Canmore’s Valbella Gourmet Foods is a hivve of lunchtime activity

It’s been a few years since Canmore’s Valbella Gourmet Foods was plunged into controversy over social comments made by a member of the family business. Boycotts ensued and important corporate clients were lost.

But the von Rotz family persevered, winning back customers and retaining those who never left. Like many others, I figured they’d paid their dues and deserved a second chance. To say nothing of supporting the dozens of Canmore residents employed in the retail store and factory.

Then as now, I’ve considered the 48-year-old Valbella my top road-food pick in Canmore’s burgeoning food scene. Simply put, it’s the best maker of sausages and cured meats in Alberta, if not western Canada. It boasts a dazzling selection of deli supplies (how about whiskey-flavoured buffalo sausage?) for a picnic or take-home dinner.

A wide range of meat pies and sancwiches

Or you can sit down to a smokie smothered in sauerkraut in a refurbished dining area. That’s where I tucked into an outstanding schnitzel sandwich, featuring a succulent slab of veal; a two mealer for the ridiculous price of $11. At Friday noon, the place was filling up fast with construction workers, most of them ordering a hot lunch special of Sicilian meatballs and pasta ($14).

A fabulous schnitzel sandwich for onky $11

You’ve heard the adage of eating where the truckers stop. At Valbella, just follow the overall crowd.

And if you’ve arrived during off hours, no worries. Just check out the refrigerated vending machine in the foyer. This place never sleeps.

Valbella Gourmet Foods
104 Elk Run Boulevard, Canmore, Alberta
Opens daily at 8 am, except 9 am Saturday. Closed Sunday
403-678-4109