Welcome to Blackswift Bistro
At Blackswift Bistro, nestled in the picturesque Johnston Canyon area, we pride ourselves on delivering a culinary experience that captivates both locals and travelers alike. Our story is rooted in a commitment to exceptional food and warm, attentive service. From perfectly cooked steaks and flavorful Ahi tuna salads to mouthwatering breakfast options like our famed French toast, each dish is crafted with care. With breathtaking views and a cozy ambiance, diners can savor not just meals but memorable experiences. Our team, dedicated to making every visit exceptional, ensures that every guest feels at home—perfect for fueling up before adventure or unwinding after a hike.
- 1A Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1A9, Canada Hotline: +1 888-378-1720
Welcome to Blackswift Bistro, a hidden gem nestled along the breathtaking Bow Valley Parkway in the heart of Alberta's picturesque Improvement District No. 9. This charming bistro, located at 1A Bow Valley Pkwy, T1L 1A9, serves as a prime destination for both locals and visitors seeking tantalizing cuisine in a remarkable setting.
At Blackswift Bistro, the culinary journey begins as soon as you step through the door. Renowned for its excellent food and warm hospitality, this restaurant has garnered rave reviews from those who have dined there. Many guests, like Matthew Yee, rave about the attentive and friendly service provided by staff members like Kelsey. From perfectly cooked prawns to the charred richness of a New York steak, the emphasis on quality and flavor is evident. For steak lovers, this establishment elevates the dining experience, promising some of the most flavorful dishes you'll ever encounter, as Matthew himself confidently asserts.
- Diverse Menu: Visitors adore the extensive breakfast selection, perfect for fueling up before exploring the nearby trails.
- Scenic Views: With stunning vistas and cozy ambiance, dining here is not just about the food; it's a full sensory experience.
- Friendly Service: Consistent commendations from patrons highlight the attentive and welcoming nature of the staff, enhancing every meal with personal touches.
Blackswift Bistro is not only a place to indulge in magnificent dishes, but it's also an integral part of the Johnston Canyon experience. As noted by visitors like C T, booking a table here allows you access to the breathtaking scenery of the canyon, even when roads are restricted due to seasonal closures. Your printed reservation acts as a golden ticket, enabling you to explore the natural beauty at your own pace.
Those looking for a delightful breakfast will find Shandi Camino's endorsement particularly compelling. The menu offers a variety of options, ensuring every palate is satisfied, while the inviting atmosphere is perfect for a pre-hike meal.
As for dessert, the remarkable French toast has also received high praise, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a sweet finish to their meal amidst the beautiful Canadian wilderness. Families have shared memorable dining experiences, with Eddy Ji highlighting the delightful interactions with staff and the incredible quality of dishes like beef medallions. The sense of home-like hospitality makes you feel more like a close friend than a customer.
In conclusion, visit Blackswift Bistro for more than just a meal; savor a uniquely crafted experience where every dish tells a story. Whether you're stopping by after a day of adventure in the great outdoors, or simply treating yourself to a gourmet dining experience, this bistro promises to fulfill and exceed your culinary expectations.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at: +1 888-378-1720. Don't miss out on this incredible dining opportunity!

Our server, Kelsey was amazing. She was courteous and quick to serve us. The food was absolutely delicious. We shared the prawns for our appy. The prawns were perfectly cooked and seasoned. My girlfriend had Greens with Ahi Tuna and I had the New York steak with fries. She loved her meal, it was presented well, tasty and filling. My steak was by far one of the most tasty steaks I’ve ever had and I’d consider myself to be a steak connoisseur. The broccolini, and carrots were out of this world. I cannot say enough good things about our meals and the service from Kelsey. Well done everyone at Blackswift Bistro!

Absolutely WONDERFUL! The steaks were delicious, as well as the salads. Some in our group asked for fries that were done at the moment (crispy and perfect). Beautiful scenery and friendly service!!!! It deserves the visit just for the food (that was perfect) but there’s another GREAT advantage: If you book a table there, you will be able to drive your car to Johnston Canyon (as Bow Valley Parkway ia closed for automobiles during the pandemic). Just show your printed reservation to the park ranger that will be taking care of the road closure and he/she will allow you to drive there. You will not be able to stop if you spot wildlife and you must go really slow as there are tons of cyclists biking along the road.

Blackswift Bistro in Johnston Canyon serves the best breakfast to kickstart your day! The food was delicious, with a great variety of options to satisfy every palate. The service was excellent – prompt, friendly, and attentive. It's the perfect spot to fuel up before heading out for a hike. The cozy ambiance and scenic views made the experience even better. I highly recommend Blackswift Bistro for an amazing breakfast with top-notch service.

The food was quite tasty. And most of all I liked the service. You get a 5 for service. You are probably one of the few who immediately offered a high chair for feeding the baby.

Great experience at breakfast over the summer. The server was extremely friendly and helpful. Offering good alternatives for our trip & the food came out quick so we could get hiking! We had the avocado sandwich and a classic breakfast. Everything was wonderful. It was an open face sandwich!

The French toast was amazing, and everything else was good. The service was friendly and attentive, and the staff did a wonderful job. While the prices are relatively high for the portions, that's to be expected in a remote tourist location far from any major city or town.

My family and I had a wonderful dinner here after our hike in Johnston Canyon. It wasn’t very busy. The food was good and the service was friendly and helpful. My husband didn’t like the ribs very much but everyone else really enjoyed their food.

Me and my family had both brunch and dinner at this restaurant since it was the closest to the Johnson Canyon Lodge and Bungalows. The food that we ordered was phenomenal, especially the beef medallions, which were one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Aside from the food, the service was amazing. From the waitresses that served us from brunch and dinner, they both went above and beyond to give us the best experience not only in the restaurant, but beyond as well. During brunch, our waitress gave us a list of nearby attractions while being friendly, welcoming and fun! For dinner, our waitress, Hannah, was no different, we all talked together and had a great time. She gave us excellent service by explaining our dishes all while providing over the top service. To us, it felt like as if we were visiting a good friends home. I’d say give this place a try! It is well worth it!