9 Best Small Towns to Visit in Alberta
The beautiful province of Alberta is a staple of Western Canada. Any traveller looking for some of the most scenic and charming places should never overlook “Wild Rose Country.” An important economic driver of the Prairies, Alberta joined the Canadian Confederation in 1905 and is now home to a population of some 4.6 million inhabitants. Though its major cities like Edmonton and Calgary continue to attract much attention, it is surely also the smaller towns that give the province so much of its allure. From Rocky Mountain vistas to close encounters with wildlife and even a journey to the prehistoric past, Alberta’s small towns are absolute treasures waiting to be discovered.
Canmore
Canmore is undoubtedly one of Alberta’s most stunning mountain destinations that is conveniently located just a very short drive from Banff National Park. Surrounded by totally wonderful mountain vistas, this town of just under 15,000 residents is a welcoming place to enjoy a slower pace of life all in the comfort of spectacular scenery. Full of welcoming local eateries, shops, and a charming Main Street spending time in Canmore is always a delight, no matter one’s age. And with plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling (particularly in the spring and summer), this less crowded town is a great way to enjoy some of the very best of Alberta’s mountain geography. In addition skiing and snowboarding at the Canmore Nordic Provincial Centre creates a very special rush unlike any other, while a hot spa day at the nearby Nordic Spa is another great way to relax and forget about one’s troubles.
Drumheller
There is indeed no place in Alberta quite like Drumheller, where residents and visitors alike can literally step back in time….. some millions of years. Widely known for its prehistoric rock formations and the discovery of several ancient fossils (including of course dinosaurs), Drumheller is the home of the world famous Royal Tyrell Museum. Here an expansive collection of dinosaur fossils and other scientific exhibits attracts thousands of tourists annually, while at the nearby Hoodoo rock formations truly splendid photo opportunities make this town a cannot miss. In addition one can explore a number of early 20th century landmarks like the Atlas Coal Mine Historic Site and several suspension bridges that create a special sense of time and place away from the busyness of everyday modern life.
Grande Cache
On the northern edge of the Alberta Rocky Mountains and overlooking the Smoky River, Grande Cache is a scenic place of great natural beauty. Adjacent to the Willmore Wilderness Park, this hamlet of just over 3,000 residents offers visitors easy access to some of the very best of the province’s outdoor splendor. Explore such places like the aforementioned Willmore Wilderness Park or spend the day at the Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area for great opportunities to go hiking, biking, and even water rafting. And with a number of welcoming and charming local business and tasty restaurants in the town centre, Grande Cache is also an excellent stopover for any road trip. Simply enjoy the mountain vistas, the river views, and take in the charm that only a small town can offer for a most memorable sojourn for the entire family.
Lake Louise
Sharing its name with the body of water, the town of Lake Louise is indeed one of Alberta’s most quietly beautiful and reflective destinations. Also nestled within the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise lies at an elevation of some 5,000 feet and offers splendid opportunities for swimming, canoeing, hiking, cycling, and even ice skating, dog sledding and skiing in the winter. Spend a few days at the inviting Chateau Lake Louise Hotel for truly exquisite views of the lake that will surely fill plenty of photo albums. Indeed whether one is searching for a winter wonderland or a summer retreat, Lake Louise and its spectacular natural setting make it one of the very best small towns to experience in Alberta.
Banff
Located within the National Park of the same name, the town of Banff is a truly world class tourist destination. Indeed this beautiful resort can trace its modern history to the 1880s, and guests will find plenty of charming hotels, restaurants, shops, breweries, and other 19th century architecture in a most splendid mountain ambience. Enjoy some nearby hot springs, visit majestic alpine waterfalls, go for a hike, or bike ride, with Banff’s total immersion in nature there is always something breathtaking to awe at. Meanwhile a number of festivals can also be enjoyed here throughout the year including the Rocky Mountain Music Festival and the Mountain Film Festival, which highlights shorts and documentary about the mountain lifestyle.
Jasper
Like its Banff counterpart, the town of Jasper is also situated within a National Park of the same name and once more offers totally spectacular vistas of the stunning Alberta Rockies. Full of an abundance of trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, Jasper is indeed a nature lover’s dream. Add in an assortment of fine dining establishments, unique specialty shops, and charming chalet like lodgings (including the famed Jasper Park Lodge), and it is not difficult to see why the town is such a popular place to visit. And in addition to the endless mountain peaks to marvel at, one can also visit such nearby natural wonders like Athabasca Falls while an afternoon at the Jasper Park Information Centre sheds fascinating light on the historic growth of this most special mountain town.
Vegreville
Just an hour’s drive from the capital city of Edmonton, the town of Vegreville was founded in 1906 by pioneer settlers many of whom could trace their ethnic background to Ukraine. Today many in this town of just under 6,000 residents identify as descendants of Ukrainian pioneers and Vegreville maintains a special connection to this cultural background. Indeed undoubtedly Vegreville’s main tourist attraction is the giant pysanka egg that weighs in at an astonishing 2.5 tons! A splendid place for photos, the pysanka is just one of several ways that Vegreville celebrates its Ukrainian heritage. Take in the sights and sounds of the summer Pysanka Festival and its celebration of the food, culture, dance and more of Ukraine, while the Vegreville County Fair includes chuckwagon races, fairground rides, and parades that are true fun for all ages.
Legal
Home to a modest population of just 1,200 residents, the Francophone community of Legal is a charming and welcoming place where most of the locals are bilingual in French and English. Known as the French Mural Capital of Canada, visitors to Legal will surely take note of the more than 35 murals that can be found all across town. Depicting various historic episodes, important figures, and other anniversaries of note, the Legal murals are a real delight to discover. Meanwhile with an assortment of tasty local restaurants and cute shops, a real small town feel can be appreciated here making Legal a great road trip destination for anyone in the capital region of Alberta.
Fort Macleod
With a history dating to the 1870s (even before Alberta became a province), the southern town of Fort Macleod is a scenic and historically fascinating place of discovery. Situated along the Oldman River, amongst the natural vistas that can be seen in this area include the Rocky Mountains, the famed prairies, and plenty of vast sky. Home to such attractions like the Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police and the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, guests can learn more about the growth of Western Canada and the practices of indigenous people who inhabited the land. At the latter in particular, a fascinating display of indigenous hunting techniques will surely leave one with a renewed appreciation for the many nomadic settlers of the past. In addition outdoor lovers will not want to miss time spent at the nearby Oldman River Valley Wilderness Park, where close encounters with wildlife like moose, beavers and even bobcats create quite the special set of memories.
Alberta is a treasure of Western Canada that will leave any visitor with the desire to return and see more. Whether it is taking in the majestic mountains or the quaint and welcoming pioneer communities, the towns of Alberta are awesome ways to get acquainted with the province. Though major cities like the capital Edmonton, the cowboy centre of Calgary, and the southern hub of Lethbridge, hold much importance it is certainly Alberta’s small and picturesque towns that cannot be overlooked. So hit the road and come discover the great gems that are found within this treasure of a province, in a country filled with awesome diversity, culture and beauty.
