The Cowboy Trail 
Photo: gindiandupes via IG
Hang your hat and grab a seat. Welcome to the Chuckwagon.
A little landmark that has endured the high and lows (and winds and snows) of life along the Cowboy Trail in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, once you cross the threshold, you’ll instantly feel the homage it pays to the area as well as its own famed history.
From nods to early settlers like First Nations and Oilmen to Cowboys, Ranchers and Rodeo Stars, you’ll also find kids artwork, celebrity influence, and just a sample of some of the magical moments that have been witnessed over a plate of bacon and eggs, pie, or their award-winning burgers over the years.
Greeted as you walk in, their world-class staff are right up there with the food you came in for. Friendly, funny, and genuinely interested in your day, they’ll share stories, offer local recommendations, directions, or heck, they might even ask you to star in something for their active (and entertaining) social media channels.
A mix of random travelers, foodies finding out why “You Gotta Eat Here”, and locals either getting ready or just finishing their latest shift, this little red barn in Diamond Valley has become an official launching point for many visitors travelling into Kananaskis Country or down the Cowboy Trail towards the Crowsnest Pass or Waterton Lakes National Park.
Offering respite and recharge from whatever life has thrown at you, they’ll also paraphrase late local legend and good friend Frank Thomson in noting that “if there are rancher trucks outside, you might want to go in for a coffee; you might learn something from the old guys”.
To coin a famous phrase, “If you build it, they will come” – and that they did, from all directions. Staff, customers, family and friends.
History of the Chuckwagon Cafe
Not always happy with the quality of beef he was buying, owner Terry Myhre’s frustration led him to investigate how he could get the quality (and cuts) of beef he wanted. Enrolling in Olds College’s Beef School, Myhre quickly learned that if he were after quality and portion control – he would have to do it himself.
Working with Alberta Agriculture and the Canadian Angus Association’s Breeder Accreditation Program, Terry now understood breeds, feeding, and aging, which helped him settle on the Murray Gray breed for his beef. Known for their top finishes in the Calgary Stampede’s ‘Quality Beef Competition’ thanks to consistent high-quality standards of AAA60+ marbling, rib eye area, and yield, Myhre’s choice included other key factors like size and background – no implants, no hormones, heck, not even a cold.
Developing a process and “learning to cook all over again” – not only were Terry’s beef choices and cuts right – his feeding, animal care, finishing, and processing every part of the animal eventually led to his daughter Ryley calling it “Happy Beef” and all the Chuckwagon staples of today. From brisket that is smoked and brined for beef bacon to trim that goes into their famous beef barley soup and homemade gravy, the little red barn of today is more than Terry ever imagined.
Built on beef they raise themselves and strengthened by support from other producers, Diamond Valley’s Chuckwagon Cafe is now home to some of the best beef in Alberta. With a decade or two worth of best burger awards from the likes of Avenue Magazine, CBC, Calgary Herald, Western Wheel and a bunch of burger bloggers – their AAA Alberta beef tenderloin eggs benedict was also featured on ‘You Gotta Eat Here’!
Affectionately known as the ‘Little Red Barn’, this place is a must-stop for visitors to Foothills County along the Cowboy Trail.
Offering homemade comfort food and baking you’d serve your grandma in a relaxed western atmosphere littered with local history – don’t be surprised when you’re instantly greeted by a friendly staff member or even seated by Terry himself.
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Photo: therealbuntcake via IG
