If your taste buds are craving smoky BBQ, hearty comfort food, and a road trip that blends vibrant cities with sweeping landscapes, this Texas-to-Alberta journey is made for you. This one-way road trip can be enjoyed heading north from Texas to Alberta or reversed if you prefer a Canadian start offering a delicious mix of culinary experiences and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Whether you’re exploring the Lone Star State or the Canadian Rockies, US Canada Auto Transport makes it simple to ship your vehicle so you can fully enjoy the ride without worrying about returning your car.
Starting in Texas, you’ll dive straight into the heart of BBQ country. From Dallas’ signature smoked meats to Amarillo’s Route 66-inspired eateries, the journey is as much about the flavors as it is the open road. Each stop is carefully selected to highlight regional specialties, local charm, and the scenic detours that make this drive unforgettable.
Even if you’re venturing north to Alberta for the first time, the route offers flexibility and freedom. You’ll pass through small towns, iconic national parks, and bustling cities, all while sampling some of the best culinary finds along the way. And if your plans are in reverse, heading south from Alberta to Texas, the same adventure awaits just in a different order, with northern landscapes giving way to Texas plains and BBQ havens.
Day 1: Dallas to Amarillo – The Start of Smoke and Flavor
Your journey kicks off in Dallas, a city known for its bustling food scene. Before you leave, consider stopping at a local breakfast joint for a hearty start. Once on the road, the wide Texas plains stretch before you, with iconic roadside stops along Route 66 offering quirky photo ops and local souvenirs.
By lunchtime, make your way toward Vernon or Wichita Falls for a classic diner experience, complete with Tex-Mex options and Southern comfort dishes. Arriving in Amarillo, dinner is an event at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its legendary 72-ounce steak challenge and classic Route 66 atmosphere.
Budget-friendly lodging: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Amarillo West Medical Center offers comfort without breaking the bank, giving you a great base to rest before day two.
Day 2: Amarillo to Colorado Springs – Canyon Views and Mountain Eats
From Amarillo, head north toward Colorado, with a must-see detour at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Even a short stop allows for dramatic photos and a stretch in the fresh air.
Lunch can be a casual BBQ or Tex-Mex plate before leaving Amarillo. Arriving in Colorado Springs, explore the striking red-rock formations at Garden of the Gods before settling in for dinner. Mountain-town cuisine shines here, with bison burgers, hearty stews, and local craft beers giving you a true taste of the Rockies.
Hotel recommendation: Budget chains like Motel 6 or La Quinta in Colorado Springs offer convenient access to I-25 and scenic stops without stretching your wallet.
Day 3: Colorado Springs to Denver – Brunch and City Flavors
This day is a shorter drive, allowing for exploration of Denver’s food scene. Stop in the morning at Garden of the Gods for one last outdoor adventure before heading north.
Denver is famous for its oversized brunch options. Denver Biscuit Company or Snooze are essential stops for fluffy, savory biscuits and morning comfort food. For dinner, venture into local neighborhoods for elevated burgers, tacos, or comfort food at chef-driven spots that showcase the city’s culinary creativity.
Hotel recommendation: Stay at Motel 6 Denver South Tech Center or a similar budget-friendly option, giving easy access to the next day’s northern journey.
Day 4: Denver to Casper – Western Charm and Steakhouse Nights
Crossing into Wyoming, the drive brings open plains, rolling hills, and small towns that feel frozen in time. Stop for lunch in Sheridan or nearby towns for a classic ranch-style meal before continuing north to Casper.
Dinner in Casper offers classic Western comfort food steakhouses and local grills provide hearty meals perfect after a day on the road.
Budget lodging: Days Inn by Wyndham Casper gives an affordable, convenient place to recharge before the Montana leg.
Day 5: Casper to Billings – Mountains Meet Big Sky
As you cross into Montana, the road opens into expansive vistas, with optional detours into the Bighorn Mountains. Stop in Sheridan or smaller roadside towns for a casual lunch.
In Billings, don’t miss The Burger Dive, a local favorite serving fresh Angus beef burgers and Montana-grown ingredients. Its laid-back, welcoming vibe is perfect after a long day of driving.
Hotel recommendation: La Quinta by Wyndham Billings offers central access, affordability and comfort.
Day 6: Billings to Calgary – Border Crossing and Canadian Cuisine
This is the longest driving day, so an early start is essential. Cross into Alberta, making sure you have your passport and vehicle documentation ready for the border check. Expect 10–30 minutes at customs, depending on traffic.
Scenic stops along Montana’s plains and the Canadian foothills provide excellent photo opportunities. Lunch can be a quick roadside stop in Shelby or Great Falls. Arriving in Calgary, treat yourself to dinner at Model Milk or Pigeonhole, both renowned for chef-driven menus featuring local ingredients.
Hotel recommendation: Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary is a budget-friendly option that keeps you close to the city’s culinary heart.
Use our Road Trip Planner to customize your route and map out must-see stops.
Day 7: Explore Calgary – Foodie Finale
Spend your last day in Calgary sampling local brunch or lunch spots. Try poutine, smoked meats, or revisit favorites from the previous night. For dinner, either return to a spot you loved or try a local steakhouse to cap off the trip.
Hotel recommendation: Stay one more night at Sandman Hotel if needed, or begin planning your return drive south.
Border Crossing Tips & Practical Advice
- Always carry your passport and vehicle registration.
- Fuel up before long stretches especially through Montana and Wyoming, where gas stations are sparse.
- Keep snacks and a small cooler in the car for longer legs like Billings to Calgary.
- Book popular Denver and Calgary restaurants in advance for dinner.
Why This Road Trip Works Both Ways
Whether you’re driving north from Texas to Alberta or taking the reverse route, this one-way road trip combines freedom, flexibility, and incredible scenery. You’ll experience the smoky, rich flavors of Texas BBQ, the charm of Western towns, and the culinary creativity of Canadian cities all in a single, unforgettable journey.
US Canada Auto Transport makes it simple to ship your vehicle one-way, letting you focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about returning your car. Use the Road Trip Planner to map your journey and customize your stops for a fully personalized adventure.
For more inspiration, check out our related guide, Texas to Alberta: The Big Sky Adventure Road Trip.
Takeaway
From Dallas’ BBQ joints to Calgary’s gourmet restaurants, this BBQ & Blues: A Food Lover’s Texas-to-Alberta Drive promises a journey filled with flavor, adventure, and scenic vistas. Whether traveling northbound or southbound, the route is flexible, memorable, and perfect for foodies and road-trip enthusiasts alike. Plan your route, book your stops, and let US Canada Auto Transport handle the logistics, so you can focus on tasting your way across two countries.
Here is the Google Maps link for the itinerary outlined:
Google Maps Driving Route – Dallas, TX → Amarillo → Palo Duro Canyon → Colorado Springs → Denver → Casper → Billings → Calgary, AB
