9 Can't-Miss Towns In Alberta
Alberta’s best small towns make it easy to stack your trip with big-ticket scenery, from Rocky Mountain peaks and gondola views to turquoise lake shorelines and wide-open prairie skies. For classic mountain thrills, Banff delivers steep ski runs at Mount Norquay and a ride up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola for sweeping views. If you want landscapes that look pulled from another planet, Drumheller swaps alpine peaks for sculpted badlands and larger-than-life dinosaur displays. And when you are in the mood for something lighthearted between scenic stops, Vulcan leans into its pop-culture claim to fame with an USS Enterprise replica and Trek-themed photo ops. There may be more in Alberta to do than one lifetime can hold, but these nine towns are the ones you should not miss.
Canmore
Just 81 kilometers from the city of Calgary is the wonderful town of Canmore. One of the more notable things about Canmore is its spectacular views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, including Mount Rundle, Mount Lady Macdonald, Mount Lawrence Grassi, Grotto Mountain, and the Three Sisters, which have earned the town its nickname, the Queen Town of the Rockies. While visiting this town of just under 16,000, guests can stop by the quirky Big Head of Canmore outdoor art exhibit and get photos with the biggest head in town. For those who would prefer to see art without having to brave the elements, the Art Country Canada Canmore art gallery showcases a wide range of eclectic art by local and international artists.
For those who love spending time outdoors, especially on the slopes, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park is a must-visit destination. The CNCPP was originally developed to host events during the 1988 Winter Olympics, but has since been opened to the public year-round. It's a great place to go skiing, mountain biking, snow biking, or just take in the incredible beauty of the area. Just remember, the secret to dressing warm is proper layering to keep the cold air out!
Drumheller
The town of Drumheller is a dream destination for those who are into dinosaurs. Why? Simple! As it turns out, this charming town of 7,909 is the Dinosaur Capital of the World, thanks to all of the dinosaur fossils that have been found in the area. A great place to view some of these unearthed thunder-lizard skeletons is at the famed Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.
Those visitors with nerves of steel and no fear of heights will want to pay a visit to the World's Largest Dinosaur. Nicknamed Tyra, this statue of a T. rex stands 86 feet tall and is roughly 4.5 times the size of an actual T. rex. The statue is a great place for a photo op out front, or for those who dare to climb the stairs and enjoy a view of the town from inside Tyra's mouth. Don't worry! She doesn't bite...so far.
When hunger strikes, the Vintage Tap House is a great place to get a hearty meal. Come evening, the Badlands Amphitheatre is a stunning place to catch an unforgettable live performance. Drumheller is only about 110 kilometers from Calgary, making it perfect for a day or weekend trip.
Banff
Ahh, beautiful Banff. Founded in 1885, this small mountain town has long been a top destination for skiers, snowboarders, and pretty much anyone who loves winter activities. Surrounded by Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain, it is unquestionably one of the most visually stunning places on Earth.
While in Banff, visitors can take to the slopes at Mount Norquay. The outdoor winter oasis is the perfect spot to go skiing, tube down snowy runs, or simply enjoy the natural splendor of some of Mother Nature's best work. For those looking to learn a bit more about the area and its history, make sure to stop in at the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site.
For those wanting a different, but no less impressive view of the area, and who have no fear of water, make sure to go on a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise. The cruises typically run from May through October each year and provide plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos. Or for an altogether different view, take a ride on the Banff Gondola, which carries riders up Sulphur Mountain. Just make sure those cameras are ready!
While in town, there are plenty of places to stay, including the cozy Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. Along with a welcoming environment, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
High River
The town of High River boasts a ton of fascinating history alongside its picturesque scenery. Currently home to around 14,324 residents, the town enjoys a humid continental climate, which makes for warm summer nights and chilly winters. The town's name comes from the Highwood River that flows through town. During the province's warmer months, the river is a popular spot for walking, fishing, and relaxing.
To learn about some of the town's amazing history, stop by the Museum of the Highwood, located in the High River Visitor Information Centre. The museum features over 45,000 artifacts for visitors to explore. And when in a place like High River, exploring is part of the fun!
While wandering around town and taking in the sights, be on the lookout for the heritage murals celebrating local history that have been painted throughout the community. One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery in the warmer months is to play a few rounds of golf at the Highwood Golf Club. The immaculately kept course is a fun place to play for golfers of all skill levels.
As awe-inspiring as the area's natural scenic beauty is, the Art and Soul Gallery in High River is home to some incredible art. More than just a gallery, the studio serves as a creative epicenter for the town—and sometimes they even have pie!
Vulcan
To the ire of some, the lovely town of Vulcan was not, in fact, named after the logical, pointy-eared alien race from the Star Trek TV series. Originally founded as a village in 1912, the town was named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. Still, that hasn't stopped the town from being dubbed the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada."
So suffice it to say, this town of 1,769 is a bit of a mecca for Trekkers, especially fans of the original series. And make no mistake, the town wears the title as proudly as a cadet at Starfleet Academy wears their uniform.
