Fish Creek Provincial Park is quietly nestled between McKenzie Towne and Midnapore, a perfectly preserved piece of land boasting lush forests, the Bow River, and an abundance of Alberta’s wildlife. A second and often overlooked key feature of Fish Creek Park is Bow Valley Ranche, a fine dining restaurant operating out of a century-old building.
Bow Valley Ranche is tucked away behind the tall pines and undulating hills of Fish Creek Provincial Park, itself bustling with Calgarians riding bikes, taking a stroll, or simply enjoying the fresh air. As you follow the winding pathways through the park and beyond the visitor’s centre, you will inevitably stumble upon the conspicuous Bow Valley Ranche building. Standing tall in the valley, the house was originally built in 1896 to be a space for so-called “refined social activities”, according to the restaurant’s well-kept records of the building and surrounding land. The exterior gives hints towards the house’s centuries-old heritage through a homely brick façade and quaint portico leading into what is now the fine dining restaurant.
The Bow Valley Ranche restaurant was established in 1999, first called “The Ranch House”. Although beginning its life with a different name, the restaurant has always provided a uniquely old-fashioned dining experience for visitors of this historic site, operating as a gathering space for special events or simply to enjoy an elevated meal.
One hallway connects multiple distinct rooms inside the Bow Valley Ranche. On the west side of the building is a spacious central dining room with windows looking onto the front lawn and pedestrian trails. In the dining room, relics and natural accents provide a charmingly rustic ambience foretelling the menu’s farm-to-table culinary approach. The best example of this may be a vaulted ceiling upon which hang warmly-lit lights and, the centrepiece of the room, a stunning chandelier made entirely out of antlers.
With summer already upon us, one imperative feature to any restaurant is a welcoming patio upon which Calgarians can spend the remainder of warm, sunny days ahead. This is especially true for Bow Valley Ranche, which boasts one of the most beautiful locations for patios in Calgary. The restaurant features a three-sided, shaded patio that can be enjoyed regardless of rain or shine (within reason, of course). Those seated on the patio are treated to the sweet smell of summer flowers, views of Fish Creek Provincial Park, and the ambience of its protected wildlife.
The menu by Executive Chef Bern Glatz takes inspiration from the deeply-rooted traditions of Canadian cuisine, a chief principle of which is that all ingredients must be locally sourced, environmentally conscious, and – of course – delicious. You will find this and more in the menu at Bow Valley Ranche which, paired with the setting of Fish Creek Park, will remind you of enjoying a picnic in the woods. However, the food is likely to be much more elevated than the pre-made meals and cans that most find themselves packing into a to-go basket.
Each dish at Bow Valley Ranche is made to accompany the building’s rustic theme and setting while being elevated to also match the restaurant’s fine dining atmosphere. The B.C. halibut, for example, seems to leap off the plate, topped by vibrant edible flowers and fresh herbs. Meanwhile, the fish is delicately poached to perfection. The Alberta Beef Tenderloin is cooked to your liking while served with Roasted Turnips and local Mushrooms. But before ordering your main, don’t forget to sample something from the appetizer list. Say, a dozen East Coast Oysters served with a seasonal Shaved Ice Mignonette.
Whether you are searching for a romantic date night or a perfect venue for your next big event, the Bow Valley Ranche restaurant is certainly a top contender. The building, very much a hidden gem, is charming in its antiquity and serves as a truly unique setting to enjoy an elevated meal. After dinner, the fun continues with a walk through the stunning trails of Fish Creek Provincial Park or to the restaurant’s upper level. Due to the building’s century-old history, both patrons and staff agree that you may find a ghost or two.
