The Great Canadian BBQ Tour – Stop #3: Alberta

Welcome to the heart of Canadian beef country. This stop on the Great Canadian BBQ Tour celebrates Alberta’s world-renowned ranching tradition with bold, locally raised meats that were made for the grill. From ribeyes to elk sausages, it’s all about big flavour and proud prairie roots.

Welcome to Alberta - Where World-Class Beef Is a Way of Life

When it comes to Canadian BBQ, no province does beef quite like Alberta. Known around the world for its exceptional cattle, rich prairie grasses, and uncompromising standards, Alberta has earned its place at the top of the BBQ food chain. This stop on our Great Canadian BBQ Tour is all about celebrating bold cuts, flame-seared finishes, and that unmistakable western flair.

In Alberta, BBQ isn't just a weekend ritual, it's part of a ranching culture that stretches back generations. Whether it’s ribeye steaks sizzling on a cast-iron grill or smoky sausages cooked low and slow, the focus is always on quality and tradition.

So fire up the grill and tip your hat to the heart of Canadian beef country. This one's for the beef lovers.

truLOCAL Alberta: Premium Meats Raised Close to Home

Here are just a few of the locally available meats that are made for BBQ season.

Ribeye Steak - Rich, juicy, and perfectly marbled, this ribeye is a steakhouse classic that shines on the grill. Aged for optimal tenderness and flavour, each cut offers that bold beefy taste Alberta is famous for. It's ideal for high-heat searing or reverse-searing to bring out its buttery texture and charred crust.

Cheese-stuffed Burgers - Handcrafted using premium ground beef and mixed with real cheddar, these burgers are ready to throw straight on the grill. Made by the skilled butchers at Black Apron, they're juicy, flavourful, and cheesy. It’s your go-to option for BBQ nights when you want gourmet results with zero prep.

Primal Blend Grass Fed and Finished Ground Beef - This isn’t your average ground beef. It blends traditional muscle cuts with organ meats like liver and heart, delivering deeper flavour and a nutritional edge. Raised without antibiotics or hormones and sourced from regeneratively managed Alberta farms, it’s perfect for patties, meatballs, or grilled kebabs that pack a punch. We also sell Primal Blend beef sausages.

Beef Bacon - Move over pork - this fully cooked beef bacon is smoky, savoury, and unlike anything else on the grill. Crisp it up as a burger topping, serve it with skewers, or slice it into wraps and salads. Made from high-quality Alberta beef, it adds a smoky punch of protein to any plate.

Extra Lean Ground Bison - Naturally lean and loaded with rich, gamey flavour, this bison is a top pick for those looking to switch things up without sacrificing taste. Ethically raised at Meadow Creek Farms, it’s ideal for grilling into lean burgers or using in bison chili over an open flame.

Ground Elk - Earthy, tender, and packed with protein, this elk is a true taste of Alberta wilderness. It’s a great way to bring the benefits of wild game to the meal while supporting sustainable, small-scale farming practices. Try it in spiced sliders, tacos, or mixed with herbs for gourmet meatballs.

Elk Cranberry Sausages - Crafted by Alberta’s own Pioneer Butchery, these sausages combine savoury ground elk with the subtle sweetness of dried cranberries. They’re small-batch, gluten-free, and BBQ-ready. Just sear them up, slice, and serve with a side of grainy mustard or grilled veg.

Supplier Spotlight: Alberta’s Ranching Legacy

Alberta isn’t just a place - it’s a proud agricultural legacy built on generations of ranchers who know that quality starts with how an animal is raised. Our Alberta partners are local experts committed to ethical practices, sustainable farming, and producing beef that meets the highest standards.

Whether it’s regenerative farms like Gemstone or small-batch butchers like Black Apron and Pioneer, truLOCAL’s suppliers believe in real food raised right. Their deep respect for the land, animals, and community is what makes Alberta BBQ truly world-class.

On the Grill: Alberta-Style BBQ Inspiration

Here are a few ways to bring the spirit of Alberta to your next BBQ.

Ribeye, seared and rested

Salt generously, grill over high heat, and finish with garlic butter for a classic steak night.

Wild game burger trio

Grill up elk, bison, and primal blend beef patties with sharp cheddar and smoky ketchup.

Elk cranberry sausage skewers

Slice into chunks, grill on skewers with red onion and sweet peppers.

Beef bacon-wrapped asparagus

A smoky twist on a classic BBQ side.

Pro tip: Alberta BBQ is all about bold seasoning and quality over quantity. Let the ingredients shine, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple.

Wrap-Up & What’s Next

Whether you’re a lifelong Albertan or just a fan of incredible beef, this BBQ tour stop is all about honouring the province’s rich ranching history and the amazing meats it produces. With truLOCAL, you can taste that legacy in every bite, all while supporting local farmers who help make Alberta’s beef the best in the world.

Next up: We’re heading east to explore a totally different BBQ vibe - stay tuned for a flavourful tour of Quebec, where French-inspired grilling meets bold spices and serious culinary flair.

Article by: Steven Tippin

Posted on August 6th, 2025