8 Most Breathtaking Towns In The Canadian Prairies

Welcome to the Canadian Prairies, where picture-perfect lakes, untouched natural landscapes, and charming West Coast Canadian culture converge into a dreamy travel destination. From the stunning waterfronts of Sylvan Lake, to the fascinating fossils and unique formations of Drumheller, and the remarkably restored buildings of Wolseley, you will be in for a real treat. Uncover the wonders of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as you get to know the 8 most breathtaking towns in the Prairies.

Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Unparalleled adventures and spectacular scenery await in Sylvan Lake, one of the most breathtaking towns in the Prairies. Centrally located between the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton, Sylvan Lake is an outdoor oasis with fewer crowds and stunning vistas. Capture striking photos of Rotary Lighthouse Park, an iconic landmark modeled after Nova Scotia's famous Peggy's Cove structure. From there, take the kids for a fun-filled adventure at Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash. Between a 15-foot tower, oversized trampoline, 120-foot walkway, and many other attractions, this is the ultimate aquatic playground sports park. Enjoy a relaxing day at the 1.6-kilometer lakeside beach at Sylvan Lake Park, a lovely place to rent a boat and explore the water.

Drumheller, Alberta

Another Albertan beauty, the sights you find in Drumheller are truly out of this world. Quite contrary to Canmore's wonders, this town was nicknamed "The Dinosaur Capital of the World." Between Tyra, the World's Largest Dinosaur, towering 25 meters (with 106 stairs taking you to the top), and the Royal Tyrrell Museum with its prehistoric exhibits transporting you millions of years back in time, this is truly a destination like no other. From there, capture mesmerizing photos of the Willow Creek Hoodoos, an otherworldly geological wonder made up of fascinating sandstone columns.

Montmartre, Saskatchewan

Dubbed the "Paris of the Prairies" due to its striking landmarks and early French heritage, Montmartre is a charming village with a lovely atmosphere. Named in 1893 after settlers arrived from France, this is the perfect place to experience the City of Love right in the heart of the Prairies. See the spectacular 30-foot replica of the legendary structure in Eiffel Tower Park downtown. From there, if you are interested in hiking, camping, or golfing, discover Kemoca Regional Park. Between 52 full-service campsites, an outdoor heated pool with an aqua climbing wall, and a sand greens golf course, this is a spot the entire family will love. Constructed in the early 1950s, the SS. Peter and Paul Church is another stunning landmark worth visiting in one of the most breathtaking towns in the Prairies.

Gimli, Manitoba

This hidden gem, known as the rural municipality of Gimli, is brimming with beauty. From the eye-catching vistas of Lake Winnipeg (one of Canada's largest lakes, which you can see from Gimli Beach) to iconic structures celebrating the town's Icelandic heritage (dating back to 1875, when settlers first arrived here), you will be pleasantly surprised. Capture photos with the towering Giant Viking Statue, a 15-foot fiberglass structure designed by University of Manitoba Teacher Gissur Eliasson, built by Italian-born Sculptor George Barone. This charming town is also home to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, also known as Islendingadagurinn, which takes place annually. Hosted every August long weekend, come and experience the festivities as you join people from around the continent and globe to celebrate culture and heritage at the largest Icelandic festival in North America.

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Spend a few days in Moose Jaw, one of the most peculiar yet breathtaking towns in the Prairies. Upon arriving, make your way to the Visitor Center to see Mac the Moose. This gigantic statue, overlooking the city from 32 feet above since 1984, was built by Saskatoon Artist Don Foulds. Next, see what mysteries lie underground as you venture through the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Head on a captivating journey back in time, with theatrical tours guiding you through the connection of Al Capone to Moose Jaw and Chicago in the 1920s, Cold War propaganda, and the perseverance of early Chinese immigration at the beginning of the 1900s. Enjoy a luxurious stay in the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa, where history meets modernity. Unwind in the spacious suites and lovely geothermal mineral pools for an equally relaxing getaway.

Dauphin, Manitoba

If intricate architecture dating back to the late 1800s, combined with scenic landscapes and iconic festivals, sounds fascinating to you, pack your bags and head to Dauphin. "The City of Sunshine," nestled between Riding Mountain National Park and Duck Mountain Provincial Park, offers stunning views of Dauphin Lake. See the gorgeous architecture of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Of The Resurrection, a multi-domed stucco-finished structure that integrates Byzantine, European, and Ukrainian Baroque elements. Speaking of which, this is where Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival takes place annually. Join the festivities of this expansive three-day event that attracts thousands from across the country.

Okotoks, Alberta

A list of the most breathtaking towns in the Prairies would not be complete without Okotoks. Roughly 40 minutes from Calgary lies extensive natural beauty and fascinating geological wonders. See the extraordinary “Erratic Big Rock,” a unique landmark created by a moving glacier approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Soak in the natural scenery as you practice your aim at D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, a lovely 18-hole public links-style course with a tree-lined ravine, natural water reservoirs, and slopes. Sports fans can see games at the incredible Seaman Stadium, a full-service, minor league baseball facility with comfortable seating.

Wolseley, Saskatchewan

Commonly referred to as the “Town Around A Lake,” Wolseley offers a quaint, modest beauty. Its history dates back to 1882, when the town was first settled. You can see many remnants of the past through restored historic buildings, including the Wolseley Town Hall & Opera House. One of the last remaining turn-of-the-century public buildings in Saskatchewan, the landmark was designed with a church-like style, conveying the influence of Italian Baroque architecture. Next, immerse yourself in nature at Fairy Lake, crossing the 100-meter Swinging Bridge that was rebuilt multiple times, since the original version was first constructed in 1905.

Between fairytale-like landscapes featuring glistening lakes and historic lighthouses, fascinating festivals attracting attendees from all around the globe, incredible replicas of famous landmarks, and geological wonders that will leave you in awe, the Canadian Prairies are filled with beauty, history, and cultural charms waiting to be explored. From the postcard-perfect vistas of Sylvan Lake to the hidden gems of Wolseley, these are the 8 most breathtaking towns in the Prairies you need to visit ASAP.