Everyone has their vices, and for those of you whose vice comes in the form of an o-shaped ring of dough, you’re in luck. If you’ve ever found yourself on the hunt for the best glazed donuts in Alberta, we are about to make your search a whole lot easier. While it may be a bit off the beaten path, this place is worth travelling for. If you happen to be located nearby, you might want to find some room for glazed donuts in your monthly (or weekly) budget.
Let’s talk about Tina’s Café & Bakery in Glenwood, a tiny Alberta village in the shadows of the Rockies, where the best-glazed donuts are made. Even if you don’t fancy yourself a donut fan or you’re typically more inclined towards a different type of sweet treat, you need to try these incredible pastries for yourself because you might just be converted.
Glenwood is not exactly a booming metropolis. It’s barely a dot on the map, a small village nestled in the prairies between Cardston and Pincher Creek, just north of Waterton Lakes National Park. It’s filled with rural charm, lovely tree-lined streets, and incredible sunsets. You’d likely drive right by without a second thought, unless, of course, you’ve heard about Tina’s Café & Bakery.
For those in the know, Glenwood is home to one of Alberta’s best-kept secrets: delicious, mouthwatering, can’t-get-enough glazed donuts. When it comes to these delicacies, people don’t just stumble upon them. They make the trip for them.
What makes Tina’s donuts so legendary? It’s all in the craftsmanship. These golden rings are light, fluffy, and situated perfectly on the sweet-to-savoury scale. They’re fresh, warm, and melt-in-your-mouth good—so good that many customers buy a dozen at a time. Honestly, we’re wondering why anyone would even stop at a dozen.
You might be out of luck if you show up late in the day. These hot items sell fast; once they’re gone, they’re gone. Our advice? Get there early.
While the glazed donuts are the undisputed stars, Tina’s Café & Bakery is more than just a one-hit wonder. Their menu is stacked with homestyle meals and baked goods that bring people back time and again. The cinnamon buns are another must-try. They’re buttery, soft, and topped with just the right amount of icing.
If you’re craving something heartier, Tina’s also serves up fantastic homemade soups and sandwiches, making for a satisfying lunch stop if you’re rolling through town midday. It’s simple, honest, delicious food made with care and a whole lot of love.
The beauty of Tina’s Café & Bakery is that it’s a destination in itself. Glenwood doesn’t have many attractions, but it doesn’t need to because a place like Tina’s is enough reason to make the trip. And you’ll be glad you did.
So, if you find yourself anywhere near Glenwood, take the detour and head to Tina’s Café. Order the donuts. Get a coffee. Enjoy the moment. Maybe even grab a cinnamon bun to go. You’ve just discovered one of Alberta’s sweetest little treasures.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
