8 Best Downtowns In The Prairies

What makes a place worth a detour? What makes it worth planning a whole trip? The Canadian Prairies may be known for their endless grasslands and the Great Plains, but they also hide a few gems in those fields. The Prairies transform with the seasons, with a stark contrast between cold, snowy winters and warm, sunlit summers. Before the first Europeans began exploring the Prairies and engaging in the fur trade, the First Nations people—the Indigenous peoples of Canada—lived there. Today, visitors come to explore Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, experience The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and visit other attractions. The eight best downtowns in The Prairies, though, are something else entirely.

Steinbach, Manitoba

The town of Steinbach sits near Blind Creek and has a very active downtown area, with eateries like Main Bread & Butter Company and Coffee Culture Café & Eatery lining its Main Street. Incredibly, you can also find the Clock Tower along the same road, a colorful historical landmark with a story behind it. From there, you might want to check out the Johann G. Barkman Heritage Walkway or the nearby Helena Loewen Garden for a chance to stretch your legs. When it comes to heritage, a visit to Steinbach means exploring the town's automotive history, best experienced by viewing the Steinbach Rolls Royce on display north of town.

Didsbury, Alberta

Didsbury's downtown and its well-preserved brick buildings, including its Red Brick School, are the result of early 20th-century bylaws that were put in place to prevent fires. A walk in this town is a treat in itself, but especially enjoyable around 20 Avenue. There, you can visit the Didsbury & District Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved old schoolhouse where fascinating exhibits await. Conveniently located near Kinsmen Park, it is the perfect spot to explore history and then relax in a peaceful setting. If you continue heading west, you might come across Blue Door Concerts, where you can enjoy live music after enjoying a meal at The Caddy Shack.

Nanton, Alberta

Much of the activity around Nanton takes place along 21 Avenue, where the Nanton Centennial Park provides a lovely atmosphere and is located near the Bomber Command Museum of Canada. It is also part of Nanton Memorial Park, where you can see displays of old planes. Near the closed Museum of Miniatures, you can get food or drinks—Sweet Queen Family Restaurant is quite a hotspot there. But the real treat is a historical landmark just over on 20 Avenue: the Nanton Grain Elevators. Informative tours are provided for those interested in the history of these great edifices.

Morden, Manitoba

This town has been celebrating the annual Corn and Apple Festival since 1967, particularly in the downtown area, where you will find folks celebrating the local harvest with free corn and apple cider—if you visit at the right time (typically late August). Thornhill Street is lined with notable eateries like LEPARQ • Pizza • Beer • Wine, but if you want to know what this town is also famous for, you need only make your way up to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, which is also next to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. It is well worth the trip.

Strathmore, Alberta

Strathmore has a strong agricultural community and several gorgeous lakes near the highway that cuts through the town. Busy streets are kept especially active around the intersection where places like Roadhouse Restaurant & Saloon flourish. If you are interested in those nearby lakes, a visit to Kinsmen Park is within walking distance of the downtown area. Eagle Lake is less than 10 minutes away by car. Several lakes can be found near Wheatland Trail, too, offering scenic spots for locals to enjoy. Nearby, the Strathmore Golf Club serves as a popular recreational destination, while just minutes away, the Lawrence Hilton Memorial Park stands in tribute to one of its most dedicated community members, honoring his contributions to local development and service.

Winkler, Manitoba

Provincial Trunk Highway 14 passes through Winkler, where things get especially busy at the intersection. This downtown area is a welcome sight for those traveling long distances, as there are many hotels and eateries nearby like Chuck's Roadhouse Bar & Grill or Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery. For those who do stop by, the Winkler Heritage Museum is just around the corner and offers insight into the personal lives of those who lived in Winkler, as well as their schools and businesses. Finally, a nature preserve lies at the end of that busy road, where you can enjoy the gorgeous sights of a little place called Discovery Nature Sanctuary — a must-see trail east of town.

Lacombe, Alberta

Lacombe's downtown is renowned for its historic murals. 50 Avenue is where all the action happens, and is the site of the Lacombe Memorial Centre, which hosts events in its lovely park. On that very street, you can find the Lacombe & District Historical Society in an old Flatiron building, which celebrates the town’s favorite sport. There, the Flatiron Building Museum is the go-to structure for photographers and architects to marvel at. With so much to do in this area, a variety of restaurants, including ONA Cafe + Bakery and Moe's Pizza Co., eagerly await patrons looking for hearty meals and warm hospitality.

Selkirk, Manitoba

Bordering the Red River, Selkirk’s downtown acts as a gateway to various water-based activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Main Street is conveniently closest to the river, and the site of a historical landmark known as the Selkirk Water Tower, but the one that steals the show has always been Chuck the Channel Cat—a large fiberglass statue that celebrates the community's rich fishing heritage. The Selkirk Lift Bridge goes over the river and is close to the Red River Lighthouse, where landlocked museum ships create a great atmosphere for a picnic. You can also do that at Selkirk Park to end a long and wonderful day.

The eight best downtowns in The Prairies are surrounded by a vast and charming landscape. In these towns, you'll find bustling downtowns and relaxing natural spots. Each community has its own unique character and history to share. Whether you are exploring the cultural heritage sites, enjoying local festivals, or just unwinding around those calm lakes, these towns are brimming with surprises, and the folks there are always eager to show you around.