9 Most Welcoming Towns In Alberta
The Western Canadian province of Alberta unites the prairies with the Rocky Mountains (which distinguishes it geographically from the westernmost province of British Columbia). The summers may be brief, but they are sunny and surprisingly warm, and while the winters hit some intimidating regions of the thermometer, they are great for skiing, skating, and huddling in social spaces for warmth. Either way, the elements of Wild Rose Country have a way of bringing people together. Sharing smiles on the trail, lift, or a brewery patio (Alberta led the charge with this trend and hasn't looked back since) is facilitated by its wealth of welcoming small towns. Mountain people and prairie people alike have a positive spirit that no doubt stems from the humility-inducing vastness of these environments. So head over to the rugged side of the Rockies or scoot up through Montana to see what these Alberta towns offer.
Canmore
Less than an hour's drive West of Calgary (i.e., Alberta's biggest city), Canmore welcomes outdoor adventurers to where the mountains truly hit their stride. Boxed in by four prominent peaks and under the ever-watchful eyes of the "Three Sisters," Canmore's natural skyline is tough to beat. It takes full advantage of this not only in terms of its trails and bolted climbing routes but also its outdoor patios, especially along the pedestrian-friendly 8th Street. Canmore is all about supporting small businesses, giving the whole town an authentic mom n' pop vibe. At the same time, since it does not have the expansion constraints of its neighbor, Banff, Canmore has been able to add the hostels and grab n' go restaurants that its young and financially-aspiring visitors rely on.
Town Of Banff
Just 15 miles up the Trans Canada Highway, the Town of Banff beckons visitors into the heart of Canada's oldest national park. Banff now welcomes over four million people from all over the world each year. The arresting beauty of this place, regardless of the season, has to be seen with one's own eyes. But despite its popularity, the Town of Banff has stayed committed to its role as a park steward by refusing to expand its commercial or even residential sectors. Make no mistake, this part of Banff is intentionally touristic, with hotels, restaurants, and souvenir and candy shops (try the fudge) all up and down Banff Avenue, but at only 2.5 square miles, its footprint is similar to when the railroad first arrived in the 1880s. First timers can hit the hot springs, ride the gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, or explore some of the more accessible local trails, while experienced outdoorsy folks will be able to escape the crowds by trekking into the immaculate backcountry (just be mindful of bears).
Drumheller
Taking things in another direction, both geographically and tonally, the badlands of Drumheller descend dramatically from the otherwise ubiquitous prairies – enticing road-trippers to investigate further. This South-Centrally located town is called "The Dinosaur Capital of the World," thanks to the immensity of fossils found amidst the striated canyons, gullies, and hoodoos in the surrounding area. One of the world's largest collections of dinosaurs (some are astonishingly complete), is on display at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. But this place isn't just about seeing, the museum provides numerous hands-on activities for the whole family – from fossil casting to simulated outdoor digs to guided hikes around Midland Provincial Park. Or if you prefer doing your own thing, there is the Badlands Interpretive Trail right out back.
Jasper
Those willing to drive an extra 300 kilometers (186 miles) Northwest of Banff (or a similar distance West of the provincial capital, Edmonton) will be treated to yet another spectacular mountain town. Though Jasper is Canada's second-most popular national park, it receives nearly half the annual visitors as Banff. So, while you can still expect to be in good company during the summer hiking season and winter ski season, this former fur-trading post also has a more laid-back feel to it. For an unforgettable panoramic introduction to the mountains of West-Central Alberta, go for a ride on the Jasper Skytram (the longest and highest of its kind in the country) up to 2,263 meters (7,425 feet). Or, for something more intensive, try the 43-kilometer (27-mile) Skyline Trail, which stays above the treeline for the majority of the multi-day trek – easily making it one of the best hikes in Canada. Jasper also does a great job of facilitating whitewater rafting, helicopter and train tours, paddle boat/board, and bike rentals while also providing more relaxed options, such as health and wellness centers, and even a family-friendly planetarium to keep people of all ages and energy levels satisfied.
