Explore Central Alberta’s local food, from the producers to the chefs who make these local ingredients into delicious meals. On this tour we’ll be visiting farms, a cheesery, restaurants and local breweries where you’ll learn about the rich experiences available to your guests.

Many of our local producers are popular vendors at the many farmer’s markets in Calgary and Edmonton as well as being featured in some of the best restaurants in the province. Our local independent restaurants are gaining a reputation and attracting visitors from throughout the province while we now produce some of the best beverages in the province. You’ll get to visit, sample and learn from many of them on this packed day of exploring local food.

This tour is part of the Experience Experts program offered by Tourism Red Deer and regional partners to help local industry employees learn more about the city and region so that they can share those experiences with visitors. The tours are free and open to tourism industry front-line staff. Reserve your spot through Tourism Red Deer at visitreddeer.com/industry/industry-events/. If you have any questions or to arrange a private tour for your organization, contact Liz Taylor at Tourism Red Deer (liz@tourismreddeer.com or 403-346-0180).

Itinerary

This tour is offered on May 25, 2017 and is open exclusively to Central Alberta tourism industry employees. Reservations are required and must be made through Tourism Red Deer.

Where To Meet

• 8:15 am – Check-in with your guide at the Visitor Information Centre & Alberta Sports Hall of Fame on Highway 2

Edgar Farms

Our first stop is Edgar Farms, a member of Innisfail Growers. Best known for their asparagus, the sixth generation farm also grows peas, beans, traditional crops and beef sold at markets throughout Alberta. You’ll get to go to the field, harvest and taste fresh asparagus before heading back to the farm store to try some of their pickled produce and maybe even some pie.

Viva Deli

We’re headed back to Red Deer for our next stop. Located on the edge of Riverlands, this European deli shop features a wide selection of their own sausages, smoked meats and fish as well as dry sausages that are perfect for your next adventure or charcuterie board. Don’t worry, we’ll be doing some tastings…

Sylvan Star Cheese

On our next stop we’ll get to taste some of the best Gouda cheese in Canada and try the Grizzly, the fourth best Gouda in the World! Sylvan Star Cheese has been making cheese locally since 1999, with their herd of 240 Holstein’s providing the milk.

Brown Eggs and Lambs

This little farm store just outside of Gull Lake is packed full of great local finds. As the name implies they have lamb and eggs, which they produce, along with a wide variety of items from local producers.

Downtown Lacombe

After a morning of tastings and visits to farms and producers, we’re off to Lacombe for lunch. As we make our way through downtown we’ll be checking out the murals and heritage buildings along the way.

Cilantro and Chive

The team at Cilantro and Chive has gained a great reputation, attracting visitors from far and wide. They use fresh local ingredients and show their creativity with things like #CaesarsThatEatLikeAMeal. We’re sure you’ll love what’s for lunch.

Sweet Capones

Dessert is just a short walk away. Sweet Capones has been attracting lots of people ever since they opened and it’s not hard to see why.

Wild Brewing Co.

Wrapping up the tour, we’re back in Red Deer for a visit to two breweries. First up is Wild Brewing Co. where we’ll learn about kombucha at one of Alberta’s only brewery.

Troubled Monk Brewery

Our last stop on the tour takes us to Troubled Monk Brewery for a tour with the people who bring us amazing craft beer and sodas.

Return

• 5:00 pm – Guest drop off the at the Visitor Information Centre

The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.

Logistics

What’s Included

• A professional guide.
• Admission for all activities and food samples.
• Snacks, samples throughout the day and lunch are included. Additional products may be purchased at each vendors and are not included in the tour.
• Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits, bear spray and cell phone or satellite communicators on all tours.

What You Need To Bring

• Proper footwear (walking/running/hiking shoes or boots)
• Appropriate clothing for the weather
• A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
• A warm sweater (conditions can chance quickly)
• A water bottle
• Camera

What kind of lunch is included? Can special diets be accommodated?

Snacks, samples throughout the day and lunch are included. Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.

Waiver

Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here. Activities provided by third-party operators may require additional waivers.