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Satisfy Your Appetite with Cozy Eats in the Southern Rockies

Treat yourself to hearty meals and local flavours on a fall-inspired culinary escape.

After a day exploring the South Canadian Rockies and Waterton Lakes, there’s nothing quite like indulging in comfort food along the region’s culinary trail to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. No matter your cravings, these destinations offer an array of cozy eats to treat yourself to during your fall getaway. 

Enjoy cozy eats and hearty food in Waterton Lakes and the South Canadian Rockies.
The Kilmorey Lodge in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Conveniently located off Highway 3, the Rum Runner is a must-visit while exploring the Crowsnest Pass area. With the original structure still intact and fascinating historical artifacts on display, the Rum Runner honours the area’s rich rum-running history and offers guests an authentic taste of the region with hearty, flavorful meals that are perfect for warming up after a crisp autumn day in the South Canadian Rockies. Some favourite dishes include the Smoked Brisket Sandwich, the Rumrunner’s Legendary Ale Battered Cod and a classic Mac N Cheese. Pair your meal with a selection of local craft beers for an enjoyable end to your day.

Whether staying at the Heritage Inn Hotel in Pincher Creek or simply passing through on your South Canadian Rockies adventure, the Seasons Cafe & Eatery is a great option for satisfying your hunger. Open year-round from 7 a.m. until late, this cozy restaurant serves various breakfast, lunch and dinner options, making it a delicious spot to fuel up for a day of exploring the South Canadian Rockies or unwinding after a long day on the road.

The Seasons Cafe & Eatery. Photo courtesy of Heritage Inn Hotels.
Red Rock Trattoria

Enjoy the fall scenery in Waterton with a taste of Italy. Serving authentic Italian cuisine, Red Rock Trattoria will fill your belly on chilly autumn days. Featuring Italian classics like Caprese Salad, Penne Arrabbiata and Tiramisu, Red Rock Trattoria is the perfect place for a casual meal or special celebration during your stay in Waterton Lakes National Park. Red Rock Trattoria is conveniently located at the Waterton Glacier Inn & Suites, a stunning accommodation option open to guests year-round. 

Finally, while visiting Pincher Creek, find yourself at Lost Things Distillery. This local favourite produces handcrafted gin infused with botanicals foraged from the bank of the Oldman River, offering a truly authentic taste of the region. The distillery features a tasting room open on Fridays and Saturdays, making this an excellent choice for a fall afternoon in the South Canadian Rockies. 

The South Canadian Rockies and Waterton blend delicious flavours and unbeatable experiences for your fall getaway. Whether you’re enjoying cozy eats, celebrating with handcrafted drinks, or embracing the cozy ambiance of these often-overlooked destinations, you’ll find plenty of ways to warm up after a day of fall adventure in Waterton Lakes National Park and the South Canadian Rockies.

Photo courtesy of Jenn Dykstra.

Featured Listings

Lost Things Distillery

Live music, local flavours and friendly people—you’ll find them all at Lost Things Distillery in Pincher Creek. Botanicals from the banks of the Oldman River flavour the flagship Wild-Foraged Gin. It stars in a range of cocktails, including the limoncello gin spritz, white negroni and the Clover Club, which has a hint of raspberry and is topped with a shaken meringue foam. The store sells bottles of Wild-Foraged Gin and a range of merchandise for those looking for interesting souvenirs.
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Charmed Resorts

Charmed Resorts is a passion project that stems from a family business. The Leavitts spent five years designing custom luxury playhouses before lauching Charmed Resorts. The original location in the Crowsnest Pass features themed cottages that put guests into fairytale surroundings. Let your hair down in Rapunzel’s Cottage or celebrate Shakespeare in the Midsummer Cottage. The Gingerbread Cottage is perfect if you enjoy the darker side of fairytales or Belle’s Cottage if you prefer happily-ever-after. The Lost Boys’ Treehouse lets…
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Kilmorey Lodge

Rebuilt, renewed and returned once more to Waterton Lakes National Park is the historic Kilmorey Lodge. This Southern Alberta icon has been generating lifelong memories since Ida Kemmis built the original Lodge in 1926. At first a simple rooming house, then expanded into the historic hotel in 1940. Rebuilt after a fire in 2009, the new Kilmorey Lodge “adds a modern touch to a historical classic” while still aspiring to the same hospitality excellence and fine dining experience that guests…
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Glamping Resorts at Castle Provincial Park