To learn more about the town, stop into the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station. The building is hard to miss, since it was designed to look like a landed spaceship. From there, the town has several spots that make for great photo ops, including a replica of the famous U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 from the original series, though this ship officially has its own name: the Vulcan Starship FX6-1995-A. The 1995 indicates the year it was built, the "A" indicates the ship is the first of its kind in town, and the FX6 identifier references the Vulcan Airport.
Another great photo op can be found in town at the bronze bust featuring Leonard Nimoy as the famous Vulcan science officer, Spock. If visitors are feeling a bit "trekked out" and want to learn some non-Star Trek-related information, then the good folks at the Vulcan District Museum and Archives will be happy to help.
With its unique charm, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, Vulcan, Alberta, is a great place for an "away mission."
Sylvan Lake
Along the southeast edge of Sylvan Lake is the charming town of the same name. One of the larger towns on this list, Sylvan Lake has also long been a popular tourist destination. During the warmer months, the 15-kilometer-long lake is the perfect place to take a dip and cool off or enjoy some sunshine along the shoreline.
For visitors who enjoy crafts and making things with their hands, make sure to stop by the Next of Kiln pottery studio. While there, visitors can create, paint, and take home their own carefully crafted clay creation.
When hunger strikes while in Sylvan Lake, head over to Son of the Beach for a great meal. For those who have a bit of a need for speed, Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini Golf is the place to be when the checkered flag drops. Just remember to thank WorldAtlas during the winner's speech from the podium!
Cochrane
Just 18 kilometers from Calgary is the town of Cochrane. The town's official motto is "How the West is Now," which is a great way to describe it. Many travelers are surprised to learn about Alberta's long history of cowboy culture, thanks to the vast and fertile land, which is home to so many ranches, but a day in Cochrane will catch any green tourist up on the proper way to two-step.
Visitors to this ruggedly gorgeous town can pay a visit to the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site, home of the Cochrane Historical Museum. Inside the museum, visitors can learn all about the area's incredible history and see artifacts from its past. After that, while at the Ranche, feel free to take a walk around the grounds or use one of the on-site fire pits. Perfect for enjoying those cool summer nights with a cup of coffee—or maybe something stronger.
When looking for a unique gift for yourself or those back home, pop into the Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery. For more than half a century, artisans have been creating incredible statues for purchase in its doors.
One of the best places to enjoy the area's lush scenery is Big Hill Springs Provincial Park. The park features hiking trails and even a small waterfall. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of Alberta's wildlife.
Fort Macleod
In the southern part of Alberta sits the town of Fort Macleod. Founded in 1874 as a North-West Mounted Police fort, the town grew around the original NWMP barracks. In fact, the town's initial name of Macleod was chosen to honor the NWMP Commissioner at the time, James Macleod. The town's name was officially changed to Fort Macleod in 1952.
Fort Macleod is an ideal destination for history lovers thanks to its historic buildings and welcoming atmosphere. While in town, why not catch a show at the historic Empress Theatre? Built in 1919, this wonderful movie palace plays today's hits while maintaining a strong link to the past.
For a more in-depth look into the area's history, head over to the Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Police and First Nations Interpretive Centre. What's awesome about that facility is that it's more than just a museum with over 11,000 artifacts. The site features multiple historic buildings, including the Fred Kanouse trading cabin and Frederick Haultain's law office. Perhaps the real highlight of the museum is the opportunity to see and learn about the horses on site.
Even a stroll down the town's historic Main Street while holding a coffee from Blackwood Coffee Co. as the sun begins to set makes for a wonderful memory.
As a fun fact, seminal '60s folk singer Joni Mitchell was born in town—before it was officially named Fort Macleod! Was that a second bonus fact? Yep!
Peace River
The town of Peace River is one of those great "hidden gem" types of places. The community is currently home to around 6,619 people who enjoy the area's humid continental climate. Due to the town's northern location, visitors during the June summer solstice will experience nearly 18 hours of daylight! Though be warned, during the winter solstice, the town experiences significantly fewer daylight hours.
Still, there is never a bad time to visit Peace River thanks to its incredible scenery, welcoming people, and rich history. While looking for a great photo op in town, stop by the 12-Foot Davis statue, commemorating former trapper and prospector Henry Fuller "12-Foot" Davis.
A great way to take full advantage of Peace River's incredible scenery is by paying a visit to Peace River Adventures. Visitors can stay at one of the campsites and take a chartered boat trip along the Peace River. People back home are sure to envy some of the breathtaking photos acquired on a trip to Peace River.
To learn about the town's local history, stop in at the Peace River Museum, Archives and Mackenzie Centre. The town of Peace River is about 486 kilometers (302 miles) from the city of Edmonton, which makes it better suited for a weekend trip. Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels in the area, such as the Best Western Plus Peace River Hotel & Suites, ready and waiting.
No matter where in Alberta someone chooses to visit, the experience is bound to last a lifetime. The area's incredible beauty is a sight to behold at any time of year, and each of these towns has something unique and special to offer visitors. Be it a photo with a famous fictional starship, the chance to see majestic horses up close, walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs, or just living life on the edge of a lightning bolt while rocketing down ski slopes—no matter which of these towns you choose to visit, it will quickly go from "can't-miss" to "can't forget."
Happy travels!
