Historic Watering Holes

Powderhorn Saloon

With the Rocky Mountains rising up majestically in the west and the rolling, sweeping prairies sprawling to the east, The Cowboy Trail is a 700 km scenic route along Hwy 22, running through the breathtaking foothills of the Alberta Rockies.

Winding along this significant portion of Alberta’s west region, starting north of Edmonton in Mayerthorpe, The Cowboy Trail is a narrow ribbon of highway, slicing through forests and ancient native grasslands, ending far to the south in Cardston.

The old west of Alberta is still very prominent, offering many sights, attractions, history and culture, but best of all, it offers unique acoustic, hidden gems one dare not pass up. Family owned ‘watering’ holes, coffee shops and general stores offer a lot. This includes, artists entertaining, serenading listeners with all genres of music, as they sip freshly brewed coffee or a pint from a local brewery, while snacking on home cooked delights many of these joints offer.

The Powderhorn Saloon in Bragg Creek has been a landmark to many in southern Alberta, with a cozy atmosphere, great homemade food and friendly faces. It is a great place to enjoy live music every Friday night and jam sessions on Thursday’s. New acts are welcome and the first Saturday at 5pm of every month, James Roy hosts jam sessions for any brave enough to take on the mic. A bit off the beaten track, the Powderhorn Saloon is a must see for both tourists and locals alike.

The Black Diamond Bar and Hotel is a historic beauty built in 1929 and remains the centre of the town’s entertainment with great food and live music. The hotel sits on the corner of Hws 7 and 22 and though it has undergone renovations over the years, and survived the fire in 1949, it’s still a very popular venue and is renowned for their Saturday night jams.

Cozy up next to a fireplace or pull a seat up at the ‘wood’, the Black Diamond Bar is a hub of activity with pool tables, TV’s and even a jukebox. Enjoy your evening and relax with live country music, in an ambient atmosphere with friends.

The Twin Cities Saloon and Hotel in Longview is a rustic and quaint watering hole to locals and tourists, offering a home-

made menu with ingredients acquired from local farmers and handcrafted beer. Built in 1938, it is a historic and prominent landmark within the town and a favourite to all. Popular bands play every Friday night, Saturday’s are for jam sessions, which always brings new talent to the stage and Sunday afternoons are unplugged jam sessions. With its character and history, the hotel is hard to pass up, especially for those who love to hear stellar old country music.

On the prairies between Pincher Creek and Waterton, the Twin Butte General Store opened in the 1930’s with two gas pumps and an office, supplying fuel to farmers. Since then, it has grown into so much more than a mere general store.

Customers can mail a letter, buy a souvenir or pick up general supplies, but they can also enjoy the experience of the store. While trying the mouth-watering, Mexican influenced menu, visitors can listen to the musicians and touch up their Alberta two-step to a variety of live music from top-notch performing artists. Tourists are drawn to the charm of this quaint town and the ‘country general store’ ambiance, well worth visiting. Situated in downtown Rocky Mountain House, The Music Shop Concert Theatre & Soup House is a unique, old-town feel venue. It’s a soup house for lunch Tuesday to Saturday where homemade soups, chilies and grilled cheese sandwiches are available. At night, though not every night, it transforms into a concert theatre where artists take the stage. It’s a rare experience with musicians from around the world performing monthly. Visit themusicshoprmh.weebly.com.

The Waterton Lakes Opera House opens seasonally between May and October and is renowned for its live performances, big screen film presentations, events and upcoming movies. Situated in the heart of beautiful Waterton, it is a 100-yearold movie theatre transformed into a multi-functional venue where they offer movies and live performances daily.

There are countless places to explore and history to discover Throughout Southern Alberta. Take the scenic drive along The Cowboy Trail and get lost in the history, culture and music each unique town has to offer.

By: Amanda Knippschild