8 Best Towns In Alberta For A Two-Day Recharge

Whether this is your first time or not, visiting small towns in an area is always such a treat. Each town has its own charm and pull, and the scenery is always a delight to get lost in. This is especially the case in Alberta, home to the largest mountains and filled with many more beautiful natural landscapes.

You'll find no shortage of small towns tucked between majestic mountains, rolling prairies, or nearby beautiful lakes. Support the local businesses, refuel with amazing food, take in the sights, and be sure to ease your foot off the gas when you come and visit any of the following towns.

Banff

Alongside the big cities of Calgary and Edmonton, one that equally commands as much attention is Banff. Resting within Banff National Park, the resort town has activities for every demographic and for any season. Grab a room at the Banff Centre Hotel or one of their many cabins and get ready for days of relaxation.

A must-experience for any trip to Banff is the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a favorite among locals. The springs are soothing, as the waters are rich with minerals, and a great way to recharge after a day of adventure. Speaking of adventures, Banff is an outdoor-goer's dream with multiple trails, like Boom Lake Trail, taking anywhere between three and four hours to hike through. Some trails, like Bow Glacier Falls Trail, can take upwards of six hours. But even staying in town is worthwhile, as places like the iconic Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity showcase the performances, exhibitions, concerts, films, and talks of the budding creative minds of the multiple creative industries.

Canmore

Just west of Calgary, near Alberta's Rocky Mountains, is the town of Canmore. The area is prime for exploration and gives you a snapshot of what it's like to live near the beautiful Canadian Rockies, especially if you stay at Basecamp Resorts Canmore. So grab a room there and experience the tight-knit community and unfiltered wilderness Canmore has to offer.

For a truly relaxing experience, visiting One Wellness is a good spot. Offering customized services like massage therapy, strength and conditioning training, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and more, these techniques are guaranteed to help with balancing your life and improving long-term health. Or if you want to connect to your inner creative or other arts, Listen Studios offers a sanctuary for anyone to be creatively inspired and relax. After soaking up that atmosphere, a trip to one of Canmore's taverns is in order. Tavern 1883 is a family-friendly venue with excellent views of the mountains and award-winning food mixed with Canadian classics.

Pincher Creek

With Canmore on the eastern side of the Canadian Rockies, the town of Pincher Creek is perfect for those looking for a more southern experience in the Canadian Rockies. With similar and beautiful natural scenery, what sets Pincher Creek apart is the rich history and the beauty that only the southern side of the Canadian Rockies can provide, such as waterfalls and rivers. Rest up at Stardust Inn and Chalets and get ready to experience the Southern hospitality of the area.

To capture the unique geography, a trip to the Lundbreck Falls is in order. Right on the Crowsnest River, the Lundbreck Falls is a 39-foot drop into a deep pool in the canyon below. Even if you're not planning to jump or take a dip, it's still a beautiful sight. The Lebel Mansion is a prime spot for Pincher Creek to show off its history and heritage. Once a single-family home turned hospital, it's now used by the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek to showcase artwork from artists across Alberta and Canada, and has an active Ceramics Guild and a rose garden with over 55 different rose varieties. Finish off the day with some great food at Powderhorn Saloon, a local favorite that serves traditional pub food and cold beers, premium liquors, and wine - there's even a pool table!

Lacombe

In Central Alberta, not far from Red Deer, the town of Lacombe is a small town filled with history, great food, and natural beauty. To recharge here is to discover some new traditions, experience the great outdoors, and explore the vibrant, welcoming, and honest community here. To get the best of everything Lacombe has to offer, staying at The Elliot will put you close to everything and make planning your visit simpler.

Soak in the sights at the Canyon Ski Resort, which provides year-round entertainment while letting you take in the sights. Snow tube in the winter, or take a ride on the Alpine Coaster during the summer; you'll find no shortage of fun there. For something slower, the JJ Collett Natural Area is great for birdwatching and exploration. There are 635 acres and over 18 km of maintained trails that let you take in more of the area's natural beauty. And you can bottle up that "feel good" vibe at Boujee Boho Market & Spa, where they sell a variety of natural health, beauty, and bath and body products.

