Plan Your Visit: Gems and Fort Assiniboine
Gems sits in the historic hamlet of Fort Assiniboine, on the north shore of the Athabasca River. Most of our guests make a drive to reach us, and we think the drive is part of the evening. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
Getting Here from Edmonton
Fort Assiniboine is about 150 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. Head north out of the city toward Barrhead, then continue on Highway 33 to the junction with Highway 661. The last stretch runs through farmland, aspen and spruce before the road drops down to the river valley. Guests from St. Albert, Westlock and Barrhead will find us an easy evening out.
In winter, check road conditions on 511 Alberta before you leave, and give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive relaxed.
A Town Shaped by the River
The Athabasca River is the reason Fort Assiniboine exists. The Hudson's Bay Company established the fort here in 1823, at the end of an overland trail from Fort Edmonton, and for decades it was a key stop for goods moving north and west by river. Today the river is quieter, but it still sets the rhythm of the place: misty sunrises, long summer evenings and fiery sunsets over the water.
If you arrive early, walk down to the river or across the 1956 bridge, a steel truss crossing with plenty of character. You can read more in our stories on the bridge and how Fort Assiniboine got its name.
What to See Nearby
Fort Assiniboine Sandhills Wildland Provincial Park. Rolling dunes, forest trails and river views just outside the hamlet. Great for a walk before lunch or dinner. See our guide to the Sand Hills.
Fort Assiniboine Museum. Built in the style of a Hudson's Bay trading post, with artifacts from the fur trade era.
The world's largest wagon wheel and pick axe. A classic roadside photo stop in the heart of the hamlet.
The Klondyke Trail. A historic route north through the region. Read our story on exploring the Klondyke Trail.
The river itself. A boat launch east of the hamlet gives access to the Athabasca for paddling and fishing in the warmer months.
What to Expect at Gems
Gems is a small, chef-driven dining room run by Chef Adrian and Christina, a husband-and-wife team. The menu follows the seasons and the farms around us, and the walls feature work by local artists.
Lunch runs Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30am to 2pm, with craft coffee from our espresso bar. Dinner runs Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm, until 9pm, and until 9:30pm on Fridays.
For a special evening, the 7 Course Chef's Tasting is offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and must be booked ahead. On Fridays, share a seafood or meat platter, often alongside live music in the dining room.
Because we are a small team cooking everything from scratch, we recommend booking a table before you make the drive. Tell us if you are celebrating, and let us know about any dietary needs when you book.
Make a Day of It
Our favourite way to visit: arrive mid-afternoon, walk a Sand Hills trail or stroll the riverbank, watch the light change over the Athabasca, then settle in for dinner. It is the kind of evening you talk about on the drive home.
Questions before your visit? Call us at 780-887-4310 or email hello@gemscafeandbistro.ca.