Outdoor Activities

Lethbridge boasts a vibrant bike culture, offering diverse riding opportunities for all experience levels and making it a regional cycling hub. Riders can explore scenic off-road routes through the coulees, paved paths, city parks, and trails, including Bike Boulevard (7th Avenue) and locations in the river bottom, such as Botterill Bottom Park. However, it is not permitted to bike in nature reserves like Lethbridge Nature Reserve, Cottonwood Park, Elizabeth Hall Wetlands, and Alexander Wilderness Park.

Lethbridge offers a remarkably rich and diverse bird-watching experience, with over 200 species recorded annually across various habitats. Birdwatchers can explore numerous locations, including the coulees and river valley, as well as city parks and public gardens. Specific species common in the area include the Blue Jay, Pine Siskin, Gold Finches, Rufus Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, non-native Ring-Necked Pheasant (often seen in Cottonwood Park and near the Helen Schuler Nature Centre), Meadowlark, Mountain Bluebird, Clay-Coloured Sparrow, and the Great Horned Owl, which is Alberta’s official bird and known for its diverse diet. Turkey vultures also roost nearby and are considered “local celebrities” by birdwatchers.

Lethbridge is a premier destination for disc golf enthusiasts, boasting a variety of courses that cater to all skill levels. The city is notably home to Canada’s largest disc golf course, located at Nicholas Sheran Park, an 18-hole urban park featuring a wide array of terrains from lakeside tosses to rolling hills. Other notable courses include the 18-hole Aperture Park Disc Golf Course on the University of Lethbridge campus, renowned for its winding passages and beautiful scenery, and the 9-hole Lethbridge Polytechnic Disc Golf Course, which is ideal for beginners or practice due to its balanced layout and simple obstacles. Additionally, Peenaquim Park, nestled in the river valley coulees, offers a quiet, secluded experience with scenic views and is home to the Lethbridge West Lions Disc Golf Club—one of the most challenging courses in the region due to its rough terrain.

Whether you’re after off‑leash runs along Oldman River valley coulees or peaceful walks with your pup on paved trails through lush parks, Lethbridge’s well‑designed dog‑friendly spaces make every outing a joy. For off‑leash freedom, Popson Park, Scenic Drive Dog Run, Peenaquim Park, and RiverStone Dog Park all welcome well‑behaved, voice‑controlled pups within designated zones. Popson Park is a local favourite for swimming and open playtime. Scenic Drive Dog Run plunges into the coulees via a picturesque 2 km loop just off Scenic Drive South. Peenaquim Park offers both fenced play areas and riverside walking trails, while smaller fenced green space at RiverStone is perfect for quiet strolls and social play. For on‑leash walks, Lethbridge’s extensive Coal Banks Trail and numerous parks deliver delightful leash‑friendly routes through prairie, lake, and coulee terrain.

For those looking for warm weather and a long golf season in Canada, set your course to Lethbridge. Golf is a favourite pastime in Lethbridge, offering a variety of course lengths and skill levels. The city features the Henderson Lake Golf Club, an 18-hole course with stunning views and well-maintained conditions. The Lethbridge Golf and Country Club is a challenging and beautiful private 18-hole course, designed by renowned architect Stanley Thompson. Paradise Canyon Golf Resort is an 18-hole course acclaimed by Golf Digest as one of Canada's top 60 and the best in Southern Alberta, artfully incorporated into the coulees beneath ancient Oldman River cliffs. For practice, the Evergreen Golf Centre is the top choice, featuring state-of-the-art training equipment, a Toptracer driving range, and a mini putt, alongside an enjoyable par three course. Lastly, Bridge Valley Golf is an affordable 9-hole option set amidst the coulees of the River Valley, famous for its stunning views of the High Level Bridge.

Lethbridge is a hidden gem for hikers, offering a unique mix of prairie plains, dramatic coulees, and river valley trails that make for stunning and varied terrain. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk through the wetlands or a more challenging trek up coulee ridgelines with sweeping views of the Oldman River, Lethbridge offers an unforgettable hiking experience just steps from the urban core.

