Top 10 Alberta Towns To Visit In 2025
Alberta is more than just Calgary, Edmonton, and the iconic Rocky Mountains. Many small communities across the province capture the spirit of Wild Rose Country and offer unforgettable experiences for travelers. In 2025, several of Alberta’s top towns are marking major anniversaries, hosting expanded festivals, or unveiling new attractions that make them especially worth a visit. From lakeside escapes to cultural landmarks and frontier history, these towns stand out for their charm, character, and can’t-miss events. Find out where to go, what to do, and why 2025 is the perfect time to explore Alberta.
Canmore
Canmore is one of Alberta’s top towns for outdoor lovers, and 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year. With a growing lineup of cultural events, this Bow Valley town offers the perfect mix of scenery and activity. The Canmore Nordic Centre is a world-class destination for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Hikers can take in the turquoise waters on the Grassi Lakes Trail.
Visitors seeking to explore the town’s rich history can visit the Canmore Museum to discover its coal mining heritage. August 2025 marks the return of two signature events: the Canmore Folk Music Festival and the Canmore Highland Games, a weekend filled with traditional Scottish competitions, dancing, and live music.
Banff
Banff is one of Alberta’s top towns to experience the Rockies in their most iconic form in 2025. Nestled within Banff National Park, the town offers immediate access to natural wonders like Sulphur Mountain, Lake Minnewanka, and the Bow River trails. Cultural highlights include the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and the historic Banff Park Museum.
From May through September, the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival returns with live performances, Indigenous art showcases, and creative workshops. In the fall of 2025, the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival will draw filmmakers and authors from around the world.
Drumheller
Drumheller cements its status as one of Alberta's top towns for families, science enthusiasts, and road trippers in 2025. Known as the heart of the Canadian Badlands, it offers surreal landscapes and prehistoric wonders. The Royal Tyrrell Museum unveiled a new interactive exhibit in May 2025, showcasing its significant contributions to the field of paleontology.
Visitors can also hike among hoodoos at Horseshoe Canyon or drive the scenic Dinosaur Trail. The nearby Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is introducing twilight tours this year, offering a new way to explore Alberta's mining history.
Lacombe
Lacombe stands out as one of Alberta’s top towns for history buffs and family fun. This charming community blends early 20th-century architecture with new cultural events and attractions. The Flatiron Building Museum continues to highlight local heritage, while the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum offers interactive demonstrations that are especially popular with visitors this year.
The Kraay Family Farm expanded its seasonal activities in 2025 with the addition of new attractions, including Strawberry Days and Mini Highland Cows. For even more fun, the Lacombe Days Festival takes place each July, featuring a vibrant parade, artisan markets, and entertainment for all ages.
Cochrane
Cochrane remains one of Alberta's top towns for those seeking Western heritage and outdoor adventure in 2025. The town is just west of Calgary, and blends historic ranching culture with stunning natural landscapes. The Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Library and Archives offers new exhibits this year, showcasing Alberta’s rodeo legends. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is nearby, featuring walking trails and wildlife viewing spots.
Downtown Cochrane continues to charm visitors with MacKay’s Ice Cream, a family-run shop since 1946. The Lions Club Rodeo arrives each June, with bull riding, local vendors, and traditional cowboy events, making Cochrane a lively and authentic destination.
Fort Macleod
Fort Macleod played a key role in the formation of Alberta’s early law enforcement and prairie settlement. Visitors can witness costumed reenactments of mounted drills and explore interactive exhibits at the Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Police. The Empress Theatre is a restored 1912 opera house that continues to host plays, films, and concerts throughout the year.
Nature lovers will appreciate River Valley Wilderness Park, a peaceful riverside area ideal for birdwatching and walking. Fort Macleod’s signature event, the South Country Fair, is in August and offers music, crafts, and camping in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake continues to be one of Alberta’s top towns for summer fun and family-friendly activities in 2025. The newly revitalized Sylvan Lake Park offers beachfront access, walking trails, and gorgeous lake views. The popular Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash is expanding this summer with new obstacle features that are perfect for all ages. Jarvis Bay Provincial Park is close by and provides shaded picnic areas, forested campsites, and some of the province’s best beaches.
Annual events, such as the highly anticipated Canada Day and New Year’s Day Fireworks show and Light up the Lake in December, ensure Sylvan Lake continues to be a vibrant destination.
Peace River
Peace River earns its spot among Alberta’s top towns in 2025 by offering a rich blend of Indigenous heritage, northern beauty, and outdoor recreation. Set in a stunning valley where the Peace and Smoky Rivers meet, the town provides striking views and unique cultural experiences. The Peace River Museum, Archives, and Mackenzie Centre is always unveiling new exhibits, and is a top attraction to check out.
The Twelve Foot Davis Gravesite continues to draw visitors with its panoramic lookout and legendary backstory. Strong Creek Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the river for canoeing and kayaking. Don’t miss the annual Indigenous Pow Wow in mid-June, an open celebration of music, dance, drumming, and traditional food.
Waterton
Waterton is one of Alberta’s top towns to visit in 2025 for breathtaking scenery, rare wildflowers, and peaceful solitude within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tucked inside Waterton Lakes National Park, the town offers direct access to some of the province’s most iconic hikes, including Crypt Lake and Red Rock Canyon. The Prince of Wales Hotel is celebrating its 98th season and continues to welcome guests with beautiful lakeside views.
Visitors can explore new exhibits on regional geology and biodiversity at the Waterton Heritage Centre. June’s Wildflower Festival offers guided hikes, photography workshops, and botany classes timed to the park’s peak bloom season, making Waterton an unforgettable summer destination.
High River
High River takes its place among Alberta's top towns in 2025, boasting a rich history, relaxed prairie charm, and one-of-a-kind events. The Museum of The Highwood, housed in a beautifully restored railway station, continues to explore the stories of early settlers and local film history. George Lane Memorial Park offers shady walking paths beneath mature cottonwood trees, while Frank Lake Conservation Area remains a top birdwatching spot in southern Alberta.
This year's Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival is scheduled for September, with the popular Night Glow event.
Alberta’s top towns are offering more reasons than ever to visit in 2025. Local festivals are expanding, heritage sites are adding new exhibits, and natural spaces are becoming more accessible. Across the province, small communities are combining tradition, culture, and outdoor adventure in ways that feel both familiar and fresh. Whether it’s the mountain energy of Canmore, the quiet beauty of Peace River, or the lakeside charm of Sylvan Lake, each town provides a unique reason to explore Alberta beyond the big cities this year.
