A Fully-Charged Roadtrip

If you’re one of the adventurous early-adapters who happens to owns a hybrid or electric vehicle, or one of the 63% who are contemplating going electric, we’ve got some good news. It is now completely possible to take that romantic weekend escape from the city to Waterton park, or pretty much anywhere in southern Alberta, without worrying about where your next plugin is going to be.

That’s thanks to the efforts of the “Peaks to Prairies” initiative, which now has a solid network of charging stations all the way from Calgary to Waterton, and throughout southern Alberta. Their expanded network now makes over 1,400 kms of highway accessible. So your next road trip can offer lasting memories because the group has made sure to site its “FLO” charging stations within walking distance of fun things to see and do.

Heading south from Calgary, you’ll find chargers on all the major highways. But for sheer scenic beauty and wonderfully sweeping driving, hit Hwy 22, the ‘Cowboy Trail.’ You can charge up in Longview, and enjoy a burger at the hotel – keep an eye out for cowboys with spurs on. Or, if you’re really lucky, maybe you can book dinner at the Longview steak house, which is considered one of Alberta’s best.

Other chargers are located at Chain Lakes Reservoir, Pincher Creek, and of course Waterton townsite. Easy peasey.

After a night or two in Waterton, where you will be thrilled to discover the quality of food on offer has risen markedly in the past few years, you can take yet another gorgeous highway to get home. Head east to Cardston – a charge plus a stop at the Remington Carriage Museum will have you really appreciating your modern transportation! Then head north to Fort Macleod for lunch on main street. From Chinese to the bakery to the new brew pub, this picturesque little town will also please the taste buds! While there, check out the Empress Theatre, one of Southern Alberta’s most-haunted sites!

If a little antiquing is your perfect end to a weekend getaway, then keep heading north to Nanton. Maybe a stop to see the Bomber Command museum and it’s amazing WWII Lancaster bomber – one of the few left in the world that still flies!