s Emerging Culinary Scene

Story and Photos by Rumble Alberta Influencers Rheannon Green and Tannis Baker, of Food Tourism Strategies Inc. It is no secret that Alberta has a long history with meat and potatoes. With strong prairie roots, hearty meals play an important part of daily life to make sure that you have enough energy to get through the day.

The Grande Prairie region is no different – lots of farmland, lots of hardworking ladies and gents looking for simple meals full of protein and energy. What you might not know is that the region has a bustling local food scene that may just be Alberta’s best kept secret.

Centered in Grande Prairie and reaching out to surrounding communities like Fairview and Watino, this region is transitioning into a food lovers paradise.

The key to this shift is the growing sense of community amongst both the businesses and the public. A growing sense of support, and a heartfelt desire to work together to lift each other up is strong in the region.

Whether they are lifelong locals or recent transplants, the community spirit is coming out in spades. You will see a lot of the same farms and producers popping up on various menus across the region, like Broken Tine Orchard out of Rio Grande that is building the market for haskap berries all across Alberta, and Grain Bin Brewing, who is highlighting the unique flavours of the north in their craft beers.

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Inspired Local Eats With Alberta leading the country in ranching and production of beef, pork and bison, you know there is going to be some great barbeque.

Better Than Fred’s brings authentic Tennessee BBQ to Grande Prairie. Finger licking, fall off the bone, delicious smoked meats with all the fixings.

Add in some signature creations like the Jar-B-Que

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL TOURISM ASS’N

(basically an entire BBQ plate with sides but layered into a mason jar), the Texas Twinkies (cored jalapenos stuffed with brisket and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and smoked) and even an award-winning cucumber salad, and you have all you could ever want in a BBQ joint.

Low and Slow is the motto here, with meats spending the

better part of a day with a dry rub, then smoked slowly overnight to ensure they are perfect for the following night’s dinner.

The food is serious, but the atmosphere is fun and casual. They have some exceptional lighter fare and non-BBQ dishes so that it is a spot that everyone can enjoy (except the kids – this place is 18+). With an assortment of pool tables, VLTs, and PPV games, you can be sure to pass the time with lots of excitement, though the real thrill comes from the live bands.

These are not just local names, but big acts like The Trews, Matthew Good, Serena Ryder, and Mother Mother have graced the stage, and the list continues to grow. With a capacity just shy of 400, it may be your best chance to get up close and personal with some of the industry’s top artists.

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MORE THAN MEAT + POTATOES Red Rock Urban BBQ is another favourite local spot that is always busy. The portions are great, the meat is cooked to perfection, and it has a great patio for gathering with friends. If you are not sure what to get, go for the “Oink, Cackle & Moo,” it includes their pulled pork, quarter dixie chicken and sliced brisket plus two sides and cornbread.

It is more than enough to feed at least two people, if not more.

If you are searching for some great local spots to hit earlier in the day, head over to Fourteen Food Co., an amazing lunch and brunch spot that serves up simple, fast, and delicious sandwiches and more.

They are huge proponents of local, working with nearby farms and producers whenever possible.

Maddhatters. Restaurant by day, club vibe by night (pre-covid, of course), they can accommodate groups of all sizes in their upbeat, electric space. From Ridge Valley chicken to Broken Oak Distilling spirits, they are serving up some of the best local ingredients all day (and night) long.

They even added a new online marketplace during the lockdowns to help local farms sell their products.

Grab a plate of their locally renowned wings or a Rangeland bison burger, pair it with their “We Are All Madd Here” signature cocktail, and you have all the makings of an exceptional dining experience.

Don’t forget to take a selfie with the namesake painting – you will wish you could take it home!

The “Uncle Joey” (R) is one of their most popular sandwiches, which is like a Cubano and pressed to perfection. Pair it with the “Loaded Fries,” and you will be full for the rest of the day. Wash it down with a Grain Bin craft brew, or a Grizzly Paw soda, or with a coffee from local roasters at Mink Hollow Coffee. This might sound odd but be sure to check out their washrooms before you leave – they have some local artwork all over the walls adding to the fun and inviting environment.

From Grain to Glass

If you are looking for something more contemporary, look no further than Jeffrey’s Café Co., a 20-year veteran of the local food scene.

The Grande Prairie region is becoming known for turning out some of the best craft beverages in all of Alberta.

They take local to heart, working with farms and producers from the area whenever they can, and supporting various community initiatives throughout the year. While they have multiple locations around the city, their flagship space boasts a relaxed space with an upscale twist, endless counters of featured desserts, and a carefully curated retail space that features unique artisanal goods.

From spirits to fruit wines to brews to coffee, there is sure to be something to please every palate.

Tours and tastings are available almost everywhere because they want you to find the perfect flavour profile for you, so that you love their products as much as they do.

Their food can be described as homestyle bistro fare and has something for absolutely everyone (there is even a keto menu available). From the Smoked Maple Tea Latte to the Prairie Berry Sangria, their local flavours also extend to their beverage list.

Broken Oak Distilling Co. uses local grain from a farm just north in Sexsmith, giving it a true taste of the north. This craft distillery has set their sights on discovering the taste of their region, which you will find throughout their product lines.

