8 Prettiest Small Towns In Alberta

From gorgeous glacial lakes glistening in shades of turquoise-blue to mesmerizing mountainous landscapes adorning the oldest national park in Canada, and extraordinary fossils dating back millions of years, "The Sunshine Province" is nothing short of fascinating. Between the expansive vistas of Canmore and the lakeside wonders of Sylvan Lake, prepare to discover boundless beauty as you pack your camera and explore the 8 prettiest small towns in Alberta.

Canmore

Unparalleled adventures and spectacular scenery await in Canmore, one of the prettiest small towns in Alberta. Situated minutes away from the famous ski town of Banff, Canmore is an outdoor oasis with fewer crowds and postcard-perfect vistas. Capture mesmerizing shots of the Canmore Engine Bridge, a historic landmark constructed in 1891, situated against the stunning backdrop of the Bow River and the Rocky Mountains.

From there, see the glistening turquoise waters of Grassi Lakes, accessible by an easy hike. If you would like to challenge yourself, you can opt for the more difficult wooded trail, which passes by a waterfall and offers magnificent views of the town and Bow Valley.

Jasper

If gorgeous glacial lakes and mesmerizing snow-capped mountain peaks sound incredible to you, head on over to Jasper. You will be in awe, seeing the steamy hot springs, thundering waterfalls, turquoise lakes, abundant wildlife, and captivating canyons of Jasper National Park, which is one of the largest parks in the Canadian Rockies.

This extraordinary site is also home to the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world, spanning over 11,000 square kilometers (Parks Canada). Another unmissable experience is taking the Jasper SkyTram. Uncover remarkable views of the park as you soar 2,263 meters up in the air, ascending Whistlers Mountain.

Banff

A list of the prettiest small towns in Alberta would not be complete without mentioning Banff. Aside from its extensive natural beauty featuring magnificent glacial lakes, even the downtown village is incredibly charming. Soak in the spectacular scenery surrounded by mountains as you explore the picturesque streets, lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and hotels.

Let yourself be transported into a real-life fairy tale as you visit the Cascade of Time Garden. See the vibrant florals (from late May to early September) as you meander through the pathways in this oasis only minutes away from downtown. Spend some time in the soothing thermal waters of Cave and Basin National Historic Site—one of the Bow Valley's most unique natural wonders.

Drumheller

Discover a destination like no other with a trip to Drumheller. This otherworldly town, known as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World," boasts fascinating fossils and mysterious landscapes reminiscent of what you would see in a sci-fi movie. However, history might be even more intriguing in the Canadian Badlands, with sites like the Royal Tyrrell Museum located here. Uncover one of the largest displays of dinosaurs in the world, along with some of the oldest known fossils and the earliest evidence of life in the province.

From there, capture photos with Tyra, the World's Largest Dinosaur. This striking landmark is 151 feet long and weighs a staggering 145,000 pounds. You can climb 106 stairs to the top to see the stunning Drumheller Valley. Another fascinating site you must not miss is the Willow Creek Hoodoos. Unravel the wonders of these mesmerizing geological formations; sandstone columns supporting a capstone, with the structure being roughly five to seven meters tall.

Okotoks

A stunning small town along the Sheep River, here you will find jaw-dropping sites like the Okotoks Erratic. The Okotoks Erratic is a massive glacial boulder of quartzite that was transported on a glacier and deposited on the Alberta prairie, dating back to the late Pleistocene. This striking landmark holds major spiritual significance for the Blackfoot peoples. See the exquisite quartzite displaying light grey, pink, and purplish colors in one of the prettiest small towns in Alberta.

If you would like to work on your aim, D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club offers gorgeous grounds with an 18-hole public links-style golf course, blending a ravine, scenic slopes, and natural water reservoirs. From there, you can head to House of Proust Antiques to find hidden gems in a stunning old church building. You may find the perfect souvenir to take back home!

Waterton Park

A destination nature lovers will adore, Waterton Park is a true paradise in the Sunshine Province. From the crystal-clear lakes, powerful waterfalls, and majestic Rocky Mountain peaks of Waterton Lakes National Park, to the intriguing architecture of the Prince of Wales Hotel, designed in a rustic Swiss chalet style and overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, this is truly one of the prettiest small towns in Alberta.

Grab your camera and capture the remarkable views of Red Rock Canyon, where you can uncover gorgeous red and green-colored minerals. You could even soak in the scenery, horseback riding around lakes or up mountains with Alpine Stables Ltd.

Bragg Creek

Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Bragg Creek is another Alberta gem teeming with opportunities for adventures. Only 30 miles away from Calgary, you can find a peaceful, picturesque refuge, close to the big city. Bask in the beauty of Bragg Creek Provincial Park, a wonderful spot for hiking, bird-watching, wildlife-viewing, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Find out what culinary delights await as you enjoy a fresh, scrumptious meal in a cozy, rustic atmosphere at The Italian Farmhouse Restaurant & Bar. Be sure to try the delicious traditional German food, served with Rocky Mountain inspirations, at The Bav + The Tav at The Bavarian Inn for an unforgettable mountain dining experience.

Sylvan Lake

Experience the magic of Sylvan Lake, a charming lakeside town with plenty to do year-round. In the summer, the whole family can enjoy swimming, boating, sunbathing, or water skiing on the lake. Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash is open for kids to move around and play, featuring engaging attractions, including a 15-foot overhanging climbing wall, a 90-degree sloped speed curve, and a 120-foot slippery walkway.

From there, a trip to Rotary Lighthouse Park is a must, venture through the grounds, featuring a historic lighthouse over 100 years old. After exploring, treat yourself to an exfoliating body treatment, a relaxing steam bath, a rejuvenating massage, or a pampering facial treatment at Sylvan Steam & Spa.

From diverse landscapes beyond your wildest dreams to unique fossils dating back millions of years, and historic landmarks that detail stunning lakeside towns, The Sunshine Province boasts beautiful destinations that are undoubtedly well worth the visit. Turn your travel dreams into reality and uncover the magic of Western Canada as you combine natural beauty with history, culture, and diverse cuisines in each of the eight prettiest small towns in Alberta.