We had gone hiking at Moraine Lake, just outside of Lake Louise, Alberta, and we were exhausted and starving. We decided to go for a late lunch somewhere outside of the touristy downtown Lake Louise area, so we stopped at Baker Creek Bistro, which is a about 10 minutes outside of town, right on the main road; the Bistro is part of the Baker Creek Chalets, and it is a quaint, rustic, Alpine Chalet style of buildings. We were so hungry by this time that I didn’t care what was on the menu, but the food turned out to be delicious, the service excellent, and the view of the mountains made the lunch memorable.

We got seated right away near a window, and I would note that the restaurant is a bit drafty, but not cold enough to make me uncomfortable. There is also a deck for warmer weather, but this day was a bit too cold for this. We ordered draught beer while we looked at the menu, and at first I was a bit disappointed because the menu was not extensive. However, I found lots of items that sounded great, and the prices are significantly less expensive than the over-priced restaurants in town. The food is eclectic, and features fresh, local ingredients. Some choices include interesting-sounding pizzas, appetizers, soups, fresh seafood, salads and Alberta game, such as elk, bison. I decided to order the tomato soup with coconut milk and my husband ordered the onion soup gratinee (both $9), and we decided to share the Charcuterie Platter for $24, because is sounded delicious, and our friendly server said it was great. Although the menu is not extensive, this bistro obviously takes care with
the items it serves.

Our server, who was very fast and efficient, brought our soups first, and they were each delicious, with fresh flavours and both were thick and rich and very filling. Our platter arrived, and it was great; there were many home made meats, such as sausage, prosciutto, and shaved cold Italian meats, several delicious cheeses, crackers, pickles and pate, and it was the perfect lunch for a winter afternoon after hiking in the wilderness. And even though the Charcuterie Platter is meant to be an appetizer, we were completely full when we finished it up.

The atmosphere in Baker Creek Bistro is definitely reminiscent of an Alpine Chalet in the mountains, and it is cozy and has a great view. The menu is not extensive, but there are plenty of delicious choices, and the prices are much less expensive than in downtown Lake Louise or Banff. The service is great, and I would highly recommend stopping in for a meal.

Rating: 9