Need to beat the summer heat? Head over to their sister shop, The Scoop, for some made from-scratch ice cream.

When it comes to supporting local, you would be hard pressed to find somewhere that does it better than

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Their Prairie Berry Gin brings the area’s fruit flavours into a modern gin profile and is an absolute must have for any gin lover (they have a well crafted traditional gin as well for those who prefer a more classic profile).

Their Haskap Liqueur also uses local berries and is the perfect topping to vanilla ice cream. They also have a mini barrel program for those who want to age their own whisky at home. Latitude 55 Distilling is on point with some seriously delicious spirits.

Their Northern Hare Gin incorporates six botanicals including black spruce and fir needle, to deliver its northern Alberta twist on the classic London Dry style.

The stunning new label designs even feature local artists.

New to their lineup is the Kakwa Rum, inspired by a local landmark and aged in bourbon barrels for cascading notes of sweetness that dance along the palate.

As for the craft beer scene, Grain Bin Brewing is constantly pushing the limits of flavour profiles and regional inspiration to create some of the most unique brews around.

Their Democracy series even allows their supporters to vote on what they should brew next! If you head to their taproom, not only can you grab a flight of their rotating taps, but you can also grab a charcuterie board featuring Sylvan Star cheeses and a selection of meats from the Beaverlodge Butcher Shop. A little more mainstay and a little less rotating, GP Brewing’s Mercury Lager is their flagship beer that they have nicknamed “The Official Beer of Winter.” It can be found on a lot of local menus and finds its way to other corners of Alberta too! They recently moved to a new location and their new retail shop/tasting room is stocked full of merch and cans ready for you to take home.

coffee cup. One sip will have you imagining that you are sitting beside a campfire, but without the bitter aftertaste that you often get from roasted coffees.

The Stout Maple brews a beautiful cup, and pairs nicely alongside the café selection of sandwiches and snacks that feature wild game meats like elk and bison.

It is definitely not your regular neighbourhood coffee shop.

Worth the Drive Outside of the city limits, you can find an incredible bounty of other local spots to engage your dining senses. Broken Tine Orchard near Rio Grande is not only a haskap berry U-Pick, but also a family-run farm and a cottage winery that turns those same berries in a beautiful Melomel (a mead that contains fruit.

They also have a delightful oak-aged wine from haskap and raspberry (fondly named Has Ras) that is a beautiful fruit wine and will have you adding it to your wine rack.

Broken Tine haskaps can be found at the best restaurants around Grande Prairie and throughout Alberta.

Vitalaberry, Canada’s premier haskap growers collective, is also creating processed products from the berries, like a delicious berry topping that takes any bowl of ice cream to the next level.

While it would be nice to live on beer and spirits alone, sometimes a great cup of coffee is needed.

That is when you head to Ole Smokes Coffee.

This local shop is doing something that no one else in North America is – they are smoking their beans instead of roasting them!

That’s right, SMOKED coffee!

(They do also have a line of roasted coffee for the less adventurous.)

Paradis Valley Honey to the east sits in the tiny hamlet of Watino. This apiary is unlike any other that you have visited – they are one of few “économusées” in Alberta. Économusées help to showcase local products and artisan workshops that are tied to French Canadian culture (you can learn more about them here).

Imagine the flavours of the great outdoors, but in your

Danny and Ginette Paradis are seventh generation

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beekeepers, and you get an in-depth look at the history and culture throughout their Valley Bee Café and property with many interpretive panels, displays, and even a window into the extraction room. Grab a honey latte from the café while you learn about beekeeping and the family history and be sure to grab a bucket of honey to bring home (it is perfect for adding to any charcuterie board, in teas, or even just by the spoonful).

They produce only Grade A raw honey, so you know it is packed full of medicinal and nutritional benefits, as well as their own line of Well Being Body Products, beeswax candles, and bee pollen.

About an hour north of Grande Prairie is the town of Fairview, home to Heilan Beer House.

It may be one of the coolest places to visit in all of northwestern Alberta. It would be right at home in Oregon alongside some of the best brewpubs in the world – not what you would expect to find in small town rural Alberta!

The building itself is gorgeous, with a seamless blend of rustic and modern features, from their hand painted murals to the wooden accents to the hop-inspired light fixtures.

When they are not brewing up delicious local craft beer (be sure to try their Dirty Blond and their Heilan Hayes), they also run a family-friendly restaurant with a tasty menu of pizzas and pub fare that uses local ingredients. Not in the mood for beer? They also make hard seltzers, kombucha, and have a small selection of cocktails.

Food Tourism Strategies Inc. is a Calgary-based consulting and event company that produces Alberta on the Plate, a platform that highlights and celebrates Alberta food and drink, as well as hosts a province-wide dine around festival every August during Alberta Local Food Week. The 2021 Dine Around takes place August 6-15, 2021 and features over 60 restaurants in over 20 cities and towns throughout the province.

Learn More: AlbertaOnThePlate.com | FoodTourismStrategies.com Follow on Instagram & Facebook: @abontheplate | @foodtourismstrategies

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