Things to do

Writing-on-Stone is one of the oldest standing cultural sites of the Indigenous people in all of Canada. Walk among towering hoodoos and discover beautiful rock drawings to get a glimpse into the past of the Indigenous people of Canada.

Waterton Lakes National Park is a UNESCO site, a World Heritage Site and International Peace Park. From thrilling heights to beautiful sights, Waterton Lakes National Park is loved by tourists and locals alike.

Dinosaur Provincial Park is your place to find some of the best-preserved and most significant concentrations of prehistoric fossils worldwide.

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.

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.

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.