Things to do

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

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.

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.

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.

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.