8 Most Laid-Back Towns in Alberta

Alberta is a province in western Canada that is well known as both a hotbed for oil and gas extraction and a world-class tourist destination. With iconic destinations like Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and Jasper, it is no wonder why millions of tourists flock here every year.

With the vast majority of the province's residents living in two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, Canada's fourth most populated province features many small towns filling in the rest. Uncover eight of the best, handpicked for their laid-back vibe and abundance of things to see and do, making them perfect stops for your next trip to Alberta.

Drumheller

Most come to Alberta for the Rocky Mountains while overlooking some of the gems the central and eastern areas of the province provide. Drumheller, located in the Alberta Badlands, is a unique and laid-back town known for its striking landscapes and rich paleontological history. It is just a short day trip away from Calgary. The surrounding hoodoos and canyons create a surreal backdrop, making it one of the most unique-looking towns in Canada, almost something you would expect in the desert-covered southwest of the United States.

One of Drumheller’s highlights is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the world's most significant collections of dinosaur fossils. While the museum is a must-see, its location within the deep Red Deer River Valley means that there are many trails nearby that will take you through its gullies and sub canyons. Trails like the Dinosaur Trail or the Badlands Interpretive Trail are highly recommended.

On your way into town, it is also a good idea to make a stop at Horseshoe Canyon, a part of the badlands containing several viewpoints and a web of trails throughout. Here, you will be able to get a detailed look at the many layers of colorful rock and soil that make up the landscape under your feet.

Banff

Banff is widely regarded as Alberta's most iconic town and is one of the province’s premier destinations for those seeking to experience the majestic Rocky Mountains. While known for its outdoor adventures in and around town, Banff also promises a relaxed escape for visitors.

Many choose to start their visit at Banff Avenue, the town's main street, which is filled with high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants and cafes, and art galleries. A short walk from this main thoroughfare will land you at the Bow River, featuring paths along its banks that are ideal for a peaceful stroll or bike ride. A scenic ride on the Banff Gondola is generally warranted and provides a slow ascent to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering breathtaking sights of the surrounding area without the exertion of a hike to the top of the lofty peak.

For those wanting to truly calm their nerves, the Banff Upper Hot Springs is a spot where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters while enjoying panoramic views of both the town and the mountains.

Canmore

Canmore, located about an hour west of Calgary, is an ideal spot for those who are passing through the Rocky Mountains but are looking for something a little less busy (and more affordable) than Banff. Surrounded by towering peaks, including the iconic Three Sisters, this town offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.

The Bow River flows through Canmore, and its riverside trails present a peaceful setting for walking or cycling right in town, an excellent spot if you don't want to stray too far from your hotel. For a more relaxed day, you can visit the numerous local art galleries and coffee shops scattered throughout the downtown core. From mid-May to mid-October, Canmore's Mian Street, where many of these businesses are located, is actually closed to vehicle traffic. If you are looking to learn more about this town, consider a visit to the Canmore Museum, where Canmore's rich history, which is mainly associated with mining and the Pacific Canadian Railway, is expertly preserved.

The nearby Bow Valley Provincial Park is a popular camping spot, and the surrounding Kananaskis Country contains cross-country skiing and hiking trails for all skill levels, making it a perfect park to explore year-round.

Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek, situated in southwestern Alberta near the border of Montana, is a beautiful small town that many pass either on their way across the American border or through the Crowsnest Pass to British Columbia. It is well worth a stop, however, as it features several fun amenities, both in town and around it.

In town, the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village will teach you about the area’s pioneer history, inviting you to stroll through its collection of historic buildings. The Lebel Mansion is another historic landmark that is not only a beautiful example of heritage architecture but also houses a gallery with a regular rotation of exhibits.

The nearby Beauvais Lake Provincial Park is a very popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching, along with its easy-to-access hiking trails. Pincher Creek’s proximity to Waterton Lakes National Park also means you are only a short drive away from one of Alberta’s most picturesque areas that doesn't quite have the bustling crowds of Banff or Jasper.

Bragg Creek

Bragg Creek sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just 45 kilometers from Calgary. Many come here to visit Bragg Creek Provincial Park, which houses world-class hiking and mountain biking trails along the Elbow River. The nearby Moose Mountain Trail (another renowned mountain biking destination) and Fullerton Loop (a moderately easy foot trail with amazing viewpoints of the mountains) are also popular draws.

Bragg Creek is a great place to rest up after a long day on the trails. With a healthy selection of restaurants and bars, like the western-themed Powderhorn Saloon, and delicious cafes like the Cinnamon Spoon, it is not difficult to find an easy way to recharge before or after a day spent in the parks around town. For something a little more high-end, The Bav Tav is a Bavarian-style restaurant and one of the best of its kind in Alberta, with an impressive wine selection to add to its appeal.

Sylvan Lake

Laid-back lakeside towns don't generally come to mind when one thinks about Alberta, but Sylvan Lake is here to prove the exception to the rule. This town of 16,000 residents is centered around the namesake lake, a popular spot for swimming, boating, and hanging out on its sandy beaches in the summer months.

The town’s Lakeshore Drive is lined with cafes, restaurants, and local shops, perfect for a casual day of exploring by the water. During the summer, the waterfront is obviously an ideal spot for sunbathing or simply watching the boats glide across the water. The nearby Sylvan Lake Park also offers a selection of more secluded picnic spots and walking paths, all providing excellent views of the lake and surrounding area.

Sylvan Lake is also home to the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash, a floating water park/splash pad just off the main waterfront near downtown.

Grande Cache

Grande Cache is a lesser-known destination in the northern Rockies of Alberta. Directly west of Edmonton, it offers an alternative mountain town to Jasper for residents and visitors alike who are arriving from Alberta's capital.

With Willmore Wilderness Park close by, be sure to hike or embark on a horseback ride along its secluded trails, providing a peaceful way to experience Alberta’s rugged landscapes without the crowds. Grande Cache Lake is also a top-notch spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the calm waters, with the Smoky River flowing just outside of town. Eaton Falls, which flows into the river just south of Grande Cache, is a picturesque natural landmark nearby. The Sulphur Gates trail is yet another place that boasts stunning views over of the Smoky River and its limestone cliffs.

For a more relaxed day, check out the local Grande Cache Tourism and Interpretive Centre, which highlights the area’s history and natural beauty through its interactive exhibits.

Jasper

Although devastated by a wildfire in the summer of 2024, Jasper is starting to open businesses again and serves as one of Alberta's most beautiful and iconic mountain towns. Located within Jasper National Park in Alberta, it is a chilled-out place that makes for a laid-back escape in Canada's wilderness.

Pyramid Lake is a must-visit destination near Jasper. It provides a calm setting for canoeing, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the serene mountain views from its boardwalk leading to the island in the middle of the lake. Maligne Canyon, another short drive from town, features easy walking paths along dramatic and steep limestone cliffs, allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery without strenuous effort. Additionally, Jasper SkyTram allows you to ride to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, which towers over the town of Jasper.

Beauvert Lake is just steps from downtown Jasper and wows visitors with its impossibly blue hues, colored by the various minerals in its glacier-fed waters.

Kick Back and Relax in Alberta

Alberta is a big province with much to offer in terms of historic, cultural, and natural attractions. The best way to experience it is through its many charming small towns dotted throughout its picturesque landscapes. Many of these are located near the Rockies, with countless tourist dollars that go towards the beautiful region, but the more central and eastern locales, like Drumheller, should not be ignored either.

This itinerary is perfect for anyone looking for an escape into the wilds of Alberta!