Gluten Free Restaurants in Canmore

Living in Calgary, I am blessed to be within an hour’s drive or so of some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery – the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In fact, when I want to escape the hectic pace of the city, it’s a relief to know that those majestic mountains are so nearby. It seems I can breathe that mountain air down deep into my lungs.

But, having to eat gluten free means that I’m always on the lookout for spots that feature delicious, gluten free snacks and meals that all of us can enjoy. So, please enjoy some of my favourite finds from my favourite Canadian mountain town: Canmore, Alberta.

Canmore is a mountain town that started out small and homey, and now is filled with hotels and vacation rentals so that people from all around the world can come visit and get their fill of the crisp Alpine air. But, all of those outdoor activities that draw us to Canmore – walking, hiking, cycling, skiing – mean that we need to re-fuel on some delicious gluten free food! Here are some of the best restaurants, cafes and bakeries to find healthy food that won’t make us sick:

Communitea Cafe

This true hub of the community features wonderful gluten free options for both Celiacs and gluten intolerant people, with a menu that is heavy on whole, real and healthy foods. Their gluten free friendly selections are indicated on their menu with a blue dot, and I was thrilled to see blue dots scattered all across their menu!! (Isn’t it super exciting when we actually have options?) Some of their gluten free breakfasts include: Hemp Smoothie bowls and Big Breakfast Bowls (loaded with scrambled eggs, avocado, black beans, sweet potato and cilantro – all nestled upon spinach. YUM!!) They also serve up Breakfast wraps, and for $0.50 more you can get yours in a gluten-free wrap. Perfect! Breakfast on the go! Just the thing to enjoy when you can’t get enough of the astonishing mountain scenery. Please note that breakfast is served from 8 am until 11 am daily.

Lunch and early Dinner (their fall hours are 8-5 pm Monday – Thursday, and 8-6 pm Friday – Sunday) means luscious offerings like: Gluten free Buddha bowls (with tons of veggies, seeds, and tofu over brown rice and topped up with an addictive tahini garlic dressing); Gluten Free Pad Thai (the classic, with rice noodles, tofu, egg, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, bean sprouts in a spicy peanut dressing); Gluten Free Thai Coconut curry bowl (Thai green curry sauce smothered all over broccoli, peppers, carrots, zucchini, roasted sweet potato, and purple cabbage. That glorious mix is served over a bed of organic brown rice and spinach.) There are also Nori wraps, homemade soups, and a wide assortment of teas and coffee. End it off with one of their gluten free brownies. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe it.

Tapas Restaurant now called Sauvage Restaurant

And then, from a funky cafe atmosphere we turn to a restaurant that is consistently named one of the most romantic restaurants in the Rockies! A number of years ago, it was exactly the spot that my husband and I chose to celebrate our anniversary. I almost swooned when I walked in: the dim lights, strains of beautiful music, the promise of truly fine food all combined to make a wonderful, memorable evening. (And the company of Hubs of course: he makes anywhere finer just by being there!) Tapas (now called Sauvage Restaurant) is situated in an old character filled house off the main street, a home that actually belonged to a miner many years ago. Little did that miner know what a romantic retreat his home would become!

The dimly lit interior, with glowing candles at each table add to the rustic charm. But, let’s talk food! The menu is impressive. There are many gluten free options. Their Tapas menu (tapas being an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine; small plates meant to share) have fully six different gluten free options! Such as: Frittata, Carrots with Goat Cheese, Maple syrup & hazelnuts, Albacore tuna, or a Beet Salad. (Am I the only one whose heart beets? Haha, so bad, I’m sorry. But I truly will eat anything on a menu containing those glorious ruby red vegetables.)And then…the larger Plates offerings that are gluten free include either Pork or Beef.

Enjoy your experience at Tapas in a slow, unrushed manner. Plates are meant to be shared and enjoyed among friends, or the love of your life.