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Lethbridge is a medium-sized city in the province of Alberta with a population of 100,000 people. It sits in the southern part of the province and is just over one hour from the United States Montana border. Lethbridge is the commercial, financial, transportation, and industrial center of southern Alberta, so you know you’re not going to run out of fun and exciting things to do here!
Regardless of your interests, whether it be the great outdoors or hitting up a brewery or museum, we have you covered in this list of 33 fun and exciting things to do in Lethbridge, Alberta!
33 Things to do in Lethbridge, Alberta
1. See the High Level Bridge / Lethbridge Viaduct
Something almost every Lethbridge resident takes for granted, but most travelers find impressive, is the Lethbridge Viaduct, also known as the High-Level Bridge. The bridge was built between 1907 and 1909 to allow the railway to span the coulees and is still in use today.
The bridge stands over 95 meters (312 feet) tall and is 1,624 meters (5,328 feet) long. The High Level Bridge is actually the largest railway structure in Canada and the largest of its type in the world. So, it’s naturally one of the best attractions in Lethbridge.
It’s so large you can’t miss it when you drive through the city. It’s quite an impressive structure, and definitely worth checking out if you’re visiting Lethbridge.
2. Take a day to explore Indian Battle Park
Indian Battle Park is named after the last great battle to take place between rival first nation tribes in North America. The battle took place in the river bottom, nestled between the coulees of present-day Lethbridge in 1870.
Today, Indian Battle Park is set up for day use with numerous picnic shelters, fire pits, and 5 km (3 miles) of trails, including a hike that kids love to the lookout point on top of the coulees. In addition, there are interpretive panels throughout the park explaining the coal mining history, the Medicine Stone, the wildlife, and the area’s natural vegetation.
If the latter two interest you, be sure to stop in the Helen Schuler Nature Centre and check out their displays about the region’s flora and fauna. Do not miss your chance to climb up to the center’s roof to see the garden while there.
Admission is free, making this a great free activity in Lethbridge!
The Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre also makes its home in Indian Battle Park. The original notorious outlaw whiskey trading post stood on the outskirts of the present-day city, but a replica tourist attraction now sits in the Old Man River Valley. Admission can be booked for $15 CAD per adult and $10 CAD per kid and includes a self-guided or guided tour with one of the employees.
If you want to ride on the wagon it costs an additional $5 CAD. Self-guided tours are not guaranteed a spot on the wagon.
3. Visit the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands
Lethbridge has over 140 parks and green spaces that are maintained by the city. My favorite is the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands, a nature preserve off the Old Man River nestled between the coulees. There is a 3 km (1.9 miles) well-kept trail that loops around the park. This is one place in Lethbridge for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
On a warm, calm day, you will see hundreds of western painted turtles sunning themselves in the shallow waters. If you come at dusk or dawn, you may see one of the multiple beavers that make the Elizabeth Hall Wetlands home. The large beaver dam is always visible. Don’t forget your camera!
4. Have a picnic at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens
The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a must for your list of things to do in Lethbridge! The gardens were designed to symbolize the merging of Japanese and Canadian cultures in the most authentic way possible and are considered an oasis on the prairie.
Various experiences can be booked before visiting the gardens, such as Date Night in the Dome. A $70 CAD package gets you liquor for two with charcuterie sourced from neighboring Lethbridge farms. Or the cheaper $57 CAD Zensai Picnic that just includes charcuterie and water for two.
One of the more peculiar experiences offered is the Sumo Package, where your group gets a rental of a private room and sumo suits to practice battling. This makes for an interesting day in Lethbridge, to say the least. For $120 for groups of 10 to 20 people, you’re sure to be entertained.
Be sure to check out all of the fun packages the Japanese Gardens offer! There really is something for everyone.
The Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm but closed Tuesday and Wednesday. They close for the season in October to decorate for the winter light festival. Admission is $13.50 CAD per adult and Children 6 to 12 are $10 CAD. You can purchase tickets here online or in person.
5. Try the surf simulator at the YMCA
The Cor Van Ray YMCA opened recently on the west side of Lethbridge and boasts an impressive aquatics center. The indoor pool is 50,000 square feet and includes two water slides, a wave pool, a steam room, a lazy river, and a large hot tub.
But arguably, its most impressive feature is the surf simulator which is very popular with teens and young adults. Another fun feature is that the viewing area of the pool sits right behind the surf simulator, so you have the opportunity to watch some great tricks (and all the epic wipeouts!)
One hour of coaching on the FlowRider costs $250 CAD ($200 CAD for members) for groups of 1-10 people and it can be booked online.
