The hamlet of Bragg Creek is a short 30-minute drive from Calgary or 25 minutes due south on Highway 22 from Cochrane. It is a charming town standing between the Tsuut’ina Nation to the east and Kananaskis Country to the west. I love stopping in Bragg Creek on the way home from a hike or camping trip along Highway 66, but it is also a great spot for a day trip all on its own.
Whether you’re hoping to explore more of Southern Alberta this year, or you’re just looking for easy day trips from Calgary, there is plenty to do in Bragg Creek.
Cafes and Restaurants
Despite its small size, Bragg Creek is home to many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants that draw in locals and tourists alike. I enjoy stopping at different spots, and have enjoyed sweet treats and drinks from the Cinnamon Spoon, Mabel and Marie’s, The Heart of Bragg Creek, and The Bragg Creek Bakery. The Heart of Bragg Creek is particularly unique as the entire cafe is plant-based (although not great for those allergic to nuts).
Beyond cafes and bakeries, there are also some great restaurants, such as The Italian Farmhouse for delicious and beautiful Italian cuisine, The Bav + Tav for German and other European fare, or The Powderhorn Saloon for pub grub and live entertainment on Thursdays or Fridays.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, stop by Ida Mays for ice cream.
Locals Shops and Antiquing in Bragg Creek
Bragg Creek is known for its antique shops and artisan shops. If you enjoy unique gifts, handmade items, and one-of-a-kind antiques, Bragg Creek is the place to be.
Stop by The Painted Moose, an artists’ collective located next to The Heart of Bragg Creek with fine art paintings, stone sculpture, wood crafts, jewelry, pottery, and more. Next, check out Hooked On Bragg, for handmade knitwear, jewellery, and other artisanal goods.
Check out the stained glass, blown glass, and antiques at The River Dragonfly, or book a stained glass art class with them. If stained glass isn’t your thing, consider trying pottery classes at Platypus Ceramics Studio.
If you’re interested in furniture or larger antique goods, check out Archer’s Antiques and Misty Creek Home Store. Both offer unique pieces for your home, with Archer’s items focused on the 18th century to the turn of the 20th and Misty Creek’s offering more contemporary pieces.
Go for a Walk in Bragg Creek Provincial Park
Bragg Creek Provincial Park is a small natural park within walking distance from the centre of the hamlet. You can hike the 1.6 km Alder Trail Loop or the longer 3.7 km Banded Peak Connector route. These trails bring you through the forested landscape of the foothills.
Across the road from these hikes is the main parking lot for the park. There is a myriad of picnic tables here, with some interconnecting trails that branch out towards the Elbow River. Both side of the park are good options for a short hour or so walk before stopping in Bragg Creek for a snack or a meal.
Gateway to Kananaskis: Explore Elbow Valley
Bragg Creek’s welcome sign proudly boasts that it is the gateway to Kananaskis, and it is, if you’re visiting the Elbow Valley area along highway 66.
Highway 66 holds some of my favourite hikes in Kananaskis for a couple reasons. First, this side is closer to reach for Calgary, making it accessible and reasonable for a half day trip. Second, many of the hikes in the foothills here are lower elevation, meaning they make great spring hiking options as the snowpack here melts earlier than in the Rockies.
For easy hikes in the Elbow Valley, I’d recommend Fullerton Loop (6.8 km) and Paddys Flat Interpretive Trail (2.2 km) or Riverside Trail (6.4 km). Both have low elevation and take about 1-2 hours round trip. They’re less than 15 minutes from Bragg Creek.
For moderate hikes, I’d recommend Vents Ridge (6 km), Powderface Ridge (4.5 km), and Nihahi Creek Trail (15 km). Each of these hikes has around 300-450 metres of elevation gain, taking around 3-4 hours to complete. They are further along highway 66, taking between 20 to 45 minutes to reach from Bragg Creek.
Finally, I’d recommend Moose Mountain (13.8 km) or Prairie Mountain (8.4 km) for more difficult hikes in Elbow Valley. These hikes have between 675 and 775 metres of elevation gain taking 4-6 hours to complete. These hikes can be completed year round, but I’d advise you check the trail conditions, especially during the winter or spring months, as conditions may be icy/snowy.
