From Pincher Creek to Fort McMurray: How to visit small-town Alberta this summer

The average Albertan knows the rules: look west for fun.

And rightfully so. Alberta is home to mountain peaks whose heights can turn legs wobbly and lakes that can compete with the bluest skies.

But Alberta is also home to more than 660,000 square kilometres and 344 municipalities. Together, the Rocky Mountain playgrounds represent just small fraction of the places Albertans can choose to spend the day.

From south to north, Postmedia community reporters have put to use their knowledge of the communities they cover, giving you the best of their cities and towns with food, sights and activity recommendations.

Pincher Creek

Known as the “Jewel of the Rockies,” the southwest Alberta community of Pincher Creek is about an hour’s drive west of Lethbridge and a roughly two-hour drive from Calgary. The town is located by Crowsnest Highway 3, which runs east-west.

Views, sights and landmarks

Pincher Creek is close to many recreational opportunities, including at Waterton Lakes National Park, Castle Mountain Ski Resort and the Old Man River Dam.

Learn something new

At the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, visitors will be able to explore the Pincher Creek area’s pioneer heritage. At the outdoor heritage facility, people can take a self-directed walk at their leisure to check out the historic buildings and view the artifacts, as well as the large community garden area. Pincher Creek’s visitor information centre is located at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, 1037 Beverley McLachlin Drive, as is The Country Store, which sells many unique gifts. The Lebel Mansion is a historic house run by the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek. The Lebel Mansion has gallery, and the arts council hosts balcony concerts during the summer months.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Pincher Creek offers many different dining options, from sushi at Soo Sushi, pizza and pasta at places such as Boston Pizza, coffee and pastries at places such as The Hut Café, and many others.

Marquee annual events The Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo takes place this year from Aug. 17-20 and the weekend has something for everyone. The weekend not only features a rodeo but also includes events around town such as free pancake breakfasts, a parade, a lemonade competition, a block party and a free outdoor movie. The Pincher Creek Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday afternoon from 4 to 7 p.m., rain or shine, in the summer months. The outdoor market takes place along Main Street in front of the recreation centre.

Essential links

— Stephen Tipper

Nanton

With gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountain’s foothills, Nanton is located 40 minutes south of Calgary, along Highway 2.

Views, sights and landmarks

Located just off Highway 2 southbound, the Bomber Command Museum of Canada is a popular spot for visitors. The aviation museum boasts a Lancaster bomber, and the engines are fired up outside in the summer, drawing large crowds. The museum also has a variety of historic airplanes to check out, as well as a gift shop. Nanton also has the Nanton Golf Club, an 18-hole course, a variety of antique shops and an outdoor market held on Saturdays. Just 40 kilometres southwest is Chain Lakes Provincial Park, where there’s a campground with more than 90 sites.

Learn something new

Visit the Town of Nanton Visitor Information Centre, located in an old schoolhouse on Highway 2 northbound, to learn more about what’s offered in the community. The information centre is open seasonally, from May to September.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Nanton has many dining options. For an after-meal treat visit the Candy Store, located on 20th Street, which has a huge variety of confectionary sweets and chocolate, as well as 32 flavours of ice cream. Nanton also has numerous coffee shops, which include Georgie’s Café, Because I Said So, JitterBug Coffee House and Wild Thyme Café.

Marquee annual events

Nanton hosts its annual Round-Up Days event during the August long weekend, which includes a parade on the Monday. The event also features fireworks, a rodeo, pancake breakfasts, a children’s festival and much more.

Vulcan

The Town of Vulcan is located halfway between Calgary and Lethbridge along Highway 23. The town is the hub of activity in the County of Vulcan, a rural community that boasts many attractions and events. While Vulcan was named by a CPR worker with a fondness for Roman mythology, long before Star Trek was ever created, the town has capitalized on the coincidence of sharing its name with Mr. Spock’s home planet, with tourists visiting Canada’s official Star Trek capital from across Canada and beyond.

Views, sights and landmarks

Vulcan’s Star Trek-themed starship is located just off the main entrance to town off Highway 23 and is, naturally, a popular destination for photos. The nearby Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station, open during peak tourism season, has plenty of Star Trek memorabilia available for purchase, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff there will be able to guide you as you explore the local area.

Vulcan also boasts an 18-hole golf course, the Vulcan Golf and Country Club, and a new outdoor swimming pool with two water slides. Vulcan County is home to numerous campgrounds, including at Little Bow Provincial Park, Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park, McGregor Lake Recreation Area, Twin Valley Campground, and A Stones Throw RV Campground.

Vulcan County is known for its lakes, which include McGregor Lake, Travers Dam, Williams Lake and Badger Lake. Aspen Crossing, near the hamlet of Mossleigh in Vulcan County’s north end, features not only a campground but also has a greenhouse and historic railway dining car — plus themed train rides.

Learn something new

Tuck away for a drink and meal

You will find a variety of dining options in Vulcan and in Vulcan County communities. Among them are the Nine in a Line Brewing Co. in Vulcan’s downtown, Center Street Eatery in the village of Arrowwood, T’s Saloon in the village of Milo, and Village’s Bistro in the village of Carmangay.