6. Go to Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this list of the best things to do in Lethbridge. This site is sacred to the Blackfoot people as it was used to run the buffalo off the large cliff.
The buffalo were a primary food source for the Plains People, and no part of the animal was wasted. Pelts were used for clothing and constructing tipis, and the sinews were used for bowstrings.
At the site, is an Interpretive Centre that teaches all about the Blackfoot people’s way of life. Included with the price of admission is a 3.5-hour hike with an informed interpreter who will explain the importance of the site to you while you take in the incredible plains scenery.
If you opt to do the hike, be sure to bring water, sturdy footwear, and dress appropriately for the weather!
Getting to the Buffalo Jump is only a 45-minute drive from Lethbridge. Admission is $15 CAD per person or $40 CAD per family. The museum is open every day except Mondays during the off-season and holidays.
2023 Update: Unfortunately as Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is still transitioning out of the COVID-19 era there are currently only self-guided tours available but you can still use the Upper and Lower hiking trails, reach the viewpoints, watch theatre presentations, and explore all 7 floors of exhibits. Keep watch for updates on their websites.
7. Check out Legacy Park
One of Lethbridge’s newest parks is Legacy Park. It sits on 73 acres on the north side of the city. One of the coolest features is the amphitheater used to host outdoor music festivals in the summer.
Other unique features of this park include the ornamental gardens, the lookout on the lake, the skate park, and an outdoor challenge course. This is Canada’s first challenge course and features 11 different obstacles!
There is also a professional-grade timing system with a scoreboard so individuals can see how quickly they complete the course and have a little friendly competition if they choose.
This is another great free thing to do in Lethbridge, and it’s an awesome family-friendly activity too! As another great addition to Legacy Park, a large spray park is currently in the works and set to open in 2022.
8. Visit the SAAG
The Southern Alberta Art Gallery showcases local, national, and international contemporary artists. Their artistic mission includes showcasing art that pushes boundaries.
As a contemporary art gallery, their exhibits can be challenging at times. Still, they offer the viewer a new perspective to look at objects in a way they would not have otherwise. I have been lucky enough to see some fascinating multimedia displays here.
The SAAG is open Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 CAD for adults.
9. See the Musical Ride
Every summer in July and August, the Fort Museum of the Northwest Mounted Police in Fort Macleod presents the NWMP Musical Ride. The Musical Ride is an equestrian show set to music where the horses and riders perform coordinated drills and formations. The ride is recreated with authentic Northwest Mounted Police costumes.
If you want to participate, join the Groom a Horse Program where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the horses are prepared for the ride and be the honorary ride inspector. The Groom a Horse program has been labeled a Canadian Signature Experience by Destination Canada.
The rate to enter the museum is $21.60 CAD and an additional $7.20 CAD fee to experience the Musical Ride. The Groom a Horse program costs an additional $35 CAD. Grab your ticket in advance here!
Check the museum’s website for opening times and the Musical Ride schedule. Fort Macleod is a 30-minute drive from Lethbridge.
10. Eat at the Water Tower Grill & Bar for a panoramic view of Lethbridge
The novelty of the Water Tower Grill & Bar is that it’s located in an actual repurposed water tower. You’ll take a 10-second elevator ride up to the top where you can enjoy your meal 30 meters (100 feet) in the air. Windows surround the entire perimeter of the water tower for the perfect panoramic view of the city.
There is an aerial boardwalk to enjoy the view from outside on a beautiful day. And of course, the food is excellent. The steak is always cooked to perfection, and their blackened salmon is heavenly. I won’t lie though, their Moscow Mules are what really get me!
The restaurant and lounge are open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 12 am, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.
11. Stargaze at the Oldman River Observatory
Lethbridge has one of the best amateur astronomy facilities in Canada. The Oldman River Observatory is located in Popson Park on the west side of the city.
From October to February (excluding December), the Lethbridge Astronomy Club hosts a public observation of the night sky from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm on the last Saturday of every month. Registration is required on Eventbrite’s website.
There are also events held throughout the summer. One event they have is a viewing of the sun. Multiple telescopes are set up, and you’re able to see sunspots and solar flares! They also have Lethbridge Astronomy Club volunteers who are very helpful and knowledgeable and do a great job entertaining the kids.
Be sure to check out their calendar for events because most events are free!
12. Watch live horse races at the Rocky Mountain Turf Club
Lethbridge’s Rocky Mountain Turf Club often presents live horse racing on weekends in May, June, September, and October. It’s exciting, fast, and fun and you don’t need to know anything about horse racing to enjoy it! Even better, it is free to attend and family-friendly. Though you must be 18+ to enter the adjacent bar and casino.
