9 Most Charming Small Towns in Alberta

Typically, the oil and gas sector springs up in people's minds when they hear Alberta. Undeniably, the industry has been an economic cornerstone for a long time; however, there is a wealth of other things to do inside the province.

Ranging from the impressive Rocky Mountains all the way to arid badlands that seem parched yet beautiful - diverse biomes are spread across the province, waiting to be explored.

Some of its biggest cities include Edmonton, its capital, and Calgary, world-famous for its yearly rodeo.

Alberta’s towns are full of beauty and culture, with friendly and welcoming people going about their day. These 9 small towns are some of the most charming in Alberta.

Drumheller

Should you ever find yourself in Alberta's southern regions, a stopover at Drumheller is an absolute must. Years of fossil discoveries have earned it the title ‘Dinosaur Capital of the World.'

Once you are in Drumheller, remember, skipping the Royal Tyrrell Museum is not an option. It is one the leading institutions worldwide for paleontology studies. The museum has an extensive assortment of dinosaur fossils along with engaging displays and remarkably well-conserved skeletal remains. This one will be fun for the entire family.

The area near Drumheller is home to the badlands, with dry valleys and a stark, almost lunar appearance.

This is where you can find the somewhat out of this world looking Hoodoos. The Hoodoos are tall and thin rock formations, created when soft sedimentary rock erodes, topped by harder stone which protects each column from the elements.

You can also walk inside the ‘World's Largest Dinosaur' in Drumheller. This massive structure is over four times the size of a real T. rex and you can climb up inside to get a view of the surronding badlands.

Jasper

Right in the Canadian Rockies, whitecap snowy mountains and clear, aqua blue lakes mark your way as you drive to Jasper.

Jasper has both the feel of a resort town, but also a quiet, peaceful getaway from the busy day-to-day life of the big city. All of the wilderness in the nearby parks amplify that feeling of escaping city life. It is not rare to see elk walking through town or mountain goats as you drive through the park.

The vast untamed nature of Jasper National Park encompasses the town. This area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage location, has remarkable hiking trails and countless points of interest to explore.

Some of the more popular spots include gorgeous bodies of water like Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, and the Valley of the Five Lakes. Oh, do not forget your skis. Marmot Basin is one of the best ski resorts in the country, and it's less than half an hour drive from town.

Yearning for a unique view of the mountains? Consider boarding the Jasper SkyTram. It is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, with phenomenal views of six mountain ranges, the Athabasca River, and Jasper itself.

Banff

This town is located within the confines of Banff National Park, which holds the distinction of being Canada's inaugural national park and only the third to be established globally.

The bold mountainous terrain rises over the edges of Banff. The downtown area is a very walkable and, lively area, combining a small town feel with a cosmopolitan community.

To take in the stunning spectacle of mountain vistas, drive the Icefields Parkway. This path winds nearly 150 miles through mountains and gives access to one of the world's biggest non-polar ice fields. It doesn't hurt that it has countless impressive sights with mountains and glaciers.

When fatigue sets in after a long summer hike or winter skiing, consider visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs. These warm natural springs are highly popular local attractions - early arrival is encouraged.

Any visitor in the mood for a day on the water can canoe on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, both famous for their intensely turquoise waters and the rising mountains as their backdrop. Both lakes represent quintessential Rocky Mountain landscapes and will give you memories not soon be forgotten.

Vegreville

If you live near Vegreville, you know about the town’s giant Easter Egg, beaming proudly against the long prairie sky. On the east side of town, you find can the massive Pysanka, built in 1974, honoring the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is just over 30 feet long and weighs 2.5 tons.

The egg is not the only part of town celebrating Ukrainian heritage. In the early 1970s, Vegreville's Ukrainian community initiated an annual Ukrainian Festival to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage.

Ever since, the town has held decades of festivities marking significant Ukrainian historical milestones. The Vegreville Pysanka Festival is held in the summertime and is a perfect way to be introduced to all the best from the expansive Albertan Ukrainian population.

To get a feel of the town's artistic side, walk through the downtown area and to see almost a dozen murals from the Paint The Town Mural Initiative.  To experience some Alberta wildlife, visitors can take a 30-minute drive to Elk Island National Park, a sanctuary famous for American bison, elk, and over 250 bird species.

