Looking for a date that’s more than just dinner? We recently discovered a place that completely changed what we thought a day trip near Calgary could look like.

Just 45 minutes from Calgary in Diamond Valley, Eau Claire Distillery combines award-winning spirits, incredible food, handcrafted cocktails, a hidden speakeasy, and an immersive distillery tour into one unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re planning your next date, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to escape the city for an afternoon, here’s why Eau Claire Distillery deserves a spot on your list.

Start Your Visit at Rupert’s Hideaway

The perfect way to begin your visit is with lunch at Rupert’s Hideaway.

If the weather is nice, we highly recommend grabbing a table on the outdoor patio. Surrounded by the beautiful foothills, it’s one of the nicest patios we’ve visited just outside Calgary.

The menu focuses on elevated comfort food paired perfectly with cocktails crafted using Eau Claire’s own award-winning spirits.

Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, sharing appetizers, or simply enjoying a cocktail outdoors, the atmosphere makes you want to stay for hours.

Don’t Skip the Cocktails

One of the highlights of our visit was trying the cocktails.

From their famous Caesar Flight to beautifully crafted signature cocktails, everything is made using spirits distilled right on-site.

Every drink felt thoughtfully created and showcased why Eau Claire Distillery has become one of Alberta’s most recognized craft distilleries.

Step Inside the Hidden Speakeasy

One of the biggest surprises during our visit was discovering the hidden speakeasy.

Walking inside feels like stepping back into the Prohibition era.

With dim lighting, vintage-inspired décor, handcrafted cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere, it’s easily one of the most unique cocktail bars we’ve experienced near Calgary.

If you’re visiting on a Friday evening, you’ll also find live music, making it an even better destination for date night or an evening with friends.

Take the Distillery Tour

Before heading home, we joined one of Eau Claire Distillery’s guided tours.

Even if you’re not a whisky enthusiast, the tour is fascinating.

You’ll learn how Alberta’s first craft distillery, which began production in 2013 and opened its doors in 2014, creates its award-winning spirits.

Some of the things we learned included:

• Every still is named after a woman, including Ethel.
• Whisky actually comes out of the still completely clear. Its colour develops only after years of aging inside charred oak barrels.
• Canadian whisky must age for three years and one day before it can officially be called whisky.
• The distillery follows sustainable practices by giving spent grain back to local farmers to feed livestock.
• The owner is a local farmer, and traditional draft horses are still used during barley harvest.
• Eau Claire is home to Canada’s Best Whisky (2024 Platinum Award).
• Their rye whisky is also the Official Rye Whisky of the Calgary Stampede.

The tour concludes with a guided tasting, giving you the opportunity to sample several of the distillery’s award-winning spirits while learning more about the craftsmanship behind each one.

Why We Loved It

What impressed us most wasn’t just the food or the cocktails—it was how complete the experience felt.

Instead of simply visiting a distillery, you’re able to enjoy:

• Lunch on a beautiful outdoor patio
• Award-winning handcrafted cocktails
• A hidden Prohibition-style speakeasy
• A behind-the-scenes distillery tour
• A guided tasting
• Live music on select evenings

It feels like several experiences wrapped into one destination.

Planning Your Visit

📍 Location:
Eau Claire Distillery
Diamond Valley, Alberta

🚗 Drive Time:
Approximately 45 minutes from Calgary.

Perfect For:

• Date nights
• Weekend getaways
• Anniversary celebrations
• Cocktail lovers
• Whisky enthusiasts
• Visitors looking for unique experiences near Calgary

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones that require hours of driving.

Just outside Calgary, Eau Claire Distillery offers incredible food, beautiful scenery, expertly crafted cocktails, a hidden speakeasy, and an immersive distillery experience all in one location.

If you’re looking for a memorable afternoon or your next date idea, this is one destination we highly recommend adding to your Alberta bucket list.

Wander over to Eau Claire Distillery because we believe we’re all made to wander.