7 Whimsical Towns in Alberta

An important economic and cultural center of Western Canada, the beautifully picturesque province of Alberta is a must-visit for anyone exploring the “Great White North.” Also known as "Wild Rose Country," Alberta has been a central component of the Canadian Prairies since its entry to Confederation in 1905, and today nearly 5 million inhabitants call it home. While the major cities of Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and Lethbridge boast the largest populations, it is the smaller whimsical towns of Alberta that attract the most tourism. From Rocky Mountain communities, close encounters with wildlife, and prehistoric wonders, there is undoubtedly something memorable and spectacular awaiting all ages of visitors in these Alberta towns. So come see the Canadian West and stop by the special province of Alberta, where a treasure trove of beauty awaits!

Banff

One of Alberta’s most beloved mountain communities, the town of Banff is beautifully situated within the National Park of the same name. Home to a population of just over 8,000, thousands more visit throughout the year looking for splendid panoramas and loads of quaint charm. A convenient 90-minute drive from the city of Calgary, guests will find loads of cute shops (with whimsical names like Cool As A Moose), restaurants, bars, cafes, and other 19th-century alpine architecture in Banff, which can trace its modern history to the 1880s.

Add in great lodging options and easy access to the National Park, and it is clear why Banff is so popular. Marvel at local wildlife, go mountain climbing, ride a bike, relax at hot springs, or enjoy the sights of some alpine waterfalls; the outdoor beauty of Banff is unmatched in a climate known for cool summers and winters.

Canmore

Just a half-hour drive from Banff, the town of Canmore is another breathtaking Alberta Rocky Mountain destination that all ages can enjoy. Founded in the 1880s, it is now home to nearly 16,000 residents. Less crowded than Banff, in Canmore, visitors can experience the area's natural beauty in a quieter, more relaxed setting.

Go hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, and even wildlife watching, while winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities at great local ski and snowboard resorts. These include the Canmore Nordic Provincial Centre, which was even used during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, even just a walk through Canmore’s downtown area is a charming experience, with a fine selection of local shops, restaurants, and other businesses, like The Rocky Mountain Bagel Co., The Wood Restaurant & Lounge, and Stirling Dining Room and Lounge.

Vegreville

Vegreville is located just about 100 kilometers east of Edmonton, the capital city, and it remains a charming and welcoming town with a rich pioneer history. Founded in 1906 by Ukrainian pioneer settlers, nearly 6,000 residents now call Vegreville home, and many still trace their cultural and ethnic roots to these Ukrainian ancestors. The town celebrates this unique heritage throughout the year with events, including the summer Pysanka Festival. Here, visitors enjoy great food, dances, cultural displays, music, and more that honor Ukraine and the pioneering families who settled in this part of Alberta.

Explore the daily lives of Ukrainian settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by visiting the nearby Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, just 30 minutes away. Vegreville’s most famous attraction is a must-see! It’s a giant pysanka egg weighing about 2.5 tons (or 5,000 pounds); this unique sculpture has been delighting residents and visitors for nearly 50 years.

Fort Macleod

Near the border with Montana, the town of Fort Macleod was established in the 1870s, about 30 years before Alberta became a province. Today, just over 3,000 residents call it home. A scenic and historically rich community, Fort Macleod sits along the Oldman River, where visitors can enjoy vast prairie views, the wide Alberta sky, and distant views of the Rocky Mountains. Spend time along the river or visit the Oldman River Valley Wilderness Park, where wildlife such as beavers, moose, and bobcats can be seen—exciting for visitors of all ages. For history enthusiasts, the Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police and the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump are must-see attractions.

The former highlights the growth of Western Canada and Alberta’s official birth in the early 1900s, and the latter is a fascinating look at the hunting techniques of the Indigenous people who long inhabited the land. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this landmark brings visitors back in time several hundred years and creates a renewed appreciation for the early settlers of the area. Enjoy spectacular vistas of the Alberta foothills while interactive indoor exhibits recreate the daily lives and customs of the many Indigenous peoples who populated the land before European contact.

Jasper

Similar to Banff, the town of Jasper is an extraordinary mountain wonderland located within a national park of the same name. Despite devastating recent wildfires, which destroyed about 30% of the townsite in 2024, the region offers stunning views of the Alberta Rockies and is a true haven for outdoor adventurers; Jasper's allure is hard to beat. Enjoy fantastic biking and hiking trails, breathtaking alpine panoramas, beautiful waterfalls (including Athabasca Falls), and opportunities to see mountain wildlife. Any time spent in Jasper will surely create a collection of picturesque memories. Spend a night, two, or three at the famed Jasper Park Lodge (when they reopen) and support the local economy as they recover, where nearby charming souvenir shops, delicious restaurants, and cozy chalet-like architecture make for a perfect vacation.

Drumheller

Drumheller is undoubtedly one of Alberta’s most unique communities, and anyone who visits can tell you that visiting it is like stepping back in time, millions of years! Famed for its prehistoric badlands rock formations (including the special Hoodoos), for over a century, paleontologists have also discovered a rich collection of fossils and dinosaur bones in the area. These include the Albertosaurus, which was said to roam the area some 71 million years ago! Home to the beloved Royal Tyrell Museum, which opened in 1985, a massive collection of some 160,000 fossils attracts thousands of tourists from across the world each year. Including the skeletons of the T-Rex and other species, as well as an impressive array of geological rocks, the Tyrell Museum is a must-visit destination that creates a sense of wonder in all ages.

From there, explore the Hoodoo rock formations, admire the cliffs of the Badlands, or visit the Atlas Coal Mine Historic Site. Cross a swinging suspension bridge, enjoy the hot sun, and even catch a special performance of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play held every July.

Lake Louise

The town of Lake Louise shares its name with the body of water, and it is surely one of Alberta’s most quietly beautiful and charming places. Just a 40-minute drive from Banff, this splendid Rocky Mountain community with just under 700 residents is an ideal destination to simply enjoy the outdoors and a slower pace of life. At an elevation of some 5,000 feet, guests will love the scenic opportunities to go hiking, biking, and canoeing while skating, skiing, and even dog sledding delight in the wintertime.

With its sparkling waters and majestic alpine peaks (particularly stunning when capped with snow), Lake Louise is a photographer’s dream. Lodge at the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise and enjoy great panoramas from your room.

Alberta is undoubtedly one of Western Canada’s most treasured gems, with its vast natural beauty standing out as some of the finest in the country. From Rocky Mountain scenery to prairie views to ancient geology, Alberta and its charming towns are wonderful places for travelers of all ages to explore. Though Edmonton and Calgary are the biggest cities, the smaller, whimsical towns in central and southern Alberta are often where magical memories are made. From the ethnic charm of Vegreville to the mountain wonders of Jasper and Banff, and the historic atmosphere of Fort MacLeod and Drumheller, these and other Alberta towns serve as beautiful reminders of why “Wild Rose Country” is such a fantastic place to visit!