By Expedia Team, on February 9, 2016

36 Hours in Lethbridge this Winter

Expedia.ca and Explore Southwest Alberta bring you the perfect itinerary for a weekend in Lethbridge this winter.

Lethbridge found its origins as a whisky trading port, so you can be sure that the city has seen its share of…shall we say “interesting” sights and sounds. What’s the old saying? If these walls could talk? Nowadays, Lethbridge has transformed into a vacation destination for families, couples, and winter sports enthusiasts. You can check out the longest (and tallest!) trestle bridge in the world, whoop it up at an exciting hockey game, and be dazzled by a show at New West Theatre.

If you have a weekend to spend in Lethbridge, one of the largest towns in Southern Alberta, a full agenda awaits.

Friday:

Lethbridge Clock Tower

Begin your winter stay in Lethbridge with a visit to Mocha Cabana, where Friday nights bring live entertainment. On the first Friday of the month, the venue often hosts wine tastings as well. Next, quench your thirst for culture at Southern Alberta Art Gallery, where you can peruse the creative endeavours of local, national, and international artists. Temporary exhibits at the gallery have included the work of Janice Wright Cheney, Corinne Thiessen, and more. Meanwhile, permanent collections featuring Canadian artists are ready to wow you year round.

After you’ve satiated your artistic appetite, enjoy dinner around the corner at Miro Bistro. The eatery has European-influenced fine dining, served to you in between brick walls and cozy decor.

There’s no better way to cap off a Friday night in Alberta than with a pro hockey game, eh. Get “Fueled by Passion” during a Hurricanes game at Enmax Centre. Grab dessert at the restaurant, then book a luxury arena suite to watch the action and jump on the #CaneTrain.

Saturday:

Drinking Coffe
Start your Saturday downtown with a caffeine boost from Penny Coffee House. You’ll need the buzz to make it through the shopping challenge that awaits. It’s no easy feat to make a dent in the Lethbridge shopping scene, but with the power of the cocoa bean you can do it.

Grab some old-fashioned candies and chocolate truffles at the Something Sweet Candy Shop, then nibble on your treats while you browse for clothes at Splurge & Co. Track down some international food-to-go at Umami Shop, then pop into Drunken Sailor to model some pin-up or rockabilly clothes and get your photo taken.

Craft Beer Selection

After a morning of shopping, your stomach is bound to be grumbling. Scarf down some award-winning pizza and try a new craft beer at Two Guys & a Pizza Place. With your new, refueled attitude, you’re ready for some ice skating!

Couple Iceskating

Channel your inner balance and head to one of the city’s ice rinks. Henderson Ice Centre has two separate surfaces, one for all users and a small one for kids 10 and under. You can also practice your Salchow jump at one of the other public skating venues, including the Adams and Civic Centres.

Finish off your Saturday in AB with a trip to the Geomatic Attic. This venue brings in an eclectic range of live entertainment, from The Trews Acoustic to community cabaret.

Sunday:

You could spend the last few hours of vacation sleeping in your Lethbridge hotel, but we say you wake up bright and early to get one last dose of exploration. The best way to do that is by treating yourself to a tour of the Galt Museum & Archives. You can begin the tour by taking the little ones to Discovery Hall to experience hands-on exhibits and a virtual plane ride. Be sure to check out the visiting and permanent collections to get a dose of knowledge about the area before you leave.

It’s winter in Lethbridge, but the arts, shopping, and cultural attractions are still welcoming visitors! Bundle up and prepare to discover one of Alberta’s true gems.

For more fun things to do in Southwest Alberta any time of year check out exploresouthwestalberta.ca