Waterton

Transitioning from the expansive plains to the imposing heights of the Rockies perfectly describes a drive to Waterton. To say Waterton is home to dramatic views is an understatement. The scenery around Waterton is some of the best you will see in the country, with the rugged Rockies reaching over blue lakes filling the region. This region boasts the deepest lake within the Canadian Rockies. Known as Upper Waterton Lake, its depths plunge close to 500 feet.

A hike comparable to the International Peace Park Hike is hard to find. It stands since it offers hikers an opportunity to traverse between Canada and USA by foot, crossing international boundaries, and it starts off close to Waterton.

While Waterton Lakes National Park is only around 200 square miles, the area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showing its ecological importance to the area. The park has over 1,000 different plants species, and big, impressive animals like elk and bears wandering on the edges of town.

Camrose

Only around an hour's drive south from the Edmonton, the provincial capital, Camrose has a unique educational aspect to the town. It is one of the few small Canadian towns with a university, as its home to the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta.

Camrose Railway Museum & Park in town has a collection of historic railway buildings and artifacts. The museum is a strong reminder of Camrose's historical connection to the rail that helped build the town to what it is today.

The arts are well and live in Camrose and is celebrated every February at the Nordlys Film and Arts Festival. The festival, whose name means 'northern lights' in Norwegian, features an interesting combination of world-class films from Canada and around the world. Nordlys is a grassroots festival, as it is entirely volunteer-run and supported by community sponsors.

Camrose, renowned for its urban parks and trails, like Mirror Lake and Stoney Creek Park, offering activities like cross-country skiing, picnicking, and birdwatching amidst scenic trails and playground

Nanton

Back in the old days of the prairies, thousands of grain elevators rose up over the flat grasslands of the region. Now, Nanton is one of the last towns that still has some of these iconic prairie landmarks. The charm of the town is only amplified by the visibility of the Rockies from its borders.

This quaint municipality houses the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, paying homage to individuals who joined ranks with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II.

Everyone likes candy, and Nanton has some of the best around. Nanton is famous for its large, old-fashioned candy store, known as the Nanton Candy Store. It has a massive selection of sweets, making for a nostalgic trip for those who remember classic candies from their childhood.

Should you find yourself looking for some festive spirit, the holiday season presents a great opportunity for a visit.

The town of Nanton bursts into vibrant life each year during 'Nanton Lights the Way', covering itself in Christmas lights and decorations galore. Grab some hot chocolate and take a nice walk to see the lights during a nice crisp Albertan winter evening.

Canmore

Canmore is set against a famous series of mountain peaks, which are a highlight of the town. The Three Sisters Mountains are a group of three closely spaced mountain peaks. Each peak has a distinct shape and elevation, rising sharply over town.

Positioned in Bow Valley and close to the Canadian Rockies, Canmore guarantees convenient reachability to some of the region's finest alpine parks.

Born out of the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park continues to be a significant piece of this town's heritage. Check it out if you want to try out some winter sports.

Every Labour Day Weekend, the town holds the Canmore Highland Games, hosting a series of traditional Scottish events, with bag pipes, highland dancing and way, way more. Remember to bring your kilt.

Canmore is also home to a strong arts and music scene. If you feel like listening to some music with the Rockies as your backdrop, the Canmore Folk Music Festival is held annually on the Heritage Day long weekend in August.

Peace River

The area near Peace River has a deep past, as it was the ancestral land for Indigenous communities like the Cree and Dane-zaa tribes.

Peace River is a mix of rolling hills, lush river valleys, and thick forests. Dominated by the wide, winding river of the same name, the area features a beautiful setting with the river cutting through the landscape. In fact, you can take a river boat down the wide banks of the waterway. It is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

The further north you go, the easier it is to see the Northern Lights. Peace River is an excellent spot to witness shimmering aurora curtains of green, pink, and purple, dancing across the sky.

Not far from town, the Wilderness Park, has an assortment of paths at your disposal. It’s a nice way to spend a quiet autumn day.

Make sure to visit the gravesite of Twelve Foot Davis, a famous figure during the Peace River gold rush. His gravesite, located on a hill, gives visitors a beautiful view of the surrounding valley.

In Conclusion

As you journey through Alberta, from the dinosaur-rich badlands of Drumheller to the majestic Three Sisters in Canmore, you will notice how each town has something incredible to see.

The province of Alberta has a distinct cultural heritage alongside the dramatic physical landscapes available for all to see and visit.

So, if you feel like going north to see the Northern Lights, or skiing on some unparalleled mountain trails in the winter, Alberta has you covered.