OUR ALBERTA TOURING MAGAZINE

SMITH Smith Alberta is full of photo worthy stops, and the FOOD! The little church is a roughhewn timber structure, a sentinel in the forest. The church offers services, and a peek inside the windows shows a lovely two pew church, just waiting for those devoted to worship. For those food worshipers, Char’s Railway Café, nestled back into the trees is a fan favourite. The welcoming veranda strung with mini lights and hanging baskets makes one instantly feel at home. The food. Oh, the food. The plated meals are massive, enough to feed two. I had perhaps the best Rueben of my life, the poutine is drenched in yummy gravy and cheese, and the monte cristo, massive!

Char’s secret recipe coleslaw is served with every meal, and it’s rich, creamy and delicious. When you travel the area, Char’s is the place to eat, the menu is several pages and offers something for everyone. Sheila Willis, creator of the History Check app took us on a tour of the Smith that very few know. We checked out the old bridge just outside of town. Now, the bridge isn’t unknown, but it’s probably not likely that many know that it was built by the Americans as a passage to Alaska. A 10 minute walk to a forgotten cemetery is an unexpected treat and a geocache spot! Sheila told us about Ole, a local who used to charge travelers a dollar or two for a photo with him, dressed in his trader furs. Ole is a legend as the guy who missed his own funeral. Ole had gone to BC to visit family and passed. He wished to be buried back in smith, but an avalanche stopped the progression of his remains and the funeral was held without him. Ole would build cabins with found and recycled products, they cabins are long gone, but Ole’s memory remains – the ponds near his cabin sites are named after him. The Slave Lake Super 8 hosted us for the night. More than once, the girls remarked on how nice the hotel was. The beds are incredibly comfortable, so are the pillows. We all had a great sleep and awoke refreshed and 42ready for the complementary breakfast. The pool with waterslide is large, open and bright, perfect for families.