8 Most Eccentric Towns In Alberta
Every town has its own unique charm, like quirky statues or offbeat restaurants. Some towns, however, fully embrace the unconventional! In Alberta, Canada, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, colorful towns boast outlandish attractions that make them ideal vacation destinations. In Vulcan, a small town, visitors can encounter Star Trek-themed sites in unexpected places. Another Alberta town, Drumheller, known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, is a desert-like oasis amid farmland. These are just a few examples of Alberta's quirky communities. Discover the eight most eccentric towns throughout the province.
Drumheller
Stepping into Drumheller, Alberta, feels like entering another world. While farmlands surround Drumheller, the town itself is full of cacti and sandy hills. Known as the Dinosaur Capital of the World, Drumheller is a desert oasis full of fossils and hiking trails. The Royal Tyrell Museum showcases some of the local dinosaur bone finds and is one of Canada's most famous museums. Nearby, the town also has the world's largest dinosaur structure. Over 86 feet tall, this structure is hard to miss. The statue is 4.5 times larger than an actual T-rex.
Beyond dinosaurs, Drumheller is home to some of Alberta's most unique landscapes. Midland Provincial Park is near the town and is a great place to walk through the Badlands. The park has a 1.4-mile-long interpretive loop, which is great for all hiking levels. Drumheller is also home to sandstone rocks known as hoodoos that can reach heights of 20 feet. These rock formations were formed millions of years ago from erosion.
Gibbons
Want to see some wild Alberta cacti? Visit Gibbons — one of the few places in Alberta where cacti grow naturally. Situated on the northwest side of the Sturgeon River Valley, Gibbons features a small park called Gibbons Cactus Prairie, where wild cacti thrive. This area, a blend of badlands and lush forest, is home to the Brittle Prickly Pear Cactus, so watch your step.
The town is also home to the locally hailed pizza joint Sal's Famous Gibbons. Known for out-of-this-world pizza topping combos such as Cajun’d Chicken, Taco, and Tour of Italy, this is a great place to grab a slice after exploring the Cactus Prairie. Downtown Gibbons has a museum featuring four historic buildings showing the town's past, including a log cabin and old-fashioned general store.
Vulcan
Star Trek fans will be happy to know there is an entire town in southern Alberta's western Canadian prairies keeping the spirit of the iconic series alive. Vulcan wasn't originally named after Spock's home planet. The town was named after the Roman god of fire in 1912. Over the years, however, people began associating the town's name with the Star Trek series, and many in the town now embrace it. There is even a Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station. The front doors feature images of Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto. Inside, visitors can take photos on the bridge of a starship. There are also over 800 pieces of Star Trek memorabilia to see, and guests can grab souvenir Vulcan ears on their way out.
Beyond the Trek Station, the town has other Star Trek-themed attractions. There is a Transporter tucked between two shops and a bust of the famous Spock actor Leonard Nimoy on the corner of Second Avenue. The Trek Station also offers a tour where they show off all the secret spots in town with Star Trek treasures. Even small businesses have embraced the town's Star Trek association. There is the Starfleet Supplies and Latinum Loonie, which have incorporated the Trek universe into their name.
Bon Accord
Bon Accord is one of the best places to star gaze. This small town was the first in Canada to be named an International Dark Sky Community. Even though the town is near busy cities such as Edmonton, St. Albert, and Fort Saskatchewan, the quality of Bon Accord's night skies is as pristine as some National Parks. Considering how close to the city Bon Accord is, this is an amazing accomplishment.
Besides stargazing, Bon Accord is also home to top attractions such as Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, Jurassic Forest, and Goose Hummock Golf Course. The local favorite business, Chelsea's Pub, showcases the heart of the community and is a great spot to grab a snack such as burgers, pizza, or donairs.
Pincher Creek
Pincher Creek is known as the Jewel of the Rockies. The town is home to beautiful scenery and is a short drive away from the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park. It's a town where you can frolic and enjoy the mountain scenery. What makes Pincher Creek eccentric is the festivals the town hosts. Every third weekend in June, the town hosts a Cowboy Poetry gathering. The poets share their tales of the old West and recount the life of modern-day cowboys. During the gathering, there are also Western demonstrations and Western art and gear exhibits for visitors to see. Pincher Creek also has fairs, rodeos, and museums that attract visitors.
The Heritage Acres Farm Museum is a working farm that has refurbished old farm equipment to showcase farming methods and life from a simpler time. Some of the equipment on display includes the United Grain Growers Elevator Prairie Sentinel and the steam-powered sawmill.
Vegreville
Vergeville is a small town home to a unique attraction: the world's largest Easter Egg. The 32-foot-tall egg has traditional Ukrainian folk designs and is built like a complicated jigsaw puzzle. This structure pays homage to the town's rich Ukrainian culture and the history of the area's pioneers. Looking around downtown Vegrville, the town's Ukrainian heritage is evident in some of the town's shops, such as the Ceramic Cottage, which carries Ukrainian ceramics, tablecloths, wooden ornaments, and icons.
Community is important to the town, and every year, there are several annual events Vegerville hosts, bringing the community together. A few include the Dash to Summer Chuckwagon Races in June, the Vegreville Pysanka Festival, and the Vegreville County Fair.
Camrose
Camrose is one of Alberta's cutest small towns. From Camrose Heritage Museum to Meeting Creek, the town is full of historic charm and alluring natural scenery. The local Bailey Theater is the oldest historic performing arts theatre in Alberta. Mirror Lake Park and Jubilee Park are two places to go for an afternoon hike and enjoy the town's peaceful surroundings.
One of Camrose's most eccentric attractions is at the Visitor's Center. There is a 27-foot-long hand-built replica of a Viking longship. There is also a train crafted by the local residents called Mirror Lake Express. The train goes along the picturesque shores of Mirror Lake.
Torrington
A quirky town with just over 100 residents, Torrington is home to the world-famous Gopher Hole Museum. This museum not only provides an interesting tourist attraction but is also an answer to the local farmers' gopher issues. The museum is filled with taxidermy gophers doing human activities such as getting married, going to the salon, or even robbing a bank. The theme of the quirky dioramas is showcasing local Albertan culture.
The town also has a strange mascot who is none other than a gopher named Clem T. GoFur. The friendly character even has a poem written near him expressing the welcoming attitudes of the town's people. Walking around town, guests might notice gophers painted on many of the town's fire hydrants.
Why Visit These Eccentric Town
Most visitors to Alberta come to see the Rocky Mountains, but these quirky small towns also offer unique vacation experiences. You might visit Vulcan, a town themed after Star Trek, or explore the Alberta desert showcased in Drumheller. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy stargazing in Bon Accord, while literature fans can appreciate poetry at the annual event in Pincher Creek. Each town provides a special glimpse into Alberta's culture and community. Whether you're interested in rural scenery or fossils at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, these eight eccentric towns have something for everyone, ensuring an unforgettable trip.