Vegreville

The town of Vegreville has a lot more than the World's Largest Pysanka (Easter Egg) for those who stop here. Between the friendly atmosphere, the handful of trails, and the general walkability of the town, you can take in the sights at your own pace. Booking a room at the Vista Motel will keep you close to the downtown area to explore to the fullest.

The Vegreville Kinsmen Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole course, with over half involving water hazards. That aside, the greens are beautifully maintained and are just off the Yellowhead Highway. Visiting Pysanka Park is also a good choice for several reasons. One being the largest pysanka, but the other is the opportunity to bike through Vegreville's many trails through their Borrow-a-bike program. And after a day of biking or golfing, try out some authentic Italian cuisine at Vito's Steak & Pizza House & Sports Lounge. Assured the food is made from the purest and freshest ingredients, it's a fantastic place to unwind.

Nanton

South of Calgary and marked by three iconic grain elevators is the town of Nanton. A caring community that is far removed from the fast-paced life of the big city, the vibrant colors, the slow-paced lifestyle, and the history can allow you to relax and recharge for the days ahead. Booking a stay at Changing Seasons Bed and Breakfast is a comforting experience that can provide peace all year-round.

For the tea enthusiast, visiting TeaZehri Teas will have you covered. With over 80 select loose-leaf teas from across the world, you'll find plenty of teas to help you relax and take back home to energize. Because I Said So is another great spot to check out with espresso drinks, cool items, and an assortment of used books to bring back and read. Or if you fancy some rounds of golfing, the Nanton Golf Club has your choice of 9-hole or 18-hole rounds available during golf season. Their Mulligan's Restaurant is available all year round for great food and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the golf course.

Drumheller

Also known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, Drumheller is a historical treat filled with exploring the Canadian Badlands and the lands that prehistoric life once wandered through. Book your stay at the Ramada Drumheller and enjoy a truly unique experience.

Drumheller is the hub town for exploring the Canadian Badlands, with places like the Dinosaur Provincial Park being the best way to do so. The numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty will allow you to explore at your own pace. Just be sure to bring some water with you. In town, the Royal Tyrrell Museum features the world's largest displays of dinosaurs and is the only museum in Canada to exclusively dedicate itself to paleontology. And if you're hungry, Bernie and the Boys Bistro will guarantee you won't be for long with generous portions, massive burgers, and a variety of milkshakes.

Cochrane

One of the largest towns in Alberta, it's easy to see why Cochrane is so popular to live in, but also to visit. It's not far from Calgary, and its strong Western vibes and lifestyle are attractive to many. If you ever wanted to get a taste, this is clearly a good chance to do so, with a stay at the Rockyview Hotel giving you that western feel and being in the downtown area.

During the summer and spring months, Calaway Park is a prime spot for the family, with 32 family-friendly rides to try out alongside tasty treats to enjoy in between. If you're willing to venture out of Cochrane a little, you can also find the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, allowing you to see wolfdogs up close in a serene aspen forest. Or to really take things slow, rent a stand-up paddleboard from GhostekNorth and explore Ghost Lake while taking in the sights. Finish the day off with authentic flavors and culture from Nepal at Aama Nepalese Cuisine, one of the most authentic Nepalese restaurants with the freshest of ingredients.

Whether you are taking in the mountain sights in Canmore or Pincher Creek, exploring the Canadian Badlands in Drumheller, or being captivated by Banff's natural beauty, each of the towns has something beautiful to offer and to experience. For those living in the bigger towns, you can easily find many of these places not far from the big city, but the sudden change in lifestyle and experiences goes to show how relaxing and dynamic small towns can be. So take your time, and explore what Alberta truly has to offer.