Exploring the ÉCONOMUSÉE® Network: Culinary Gems in Western Canada

Located just outside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in the heart of the Canadian prairies, Black Fox Farm and Distillery is now among the country’s most well-known and well-respected craft distilleries. Acres of fresh fruit, flowers, and grains are harvested and distilled into whisky, gin, and liqueurs that tell a story of terroir and commitment to excellence.

Black Fox co-owners John Cote and Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote have earned global acclaim for their philosophy and practice of agriculture. Both fifth generation farmers, Barb and John owned a grain farm in rural Saskatchewan, but dreamed of an on-farm distillery. As their appreciation for terroir deepened, so, too, did a desire to apply their skills in a way that would bring them closer to the consumer. From this, Black Fox was born.

Black Fox recently launched the Estate Whiskey Alliance in collaboration with other leading distillers. This global initiative that highlights the advantages of local sourcing and sustainable production in the whiskey industry. Estate whiskey refers to a unique category of whiskey that is produced entirely on the distillery estate, using grains sourced from estate owned or controlled land. Starting in 2025, consumers can look out for the Estate Whiskey Certified logo when shopping for whiskey!

In 2000, Sylvia and Dean Kreutzer established Over the Hill Orchards and Winery, an organic orchard located in the Qu'Appelle Valley near Lumsden, Saskatchewan. Fruits grown in the orchard include special prairie varieties such as Saskatoon berries and locally developed cherries, as well as fruits not typically grown in Saskatchewan such as apricots and grapes.

The Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Council (SECC) has worked with Over the Hill to make the orchard and vineyard the first accredited Économusée® in Saskatchewan in 2019.

Picnics overlooking the valley, dinners with local chefs, orchard tours and wine tastings are offered. Relax with a glass of wine and a selection of desserts on the outdoor patio overlooking the Qu'Appelle Valley.

Established in 2014, the Crossmount Cider Company planted its first apple tree saplings and initiated the acquisition of essential cider-making equipment, including presses, washers, and fermentation tanks. Under the guidance of their master cider maker, the company embarked on a mission to create a diverse range of premium apple hard ciders made with 100% Canadian Apples and catering to the refined tastes of Saskatchewanians and beyond.

From the careful selection of apples to the precise pressing and fermentation techniques, the artisan's touch is evident in every bottle produced. Driven by a passion for innovation, the company's team of cider experts continues to explore new blends and seasonal varieties, all crafted from fresh apples pressed on-site.

The Tasting Room and Cidery on the south side of the Crossmount property overlook the apple orchard and natural pond. The pond turns into a skating rink during the winter time! Inside, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and relaxed setting to sample ciders and purchase cider to take home year-round. Visitors can enjoy a glass or flight of cider at our bar and patio, then pick up a bottle or refillable growler to take home.

Step into the heart of St. Paul in northern Alberta, known for its rich agricultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, where River Ranch’s owners Adam and Crystal Charbonneau invite you to learn more about the thrill of horse adventures and the tradition of cattle ranching. The ranch practices land regeneration using cattle, emphasizing the positive impact that well-managed grazing animals have on ecosystems and soil health. 

River Ranch grass-fed beef is a top tier alternative to grain-fed beef with flavourful marbling and healthy fat. The ranch runs 100 head of cattle and a stable of 10 horses. Whether you choose an introduction to horseback riding, a guided tour on horseback along the peaceful and magnificent hiking trail, an overnight horseback expedition, or a lasso handling workshop, you will be immersed in the unique experience of River Ranch.

Debra Poulin is a Red Seal Chef who has a passion for creating some unique flavours amongst her preserves, sauces and pickles. Passion for food, using local ingredients from local farmers and producers can be seen in what Debra creates not only at the restaurant but in all preserves that are created. Guests have the opportunity to taste the seasonal flair on our menu while experiencing flavours pulled from Debra’s preserves.

While visiting our location, you will discover the steps used to make jam, sauces and pickles and have an opportunity to talk with this passionate Chef about her creations, maybe ask a couple questions and for sure try some amazing preserves. Find a Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce that goes great on pulled pork or sitting down with a jar of Dill Garlic Carrots.

Bridgeland founders Jacques and Daniel first met in 2016 at a distillery in the Okanagan. It was their passion for spirit making, attention to craftsmanship and desire to take traditional spirits and experiences to another level that laid the foundation for Bridgeland Distillery. The distillery's location is rooted in the Bridgeland-Riverside community with over 100 years of history rich in culture and a sense of community. The distillery offers a unique place to work and play, connecting people with an undeniable spirit of cooperation and a desire to celebrate.

On your tour of the facilities, you’ll get a better understanding of the brandy, whisky, and grappa manufacturing process, see how and why Bridgeland Distillery celebrates tradition, innovation, and terroir, and enjoy a few products along the way!

Hive Hero is a diversified, multi-generational social enterprise focused on raising honey bees sustainably, founded in 2003 by Ginette and Danny Paradis. Danny comes from a long line of beekeepers (seven generations!) who practiced their profession first in Québec, then in Alberta, since the 1950s. Hive Hero now has 3,500 hives, pollinates blueberry fields in British Columbia, and sells its raw honey and pollen across Canada.

 When you set foot at Hive Hero, you will be in for a very lively experience! A journey that will plunge you into the heart of the activities of this company and its faithful collaborators, the bees. A working beehive, historical and scientific anecdotes, sitting down to a friendly coffee break, learning through virtual reality, and product tasting are just a few of the things that awaits you. Activities for children are also offered.

Patrick Dupuis is a cheese lover who has developed products with unique flavours that reflect both his Québec roots and the taste preferences of his adopted province, Alberta. Old School Cheesery purchases their cow milk from Albertan dairy farmers. The milk is pasteurized entirely on site. Once the process is complete, Old School Cheesery handcrafts the milk into artisanal cheese. 

A visit to the premises will allow you to discover fresh products made on site and to follow the steps taken to transform milk into cheese, all the while accompanied by passionate artisans. You will be able to speak with them, ask questions, and, of course, taste their delicious products.

Townsite Brewing Inc. is a small, award-winning coastal micro-brewery on the traditional territory of the Tla'amin people on BC's beautiful Sunshine Coast. With B.C.’s only Belgian Brewmaster at the helm, they have been making things happen since 2012. 

Swing by for a tour and a glimpse into what their ‘head down, boots on’ work ethic brings to your glass. Through their labels and artwork, you will learn about the local landmarks that have inspired each carefully crafted brew. Free self-guided tours of the brewery are available. Have a great time in our tasting room sampling award-winning craft beers of excellent quality!

The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op in Nelson, British Columbia is known for its sourdough bread, which is available in 11 varieties. The age-old techniques involved with making sourdough bread fit perfectly with the Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op' philosophy of providing healthy, natural food to as many people as possible.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, you will discover what makes the Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op unique. Its history, values, expertise, signature products, and stories about the first bakeries to open in Nelson are presented in a way that encourages discussion about this passionate and committed cooperative. The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op offers more than 300 fresh, nutritious products with natural ingredients. Whether you're vegan, gluten, milk or egg intolerant, a raw foodie, a home-cured, grass-fed beef or organic chicken lover, the Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op has a tasty menu to suit your dietary needs.