Alberta’s stunning highways take road trippers through breathtaking mountains, rolling prairies and vast badlands, making the journey just as memorable as the destination. But every great road trip needs fuel – not just for the car, but for the travellers too!
Fortunately, Alberta is home to some incredible locally made road-worthy foods that are both delicious and travel-friendly.
From savoury snacks to sweet treats and refreshing beverages, here’s your guide to the best Albertan-made road trip foods, where to buy them and how to enjoy them along your adventure.
Savoury snacks & meals
Valbella Jerky & Landjäger – Canmore
For road-trippers craving a protein-packed snack, Valbella Gourmet Foods in Canmore offers some of the best handcrafted meat products in the province. Their jerky and landjäger (a semi-dried sausage) are perfect for long drives, as they don’t require refrigeration and provide a satisfying, savoury bite.
Grab a pack at their Canmore deli before heading into the mountains, or stock up at select retailers in Calgary and Banff. Whether you’re hiking in Kananaskis or pulling over for a scenic picnic, these meats are a must-have.
If you have access to a campfire, travel stove or even a hotel microwave, Heritage Perogies make an excellent road trip meal. These locally made perogies can be found at farmers’ markets and specialty stores in Edmonton and Calgary.
Cook up a batch at your overnight stop for a comforting, home-cooked taste on the go.
Sweet treats
Fudge from Banff or Jasper
For those with a sweet tooth, the fudge shops in Alberta’s mountain towns are a road trip tradition. Stop by The Fudgery in Banff or Candy Bear’s Lair in Jasper to pick up fresh-made fudge in flavours like maple walnut, rocky road or classic chocolate.
These rich, creamy treats are great for sharing (or keeping all to yourself) while enjoying the scenic Icefields Parkway.
Alberta honey & honey products – Beary Berry Honey, Tofield
Beary Berry Honey, based in Tofield, produces delicious honey sticks, perfect for a quick, mess-free energy boost. Find them at local markets and select grocery stores across Alberta. Whether you’re spreading their flavoured honey on a road trip breakfast or enjoying it straight from the tube, it’s a sweet way to stay energized.
Doughnuts from Destination Doughnuts (Edmonton)
Before you hit the road, stop by Destination Doughnuts in Edmonton for some of the best artisanal doughnuts in the province. Flavours like crème brûlée and maple bacon make for a decadent treat, perfect for morning drives or an afternoon sugar boost.
Carrot Cake from Duchess Bake Shop (Edmonton)
If you’re travelling through Edmonton, don’t miss the chance to pick up a slice (or an entire cake) from the famous Duchess Bake Shop. Their carrot cake is a local favourite, and while it may require a cooler for longer drives, it’s worth the effort for a delicious dessert at a roadside stop.
Beverages
Fratello Coffee (Calgary) & Monogram Coffee (Calgary & Canmore)
Every great road trip starts with a great coffee. Fratello Coffee and Monogram Coffee are two of Alberta’s top roasters, with locations in Calgary and Canmore. Grab a freshly brewed cup before hitting the road, or pick up a bag of their beans to brew at your next stop.
True Buch Kombucha (Calgary) & Wild Tea Kombucha (Calgary)
For a refreshing, gut-friendly drink, pick up some locally brewed kombucha. True Buch and Wild Tea Kombucha offer unique flavours inspired by cocktails, making them a great non-alcoholic option for road trip sipping. Available at health food stores and major grocery chains across Alberta, these drinks are perfect for staying hydrated while on the go.
Albertan road trip extras
For cheese lovers, Sylvan Star Gouda, located just outside Red Deer, produces some of the best gouda in Canada. Pick up a wedge at their farm store or from specialty cheese shops across Alberta. Pair it with crackers for a gourmet roadside snack.
Highwood Crossing Granola (High River)
If you’re looking for a healthy, on-the-go option, Highwood Crossing’s organic granola is a great choice. Found in local markets and grocery stores, it’s a fantastic snack by itself or as a topping for yogurt during a morning stop.
MacKay’s Ice Cream (Cochrane)
No Alberta road trip is complete without a stop at MacKay’s Ice Cream in Cochrane. This small-town shop has been serving up homemade ice cream since 1948, featuring classic and unique flavours like Saskatoon berry. It’s the perfect treat before heading west toward the Rockies.
With so many incredible locally made foods, Alberta road trippers have no shortage of delicious options. Whether you’re craving a savoury bite of landjäger in the mountains, a sweet fudge treat in Jasper or a refreshing kombucha on the prairies, there’s something for every traveller’s taste.
Plan your route, make your stops, and indulge in the best flavours Alberta has to offer while enjoying the journey ahead. Happy travels and happy snacking!
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