Huge thanks to Travel Alberta for this wonderful video celebrating 20 years of Alberta Food Tours.
As a founder, I look at it and think, Wow. How did that happen? Where did the time go?
Taking the leap from a 21-year career in nursing to entrepreneurship was a big one. But I’ve learned that with every great risk come great rewards — if you’re willing to trust yourself, keep learning, and stick with it.
My greatest challenge has been learning business. I’m still learning, and I suspect I always will be. Along the way, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have great mentors, partners, and team members who have helped me grow.
My strengths have always been a passion for storytelling and a genuine love of human connection. Those have carried me a long way.
The rewards have been beyond anything I could have imagined. I’ve written three books about food and travel and just handed in the manuscript for my fourth. Hallelujah! I’ve led cuisine and culture tours in India, Thailand, Morocco and Mexico. And I’ve grown Alberta Food Tours from a one-person operation in Calgary into a team of 20 working across Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton and Banff.
Together, we’ve won a Global Culinary Travel Award from the World Food Travel Association and been recognized for our resilience following the pandemic.
But what matters most to me is the difference I believe Alberta Food Tours makes.
We exist to improve the health of soil, food and people. We raise awareness and funds for soil health. We share recipes and introduce people to the farmers, ranchers, food artisans and local businesses that make Alberta’s food culture so special. In doing so, we help create a place where food is valued.
Food has always been the key that opens the door to a culture. I hope Alberta Food Tours has helped open that door to Alberta for both locals and visitors.
Twenty years in, that’s reason enough to keep going. To keep learning. To keep telling the stories. And, as I’ve learned along the way, to stick with it.
I’m grateful for every day I get to celebrate this place, its people and its food.
Here’s to the next chapter. I know I will Savour it All. ❤️
Alberta loves you and Alberta Food Tours Karen! Congratulations on this milestone!
Thank you Shannon. I truly appreciate it! K
Congratulations to you Karen and your entire team! We’ve enjoyed every Alberta Food Tour we have taken part in! So important and wonderful to promote local farmers, chefs and cuisine!
All the best in your future endeavors!
Thank you Francine, I love how your family has gone “all-in” on our tours. Your support has actually seen us through some dry spells. It’s always awesome to see your family’s name pop up! I am so grateful. Plus, you’re a ton of fun! Hugs, K
Congratulations Karen!. You grew a business from a foundling industry with no guardrails and helped create a your own special version that all Calgarians and Canadians can be proud of!
Thank you Shawnee, my very biased bestie! Love you to bits, K