Diamond Valley, formerly known as Black Diamond and Turner Valley, is a pleasant town in Foothills County that everyone should visit when in Calgary. Take it from us – there are plenty of things you can explore here!
Let’s check out some of our favorite haunts in the area. We’ve organized them by activity so you can jump to the section you’re most interested in, whether it’s for dining, shopping, or something more!
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Where to Eat and Drink in Diamond Valley
From poutineries to distilleries, Diamond Valley has a wide variety of eateries and spaces where you can explore local delights. Here are the ones we go to each time we’re in the area!
Chuckwagon Cafe
Chuckwagon Cafe is a staple of Diamond Valley that’s most popular for its delectable beef. Our personal favorite is their steak and eggs offering, which comes with the juiciest piece of steak, toast, and a triple sunny side up that is just the right amount of runny.
The portions here are large without sacrificing flavor, so you won’t come out feeling unsatisfied. The rustic barnyard aesthetic really adds to the atmosphere of the place, too.
Eau Claire Distillery
Eau Claire Distillery is known as the very first craft distiller in Alberta to offer premium spirits from local sources. The ingredients used in every spirit are top-tier quality and it really comes through in the flavor, we think.
If you’re looking for something you can enjoy on a road trip, there are also awesome canned cocktails available here in a variety of flavors. We especially love the class Gin & Tonic flavor, which actually uses award-winning Parlour Gin mixed with exclusive Eau Claire Tonic Water.
The Westwood
Dining at The Westwood is a real treat, whether you’re going solo or coming with friends and family. The atmosphere and service here are great, so you can comfortably stay a while trying out the scrumptious dishes offered here.
The breakfast menu is one you don’t want to miss, but there are great options regardless of what time you visit. What’s particularly great about this space is how they have many vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options if that’s what you prefer.
You must try the poutine, burgers, and coffee. Finally, the patio is great if you have a pet dog that wants to tag along (they always do!).
Coyote Moon
Coyote Moon is a cool spot to stop by if you’re looking for a nice rustic space with tasty food. The whole vibe makes you feel like you’re going back in time and going on a fun adventure.
Only lunch and dinner are served here, but the food you get is totally worth it. The espresso is also a nice kick to start your day, especially when paired with their bacon and eggs Benedict.
The prices here are very agreeable, and they don’t come at the expense of taste. It’s a gem of a spot that doesn’t get quite as much attention as other places but is just as great in terms of menu, service, and ambiance.
Marv’s Classic Soda Shop
If you’re looking for some retro goodness and delicious soda, then look no further than Marv’s Classic Soda Shop. The entire space, from its selection of milkshakes and mats to its vintage posters and booths, looks straight out of the 1950s.
While the obvious stars of the show here are the fountain pops and ice cream sodas, we can’t get enough of the Brutus Burger. With a triple-patty topped with bacon and cheese, it’s hard not to salivate at the sheer sight of it.
The Peggy Sue is also a delicious entry that is a must if you’re more of a chicken lover. Aside from the diner’s delights, we also love the huge selection of candies you can buy.
Motoburrito
If you visit Diamond Valley when Motoburrito is up and running, make sure you drop by and enjoy some yummy Mexican food and a great outdoor feel. Since it operates as a food truck, the eating area consists of outdoor tables and chairs with a fun Dia De Los Muertos vibe.
You obviously have to get the tacos and burritos, but be ready for a line as it can get really busy. Rev up your motorcycle, enjoy the countryside, and dig into some flavorful bites.
Where to Shop in Diamond Valley
Diamond Valley has fun seasonal fests like the Geeky Gift Holiday Market and Light Up Diamond Valley, which are just some of the many awesome Christmas markets you can find across Calgary.
If you’re looking for year-round shopping spots, the town has plenty of options for that as well!
Bluerock Gallery
We love the atmosphere at Bluerock Gallery, so it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking to take home some fine art at reasonable prices.
There’s an eclectic mix of goods here, with wall art, pottery, glasswork, sculptures, and even books. There are also plenty of curated cards here that tend to be popular with tourists.
