Just west of Calgary, the hamlet of Bragg Creek is best known as a base for outdoor recreation, attracting cross-country skiers, mountain bikers and hikers. Lesser known, however, are the surprisingly extensive dining and shopping offerings, as well as arts and cultural activities.
While “Bragg” is a great day-trip destination any time of year, spring offers the opportunity for a late-season cross-country ski (depending on snow coverage and trail conditions), followed by lunch and a poke around the shops; or an early-season mountain bike ride or round of golf, topped off by a flight of craft beer. You can also get your yoga zen on, commune with nature, and find your next favourite art piece, custom tee or
new-to-you book.
Getting There
From Calgary’s southern suburbs, Bragg Creek is a straight shot down Stoney Trail to Highway 22X. From the west side of the city, Highway 8 (connecting to Highway 22 south) is the quickest route. If you’re coming from the north, take the Trans-Canada west out of the city, then exit onto Highway 22. You’ll drive through landscapes of rolling foothills, with views of the Rockies, before a relatively new traffic-light intersection marks your arrival.
Where to Stay
Bragg Creek may be just a stone’s throw from the city, but extending your visit beyond a day trip allows you time to unwind and rejuvenate. With an emphasis on wellness, recreation and eco-friendliness, Folk Tree Lodge offers three well-appointed cabins on a 30-plus acre property with pristine forests, a winding creek and a pond — all teeming with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna for incredible wildlife viewing.
146212 Highway 762, Bragg Creek, 403-949-4120, folktreelodge.ca
What to Do
West Bragg Creek Provincial Recreation Area is a day-use (no camping) area about 10 kilometres west of the hamlet that is home to some of the most popular trails in Kananaskis Country. There’s a big parking lot at West Bragg, but it fills up fast, especially on weekends. You’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to enjoy the 166 km of multi-use trails of varying levels across terrain that is mostly gentle and rolling, though a good number of the advanced trails require some skill and endurance to negotiate on skis (Telephone Loop) or wheels (Strange Brew). Stop in at Handle-Bar if you need either bike or ski rentals, or to grab tasty fresh-baked goods and sandwiches to fuel up.
Always follow trail etiquette: if you’re fat-biking, be careful not to ride over any Nordic ski tracks (or expect a lot of side-eye from the skiers you encounter). If the biking trails are muddy or slushy, abort the mission or you’ll create ruts, which means more work for the Bragg Creek Trails team. If you’re a frequent user, consider making a donation to keep this non-profit trail-maintenance group going.
Head to Bragg Creek Provincial Park off Highway 758 to explore its hiking trails or make use of its plentiful picnic sites, with tables and firepits.
Play a round at the Wintergreen Golf and Country Club championship course, which typically opens for the season in May.
For those in search of artsier fare, local theatre society Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre stages regular productions. This season, you can catch a performance of the youth musical revue, Raise Your Voice, in late March, or see Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! in early May.
Where to Shop
While many outdoorsy visitors forego the boutiques in Bragg Creek, stopping only for gas, there are many treasures to be discovered.
Misty Creek Home Store
A newer addition to Bragg’s retail offerings, Misty Creek stocks beautiful home decor and furnishings. It’s a great place to pick up a gorgeous throw, luxe hand towels, a new set of dinnerware or a housewarming gift.
27 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-949-0033, mistycreekhome.com
The Best Little Wordhouse in the West
With 40,000-plus used books, the Best Little Wordhouse is a reader’s paradise. Need a recommendation? Don’t hesitate to ask owner Elizabeth Fermor. The store also carries a delightful and eclectic selection of giftware, including jewellery, photo frames, journals, keepsake boxes, clothing, and the softest alpaca blankets, wraps and scarves.
208, 7 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-949-4995, bestlittlewordhouse.com
Turkey & Pistols
The brainchild of local resident Rob Sawchuk, Turkey & Pistols melds a design and print house with an independent record shop. Check out cool Bragg swag and cheeky designs on T-shirts, hoodies and hats, then head to the back to discover a curated musical collection of classics, new releases and quality vintage vinyl.
212, 7 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-510-0646, turkeyandpistols.com
The Painted Moose Artist Collective
Bragg Creek is a hub for artisans. While the annual Christmas art sale offers a seasonal showcase, at the Painted Moose, you can find the works of 16 local artists year-round, in a range of media that includes upcycled denim and leather, stained glass, jewellery, pottery and more.
12 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-880-1027, thepaintedmoose.ca
Where to Eat
Although there’s a resident population of less than 500, Bragg Creek has more than 15 eateries, offering everything from upscale dining to grab-and-go goodies. Here are some to check out.
The Heart
Located next to the Yoga Spirit studio, The Heart offers wholesome plant-based power bowls, avocado toast with microgreens, breakfast bagels and killer coffee, plus delicious fresh-baked goods (hello, Grams Jams thumbprint cookies!)
12 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-771-9322, theheartofbraggcreek.com
Rockies Tavern & Grill
Family-owned and operated, Rockies is a go-to for pub staples such as nachos, burgers and wings, and comfort dishes like chicken-basil-pesto linguine. The family-friendly hangout has a large pet-friendly patio, picky-eater-approved kids’ menu and live music most weekends.
404, 7 Balsam Ave, Bragg Creek, 403-949-2859, rockiestaverngrill.com
Mabel & Marie’s
Named after owner Julie Barr Padgett’s two grandmothers (both expert bakers), this bakery offers fresh bread daily, as well as cookies, squares, lunch specials, take-and-bake dinners, and an unexpected live plant assortment. There are made-from-scratch doughnuts on Fridays and Saturdays, but they go fast!
4, 16 White Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-949-2253, mabelandmaries.com
Italian Farmhouse
For a special occasion, or an any-night dinner, this upscale-rustic restaurant offers a menu of Italian classics, with an impressive wine list. Settle in near the fireplace or on one of the couches, then devour the likes of the tagliatelle al carbonara or the manzo brasato (short ribs braised in red wine).
20 Balsam Ave., Bragg Creek, 403-949-2750, theitalianfarmhouse.ca
Taste of Bragg Creek
Every year in April, food and drink vendors in the Bragg Creek area come together to stage Taste of Bragg Creek. Restaurateurs prepare a variety of bites for attendees to sample, while participating wine and spirits retailers stay open late to showcase their wares. The appetizing event helps raise funds for the Bragg Creek Community Centre and Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre.
