We’re about forty minutes west of Calgary, where the prairie gives out and the foothills start. Getting here is easy — paved highway the whole way — but there are a few things worth knowing before you set off, especially in winter.
Driving Here
Times are door to door in normal conditions. Allow more in snow, and more again on a summer Friday afternoon.
From Calgary
Head west out of the city on Highway 8, then turn south on Highway 22 and follow it into the village. It’s a straightforward drive on paved highway the whole way, and the mountains come up in the windscreen about halfway.
Coming from the south side of the city, Highway 22X west to Highway 22 north is the shorter run.
From Calgary Airport (YYC)
Take Stoney Trail around the west side of the city, then exit onto Highway 8 westbound and turn south on Highway 22. Allow a little longer at rush hour — Stoney Trail backs up between 4 and 6pm on weekdays.
Every major rental company is at the airport. There is no bus or train to Bragg Creek, so a car is the practical option.
From Banff or Canmore
Highway 1 east toward Calgary, then south on Highway 22 at the Cochrane turnoff and down into Bragg Creek. In summer the prettier alternative is Highway 40 through Kananaskis to Highway 66, but check seasonal closures before you commit to it.
From the south on the Cowboy Trail
Highway 22 is the Cowboy Trail, and it runs right to our door from Longview, Black Diamond and Turner Valley. If you’re coming up from Waterton or the Crowsnest Pass this is the scenic way to do it.
Before You Set Off
The handful of things guests tell us they wish they’d known.
Fuel
There’s a Shell in the village on Burnside Drive, so you don’t need to arrive with a full tank. Fill up before heading west on Highway 66 though — there is nothing past the village.
Groceries
The village has enough for essentials, but for a proper shop the last full-size supermarkets are on the west edge of Calgary. Worth stopping if you’re self-catering anything.
Cell service
Good in the village, patchy to non-existent once you head west up Highway 66 or into the West Bragg Creek trails. Download your maps before you set off, and tell someone your plan.
Winter tires are a must
From late fall through early spring you will need proper winter tires to get up our driveway — this is not a suggestion. Alberta doesn’t require them by law and rental cars usually come on all-seasons, so ask your rental company for winter tires specifically when you book. All-seasons will not do it once there’s snow on the hill.
Highway 66
The road west of Elbow Falls is gated from December 1 to May 14 each year to protect wintering wildlife. Elbow Falls itself stays reachable year-round.
Parking
Park up at the house, in front of the garage doors. There’s room, it’s free, and you won’t need to move it once you’re here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions guests ask us most, before they arrive and after.
What time can we check in and check out?
Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 11am. If you’re running later than 9pm, please let us know so we can make sure you get in.
Is breakfast included?
Yes — a light continental breakfast is included with every stay.
Can we bring our dog?
We’re sorry, but no pets.
Is there wifi?
Yes. It’s an open network, so there’s no password to hunt for — just connect when you arrive.
Do we need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
Yes, if you plan to park at any Kananaskis or Highway 66 day-use area — including Elbow Falls and Forgetmenot Pond. It’s bought online, daily or annual, and there’s no booth at the trailhead. Get one here.
What should we pack?
Layers, whatever the forecast says — mountain weather turns fast and it’s cooler here than in Calgary. Proper footwear if you plan to walk, bear spray if you’re heading up the valley, and something warm for the evening even in July. In winter add microspikes; half the local trails are packed ice by February.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
More than you’d expect for a village this size — seven sit-down restaurants, two bakeries, a distillery and a golf clubhouse, most of them walkable from the shopping centre. See our Where to Eat page.
Do you have a question we haven’t answered?
Just ask — we’d rather hear from you before you book than have you wonder. Email [email protected], or call or text us on 403-763-862.
Also ours
Cowboy Trail Brewery
Alongside the B&B we’re building Bragg Creek’s first brewery, named for the stretch of Highway 22 that brings a lot of our guests to the door. The taproom is still under construction at the Bragg Creek Distillers site on Burnside Drive — but the beer is already made, and already pouring at places around the village.
Ask us at breakfast where it’s on tap that week, and we’ll point you at it.