Chai and a Pie: A Welcomed Ride on Highway 8 to Bragg Creek in January
Morning World!
A Ride in January!
In Alberta’s icy January—when most motorcycles lie dormant under blankets and batteries wait in the cold—a rare reprieve beckoned like a secret last week. For a few precious days, mild weather graced us before winter reasserted itself with snow and biting -15°C winds. In this delicate window, with dry roads and clear skies lending just enough warmth, the call was irresistible: ride into the heart of winter’s fleeting generosity.
The Road’s Living History
Highway 8 has always marked the beginning of my adventures. As I travel its 20 kilometres to Highway 22, I have time to settle in, take in the awesome vista, and decide whether to turn left toward Kananaskis or right toward Canmore. In those final 100 metres before the roundabout, the decision is made—an instinct shaped by the interplay of clouds, light, and wind. This route is steeped in history.
Ancient Trails
Once trodden by the Blackfoot, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina peoples, these paths were essential lifelines for trade and survival, handrail along the Elbow River and a natural route to the confluence of the Bow and the Elbow (Calgary).
Modern Transformation
Later, settlers repurposed these trails into wagon roads, and by the 1970s, the route evolved into today’s Highway 8. Current plans to twin parts of the road and modernise intersections ensure that it continues to evolve.
SR1 – Nature’s Challenge and Human Ingenuity
Before reaching the bustling junction of Highways 8 and 22 lies the vast expanse of the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir, known as SR1. Spanning 3,700 acres, this dry reservoir stands as a guardian against nature’s fury—a necessity born from the devastating 2013 floods that scarred Calgary with over $5 billion in damage.
A Necessary Dilemma
Although some local voices contest its impact, SR1 is undeniably a bold stride toward mitigating future disasters.
Living with Water
This reservoir is a constant reminder that our landscapes remain in dialogue with water—a force both destructive and life-giving.
The Silent Testimony of Teddy Bears
Not far along the journey, a roadside fence adorned with teddy bears offers a quiet, poignant tribute. Serving as a symbolic boundary for the Tsuut’ina Nation, each bear clinging to the fence represents a child lost in the shadow of residential schools—a lasting memorial to the forgotten innocence of a painful past.
Memorial in Miniature
These teddy bears carry the weight of countless untold stories and the memory of a lost childhood, marking the legacy of historical injustice.
Resilience Through Remembrance:
They stand as mute witnesses to the resilience of Indigenous communities, their presence inspiring both reflection and hope for healing.
Bragg Creek – A Pause in Time
As the Rockies loom larger, the welcoming foothills signal the arrival of Bragg Creek—a haven where time slows and the pace of life softens.
A Tapestry of Lives:
Once a frontier for early settlers and long a traditional ground for the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda peoples, Bragg Creek now attracts adventurers, locals, and artists. This small community of around 400 swells two- to threefold on weekends.
A Community of Pause:
Amid rustic estates and historic storefronts, the heart of Bragg Creek is best felt in its unassuming café and bakery—a true meeting point for those who cherish both history and simplicity.
Chai and a Pie – The Heart of the Journey
At the Bragg Creek Café and Bakery, ordering a cup of spiced chai alongside a super tasty brisket pie becomes an act of soulful indulgence.
A Moment of Respite: After a ride through the chill of the mountain air, the warmth of the chai and the comforting taste of the pie offer a gentle pause—a moment to absorb the day’s layered journey.
Community Connection: More than just a pit stop, the café is a gathering place for those who share a love for the road, history, and the small joys that stitch life together.
A Reflective Return
The ride home was unhurried—a chance to let the day’s experiences settle like soft twilight. It wasn’t merely a physical return; it was an emotional journey through Alberta’s layered landscapes. From the ancient echoes of Highway 8 to the silent testimony of teddy bears, today’s ride wove a mosaic of history, resilience, and the quiet comfort of simple pleasures. A gift for January.
As I pulled back into the city, the promise of another journey lingered just weeks away (not months, I hope)—a reminder that every road, every fleeting moment, carries a story waiting to be lived again. I know the snow and cold returned just two days later, so I’m especially grateful for that brief escape to savour the moment while it lasted.