Cochrane
Slightly Northwest of Calgary's large, circular footprint (but still within its metropolitan region), Cochrane splits the geographical distance between the city and the mountains. The result is a stunning skyline, especially when there is snow on the mountains (which, in this part of North America, there almost always is), that is still in touch with what makes cities appealing. Cochrane has good shopping options (from boutiques to consignments shops), a full range of dining (from elevated casual dining to ethnic restaurants to craft brewery pubs), and enough sports and recreation to rival Canmore (from disc, mini, and regular golf, to paintball, climbing, paddling the Bow River/Ghost Lake, and hiking/camping throughout Crown Land).
Sylvan Lake
Alberta has its share of crisp lakes, and not just of the alpine variety. Sylvan Lake is the name of the sizable body of water and town on its Southern shore that is just East of Red Deer. In the summertime, the poplar tree and picnic-table-lined waterfront, beach, and even waterpark set the stage for splashing around. In the fall, the changing colors combined with the unfrozen waters make for the perfect setting to sip a hot drink and enjoy the peaceful transition, and in the winter, the lake still invites people to come out, strap on a pair of skates, even at night (for the natural rink is lit up with oscillating LED lights), or try ice fishing, before turning attention to the bright and festive Winter Village, complete with bonfires and hot cocoa.
Bragg Creek
This chilled-out hamlet in Rocky View County is only about a 40-minute drive Southwest of Calgary and 30 minutes South of Cochrane. Right where the Elbow River meets the titular creek, a small collection of saloons, cafes, and restaurants sprouted in the center of the surrounding forests and foothills. Along with some cozy inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds, Bragg Creek's infrastructure is all about making the outside ordinary. There are over 100 miles of multi-use trails to walk or ride (bike or horse) year-round and about 40 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails once the snow arrives. There are also waterfalls to visit, peaks to summit, and scenic drives to enjoy. The local Tsuut'ina nation has also hosted an annual powwow for the last 63 years, inviting folks from all walks of life to celebrate the summer with them.
Medicine Hat
With over 330 days of clear skies, Canada's Sunniest City, Medicine Hat, is naturally welcoming. The 150 kilometers (93 miles) of trails through the prairies and muscle-engaging coulees of the South Saskatchewan River Valley encourage everyone to get outside and feel the glow, whereas the historic downtown invites a more localized exploration. The brick buildings of this late 19th-century railroad town have been converted into unique retail spaces, coffee shops, studios, and, as per the Alberta way, micro-breweries. These brick walls also provide platforms for the many creative murals painted throughout downtown, as well as the several brick-relief-style murals concocted by local artist extraordinaire James Marshall. And with all that sunshine, you better believe that Medicine Hat has embraced the outdoor patio scene.
Fort Macleod
In Southern Alberta, where Highway 2 and 3 meet, Fort Macleod is waiting to show you some different sides of small-town Alberta. This relaxed and restored but still old-fashioned community combines boomtown, military, and Indigenous history all in a quaint and easy-to-explore package. Check out the Fort Museum & First Nations Interpretive Center (former home to the Northwest Mounted Police), which also delves into the history of settlement across the centuries. Next, skip on over to Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump – a UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorating approximately 6,000 years of Blackfoot and Plains People culture, most notably, their bold and imaginative way of hunting herds of buffalo. Plus, from atop the lookout, the rolling green or gold prairies (depending on the season) are contrasted by the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. A simple stroll around town is also a nice way to pass a listless afternoon. Though most of the wooden structures were destroyed by the 1906 fire, Main Street has since been rebuilt with brick and sandstone buildings. The one-horse-town vibe has attracted several major movie productions, including Interstellar, Brokeback Mountain, and the latest Ghostbusters. See if you can spot the settings of your favorite scenes.
Nestled between the relentless prairies of Saskatchewan (to the East) and the temperate, eventually coastal environments of British Columbia (to the West), Alberta strikes a unique balance in both aesthetics and culture. Cowboys, farmers, native cultures, entrepreneurs, oil and gas workers, and artists all converge on the trails, around the campfire, or at the saloon. These nine towns seamlessly blend the environment and eclectic history with quintessentially Canadian friendliness to create a wholly welcoming experience for all travelers.
