Cowboy cocktails at Eau Claire Distillery
Road tRippeRs who follow Alberta ’ s secondary highways know there are gems around every bend — which is entirely the point of the Cowboy Trail . The 700-kilometre stretch of Highway 22 , from Mayerthorpe to Lundbreck , travels through rural communities that paint a rich picture of Alberta ’ s ranching history and dare you to live the cowboy way . Head south from Calgary to explore a handful of towns in one day .
set out in style The first rule of the Cowboy Trail ? Dress the part . The cowboy boot is the most integral element of western style . Get fitted for a custom pair at Alberta Boot Company in Calgary . Founder Clem Gerwing came up with the idea of designing boot-shaft patterns for different Alberta communities . Select
Getaway Way of the West
take a trip through alberta ’ s unique history along the Cowboy trail
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a shaft , then pick a heel , toe shape and leather . It ’ s a lot to consider , but the end result is so worth it .
You needn ’ t travel far to find a good steakhouse in the city . At Modern Steak , owner Stephen Deere sources beef exclusively from Alberta ranches . Last year , he even bought his own Black Angus bull ; its offspring guarantees the restaurant a consistent supply of exquisitely marbled meat . The cooking
Leather work at the Alberta Boot Company
Modern Steak
process further elevates the dry- and wet-aged cuts : Seared on an infrared grill at 1,800 F , they emerge beautifully charred but still juicy .
a many-horse town Less than an hour from Calgary , Bragg Creek eases you into a slower pace . Close proximity to Kananaskis Country makes this hamlet an ideal gateway for seeing the mountains on horseback : Inside Out Experience takes city slickers on a full-day riding and whitewater-rafting experience through the region .
In town , Bragg Creek Performing Arts is one of the Cowboy Trail ’ s first surprises . Five times a year , this volunteer collective brings Canada ’ s top musical talents to its stage . Last season ’ s lineup included jazz singer Laila Biali and roots duo Over the Moon .
Bar : roth and ramBerg / travel alBerta ; dish : modern steak ; leather : alBerta Boot Company
52 summer 2018
AMA insider