Marquee annual events Vulcan hosts Spock Days each June, and the three-day event has plenty to offer, including a parade, fireworks, Family Fun Fair, softball tournament and food trucks.

Essential links

— Stephen Tipper

High River

Views, sights and landmarks

High River has a comprehensive system of paved walking and biking trails, covering over 19 kilometres and connecting to many of the town’s recreational facilities. The historic Sheppard Family Park is a former farmstead where visitors can picnic and view historical architecture. At George Lane Memorial Park, there are more than 50 camping sites at a convenient site in downtown High River and by the Highwood River. At the Highwood Golf and Country Club, golfers can play either an 18-hole or nine-hole course.

Learn something new

The history of High River and the region is well documented by the Museum of the Highwood and High River Visitor Information Centre. The museum is located in a train station in High River’s downtown.

The long-running Canadian TV series Heartland is filmed in High River and area, and fans can try out this suggested self-directed tour that will take you from Calgary to Hudson, the fictitious town shown in Heartland that’s set in real-life High River.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

— Stephen Tipper

Airdrie

Airdrie is a fast-growing city located 10 minutes north of Calgary’s city limits, directly along the Calgary-Edmonton QEII Highway corridor. Sporting a population of 28,927 in 2006, the 2021 census determined Airdrie had grown to 74,100 residents. Airdrie is on track to becoming the fourth-largest city in Alberta by the early 2030s, and with its fast growth has developed a culture of embracing the new.

Sites and landmarks

Airdrie’s central landmark is Nose Creek Park, located near the city centre along Main Street. From taking a scenic stroll in the park, fishing in the pond, catching a community concert at the amphitheatre, having a snack at the concession while letting the kids play at the playground, or catching a glance at any of the variety of cultural landmarks that are located there, the park is a sure way to fill an afternoon in Airdrie.

Located just south of the park is the Nose Creek Valley Museum, with plenty of relics from Airdrie’s history, and a Light Armored Vehicle parked nearby to honour Canadian military veterans. Exhibits include a vintage barber shop, a blacksmith, antique farm machinery, and military memorabilia, arms and equipment.

The Airdrie Water Tower overlooks the QEII from Edmonton Trail N.E. There’s a plaque engraved in a stone providing some history about the North West Mounted Police when they first arrived in the region, and visitors can speculate what might be in the time capsule buried beneath, which will be opened in the 2070s.

Airdrie’s Historic Downtown includes plenty of sights to check out. Located just a few blocks north of Nose Creek Park, you can easily find the Nose Creek Bridge, one of the few remaining landmarks of Airdrie’s distant past, by walking about two blocks to the west. Family fun can be found at Iron Horse Park, a miniature train amusement park that resembles the Canadian Pacific Railway route from the prairies to the west coast.

Grab some grub

There are a number of must-try eateries in Airdrie. Abe’s Diner in Airdrie’s southeast offers one of the best brunches money can buy. Flavours of Montreal is the go-to spot for Montreal-style sandwiches and subs. Craft beer lovers can find locally made recipes at Atlas Brewing, 948 Brewing, and the Balzac Craft Brewing Company.

For those with a sweet tooth, What’s Pop’n Pop Shop offers gourmet sodas right in Airdrie’s historic downtown, and the Gummi Boutique, located next door to the water tower, has all the candy one could desire.

Annual marquee events

The Canada Day Parade is a great time to see everything unique about Airdrie hit Main Street at the same time. If you can find parking, it’s the place to be. Viewers fill the streets as far as the eye can see while everything unique about Airdrie passes by on parade floats.

Every Canada Day Weekend, the Airdrie Pro Rodeo returns to town. It’s the perfect opportunity to go camping for a weekend and fill the day with country fun. All the best cowboys from around North America show up to compete in the weekend-long event. Every year it wraps up with a big dance party.

AirdrieFest happens every September, closing Main Street for a pop-up community celebration, where people can shop, catch live performances, try different activities, and meet with the locals.

The Festival of Lights takes over Nose Creek Park every December. Entry on any given evening is free, and you can see the impressive number of Christmas-themed light displays that occupy the entire park. The museum hosts ice skating on the pond, miniature train rides take families around to see all the sights, and almost daily there are different activities and performances happening in the big tent that’s set up throughout the month. There are also bonfires and hot chocolate to help folks warm up.

— Riley Cassidy

Cochrane

The Town of Cochrane is located 15 minutes northwest of Calgary on Highway 1A (just follow Crowchild Trail) at the intersection of 1A and Highway 22. While the town has boomed in recent years, up to a current population of 35,000, visitors can expect to find a town attached to its western roots and ranching traditions.

Views, sights and landmarks

Located in the Bow River Valley, visitors’ first views of Cochrane are a sight to behold. Whether approaching from the eastern side on Highway 1A or the northern or southern side on Highway 22, the vantage point entering Cochrane is fantastic.

