A road trip to Lethbridge doesn’t have to be all gas stations and straight stretches of prairie highway. Whether you’re heading south from Calgary for the weekend or making a longer cross-Alberta trip, there are plenty of quirky, scenic, and just plain fun places to explore along the way. Here are some must-visit stops that will turn your journey into a full-on adventure:
Okotoks: The Big Rock and Beyond
Just a short detour from Highway 2, Okotoks is home to the famous Big Rock (Glacial Erratic)—a giant boulder dropped by glaciers thousands of years ago. Snap a photo, stretch your legs, and marvel at this geological oddity. While you’re in town, check out local shops and grab a coffee at a cozy café downtown.
Address: AB-7, Foothills County, AB T1S 6B9
Phone: (403) 973-7315
Hours: Monday to Sunday, open 24 hours
Nanton: Planes, Antiques, and Old-Time Charm
Nanton is a vintage-lover’s dream. Visit the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, home to a restored Lancaster Bomber and lots of aviation history. After that, take a walk through Nanton’s Antique & Art Walk—a cluster of vintage shops filled with treasures, curiosities, and small-town personality.
Claresholm: Murals and Local Eats
This charming little town is a great spot for a bite to eat. Grab a burger at Roy’s Place or stop in at one of the town’s local bakeries. While you’re there, take a quick mural walk—Claresholm has several public art installations that make for great Instagram moments.
Fort Macleod: A Blast from the Past
Step into Alberta’s past at the Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police. Watch a reenactment or just explore the historical site. Fort Macleod’s downtown is also a heritage district, with old buildings that make you feel like you’re walking through a movie set—and in fact, some movies have been filmed there!
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
If you’ve got a bit of extra time, this is a worthwhile detour. Located west of Fort Macleod, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is an ancient Indigenous hunting site offers incredible views, educational exhibits, and a unique glimpse into thousands of years of history. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after the trip is over.
Address: secondary Highway #785, Fort MacLeod, AB
Phone: (403) 553-2731
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Closed Monday-Tuesdays and Holidays.
Picture Butte: Small-Town Sweetness
Just north of Lethbridge, Picture Butte offers a chance to slow down before you reach your final destination. Take a walk, visit a local diner, or check out the Prairie Tractor & Engine Museum if you’re into old-school machinery and a dose of farming history.
Why Visit Lethbridge?
At the end of your road trip adventure lies a city full of charm, culture, and outdoor beauty. Stroll through the peaceful Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, relax by the water at Henderson Lake Park, or marvel at the iconic High Level Bridge. For outdoor enthusiasts, the coulees offer stunning landscapes perfect for hiking and biking, with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre providing an educational stop along the way. Food lovers will find no shortage of must-try local restaurants, cozy cafés, and craft breweries to explore. And if you’re drawn to arts and culture, don’t miss the Galt Museum, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), or a live theatre performance that adds even more flavour to this vibrant prairie city. If you want to check out some of our top spots in Lethbridge, click here.
A trip to Lethbridge doesn’t have to be a straight shot—make the drive part of the adventure. By taking the scenic route, you’ll uncover Alberta’s hidden gems, from quirky roadside attractions to charming small towns steeped in history and personality. Whether you’re stopping to explore a museum, grab a bite at a local diner, or snap a photo by a giant glacial boulder, every detour adds a story to your journey. And when you’re ready to kick back and relax, Lethbridge offers a welcoming place to land. From cozy boutique inns to comfortable family-friendly hotels, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you. Ready to turn your road trip into a full experience? Book your stay in Lethbridge now and make the most of every mile.
