# Tourism Lethbridge

> Tourism Lethbridge (Niita'paini'pi Sikoohkotok) is the official Destination Management Organization (DMO) for the City of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Incorporated as a non-profit under the Societies Act of Alberta in 2018, Tourism Lethbridge promotes and develops Lethbridge as a vibrant travel destination. The city's tagline is "Let Lethbridge Surprise You!"

Lethbridge is located in Southern Alberta, Canada. It sits on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains (Sikoohkotok). The city is within easy driving distance of Waterton Lakes National Park and serves as a gateway to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourism Lethbridge is funded by the City of Lethbridge and leverages additional provincial and federal grants, including partnerships with Travel Alberta.

## Key Sections

- [Home](https://tourismlethbridge.com/): Overview of Lethbridge as a destination, upcoming events, and featured stories.
- [Things To Do](https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do): Full directory of activities and experiences in Lethbridge.
- [Major Attractions](https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do/major-attractions): Detailed listings of Lethbridge's top visitor attractions.
- [Arts & Culture](https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do/arts-culture): Galleries, performances, and cultural experiences.
- [Outdoor Activities](https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities): Hiking, biking, nature, and recreation.
- [Indigenous](https://tourismlethbridge.com/indigenous): Indigenous history, culture, and experiences in Sikoohkotok and Southern Alberta.
- [UNESCO World Heritage Sites](https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do/unesco-world-heritage-sites): Guide to the four nearby UNESCO sites accessible from Lethbridge.
- [Food & Drink](https://tourismlethbridge.com/food-and-drink): Local restaurants, farm-to-table experiences, the Highway 3 Ale Trail, and food tours.
- [Events Calendar](https://tourismlethbridge.com/events): Upcoming events in Lethbridge.
- [Signature Events & Festivals](https://tourismlethbridge.com/events/signature-events): Major annual festivals and events.
- [Plan Your Trip](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning): Central trip-planning hub.
- [Getting Here & Around](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/transportation): Transportation options to and within Lethbridge.
- [Accommodations](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/accommodations): Hotels and lodging options.
- [Explore Downtown](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/downtown-lethbridge): Guide to Lethbridge's downtown core.
- [Visitor Information Centre](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/visitor-information-centre): In-person visitor services.
- [Guides & Publications](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/guides-publications): Downloadable visitor guides.
- [Tours & Itineraries](https://tourismlethbridge.com/planning-your-trip/experiences): Curated tour packages and suggested itineraries.
- [FAQs](https://tourismlethbridge.com/about-us/faqs): Frequently asked questions about visiting Lethbridge.
- [Stories / Blog](https://tourismlethbridge.com/local-stories/all): Articles and travel stories about Lethbridge.
- [Videos](https://tourismlethbridge.com/videos/all): Video content showcasing Lethbridge.
- [Venues](https://tourismlethbridge.com/venues): Event and meeting venue listings.
- [Meet in Lethbridge](https://tourismlethbridge.com/meet-in-lethbridge): Meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- [Lethbridge Sport Tourism](https://tourismlethbridge.com/lethbridge-sport-tourism): Hosting sporting events in Lethbridge.
- [Industry Info](https://tourismlethbridge.com/industry): Resources for tourism industry partners and businesses.
- [Travel Trade](https://tourismlethbridge.com/industry/travel-trade): Information for travel agents and tour operators.
- [Media](https://tourismlethbridge.com/about-us/media): Press resources and media contacts.
- [About Us](https://tourismlethbridge.com/about-us/about-us): Organization history, mission, vision, team, and board.
- [Blackfoot Territory of Treaty Seven](https://tourismlethbridge.com/blackfoot-territory-of-treaty-seven): Background on the importance of Blackfoot territories.
- [Contact Us](https://tourismlethbridge.com/contact): Contact information for Tourism Lethbridge.
- [Privacy Policy](https://tourismlethbridge.com/legal/privacy-policy): Legal and privacy information.