Cochrane boasts a plethora of pathways to take in the scenery and the Town of Cochrane has put together a handy map for residents and visitors to find their way.

The historic Cochrane Ranche Site offers the opportunity to enjoy Cochrane’s scenic beauty along with its history. The 136-acre park includes a reconstructed corral and an interpretive trail along with the Men of Vision statue that overlooks Cochrane.

Learn something new

Located 10 minutes west of Cochrane, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary houses a pack of 44 resident wolfdogs. There are several options to view and learn about wolfdogs either on your own or through guided tours. The sanctuary also offers plenty of special events throughout the year. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. For more information see their website here.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Cochrane offers a plethora of dining options but is most known for Mackay’s Ice Cream in Historic Downtown. Mackay’s has been offering Cochrane-made ice cream since 1948 in an effort to attract day trippers from Calgary, after James and Christina Mackay took over the Cochrane General Store in 1946. Mackay’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Rockyview Hotel and Texas Gate Saloon is a more than 100-year-old western saloon in Historic Downtown, offering food, drink, fun, and even rooms.

Marquee annual events

The Cochrane Lions Club Rodeo and Labour Day parade make for a western-themed Labour Day weekend in Cochrane. Check out the rodeo website here and the parade website here.

The Cochrane Outhouse Races are held in the last week of September every year. The unique-to-Cochrane event features community teams racing their customized outhouse on wheels for bragging rights.

— Josh Chalmers

Wetaskiwin

Just an hour south of Edmonton on Highway 2A or Highway 2, the City of Wetaskiwin is best known for the slogan “Cars Cost Less in Wetaskiwin” — but it has much more than dealerships to explore.

Views, sights and landmarks

Learn something new

And while you’re downtown, take a stroll along Main Street, which features a variety of food and shopping opportunities.

Marquee annual events

Celebrate Canada Day on July 1 in Wetaskiwin, featuring a parade, fireworks and family-friendly events — most of which are free — throughout the community.

— Christina Max

Millet

Views, sights and landmarks

Besides the gardens, Millet is a shopping destination, with many making the day trip to shop at the Butterfly Boutique and take in lunch at the Old Bank Café.

Millet is also the home of sports enthusiasts, hosting hockey, soccer, baseball and slo-pitch games and tournaments throughout the year on the centrally located diamonds, fields and at the Agriplex. On a hot day, you can cool off from the summer heat with a day at the spray park.

Learn something new

Millet and the area’s history is well-documented at the Millet Museum, Visitor Information Centre and Archives. The Millet and District Historical Society was registered as a Society on Feb. 25, 1977, and became a charity in 1985 when the Millet and District Museum and Exhibit Room opened. Its purpose was to maintain, preserve, further develop and expand Millet’s cultural resources and to ensure them for future generations by operating the Millet and District Museum. The museum is in the service of society and of its development, and open to the public which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for purposes of study, education and enjoyment, material evidence of Millet and 13 surrounding school district’s people and their environment.

Marquee annual events

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun to wrap up the summer, the Millet Recreation and Agricultural Society hosts the Harvest Fair the last weekend in August and features a parade Saturday, the Millet Lions Pancake Breakfast, community barbecue, events at the Agriplex, a fireworks display put on by the Millet Volunteer Fire Dept. and wraps up with a Cree Cultural Connection.

— Christina Max

Leduc

The City of Leduc is located 20 minutes south of Edmonton on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway off exit 517. The land was officially incorporated as the Village of Leduc in 1899 before becoming a town in 1906 and finally a city in 1983. Leduc has seen consistent growth over the years and now sits at a population of over 35,000.

Views, sights and landmarks

Telford Lake — named after Leduc founder Robert Taylor Telford — is perhaps the city’s most scenic spot to spend a day. Visitors can hike recreational trails, birdwatch or hit the waters with the Leduc Boat Club. Out-of-towners keen on nature can spend the night at the nearby Leduc Lions Campground and RV Park.

Directly south of the lake lays William F. Lede Park. Sitting at over 80 hectares, the park includes sports fields, an outdoor fitness area, playgrounds and an off-leash dog park. Those with an eye for photography may be interested in checking out the Stone Barn & Cultural Village anchored by the aptly named Stone Barn — a skeleton outline representing a dairy barn that once stood in the same place.

Located just south of the city’s core is Alexandra Park. The boasts a few Leduc staples, including the Leduc Public Library, the City of Leduc Civic Centre and Alexandra Arena. Those looking to get in the water can enjoy the Alexandra Outdoor Pool and adjacent Spray Park.

Named in honour of two-time mayor Fred Johns, Fred Johns Park is a multi-use day park located south of the fishable Leduc Reservoir. There’s something for everyone within the 26-hectare park, from playgrounds to sports fields, barbecue areas, trails and even a nine-hole disc golf course.

One of Leduc’s most photographed landmarks, the Leduc Heritage Grain Elevator sits just blocks away from the city centre. Constructed in 1978, the wood crib grain elevator has a 3,050-tonne capacity. For a tour, visit the Leduc Heritage Grain Elevator website.

