Cowboy cocktails at
Eau Claire Distillery
Getaway
Way of the West
Modern
Steak
BY tRacY hYatt
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.
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
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
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summer 2018
AMA insider
Leather work at the
Alberta Boot Company
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.
leather:
take a trip through alberta’s unique
history along the Cowboy trail