See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist
Planning the perfect Alberta road trip? Forget the generic travel guides. We've got something better – real nominees from real customers who know where to find the best coffee, the coldest beer, and the kind of family meals that make road trips unforgettable.
This year's Best of Alberta nominees have created the ultimate Alberta road trip map, and trust us, it's way better than anything you'll find on those tourist websites.
Start Your Day Right: Best Coffee Stops
Every great road trip starts with great coffee. Here's where Alberta's caffeine game is strongest:
Kool Beans Cafe in Provost (4.8 stars) – If you're heading east, this is your first mandatory stop. Locals rave about the "great coffee and food" and the unbeatable "service and affordability." Perfect fuel for the long stretches ahead.
Beantrees Cafe in Cold Lake (4.6 stars) – Northern route travelers, this is your spot. Known for excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the early morning miles worth it.
Wapiti Bean Co in Grande Prairie (4.7 stars) – Western Alberta's coffee champion. Whether you're heading to the mountains or exploring the Peace Country, start here.
Lostlands Cafe in Jasper – Mountain coffee with a view. Because sometimes the best coffee comes with the best scenery.
Fuel Up: Best Family Restaurant Stops
Road trips make you hungry, and these family restaurants deliver the kind of meals that become trip memories:
Baptiste Lake Burger Bar in South Baptiste – Famous for their "awesome movie nights" and family-friendly atmosphere. This isn't just a meal stop; it's an experience that kids will remember.
Cilantro & Chive in Lacombe (4.3 stars) – Family-owned with killer Mac n Cheese and Margarita Flights. Perfect for when the adults need something stronger than coffee.
Panchitas Taqueria in Morinville (4.8 stars) – Started as a food truck, now serving authentic Mexican that'll fuel you for miles. Their custom taco bars are legendary.
The Twisted Fork in St. Paul – Because sometimes the best meals come from places you've never heard of.
End Your Day Right: Best Pub Stops
After a day of driving, you need a place to unwind. These pubs know how to treat road-weary travelers:
Union Hall Pub & Grill in Fort Saskatchewan (4.1 stars) – Historic charm meets great food. Perfect for unwinding after the Edmonton-area traffic.
2nd Wind Brewery & Eatery in Sylvan Lake (4.5 stars) – Craft beer with a lake view. Their menu highlights and events make this more than just a pit stop.
Chief's Pub & Eatery in Sylvan Lake (4.0 stars) – Known for "fun events and parties" and lakeside location. Great drink specials and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay an extra night.
Kick's Saloon in Redwater (4.5 stars) – Old-school saloon feel with all-day breakfast and steaks. This is Alberta pub culture at its finest.
Lodge 43 in Sylvan Lake (4.2 stars) – Craft beer, great food, and family-friendly vibes. Top 3 Best Brunch if you're staying overnight.
Nodding Donkey Brewery in Drayton Valley – Because sometimes the best craft beer is in the most unexpected places.
The Perfect Alberta Road Trip Routes
The Eastern Loop:
Start in Provost (Kool Beans Cafe) → Cold Lake (Beantrees Cafe) → St. Paul (The Twisted Fork) → Fort Saskatchewan (Union Hall Pub) → Morinville (Panchitas Taqueria) → South Baptiste (Baptiste Lake Burger Bar)
The Central Swing:
Lacombe (Cilantro & Chive) → Camrose (House of Thunder for service, Retro for food) → Millet (Leanne's Bar & Grill) → Sylvan Lake (your choice of three amazing pubs)
The Western Adventure:
Grande Prairie (Wapiti Bean Co) → Drayton Valley (Nodding Donkey Brewery) → Jasper (Lostlands Cafe)
Pro Road Trip Tips from Our Nominees
- Baptiste Lake Burger Bar proves that the best family stops aren't always in big cities
- Sylvan Lake has three nominated pubs – clearly a destination worth planning around
- Camrose appears in multiple categories, making it a perfect overnight stop
- Small towns like Provost and Millet are hiding some of Alberta's best-kept secrets
These aren't random recommendations – they're businesses that real customers loved enough to nominate. When someone takes the time to nominate a place for "awesome movie nights" or "gorgeous patios during sunset," you know you're getting the authentic Alberta experience.
The Road Trip Reality
Forget the chain restaurants and generic coffee shops. This route takes you through the heart of Alberta, where business owners actually care about your experience, where coffee comes with conversation, and where pub meals are made by people who live in the community.
Plan Your Adventure
Every one of these nominees represents a reason to take the scenic route, explore a new town, or try that place you've been driving past for years.
Nominations close November 30th.
Use our nominees as your roadmap to the real Alberta. The one where every stop has a story, every meal comes with hospitality, and every mile brings you closer to understanding why we love this province so much.
VISIT: rumblealberta.com/best
See Alberta Through the Eyes of a Tourist
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