Learn something new

Located within the LRC is the Leduc Arts Foundry. Created in 2017 by a group of local artists, the Foundry delivers art classes, workshops and a rotating gallery. The group also hosts the annual Leduc Art Walk.

If you have a history itch, you can spend a day (or more!) at the Leduc West Antique Society (LWAS). Since 1992 the society has worked to collect, restore and preserve historic buildings, vehicles and antiques to create its pioneer museum. In addition to its exhibits, LWAS hosts live music, swap meets, an annual exposition and the Fall Country Harvest.

Step into the past with a trip to the Dr. Woods House Museum. Built-in 1927, one of the first doctors in Leduc — Dr. Robert Woods — operated right out of his home in a now fully restored medical wing. A registered historic site, the home went through four owners after the death of Dr. Woods before being repurchased by the city of Leduc in 1982. The location was then handed over to the Leduc and District Historical Society, who have maintained and operated it ever since.

Located 15 minutes northwest of Leduc, the Canadian Energy Museum — formerly known as the Leduc #1 Energy Discover Centre — aims to educate the public on the energy sector through exhibits, programs and events. The museum is home to the iconic ‘Leduc No. 1’ oil derrick which first struck oil in 1947 — marking the beginning of Alberta’s oil boom.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Leduc’s walkable Main Street is the place to be, especially in the city’s warmer months. Start your day off with a coffee from the Leduc Coffee Shop before heading to Prestigio Bakery & Bistro to snack on a doughnut or two. For lunch, consider Kosmos Restaurant & Lounge for a steak, Habaneros Mexican Grill for a taco, Jukebox Diner for a burger or Waldorf Restaurant for chow mein. Finally, wash it all down at the Wagon Wheel Saloon or try a local taste across the street with a craft beer at the Leduc Brewing Company. For a list of upcoming events coming to Main Street visit downtownleduc.com.

A 10-minute drive from downtown Leduc and beside the Edmonton International Airport sits the Premium Outlet Collection. The shopping centre has enough choices to satisfy even the pickiest shopper with more than 100 fashion brands and outlet stores. When the feet need a rest, visitors can take a break and satisfy their appetite all at once in the food court.

Marquee annual events

Beginning in 2017, the Leduc Arts Foundry has hosted the Leduc Art Walk, a one-day event that closes down Main Street and opens it to local artists showcasing everything from paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood carvings and more. The day also features an activity centre, food trucks and a stage for live entertainment from local musicians and performers.

— Peter Williams

Devon

The Town of Devon is located about 20 minutes southwest of Edmonton on Highway 60 — via Highway 2 (QEII) and secondary Highway 19. With a population of 6,500 residents, Devon is a town slight in stature but poised for growth in a wonderful location.

Views, sights and landmarks

The top natural attraction in Devon is Voyageur Park, and the North Saskatchewan River. The park is located about one minute north along Highway 60, with the boat launch there providing the perfect access point to the river.

Voyageur Park is the home of many festivals and events, including Devon Fest and Devon Treaty Six Day. Find Devon Fest on Facebook under the moniker DevonFest.

History and attractions

The Town of Devon broke ground this spring on a project that will see the twinning of the Dale Fisher Arena, giving Devon two ice surfaces, which will spur growth and engagement with the city. Devon is also the home of the NAX Hockey Academy, a prominent academy that had the first overall draft pick in the 2023 WHL Entry Draft.

— Dillion Giancola

Beaumont

The City of Beaumont is located 10 minutes south of Edmonton on Highway 814, most often accessed through Anthony Henday Drive. The land was officially incorporated as the Village of Beaumont in 1973 before becoming a town in 1980 and finally a city in 2019. Beaumont was at first a French farming community and has since held on to its French roots. The city continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta and now sits at a population of over 22,000.

Views, sights and landmarks

Perhaps the city’s most iconic landmark and by far the most photographed is the Saint Vital Parish. The site first hosted a church in 1895, before being replaced in 1919 and again in 1958 with the building that still stands there today. The church sits right in the middle of the city on top of a hill which also serves as Beaumont’s namesake meaning ‘beautiful hill.’

Beaumont is home to over 84 hectares of parkland, but its biggest and most popular remains Four Seasons Park located on the south side of the city next to the trout-filled Don Sparrow Lake. The park includes sports fields, baseball diamonds, outdoor fitness equipment, a beach volleyball court, a playground, the Beaumont Spray Park and a new multi-use turf field.

Learn something new

The Beaumont Sport & Recreation Centre — known as the BSRC — is a multi-use recreational facility located just west of the city centre that is often the place to be for community events. The centre features a hockey arena, hard court gymnasium, turf field house, aquatics centre, track, a climbing centre and multi-purpose spaces. To view activity guides and schedules visit the website here.

Just down the block east from the BSRC is the Beaumont Community Centre, a 30,000-square-foot facility that hosts banquets, community events, concerts and dances.