Lethbridge offers a variety of paddling spots perfect for exploring the outdoors from the water. Glide across the calm waters of Henderson Lake or Nicholas Sheran Park for a relaxing urban paddle, or head to the Oldman River for a scenic float through the coulees. One recommended float is from Botterill Bottom Park boat launch (downstream from the weir) toward Pavan Park, offering a tranquil sightseeing stretch. For a quiet escape just outside the city, Park Lake Provincial Park offers a peaceful setting ideal for kayaking or canoeing. With beautiful views, accessible launch points, and local outfitters like High Level Canoes & Kayaks ready to help you gear up, Lethbridge is a perfect place to dip your paddle and discover southern Alberta from a whole new perspective.

Looking to capture Lethbridge through the lens? From sweeping coulee views and iconic landmarks to vibrant murals and hidden urban gems, the city is full of photo-worthy locations just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re into wildlife, landscapes, architecture, or street photography, Lethbridge offers a mix of natural beauty and creative backdrops that make it a dream for photographers. For a roundup of the best photography hotspots and tips on when and where to get the perfect shot, check the link below.

Get ready to be dill-ighted—Lethbridge serves up fantastic outdoor pickleball opportunities that enthusiasts will truly relish! With several well-maintained outdoor courts across the City, including popular spots at Legacy Park and Lethbridge Polytechnic, there’s no shortage of places to paddle up and play in the fresh prairie air. And when the weather cools down, you can still keep your game sharp at Pickle Point Centre, Lethbridge’s premier indoor pickleball facility. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into the swing of things, pickleball in Lethbridge is a big dill!

Lethbridge is an all-season runner’s paradise with over 200 kilometres of trails, featuring mild winters and challenging coulee elevations. The central River Valley Trail Network offers 30 km of asphalt pathways connecting major parks and nature reserves across the city. The city also hosts significant events like the gruelling Lost Soul Ultra (50km, 100km, 100-mile options) and the popular Moonlight Run in Indian Battle Park. Most routes are dog-friendly on-leash, with some exceptions for nature preserves.

Lethbridge, Alberta, has a thriving skate scene with parks for every style and skill level. Dave Elton Skatepark is famous for its flowing lines, transitions, and unique features that helped shape some of Canada’s top skaters. For a more well-rounded session, Legacy Skatepark offers everything from pools and rails to ledges and stairs, plus nearby family-friendly amenities like washrooms and a spray park. Wade Galloway Skatepark is a great evening spot with lights on until 11 pm and a relaxed setup built for social sessions. Watermark Skatepark stands out with its plaza-style design, long ledges, perfect handrails, and what many call the best hip in town—also lit until late, though lacking nearby washrooms. When you need gear or advice, Boarderline Skateshop is the go-to for everything from decks and wheels to lessons and community vibes.

Cool off in summer at Lethbridge’s two dedicated outdoor public pools! Dive into the fun at Henderson Pool, the city’s largest outdoor aquatic facility, featuring giant waterslides, a drop slide, diving board, climbing wall, zero‑depth entry pool, spray‑park area, and scenic picnic space—all set in scenic Henderson Lake Park. Or enjoy a classic neighbourhood splash at Westminster Outdoor Pool, a six‑lane L‑shaped pool with waterslides, a separate kiddie pool with fountains, and grassy picnic areas. When things cool off or you want a climate‑controlled swim, Lethbridge’s indoor pools have you covered—from the family-friendly Stan Siwik and Nicholas Sheran leisure pools to the state-of-the-art Cor Van Raay YMCA with its wave pool, lazy river, and waterslides. For competitive swimmers or those looking for serious training, the University of Lethbridge’s Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre features a full 50 m pool, dive towers, and advanced aquatic facilities.

With over 20 publicly accessible tennis courts throughout the city, tennis enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Lethbridge. While Lethbridge maintains a strong outdoor tennis scene, it currently does not offer any publicly available indoor tennis courts.

Lethbridge is a walker’s dream, offering a delightful blend of lakeside paths, coulee trails, and peaceful wildlife loops that welcome visitors of all abilities. Some popular walking paths in Lethbridge include The Henderson Lake Loop (about 2.9 km), which delivers a leisurely, scenic stroll around the lake and perimeter trails through parkland. Nicholas Sheran Park features nearly 6 km of lakeside and woodland paths. At the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands Loop, explore a family‑friendly 2 km trail circling a picturesque oxbow pond, where you may spot turtles, beavers, and plenty of birdlife. Bull Trail Park North offers excellent views of the High Level Bridge. A self‑guided network of trails at the Lethbridge Nature Reserve near the Helen Schuler Nature Centre offers immersive coulee escapes within city limits.