Be awed by nature — and impressed by premium stays surrounded by the splendour of the Canadian Rockies. Bring family or reconnect with friends in ultra-comfortable domes, tents, RVs, bunkies and cabins. Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Glamping Resorts is 40 km (25 mi) from Pincher Creek on the shores of Beaver Mines Lake within Castle Provincial Park. Gain immediate access to outdoor life in a camping resort setting. Find a private BBQ, fire pit and expansive views…
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The Pass Beer Company

Last chance for Alberta craft beer before you cross into BC; Whether you are a local, weekender or just passing through, come experience small-batch craft beers and wood-fired pizzas on their large outdoor patio and beer garden facing the Rockies or in their bright taproom and kitchen. If you are just passing through, skip the extra 45-minute drive to Fernie, have another pint, and try out the camping, mountain biking, skiing, trail running, hiking, fishing, and endless motorized outdoor activities…
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Red Rock Trattoria

Located in the center of Waterton Village lies The Red Rock Trattoria. There’s nothing like enjoying some downtime as you wine and dine to the best selection of world-class Italian cuisine. All their pasta is made fresh daily in-house with recipes from the famed Chef Brian. Enjoy the amazing selection of fine local and Italian wines, craft beers other beverages at Red Rock Trattoria. It’s the perfect place for some much-needed unwinding after an adventure-packed day in Waterton Park. Simple…
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The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch

A Custom Rocky Mountain Adventure. Enjoy traditional guest ranch adventures like horseback riding, or connect with nature through simple pleasures like exploring, hiking, nature photography, dark skies, mountain biking, outdoor skating, or snowshoeing depending on the season. The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch is set at the doorstep of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. As you approach the ranch’s private, five-kilometer-long, driveway, the views amaze. Leaving you awestruck at every bend in the road, until you finally arrive at The Lodge where the…
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Oldman River Brewing Ltd.

Old Man River Brewing is a Micro Brewery and Taproom located in the humble prairie town of Lundbreck, AB, situated near the Oldman River. They have been proudly serving fresh beer in their taproom since July 2017. With a great down-home attitude and quality ingredients, they’ve anchored themselves as the local beer in their area. They are child-friendly and have a menu mainly sourced from local businesses! Make sure you drop by for a visit.
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The Rumrunner

The Rumrunner is a typical rustic Canadian saloon-style pub restaurant, themed on the historic prohibition period which took place in the Canadian Rockies. This family-friendly eatery features an open-style kitchen and provides traditional Canadian and European-style home-cooked pub food, as well as a full seniors and gluten-free menu. Come to The Rum Runner and try any one of the many prohibition-themed burgers. From “The Speakeasy” to “The Bottle King” and with many options in between, there’s something for everyone on…
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Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Pincher Creek

Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park, the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Pincher Creek features contemporary décor combined with excellent full-service amenities. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or a special event, they have everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay. While staying at their hotel, you can enjoy amenities including complimentary WiFi access, 24-hour front desk assistance, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, on-site restaurant and lounge, meeting and wedding facilities, catering…
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Waterton Glacier Suites

At this family-owned and operated Lodge, guests of the Waterton Glacier Suites enjoy a mountain lodge feel and comfort in every room. Each room/suite has its own private balcony, fireplace, and Jacuzzi tub. Tastefully decorated with locally handcrafted furniture and Canadian artwork, their suites are great for family vacations, romantic getaways or simply to relax and enjoy all that Waterton has to offer all year round. Each of the 26 suites has been completely renovated, including flooring, wall coverings, furniture,…
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Seasons Cafe & Eatery – Pincher Creek

Seasons Cafe & Eatery, located inside the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Pincher Creek, offers a menu of hot and cold meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Lunch and dinner menus include sandwiches and burgers, featured entrees and pastas, hearty appetizers, and seasonal specials. Boxed lunches are also available.
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Country Encounters

Country Encounters invites you to their beautiful corner of Alberta in the Southern Alberta Rockies. In the national historic site of Downtown Coleman, Country Encounters is surrounded by history and the majestic mountains, where they provide a wide range of services for your convenience. A delicious breakfast is included and groups can book the chef’s table for dinner.
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