Continue east and a few blocks north you’ll find the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre. The hockey hub of the city, the space includes two rinks, a six-sheet curling complex and additional meeting and program rooms. If outdoor sports are more your speed, head across the street to check out the Beaumont and District Lions Skatepark and the Beaumont Tennis Courts.

Tuck away for a drink and a meal

Beaumont’s Main Street is a great place to go for a walk to take in some fresh air and enjoy local shops. Start your day off with a coffee from Jef’s Cafe before heading next door to the renowned Chartier — an authentic Quebec French-style restaurant or Mainas Donair — a family-owned donair shop. Across the street, you’ll find Five-0 Bar and Grill, a sports bar that serves burgers, pizza and even Chinese food. On your way over, be sure to check out Painted Door on Main, a gift and gallery shop featuring the work of local vendors. Finally, head north and wash it all down with a local beer in Sea Change Brewing Co.’s taproom.

Entering Beaumont from the north, you’ll see a strip of familiar names on your right, but tucked away between the name brands you can find some local delicacies. For an authentic Vietnamese experience, consider Saigon Delights and if you’re in search of some fresh baked goods look no further than the aptly named Fresh Bakery to pick up a cinnamon bun or two.

In the southwest part of the city, head to Bake My Day for cookies decorated so well, you won’t want to eat them.

Marquee annual events

The staple of city events is May’s Beaumont Days, a Friday to Sunday celebration that features a parade, talent show, midway, local market, beer gardens, soap box derby, fireworks and the Dream Cruizers show and shine.

Beginning in 2022, the Artists’ Association of Beaumont has hosted the Beaumont Art Walk, a one-day event at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre. The Art Walk hosts over 75 artists showing and selling paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, pottery, wood, metal work and more. The day also features live music, beer gardens, food trucks and a kids’ studio tent for the little ones.

Four Seasons Park has been the home to the Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival since 2008. Attendees of the annual weekend festival can take in food trucks, artisanal vendors, and of course, live music. The marquee music event of Beaumont, approximately 60 per cent of people attending the event are from outside the city.

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new every fall at the Taste of Beaumont — the city’s festival of food and drink that showcases local talent in the culinary arts.

— Peter Williams

Sherwood Park and Strathcona County

Sherwood Park is located just minutes east of Edmonton, accessible by the Sherwood Park Freeway, Baseline Road, Highway 16, or Whitemud Freeway. The growing hamlet has all the amenities of a larger city but maintains its own unique character. Sherwood Park is the urban centre of Strathcona County, a specialized municipality that blends multiple communities across a variety of rural and natural spaces. With a population of more than 104,000 residents spread over 1170 square kilometers, there is plenty to explore in this unique treasure at the very heart of the province.

Views, sights and landmarks

Natural spaces abound throughout Sherwood Park and Strathcona County, offering both residents and visitors outdoor experiences at convenient distances. The Beaver Hills Biosphere, one of only two designated UNESCO biospheres in Alberta, offers a distinctively mixed Alberta landscape of boreal forest, ‘knob and kettle’ terrain, wetlands, lakes and streams.

The North Cooking Lake Natural Area on the shores of Cooking Lake provide walking trails near the historic hamlet of North Cooking Lake. The Sherwood Park Natural Area hosts the historic Reg Gray Trail Loop, part of the old Edmonton Trail. There are also numerous walking trails throughout Sherwood Park to offer outdoor atmospheres in an urban space. Broadmoor Lake Park has stunning lake views, a spray park, a playground, and walking trail, all within stones through of Centre in the Park’s restaurants and cafes.

For overnight stays, campers can head to Elk Island Park off Highway 16. The Elk Island Retreat has a variety of options such as yurts, cabins, geodesic domes, and RV sites. Kawtikh RV Retreat is nestled on the shores of Hastings Lake. For a taste of Strathcona County’s larger lake resort heritage, the Half Moon Lake Campground & RV Resort provides recreation and accommodation, with mini-golf, a heated outdoor pool, pickle ball courts, and lake sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, paddle boating, and canoeing. And swimming, of course! All of these are within a half-hour drive east from Sherwood Park.

For a more sporting outdoor experience, there are several golf courses in Strathcona County: Northern Bear Golf Club, Belvedere Golf and Country Club, Country Side Golf Club, The Legends Golf and Country Club, Fox Run Golf Course, and Broadmoor public golf course right in Sherwood Park.

Learn something new

The Strathcona County Museum & Archives, or Strathma, is a great place to start in Sherwood Park for the whole family, with immersive intergeneration dives into local history and heritage, with free admission! Centre in the Park hosts Gallery 501 for art lovers and the Strathcona County Library for book lovers (watch for the Bookmobile out and about in the County’s more rural hamlets). Festival Place is just a short walk from the gallery and library, featuring all manners of performance arts. Just outside the County and east past Elk Island National Park is the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, accessible from the Yellowhead Highway 16. Visitors can experience an open-air museum and explore the past in first person. The Beaverhill Bird Observatory hosts a number of programs for bird aficionados and amateurs alike. For birding in the County, any marsh or natural area will do!

