This garden city in southern Canada is famous for its scenic walking trails, heritage sites, art galleries and rolling countryside.
Picturesque coulees, colorful gardens, art galleries and museums celebrate Lethbridge’s native, European and Asian cultures. Lethbridge is the southernmost city of Canada’s Alberta province, close to national parks and striking mountains.
Lethbridge has coulees, rolling hills and urban parks straddling the banks of the Oldman River. Closest to the city center is Indian Battle Park, with trails leading through woodlands to riverside picnic spots, lookouts, nature reserves and heritage sites. Marvel at High Level Bridge, one of the world’s longest and tallest railway bridges. Spot colorful birdlife and native flora in the Helen Schuler Nature Reserve.
Go to the Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre, a 19th-century whiskey trading post that helped to shape the city. Learn about the culture of the Blackfoot Indians and illegal whiskey trading and watch reenactments of historical events.
Find interesting galleries and museums when you explore downtown Lethbridge. Bowman Arts Centre, CASA Lethbridge and Southern Alberta Art Gallery feature works by regional artists. Watch a play at the New West Theatre or enjoy orchestral concerts at the Lethbridge Symphony. Discover hands-on exhibits that retell the city’s history at the Galt Museum and Archives.
The spectacular Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a short bus ride from downtown Lethbridge. Relax amid pristine gardens interspersed with rockeries, bonsai trees, ornamental ponds and Asian architecture. Learn the Japanese art of origami and play hanetsuki, a game similar to badminton. Enjoy kayaking and golf or simply relax at Henderson Lake.
Rent a car to explore areas outside the city. The three mazes, petting zoo and giant slide at Lethbridge Cornmaze are popular with families. Spot hawks and eagles and watch flying demonstrations at the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre.
Reach Lethbridge by taking a domestic flight or intercity bus from Calgary. Lethbridge is a good base for exploring southern Canada’s natural beauty. Just a 2-hour drive away are the family-friendly ski resorts of Castle Mountain and Pass Powderkeg, both set in the magnificent Canadian Rockies mountain range.