Explore Spring in Lethbridge!
Explore Spring in Lethbridge!
Spring has officially sprung in Lethbridge! The grass is green, bees are starting to buzz, and the wind is blowing as usual. As everything comes back to life and the wildlife emerge from their winter hibernation, it's the perfect opportunity to talk about all the incredible activities you can find during the springtime in Lethbridge! Keep reading for some spring adventures and learn about the best natural escapes in the city.
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
The conservation area of Helen Schuler Nature Centre is the best place in the city to expand your knowledge of local ecology and the animals that call the river valley home! Even better, this urban escape is only 5 minutes away from downtown! Stop by for the superb programming they have planned throughout the spring, or pop into the centre anytime to see displays and advice on how to explore the natural landscape ethically. Their rooftop garden provides a riot of colours, beautiful scents and stunning views of the High-Level Bridge, while their indoor community art gallery provides an opportunity to engage with the work of local artists of all ages! Discover their programming by clicking here!
Explore the Outdoors
Lethbridge has lots of green spaces, but did you know there are also over 200km of walking and running trails located within city limits? From the Old Man River Valley to Pavan Park, there is always somewhere new to explore and enjoy the fresh air of Lethbridge's outdoor environments. So tie your laces, get outside, and enjoy the expansive trail network!
While the walking and running trails in the city are great, there are still more than enough places within city limits to climb inclines and enjoy the untamed outdoors with places like the Scenic Drive Dog Run, Pavan Park, and the expansive network of trails throughout the Old Man River Valley. Whether you're going high or low, there is sure to be a hiking trail within the city to raise your spirits (and heart rate of course!)
Learn About our History and Art
Lethbridge may have an expansive network of trails for all sorts of earth-traversing activities, but did you know the city is also full of public art and a rich coal mining history? Well, if you didn't know, now you do! You can book a historical downtown walking tour with the Galt Museum or check out this interactive map of the city's art to learn more. Whether you're a history buff or an art enthusiast, there is a self-guided tour for you!
Disc Golf in Lethbridge
Lethbridge is home to a plethora of disc golf courses, including the largest disc golf course in Canada, located on Nicholas Sheran Park. There are many more courses nestled throughout the city, including on the Lethbridge College Campus and within Peenaquim Park. With so many options and expertly-designed courses, you're guaranteed to have a great time disc golfing in Lethbridge.
Biking in Lethbridge
Not only is our city great for runners, hikers, and all other kinds of movers and shakers, we also have some great places in the city to go cycling! The Bike Boulevard on 7th Avenue South is an scenic ride that you can take to enjoy the canopying trees overhead. If you are looking for a more thrilling ride, take your bike down to the river bottom area at Botterill Bottom Park, where there are ramps, jumps, and more to satisfy your adrenaline-seeking needs.
Legacy Park
On the north side of the city, you'll find Lethbridge's newest park. This location boasts a wide variety of sport courts, playgrounds, and a splash park. Burn off steam on the playgrounds, challenge courses, and over 6 km of paved and natural trails. Get competitive on the many pickleball courts, enjoy a game of basketball, or try out the skateboard park. Legacy Park delivers hours of family fun.
Henderson Lake Park
With its 24-hectare constructed lake, Henderson Lake is one of Lethbridge's oldest and grandest outdoor spaces. Groves of mature trees offer shade, while picnic shelters, playgrounds, and over 7 km of pathways keep families entertained. Henderson Lake Park is also close to Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Spitz Stadium, and the Agro-food Hub, making this the perfect destination for a day full of fun, no matter your age or interests.
Cottonwood Park
Named for its extensive cottonwood forest, Cottonwood Park is one of Lethbridge's City Preservation Areas. Visitors will appreciate the natural grasslands, coulees, and forests. It's also a natural habitat for prairie wildlife species, including the Prairie Rattlesnake. Like Pavan and Popson Parks, this is nature in its purest!
Indian Battle Park
Indian Battle Park commemorates the last battle fought between the Blackfoot and Cree Nations in October of 1870. Access to this historic site is easy thanks to its proximity to downtown and major roads. Enjoy 5km of river-bottom trails, a natural playground, and several picnic areas with both booked and drop-in options are available. It's also home to the Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre. Stop for a picnic and explore for hours!
Pavan Park
At the northern edge of the city, Pavan Park delivers 125 hectares of birdsong, river paths, and magnificent nature. You'll find 10km of walking and hiking trails, plus playgrounds, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, volleyball, and equestrian trails. Pavan Park is a natural landscape without travelling far!
Popson Park
The Oldman River, flat prairies, and amazing views of the stunning coulees—this is what Popson Park provides. This epic wild park offers a boat launch, covered picnic shelters for social events, and the only off-leash dog park on the west side of town. Popson Park is also home to the Oldman River Observatory.
Don't forget to share your spring adventures in Lethbridge with us on social media using #ExploreLethbridge! We love seeing how everyone celebrates nature springing back to life in their own unique ways! We even repost some of our favourite shots (with permission, of course!) on our social media. If you share a post, you might just see yourself on our pages!