Note: I was asked on a recent job application to write a piece about ‘my favourite small town.’ After having written what I thought was a satisfactory and well-thought-out answer, I realized I was limited to 1500 characters for this question. While the piece I officially submitted ended up being a good lesson in editing for me, I did not want what I had written in the first place to go completely to waste. I also want to note that I cannot definitively say that Turner Valley is my number one favourite town, but it is up there on the list and it was the first town that came to mind- so here is my unedited write-up on this location for your reading pleasure:
“What is my favourite small town?” This is a tough question for me to answer as someone who has been to a multitude of small towns during my travels across North America and beyond. Many are pleasant, and some others… not so much, but I believe they all have their charms that are often overlooked by city folk.
I’ll choose one town near me that I do not think gets enough attention. But, as it’s my job to cast light on places like this, I will do so. I am speaking of Turner Valley, Alberta (now officially called “Diamond Valley” after a merger with another nearby town. I am specifically referring here to the half that was formerly known as Turner Valley).
This small ranching town exploded in growth during the original oil boom in Western Canada in the early 20th century. In fact, it was once at the epicentre of one of the largest oil and gas fields in the British Empire. It has since shrunk back down again with the drying up of its reserves, and is now a mere outlier in the greater Calgary metro area.
Turner Valley is not only a great jumping point to get into the legendary Kananaskis Provincial Park, but it also has fun and unique aspects within its own borders. I am mainly talking about its food and drink scene, which is impressive for a town its size. In many small towns, you may understandably not have the expectation of fine dining. For many people, simply finding any kind of restaurant at all in a place off the beaten path can be a relief. Turner Valley turns that expectation on its head with its variety of distilleries, breweries, and award-winning restaurants.
What’s better than a cold beer after a long hike out in the Canadian Rockies? How about a locally sourced one brewed by a German expat and former chemical engineer? Check out Fahr Brewery for some of the best expertly brewed German-style beverages in the province. Looking for something a little stronger? Eau-Claire Distillery, just a couple of blocks away, is one of Alberta’s fastest-growing “farm-to-glass” distilleries. It offers a plethora of unique spirits, both in its shop and in its incredibly cool speakeasy-themed cocktail bar called “Ruperts Hideaway” at the heart of Turner Valley.
If you’re feeling hungry for some breakfast or lunch, I highly recommend grabbing a bite at the famous Chuck Wagon Cafe. This cowboy-style dinner was even featured on Food Network’s TV show “You Gotta Eat Here.” You have to try one of their special takes on eggs benedict or their house burger, considered to be one of the best in the Calgary area, a tough honour to earn in the beef capital of Canada. It is well worth the 60 km drive from the city. Honestly, I have tried many of the items on the menu and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
All of this and more are packed into the very walkable downtown core of Turner Valley, nestled in the gorgeous rolling foothills of Southern Alberta. It’s places like this, with a mix of adventure, great taste, rich history, and a relaxed small-town attitude, that keep me coming back for more. It’s a town where I can find some solitude from the bustling city of Calgary or a spot to rest in relative luxury after a hiking trip out in the nearby mountains. For these reasons, I easily consider Turner Valley to be one of my favourite small towns.