Tuck away for a drink and meal

There are plenty of opportunities to fill your belly and wet your whistle. Strathcona County is home to 70 Acre Brew Co., Manual Labour Beer Co., Gray Dog Distilling, Hawke Prohibition Distilleries, and Fox Hills Cidery. For a taste of authentic Mexican Cuisine in Sherwood Park, visit chef Carlos’ La Patrona, The Other Place, or track down his food truck, Casa12doce. For those who love greenhouses and good food, try Branches Fresh Food Experience at the Greenland Garden Centre just north of Sherwood Park on Range Road 231 and Highway 16. Pasta Pantry provides local homemade Italian comfort food – all you can eat!

For your out-of-town adventures, try Country Mercantile on Wye Road east of Sherwood Park for a tasty snack or ice cream cone in an old-fashioned country store setting. Nonnie’s Grill and Artisan Shop in South Cooking Lake is a great place to grab a meal and do some shopping before you head to the lakeside park.

During August, Open Farm Days offers special agri-tourism and farm-to-table experiences. There are also a handful of farmers’ markets to try out local fare, such as the Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market, Baseline Farmers Market, Ardrossan Farmers Market, Salisbury Farmers Market, and the weekly market at South Cooking Lake Community Hall.

Marquee annual events

Strathcona County has annual events to enjoy all summer long. Rock out at The Ravenwood Music Festival in June. Every Canada Day, Broadmoor Lake Park is alive with activities and fireworks for all. To explore the County’s Scottish heritage, the Sherwood Park Highland Gathering is the place to be later in July. 2023 marks South Cooking Lake Community League’s 100th anniversary, to be celebrated at this August at the Trail Days festival in the hamlet of South Cooking Lake. Still hungry? Attend the annual Savour Strathcona at Centre in the Park every September for a scrumptious survey of local restauranteurs and artisans.

— Lindsay Morey

Mayerthorpe

The Town of Mayerthorpe sits on the intersection of Highway 43 and the “end of the Cowboy Trail,” Highway 22. The community is 136 kilometres northwest of Edmonton on Highway 43 and 95 kilometres north of Drayton Valley on Highway 22. Visitors will find Mayerthorpe has a rural and small-town character, with the community supported by the agricultural and forestry industries.

Views, sights and landmarks

Among Mayerthorpe’s landmarks is the BMX and Skateboard Park, which was completed in 2021 and is found across from the town office on 52nd Street.

The community is also home to Fallen Four Memorial Park, which features a playground and memorial statues to four RCMP members who died in the line of duty in 2005.

The Mayerthorpe Golf and Country Club is located one kilometre south of Highway 43.

Learn something new

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Marquee annual events

In July, the Sangudo and District Community Development Council hosts SummerFest, featuring entertainment, food and fun contests. Sangudo is a hamlet of Lac Ste. Anne County, 21 kilometres southeast of Mayerthorpe off Highway 43.

Another highlight of July is the Mayerthorpe Pump Track Hotwheels Competition at the BMX and Skateboard Park. This event was launched in 2022 and gives kids the chance to race on the new track.

— Brad Quarin

Whitecourt

The Town of Whitecourt, found 180 kilometres northwest of Edmonton on Highway 43, is among Alberta’s best-kept secrets. The area, originally inhabited by the Woodland Cree Nation, was traditionally known as Sagitawah, meaning “where the rivers meet” due to its position at the confluence of the Athabasca and McLeod rivers. These waters and the rich forest environment provide many opportunities for outdoor adventures, with city amenities also available in this community of 9,927 people.

Views, sights and landmarks

On the hilltop, the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, alongside Highway 43, offers recreational fun, including its indoor swimming pool. The Whitecourt Twin Arenas are located along the same street.

The hilltop is also home to the Forest Interpretive Centre, located off Highway 43, which contains the visitor information centre and is a gateway to Heritage Park. The park boasts an 800-metre trail.

In the wintertime, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy Eastlink Park, located off 43rd Avenue and 35th Street. The terrain covers some 20 hectares.

Whitecourt sits at the heart of Woodlands County, which itself contains many recreational attractions. Among them is Hard Luck Canyon, a stunningly beautiful hiking trail southwest of Whitecourt off Highway 43. Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park, six kilometers west of Whitecourt on Highway 43, features a large campground.

For those who wish to experience Sagitawah’s mighty rivers, the county has a “put in” site for McLeod River tubing, along West Mountain Road south of Whitecourt.

Learn something new

The Forest Interpretive Centre contains a small museum giving visitors a glimpse into Whitecourt’s pioneer past and how the forest shaped the community. The grounds also host a barn, historic buildings and antique vehicles and farm machinery.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Marquee annual events

The forest environment makes the Whitecourt area perfectly suited for snowmobiling. During the Family Day long weekend, the Whitecourt Trailblazers hold the Annual Family Snowmobile rally, a well-attended trail adventure. The event is based near Westward Community Centre, located on Hwy. 32 west of Whitecourt.

