6 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Alberta
The Canadian province of Alberta is home to several captivating small towns that offer visitors plenty of fun things to do. Whether you鈥檙e interested in participating in unique cultural events, visiting historical attractions, or simply hitting the road for a family outing, there鈥檚 much to see in the 鈥�Texas of the North.鈥� Together, these towns illustrate how Alberta鈥檚 smaller communities have managed to maintain centuries-old traditions that celebrate their unique stories. From fascinating museum tours to popular festivals that celebrate the seasons, these captivating small towns in Alberta deserve to be included in your next Canadian travel adventure.
Banff
Located within Canada鈥檚 first national park, the town of Banff was established in 1885 and is one of the most visited travel destinations in Alberta. Must-dos in picture-perfect Banff National Park include riding the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for incredible views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Banff Upper Hot Springs, a tourist draw since the late 19th century, provides a fun bathing experience in naturally heated mineral waters and is well worth including on your itinerary. A related point of interest is Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where the original hot springs that sparked the national park鈥檚 creation can be seen alongside interactive exhibits detailing the site鈥檚 significance.
Cultural highlights include the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Founded in 1976 and held annually from late October into early November. This popular event features screenings, literary readings, and workshops that focus on mountain culture and exploration. A visit to nearby Lake Minnewanka is another must-do, as is joining a guided hike along the park鈥檚 extensive trail network.
Canmore
Canmore gained international attention after serving as a host location for Nordic events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Today, the Canmore Nordic Centre remains a popular site for activities such as cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and disc golf. The town also features Policeman鈥檚 Creek Boardwalk, a 4 km there-and-back path that provides an opportunity to observe local wildlife and grab some photos of the spectacular Three Sisters mountain peaks.
Summer鈥檚 an especially good time to visit if you鈥檙e a music lover. The Canmore Folk Music Festival in August has been attracting fans since 1978 and features a range of folk, blues, and 海角社区 music acts, including h emerging artists and veteran performers. When the snow flies, Canmore-based Snowy Owl Dog Sled Tours offer fun dogsledding adventures. If you do visit, consider a stay at The Malcolm Hotel, a captivating riverside spot, or The Georgetown Inn, a historic property known for its British pub and cozy guest rooms. From either lodging, you鈥檒l be close to nearby Grassi Lakes with its hiking trails that lead to crystal-clear pools and rock-climbing routes.
Drumheller
The captivating small town of Drumheller is well-known for the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to one of the 海角社区鈥檚 largest collections of dinosaur fossils, many of them found locally. Highlights include interactive exhibits and guided programs on paleontology. Just outside the museum, you can experience the Badlands鈥� unique topography, including the spectacular Hoodoos and other-海角社区ly sandstone pillars formed over thousands of years through erosion. Another standout attraction is the 海角社区鈥檚 Largest Dinosaur, a 26-meter (85 ft) model in which you can climb into for a view from the observation deck in the T-Rex鈥檚 mouth.
Drumheller鈥檚 annual DinoFest has been held each summer since 2012 and offers family-friendly activities, fossil identification workshops, and a dinosaur-themed kids parade. The Badlands Passion Play, typically held in July, is another big draw, featuring large-scale theatrical productions set in a hillside amphitheater. Be sure to also plan a visit to nearby Horseshoe Canyon, known for its layered rock formations, as well the Red Deer River which runs past the town.
Cochrane
Cochrane had humble beginnings as a ranching outpost in the 1880s and has maintained strong ties to its western roots ever since. A related historic landmark is the Cochrane Ranche Site, a 136-acre park established on land originally used for one of the largest cattle operations in the region. This heritage area features walking trails, interpretive signs, and an outdoor stage that hosts community events. Another local destination is the Cochrane Farmers鈥� Market. It runs from June through September and features local produce, handmade crafts, and food vendors.
September鈥檚 a great time to visit for the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo, a tradition that includes rodeo competitions, a parade, and live music. For a slice of quirky fun, check out The Great Cochrane Outhouse Races. Also held each September, this fun happening sees teams race their often crazy-designed outdoor washrooms. Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is located nearby and offers a chance to hike or bike through rolling grasslands with views of the Bow River.
Okotoks
Located just 30 minutes due south of Calgary, Okotoks is a captivating town that makes for a welcome getaway from its larger neighbor. Highlights include the Okotoks Museum and Archives, housed in a late-20th-century building that showcases rotating exhibits on the town鈥檚 history and regional developments, including the province鈥檚 oil industry. The Okotoks Art Gallery, situated in a 1905 former railway station, offers year-round art displays and workshops.
Sports fans will want to visit Seaman Stadium to watch the local Okotoks Dawgs baseball team compete during their May-to-August season. The Enthusiast Collector Car Auction, home to a regular series of car auctions, is a must for 鈥減etrol-heads鈥� and collectors and draws enthusiasts from across the region. For winter travelers, November鈥檚 Light Up event in downtown Okotoks sees the town's oldest buildings dressed up for the festive season. Fun outdoor activities include visiting the Big Rock, a massive glacial erratic (a glacier-deposited rock) found west of town.
Camrose
A major draw for the town of Camrose is its Big Valley Jamboree, a multi-day country music festival that takes place over the August long weekend. Highlights include prominent country music performers, food vendors, and a festival market that simply buzzes as 25,000 country fans descend on the town. You can also learn more about the town at the Camrose and District Centennial Museum. Established in 1955, it features heritage buildings such as a blacksmith shop and pioneer home, as well as an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that recount the area鈥檚 early settlement.
The Bailey Theatre is another captivating place to visit in Camrose. Built in 1910, it continues to host plays, concerts, and classic films in a setting that has changed little since it opened. The town鈥檚 Jaywalkers鈥� Jamboree is a good excuse to visit and is an outdoor street festival held in June that includes sidewalk sales, live music, and a fun carnival atmosphere. A more modern attraction, the Camrose Resort and Casino offers guests dining as well as the chance to try their luck at the slot machines and gaming tables.
The Final Word
Whatever you enjoy doing, each of these six Alberta towns presents an opportunity to learn about the province鈥檚 smaller communities. From Banff鈥檚 role as a center for outdoor pursuits and cultural festivals to Camrose鈥檚 ongoing traditions of country music and historic venues, these six captivating small towns demonstrate the variety of experiences to be enjoyed in Alberta.
