Things to do
Things to do
Good Times Comedy Club
Great Strides Fine Shoes
Green Haven Garden Centre
Hazy Hollow Acres U-Pick
Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump/Estipah-skikikini-kots
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump/Estipahskikikini-kots is known for its importance to the Blackfoot and Indigenous cultural practices and people.
Helen Schuler Nature Centre
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.
Hell's Creek Raymond Golf & Footgolf Course
Henderson Ice Centre
Henderson Lake Golf Club
High Level Bridge
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.
High Level Canoe and Kayak
Holiday Bowl (5 Pin)
Hudsons Canadian Tap House Lethbridge
ITEA Express Bubble Tea & Vietnamese Cuisine
Iissksiniip Coulee Walk
UNESCO Sites
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Dinosaur Provincial Park is your place to find some of the best-preserved and most significant concentrations of prehistoric fossils worldwide.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
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.
Major Attractions
Fort Whoop-Up
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.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
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.
Alberta Birds of Prey Centre
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.