Two rural Alberta towns are taking the “new year, new you” mindset seriously. Starting on January 1, 2023, Black Diamond and Turner Valley officially merged into one new town with a new name: Diamond Valley.
Black Diamond and Turner Valley have been slowly growing towards each other for years. After years of discussions and a failed plebiscite in 2007, the decision to finally amalgamate the towns was approved by the Province in May, 2022 and set to take effect on January 1, 2023. The town’s new name came from suggestions put forward and voted on by residents. Diamond Valley was the clear winner with a 74 per cent majority in the final survey.
Home to a number of spots that are well worth checking out, the area serves as a great stopping point for those on their way to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park or heading south on Highway 22. Here are a few places to stop at on your next trip to Diamond Valley.
Black Diamond Hotel
Built in 1929 to accommodate workers in the coal, oil and gas industries (which were booming in the area back then), this hotel has stood the test of time as one of the oldest buildings in town, even surviving a fire that destroyed a large portion of Main Street. Today, the Black Diamond Hotel still serves as a popular gathering spot and watering hole, where customers can enjoy no-nonsense drinks alongside classic bar burgers, steaks and snacks. If you’re looking to stay overnight in a piece of history, this is the place.
105 Centre Ave. S., Diamond Valley, 403-933-4656, blackdiamondhotel.com
Eau Claire Distillery
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Eau Claire Distillery has become one of the most recognizable Alberta distilleries, and all of its craft spirits are made right here in Diamond Valley. Stop by the distillery — housed inside what used to be the old town hall and gathering spot — to sample some of Eau Claire’s offerings in the tasting room, or purchase a bottle of spirits or canned craft cocktails. Next door to the distillery, Eau Claire has taken over an old barn and dancehall and turned it into The Speakeasy, a Prohibition-era style bar behind a hidden door (the bar is not currently open daily, but is available to book for parties).
113 Sunset Blvd. S.W., Diamond Valley, 403-933-5408, eauclairedistillery.ca
Fahr Brewery
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Fahr Brewery focuses mainly on making German beers, which are brewed using traditional German methods and have won numerous awards worldwide. Stop by the taproom for a taste of Fahr’s offerings, including the seasonal, hoppy hefeweizen and the original Fahr Hefe or Pils.
123 Kennedy Dr. S.E., Diamond Valley, 403-800-6098, fahr.ca
Marv’s Classic Soda Shop
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Step back in time at Marv’s Classic Soda Shop, which serves up old-school favourites. Here you’ll find a range of classic burgers (including a few “peanut butter burger” options) as well as gourmet hot dogs, fried chicken and other diner mainstays. You’ll also find a selection of soda fountain drinks that your grandparents would have enjoyed in their time, like a cherry phosphate (a type of hand-mixed cherry soda), ice cream floats and milkshakes. At the front of the shop, there are shelves filled with hard-to-find sodas and candy available for purchase.
121 Centre Ave., Diamond Valley, 403-933-7011, marvsclassicsodashop.com
Meska Outdoors Glamping Experience
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During the summer months, Diamond Valley is the perfect area for camping — expect long, warm nights, big skies and perfect views of the mountains. Meska Outdoors has created a glamping experience in the (formerly) Black Diamond area, and the best part is, they’re dog-friendly. Included in the experience are glamping tents with queen-sized beds, which are located very close to Eau Claire Distillery (hint, hint).