Major Attractions of Lethbridge

Despite it being just a stone’s throw from downtown Lethbridge, Fort Whoop-Up is a seasonal attraction that will have you feeling like you stepped back in time. Originally called Fort Hamilton - the name Whoop-Up was a nickname that ended up sticking - this replica of the original fur trading fort tells the story of the region and the people who lived here in the late 1800s.

Learn about the buffalo robe and illegal whisky trade as you discover how the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), First Nations, Métis, Canadians, Americans, and British all had an influence on the culture and politics of the time (including the stories of a few notorious characters).

At Fort Whoop-Up, you can experience tours (both guided and self-guided), exhibits, wagon rides, a pre-booked picnic lunch, a gift shop, and more. If you’re interested in the history of Southern Alberta, a visit to Fort Whoop-Up is a must.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge all define their cities. The Lethbridge Viaduct, or High-Level Bridge, is no different! It’s an iconic image of Lethbridge that has framed views of the city for more than a century. This railway trestle bridge is actually the largest railway structure in Canada and the largest of its kind in the world (so we think it deserves a photo or two).

Completed in 1909 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the black steel trestles contrast the surrounding hills of the coulees as well as the Oldman River. But it’s not just interesting to look at… it is still regularly maintained and used over a century since its construction! DATA

There are multiple spots around Lethbridge that provide great photos of the High-Level Bridge, including:

• Helen Schuler Nature Centre: You can get an amazing photo of the bridge from the rooftop garden, or you can hit the trail and grab a shot directly underneath the mighty bridge.
• Galt Museum and Archives: Walk west on the trails behind the museum for a vantage point with Fort Whoop-Up below.
• City trails: Whether you’re on the west side of the river (such as in Bull Trail Park North), or on the east side, there are over 200 kilometres of city trails with plenty of opportunities to get a shot of the High-Level Bridge.

Highway 3: Along Highway 3, find the eastbound pullout exit just past the river for a great south-facing view of the bridge.

Just slightly west of downtown Lethbridge, you’ll discover the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, a sprawling preservation park of over 200 acres near the river. In fact, you might forget you’re only a few minutes away from a bustling city! This slice of paradise has multiple self-guided interpretive trails that let you soak up the diverse ecosystem of the Oldman River Valley.

Keep an eye out for the numerous animals that call the Helen Schuler Nature Centre home, including deer, rabbits, porcupines, badgers, and coyotes, not to mention the over 300 bird species that have been spotted in the area over the years. 

Elsewhere in the preservation park, you’ll find the indoor Main Exhibit Gallery, which features a new display every six months; there are also rotating indoor and outdoor exhibits, including artist showcases, interactive displays, and even displays featuring live local flora and fauna. 

You’ll also have opportunities for geocaching, guided field trips, and the chance to borrow adventure gear to make your visit that much more memorable. The centre is also located directly underneath the High-Level Bridge, making it an excellent spot for photography.

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre is a fantastic place for families, outdoor walks, wildlife viewing, and/or a midday escape to a quiet slice of untouched nature.

Found 11 kilometres east of Lethbridge, the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre aims to connect people and nature. Open seasonally, the centre has been active since 1982 with the goal of helping educate the public on Alberta’s native birds of prey. 

The centre provides an engaging hands-on experience for people of all ages, allowing you to get up close and personal with various bird species while you learn about their importance in our ecosystem.

At the sanctuary, you can witness flying demonstrations, feed ducks, visit the Eagle Courtyard, enjoy the walking paths, and check out the natural history centre. A primary focus of the organization is the rescue and release of injured hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, and vultures; these birds come from all across Canada to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

A visit to the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre is a fantastic way to learn more about the bird species in Southern Alberta while supporting their rescue and release.

Established during Canada’s Centennial in 1967, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden recognizes contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multicultural community of Lethbridge. In fact, Nikka Yuko translates roughly to “Japan-Canada friendship.”

Designed by revered landscape architects from Osaka Prefecture University, Nikka Yuko unites traditional Japanese garden landscapes with greenery native to Southern Alberta. Wander along intricate pathways and discover unique sculptures and architecture – each made in Kyoto by local artisans, then shipped to Lethbridge. A tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of southern Alberta, the garden offers a unique, immersive cultural experience that will transport you to a serene world of Japanese tradition, beauty, and harmony.

One of the highlights of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is the multitude of special events throughout the year, including the famous Winter Light Festival. Other events include Yoga in the Garden, Long Table Dinner, Setsubun Festival, Picnic in the Garden, and more, including regular programming of traditional demonstrations, Japanese language lessons, and origami workshops, to name a few.

Relatively new to the Nikka Yuko garden is the Bunka Centre (bunka meaning culture). The centre endeavours to engage the community and guests through cultural experiences and programs offered while also providing space for the community to celebrate and gather for their own cultural purposes, events, and activities.

The Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa is all about community. With a commitment to reflecting the world around us, the museum aims to spark curiosity, compassion, and connection. Home to over 17,000 artifacts and more than one million archival documents and photographs, the museum is incredibly well-respected both within the province of Alberta and on a national level.

Extraordinary things happen at the Galt Museum & Archives/Akaisamitohkanao’pa. Besides the rotating exhibits that feature the history of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, you can also find beautiful gardens that reflect the local ecosystems as well as numerous walking trails. 

Not to be missed is the dynamic programming that caters to a range of ages and interests; from Blackfoot language lessons to whisky tastings to kids’ trivia days, there’s always something intriguing happening at the Galt.

Specializing in conceptual and installation art, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery/Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin offers a fresh perspective on the Southern Albertan experience. With rotating exhibitions showcasing the best of local, domestic, and international artists, the gallery fosters the work of contemporary artists who challenge boundaries.

SAAG exhibits some of the most compelling contemporary art from around the region and across the country, encouraging public engagement and promoting exploration of artistic expression. It is housed in the historic Lethbridge Library and hosts rotating shows in its larger gallery rooms; there’s also an art library and gift shop open year-round near the front entrance.

Keep an eye out for the many events and programs throughout the year, including Spring and Christmas markets, Art and Culture Days, the SAAG Social, and an annual art auction.

The Casa Community Arts Centre is a unique facility that has quickly become one of the most recognized and respected interdisciplinary arts centres in Alberta. This 42,000-square-foot arts centre was a collaborative effort on behalf of many in the Lethbridge arts community, and the result is a space that is intriguing and welcoming to all.

With free admission, the gallery at Casa showcases a multitude of art and craft from Southern Alberta. It also regularly hosts film screenings, art documentaries, community projects, and artist talks to encourage connection, engagement, and celebration in Lethbridge and beyond.

Casa was built to serve multiple generations within the Lethbridge community, and it is a place for experimentation, learning, and growing. With that in mind, all art skill sets and interests are welcome here, as seen in the excellent workshops, classes, and exhibition opportunities. There are numerous events and classes that cater to children, including the popular family fun days.