## Major Attractions

- **High Level Bridge (Lethbridge Viaduct)**: The largest railway trestle bridge in Canada and the largest of its kind in the world. Completed in 1909 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. An iconic landmark spanning the Oldman River coulees. Still in active use. Best photographed from Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Galt Museum trails, and along Highway 3. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/high-level-bridge

- **Fort Whoop-Up**: A replica of the original fur trading fort (originally Fort Hamilton). Tells the story of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), First Nations, Métis, Canadians, Americans, and British in the late 1800s, including the buffalo robe and illegal whisky trade. Offers guided and self-guided tours, exhibits, wagon rides, and a gift shop. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/fort-whoop-up

- **Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden**: Traditional Japanese garden designed by landscape architects from Osaka Prefecture University, blending Japanese garden landscapes with Southern Alberta native greenery. Sculptures and architecture made in Kyoto. Features the Bunka Centre for cultural programming. Annual Winter Light Festival and other events. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/nikka-yuko-japanese-garden

- **Galt Museum & Archives (Akaisamitohkanao'pa)**: Houses over 17,000 artifacts and more than one million archival documents and photographs. Covers the history of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Features rotating exhibits, gardens reflecting local ecosystems, walking trails, and diverse programming including Blackfoot language lessons and whisky tastings. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/galt-museum-archives

- **Helen Schuler Nature Centre**: Located just west of downtown Lethbridge, beneath the High Level Bridge. Multiple self-guided interpretive trails through the Oldman River Valley. Wildlife including deer, rabbits, porcupines, badgers, coyotes, and over 300 recorded bird species. Indoor Main Exhibit Gallery with rotating displays. Offers geocaching, guided field trips, and adventure gear loans. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/helen-schuler-nature-centre

- **Casa**: An arts gallery showcasing art and craft from Southern Alberta. Hosts film screenings, art documentaries, community projects, and artist talks. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/casa

- **Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG)**: Contemporary art gallery housed in the historic Lethbridge Library. Rotating exhibitions of local, domestic, and international contemporary artists. Art library, gift shop, and annual events including Spring and Christmas markets and an art auction. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/southern-alberta-art-gallery

- **Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre**: Open seasonally (active since 1982). Focused on educating the public about Alberta's native birds of prey. Features flying demonstrations, an Eagle Courtyard, walking paths, and a natural history centre. Rescues and rehabilitates injured hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, and vultures from across Canada. URL: https://tourismlethbridge.com/place/alberta-birds-of-prey-centre

## UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Nearby)

Lethbridge is a short drive from four UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- **Writing on Stone / Áísínai'pi**
- **Dinosaur Provincial Park**
- **Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump**
- **Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park**

Full guide: https://tourismlethbridge.com/things-to-do/unesco-world-heritage-sites

## Food & Drink Highlights

- Farm-to-table dining with local producers
- Canada's Food Tours
- Highway 3 Ale Trail
- Lethbridge Farmers Market
- "Lethbridge Farm to Table: Flavours of Southern Alberta" recipe book (free PDF featuring 25 recipes from 13 local producers)

Full guide: https://tourismlethbridge.com/food-and-drink

## Explore Lethbridge App

The **Explore Lethbridge** web app (no download required) helps visitors discover attractions, local eats, and seasonal events. Users can check in at locations, earn points, and unlock rewards. Available at: https://www.explorelethbridge.app/

## Organization Details

- **Full name**: Tourism Lethbridge (Niita'paini'pi Sikoohkotok)
- **Type**: Non-profit Destination Management Organization (DMO)
- **Incorporated**: 2018 (Societies Act of Alberta); created by the City of Lethbridge in 2016
- **Funding**: City of Lethbridge; supplemented by provincial/federal grants and Travel Alberta partnerships
- **CEO**: Erin Crane
- **Senior Director of Communications**: Dominika Wojcik
- **Director of Opportunity**: Shilo Aspinall
- **Digital Content Manager**: Thomas Miller
- **Vision**: To lead a community-powered destination where prairie culture shines, destination development drives growth, and aligned storytelling inspires the world to visit.
- **Mission**: To lead and grow Lethbridge's visitor economy through community-driven leadership, strategic partnerships, destination development, and advocacy—delivering sustainable economic impact, enriched experiences, and a strong sense of place for residents and visitors alike.
- **Strategic Plan**: 2026–2031

## Social Media & Contact

- **Website**: https://tourismlethbridge.com/
- **Instagram**: https://www.instagram.com/tourismlethbridge
- **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/tourismlethbridge
- **YouTube**: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLpCPSJ5C_AIOuaEoT5vGYg
- **LinkedIn**: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourism-lethbridge-ldmo
- **Threads**: https://www.threads.net/@tourismlethbridge
- **Contact form**: https://tourismlethbridge.com/contact

## Land Acknowledgement

Tourism Lethbridge acknowledges that it operates on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present, and future, recognizing their cultural heritage, beliefs, and relationship to the land. Respect is also offered to the Métis and all who have lived on this land and made Lethbridge their home.