Each June since 2007, Festival Park hosts Party in the Park, featuring musical entertainment, children’s activities and food vendors. The festival is free and offers a memorable time for the whole family.

The Whitecourt Woodlands Rodeo is another major highlight of June. The Whitecourt District Agricultural Society hosts the annual event at the rodeo grounds near Westward Community Centre.

In the wintertime, Whitecourt is an ideal place to experience Christmas magic. The Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce spearheads the Santa Claus Parade at the end of November, which sees a variety of floats downtown, capped by a special appearance by Jolly Old St. Nick himself.

Soon after, the town offers A Night at the North Pole at the Forest Interpretive Centre, featuring Christmas carols, children’s activities and more within a recreation of Santa’s village.

— Brad Quarin

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie, with more than 63,000 people inside its city limits and a service centre for about 200,000, is a northern metropolis located a little more than 450 kilometres north of Edmonton. Sitting in the South Peace region, it’s also known as The Swan City because of its large population of trumpeter swans.

As part of the Peace Country, it hosts fertile and farmed land that both seasoned traditional farmers and micro-farmers. You’ll find everything from bison, alpaca, cows, elk and more being produced by area farmers.

Views, sights and landmarks

A visitor’s priority should be to find out what’s here. The city website provides detailed information on the many venues and events throughout the locale.

Kleskun Hill has a rich and deep history with local Indigenous communities. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s northernmost badlands ecosystem. The area is comprised of a natural area, a historic village with a rentable hall and church, day use area and a campground.

Maybe urban or rural hiking and adventure are what grab your interest? If that’s the case, check out some of the city’s many geocache treasures. Download a geocaching app and check out Grande Prairie’s treasures. More than 300 geocache treasures are hidden around the city and immediate outskirts.

Learn something new

Tuck away for a drink and a bite

There’s more to do here than one might think. Set your maps app to Grande Prairie, turn on your favourite music or podcast, and head north. It has history, treasures, stories and culture.

— Tina Kennedy

Fairview

The Town of Fairview is located 1 hour and 17 minutes north of Grande Prairie on Highway 2. The town is home to many local businesses with beautiful products and services. Its motto is the “Heart of the Peace Country!”

Views, sights and landmarks

Located in the Peace Country with a population of 2,733, Fairview is surrounded by prairies and farm land and is approximately 18 minutes away from town sits Historic Dunvegan. Dunvegan holds annual Canada Day events, summer events, and gives educational tours to schools. This is one of the province’s oldest fur trade posts and missionary centres. Managed by ministries of Alberta Parks and Alberta Culture, the campground has 67 sites and a day-use area. Four of the original buildings still stand today.

The town offers golfing at the Fairview Golf Course, swimming at the Fairview Aquatic Centre, and 15 kilometres out of town, skiing at the Fairview Ski Hill.

Learn something new

The Fairview Public Library offers an array of helpful services such as computers and internet, events for youth, and a regular book sale table. It is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m, Thursday from 9:30 a.m to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. It’s closed on Sunday.

The Fairview Pioneer Museum, one kilometre north of town, is a great place to learn the history of the area. To get there, take a right turn at the Cummings Lake rec sign.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

The Dunvegan Inn and Suites serves the area with food service, as an entertainment location, and as a place to stay for visitors. It offers a café, casual to fine dining, desserts, buffets, and brunch, alongside a sports bar, pub and liquor nook.

Helian Beer House, a craft beer brewery location with outdoor seating options, also serves open mic night to the public.

Marquee annual events

The Fairview & Area Palliative Care Society hosts an annual Festival of Trees, a major source of funding for those who need specialized care in the area.

The Start of Summer Party has recently become an annual affair, free of charge. They offer live entertainment, strength competitions, karaoke, food vendors, beer gardens, and street dance.

— Breanna Driedger

Peace River

The Town of Peace River is located 2 hours and 11 minutes northeast of Grande Prairie on Highway 2. It was originally named Peace River Crossing and in French called Rivière-la-Paix.

The town is along the banks of the river at the meeting of the Heart River, Pat’s Creek, and the Smoky River. Historically, the Peace River was a very important source of travel, used by the Cree Nation, Beaver Nation, and early Europeans.

Views, sights and landmarks

Located in the Peace Country with a population of 6,662, the drive into town is a sight to see as the beautiful river runs alongside the community.

A historical landmark, the Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) station was built in 1916. Popular from this time until 1956, the station was used for freight until 1981. It was restored in 1991 after receiving fire damage. It’s currently used as the Tourist information centre.

Twelve-Foot Davis is a well-known resident of Peace River. He stands tall in the Riverfront Park, a memorial of Henry Fuller Davis, a very famous figure of the area. He received almost $30,000 worth of gold during the gold rush. He used these profits for a trading post near town.

A new mural has been added to Peace River’s collection of art every year since 2016. Local residents have shown lots of positivity on social media towards the ongoing project.