Plus, the gallery highlights local artists and their craftsmanship. Whether you need a gift for someone or you simply want to get a feel for Diamond Valley’s art scene, Bluerock is an essential stop.
Enlightened Herb Cannabis
Enlightened Herb Cannabis is all about craft over cold business. So, if you’re interested in cannabis products that come from micro-cultivators, this is the place you want to visit.
The space itself is warm, welcoming, and cozy, so you’ll have a chill time going through the selection. We also appreciate how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is, which is a real help if you’re unfamiliar with the territory.
The space’s unique vibe also trickles all the way down to the accessories on offer. They are very mindful of their products and audience, too, so only those of legal age will be catered to.
Krauss Design
Krauss Design is all about glass. If you’re looking to get custom windows or have a panel that needs some repairing, this is the space for you.
We really adore the stained glass designs you can find here, but it’s worth noting that the artists at work also take care to incorporate any ideas you might have. They are highly experienced with the delicate and intricate nature of stained glass.
They’ve even restored a number of panels from Calgary’s churches! If you want a design that comes from a picture, the artists here can also do so with ease as they are well-versed in glass painting.
RONA
Formerly known as RONA Black Diamond, this branch is one of many in a chain of home improvement stores across Calgary. While they are already known for having a great selection, we particularly appreciated the customer service at this branch.
If you’re renovating or building your home, you’ll likely find pretty much everything you need here. Be it decor or practical installations like flooring, plumbing, and hardware, RONA has it.
We also love their gardening section, which has tons of seedlings for gorgeous plants and flowers. The garden centre also has all the tools you’ll need to get started.
Marshall’s Country Store
Marshall’s Country Store is a great little specialty shop with a nice collection of unique local goods. As you can imagine from the name, everything here is about creating a curated country living vibe.
Hoodies, hats, tote bags, jeans, and books are plentiful in this shop. We really like the fresh and cozy vibe of the store, which just invites you to browse with ease.
Interesting Activities to Do in Diamond Valley
If you’re looking for experiences outside of shopping and dining, you’ll be glad to know that Diamond Valley is ripe with stuff like aerial tours and glamping, among others. Here are top picks!
Granary Road
If you’ve got kids (or you’re a kid at heart,) you may want to visit Granary Road’s awesome learning park. For both parents and those that aren’t, this place also has one of the best farmers’ markets in Calgary.
The active learning park is just 15 minutes away from the heart of Diamond Valley in the county. It’s 36 acres and has tons of exhibits that your children can interact with.
There are also ziplines and a farm where you can check out sheep, alpacas, pigs, bunnies, and more. Do note that both the park and farmers’ market only opens seasonally.
The Turner Valley Gas Plant Tour
If you want to get into the history of Diamond Valley before it merged, then you’ll want to visit the Turner Valley Gas Plant. It’s considered a historic national site, and also happens to be one of the filming locations for Ghostbusters: Afterlife!
We absolutely recommend the guided tours here, which are filled with rich history and led by very engaging guides. The tour doesn’t take too long, and you can expect to walk around 1.5 kilometres.
Meska Outdoors Glamping
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors of Alberta in luxury, then check out Meska Outdoors Glamping. Everything you’d want is included, like a camping ground with nice vibes, comfortable mattresses, appliances for cooking, and a cozy tent.
Our favorite part of the experience isn’t even all these grand comforts, though. Meska Outdoors encourages dog owners to bring their pups along!
You can bring your dog for free, though you will naturally have to provide the water and food for your pet yourself. That said, you will get some complementary dog treats!
Cu Nim Gliding Club Aerial Tour
Why limit yourself to the ground when you can reach for the sky? You can explore Diamond Valley in an unforgettable way by taking an aerial tour by the Cu Nim Gliding Club.
The club is always welcoming new members, even if you have no prior flight experience! The experienced members instruct many individuals in the art of flying all the time.
If you just want to see the sights without taking on the reins yourself, you can also check out the introductory flights that the members offer to the general public. If you join the club, you can get lessons and soar through the skyline yourself.
