Turn a one-day road trip into a food tour with these locations just outside of Calgary

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your adventures have to be.

Make the most of Alberta’s beautiful autumn by hitting the roads and taking in all the sights and flavours Calgary and the surrounding area have to offer.

It goes without saying that any good experience is as much about the journey as it is the destination. So, if you’re an aspiring or practicing road-tripper or simply looking for a vehicle upgrade, the Buick Encore GX will get you where you’re going in exceptional style and comfort.

Features like all-wheel drive, a panoramic moonroof, a suite of safety features, and an exclusive Avenir front grille ensure you hit the road in safety and comfort, but the curved infotainment display, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and premium Bose audio mean you’ll enjoy every second of the ride.

Ready to roll? Here are five must-experience stops on a culinary road trip in and around Calgary.

Sky Bistro 

A Banff road trip is obvious, but mountaintop dining? That’s next level. Make your way to the Banff gondola and get your ticket to the top, where you can dine at the Sky Bistro, a sanctuary in the sky with a mountain view. The menu is always rotating, so no two experiences will be the same.

Where: 100 Mountain Ave., Banff
Distance from Calgary: 133 km

Granary Road

This learning park and bakery just outside of Calgary is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a farmer’s market available on the weekends. Shop fresh produce, artisan cheese, and other locally-made goods — and you can still be home in time for supper.

Where: 226066 112 St. W, Foothills
Distance from Calgary: 38 km

Cochrane Coffee Traders

Coffee snobs — er, I mean lovers — this one’s for you. This locally owned and operated coffee house and artisan roastery is located in the heart of downtown Cochrane and has the best brew around. Plus, the historic building and outdoor patio make it the perfect spot to sip a latte while taking in the crisp autumn air.

Where: 114 2nd Ave. W, Cochrane
Distance from Calgary: 37 km

The Italian Farmhouse Restaurant & Bar

Fine dining meets small-town comfort in this cozy, rustic atmosphere. The romance of date night in the restored log cabin surrounded by forest is definitely worth the drive, and the local ingredients take classic dishes like carbonara and lasagna to the next level.

Where: 20 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek
Distance from Calgary: 45 km

The Donut Mill 

You’ve likely driven by the iconic Donut Mill, but now it’s time to drive to it. This beloved establishment has been serving Red Deer County for 30 years, and they’ve got the best Boston Cream recipe to show for it!

Where: 123 Leva Ave., Red Deer County
Distance from Calgary: 141 km

Is your stomach growling yet? The road trip of your foodie dreams awaits — now it’s up to you to get behind the wheel of your Buick Encore GX and go chase it.