Learn something new

The Peace River Municipal Library offers many supportive services to the community such as youth events, book clubs, and a book sale rack. It is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m, and closed on Monday and Sunday.

The Peace River Museum, Archives & Mackenzie Centre offers an ever-changing exhibit. Admission is by donation and it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Tuck away for a drink and meal

Marquee annual events

An annual memorial for Herb Setz is held at Strong Creek Park along the Peace River during summer. Herb was an avid jet boater his whole life: a Canadian champion, American champion, and world champion. Read more here.

The annual music festival Peacefest holds an event at the Riverfront Park. Free to attend, it takes place during the summer.

Essential links

— Breanna Driedger

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

More than 400 kilometres north of Edmonton is the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. Dozens of languages and cultures from across the world can be found in this corner of northeastern Alberta. The municipality covers an area roughly the size of New Brunswick and there are hundreds of kilometres of trails, paths, rivers and roads.

Views, sights and landmarks

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo sits deep in the boreal forest and is a playground for adventurers and lovers of the outdoors. Don’t be fooled by photos of mining operations in the oilsands; much of the forest is untouched and ready for nature lovers.

Northern lights and winter fun

The northern lights regularly shimmer and illuminate the skies above the region during late fall, winter and early spring. Even in Fort McMurray, light pollution won’t blot them out.

But the lights are at their most impressive outside the city limits. For a true northern experience, Wood Buffalo National Park is the world’s largest dark sky preserve and Canada’s largest national park.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is a true northern community and teeming with activities during the winter. The adventurous can drive the Fort Chipewyan ice road or try one of the many snowmobile or ski trails. Fort McMurray is home to indoor and outdoor skating rinks for hockey and family fun.

There are also outfitters that offer guided winter camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and even dog sledding.

Enjoy the rivers and lakes

Long before oil, the fur trade was the main resource industry of the region and the rivers of the region were the highways of the day. Today they’re popular for fishing or just enjoying a boat ride.

The Athabasca and Clearwater rivers crisscross the region and meet at the centre of Fort McMurray. Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is a popular family destination for a day at the beach, while Christina Lake by the hamlet of Conklin is a quiet retreat.

Go for a hike

Located in the heart of Fort McMurray’s Timberlea and Thickwood neighbourhoods is the Birchwood Trails, a sprawling 135-kilometre urban trail system through the forest. Paths of asphalt, gravel and dirt carve their way through the boreal forest for people to walk, run, bike, ski.

North of Fort McMurray, the region’s most famous industry can be seen while driving Highway 63. There are no public tours of any mining operations, but Syncrude and Suncor invite the public to walk through what happens when a mine closes.

These sites are reclaimed into natural landscapes featuring jack pine forests, grasslands and wetlands. They are home to countless birds and wildlife. At Syncrude’s bison lookout, the public can watch a thriving herd of wood bison graze grassland that was once an open-pit mine.

Nearby are the Matcheetawin Discovery Trails (Cree for “beginning place”) and the Sagow Pematosowin Trail (Cree for “living in peaceful co-existence with the land”). This four-kilometre interpretive trail system sits on 50 hectares of reclaimed land that now hosts grasslands, wetlands, and forests of spruce, aspen and jack pine.

Out and about in the city

MacDonald Island Park fulfils many of the recreational needs of Fort McMurray. The island’s facilities include a gym, running track, curling and hockey rinks, a library, art gallery, field houses, conference rooms, a CFL-sized football field, a baseball stadium and a golf club.

During the AJHL’s season, you can catch the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at Centerfire Place. Keyano Theatre hosts an active theatre community that is always putting on a show.

Learn something new

The story of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is told at museums across the region. In Fort McMurray, the Heritage Shipyard features the river boats that connected the settlements of the northeast. Heritage Village includes the region’s historical homes, schools, churches and barns from as far back as the fur trade.

North of Fort McMurray is the Giants of Mining exhibit on Highway 63 outside Syncrude’s Mildred Lake facility. A decommissioned bucketwheel excavator and dragline shovel are truly massive and were some of the machines used in the early years of Syncrude’s history.

For the adventurous, the Fort Chipewyan Bicentennial Museum tells the history of the Cree, Dene and Métis people in the Fort Chipewyan area.

Tuck away for a drink and a meal

Mitchell’s Cafe is one of Fort McMurray’s most popular lunch spots. From Tuesday to Sunday, the staff serve soups and sandwiches on their signature yellow sunshine bread. There are daily specials for sandwiches, soups and pizzas. All desserts are made in-house.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is a community of dozens of cultures and this is reflected in its food. There’s Chinese, Filipino, African and Indian restaurants throughout the city. Many of these places serve Halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Marquee annual events

Fort McMurray Food Festival
RMWB WinterPLAY
Wood Buffalo Ribfest
RMWB igNIGHT: Art Illuminated
Keyano College Gala
McMurray Metis Festival
Fort McMurray Marathon
Fort McKay Treaty Days
Canada Day parade
Sustainival
PrideYMM
Multicultural EXPO
Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival

— Vincent McDermott