Bar OA Farms Wins Prestigious Canadian Tourism Award for Culinary Tourism Experience
December 6, 2024 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Bar OA Farms, a local cut flower farm and upcoming culinary destination located in Strathcona County Alberta, has been honored with the prestigious Canadian Tourism Award for Culinary Tourism Experiences. This recognition, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and sponsored by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, celebrates the exceptional contributions Bar OA Farms has made to the Canadian tourism industry through its innovative approach to farm-to-table dining, immersive culinary experiences, and dedication to sustainability.
The Canadian Tourism Award is one of the highest distinctions in the country’s tourism sector, recognizing excellence in service, innovation, and cultural impact. Bar OA Farms stood out among numerous nominees for its unique ability to combine locally-sourced ingredients with authentic, hands-on experiences that allow visitors to engage directly with the farm-to-fork journey.
"We are deeply humbled and honored to receive the Canadian Tourism Award for Culinary Experiences," said Bryanna Kumpula-Yung, founder of Bar OA Farms. "Our mission has always been to provide a memorable and immersive culinary experience that connects people to the land, the seasons, and the rich agricultural heritage of our community. This award is a testament to the hard work of our team, our partners, the farmers, and everyone involved in creating a truly exceptional experience for our visitors."
Bar OA Farms is known for its date nights, garden parties and intimate farm-to-table brunches and dinners, all of which showcase Alberta’s finest ingredients and sustainable farming practices. Visitors to the farm are invited to explore the agricultural landscape, harvest fresh flowers, and learn about the seasonal rhythms that shape the farm’s operations. The culinary experiences are curated by top chefs who work closely with the farm to create dishes that highlight the flavors of the region.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Bar OA Farms is committed to sustainability and community engagement. The farm utilizes eco-friendly practices, such as organic farming methods and waste reduction strategies, ensuring that every dish served contributes to a greener future.
The Canadian Tourism Award highlights Bar OA Farms' ability to blend culture, agriculture, and gastronomy in a way that captures the spirit of Alberta’s rural landscape and its vibrant culinary scene.
As the winner of this esteemed award, Bar OA Farms continues to inspire visitors from across Canada and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable and experiential tourism in Canada.
About The Tourism Industry Association of Canada:
Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, TIAC serves today as the national private-sector advocate for this once $105 billion sector. Based in Ottawa, TIAC takes action on behalf of Canadian tourism businesses and promotes positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper. TIAC is responsible for representing tourism interests at the national level, and its advocacy work involves promoting and supporting policies, programs and activities that will benefit the sector's growth and development.
About the Culinary Tourism Alliance:
Established in 2006, the Culinary Tourism Alliance is a national, membership-based not-for-profit organization. They work with their member communities to grow food tourism in their destinations through our destination development services, consumer marketing channels, and other various programs and events.