Betting is optional and not necessary to have a good time. You can even take the kids to see the horses and get up close. It’s definitely fun for the whole family!
Another exciting event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Turf Club that everyone should see once in their life is the Indian Warrior Relay Race. Riders race bareback around the track and jump from horse to horse relay-style trying to beat the other teams, it’s very interesting to watch!
13. Visit the Birds of Prey
The Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale, located 10 minutes from Lethbridge, is a raptor rescue and conservation agency. They take owls, eagles, and hawks that have been injured across Canada and try to rehabilitate them for release back into the wild.
Flying demonstrations are held every 90 minutes throughout the day. It is an excellent opportunity to watch these large birds swoop through the sky. The interpreters are very knowledgeable and friendly and will help you with a photo opportunity with some friendlier birds at no extra cost. This year they had the furriest baby owls available for pictures.
The center opens seasonally in May and closes well before October. Adults are $14 CAD, and youth admission is $9.50 CAD.
14. Take a trip to Frank Slide
If you are up for a 1.5-hour drive from Lethbridge towards the Rocky Mountains, check out the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre to learn about Canada’s deadliest rockslide. Seeing the aftermath of the rockslide where a large chunk of Turtle Mountain gave way in 1903 is a fantastic site as it looks like it just happened yesterday.
Large chunks of rock cover the earth on both sides of the highway. On-site is an informative interpretive center that educates about the disaster and the area’s coal mining history. There is also a gift shop that serves snacks and drinks.
There is a short 1.6 km (1-mile) hike around the building called the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Loop. This is recommended to really see the rockslide and the damage it caused.
Frank Slide is open every day except Mondays in the off-season. Adult admission costs $15 CAD while admission for a family is $40 CAD.
15. Visit the Remington Carriage Museum
The Remington Carriage Museum is the largest carriage museum in the world. It displays 330 horse-drawn vehicles in an open storage concept – there are literally shelves of carriages stacked on top of each other! It’s super impressive and one of the top things to do in Lethbridge.
All carriages on display at the museum are restored to like-new condition in their on-site workshop. The workshop has a viewing window so you can see the restorations happening during your visit. Tours of the area are also available.
The Museum is a one-hour drive from Lethbridge down Highway #5. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission for a family is $40 CAD, and for adults $15 CAD.
Related Read: For more museums, consider heading to Calgary for a day or two. Checking out some of the city’s top museums is one of the best indoor activites in Calgary.
16. Spend the day at Waterton Lakes National Park
A 1.5-hour drive will take you from Lethbridge to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada’s famous Rocky Mountains. It costs $21 CAD per family or group to access the park (if you don’t already have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass).
There are countless activities and things to do while in Waterton. The trail to Bears Hump is a tourist favorite as you get spectacular views of the mountains and townsite from a moderate one-hour hike.
If you want to see the great outdoors from a higher level of comfort, book a tour with the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company. There are multiple departure times from June until the end of September. The 10 am departure is the photography tour, but they have several different cruise options to choose from. Tickets are $61 CAD for adults and $33 CAD for children.
Whatever you decide to do in Waterton, always keep your eye out for wildlife. On our last visit, we were lucky enough to see a bear swim across the lake!
17. See famous artists at the U of L Art Gallery
A hidden gem that is a must-visit in Lethbridge if you are a fan of the arts is the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery. The main gallery sits behind a stairwell in the arts building, and you will not be disappointed if you decide to venture here. The gallery is small, but visiting is free.
There are over 14,000 works in the collection that span artists as diverse as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Emily Carr. The entire collection can be searched online and, if you call ahead, a private viewing may be possible.
18. Find the Junk Castle in the Coulees
Now I’m not going to tell you exactly where it is because that negates some of the fun and frustration. But, the story goes that an art student from the University of Lethbridge built the castle made of junk that hides in the coulees as an art project.
It’s only gotten bigger over the years because people keep adding to it. The best place to park your car is at the Faculty of Management building on the University of Lethbridge campus. Venture onto the coulees from there.
Be sure to bring an old toy or broken clock to add to the collection and leave your mark on the junk castle. The castle has a tower, so you’ll get a good view of all the pelicans at the river bottom. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear for this activity.
19. Relax at one of Lethbridge’s cafes
A new addition that opened in the spring of 2023 is Frank’s Redwood Croffle Café is on the north side of Lethbridge along 13th Avenue. Frank’s Redwood has a tranquil, clean, relaxing adult atmosphere. If you’re feeling productive, many people come here to plug their laptops into a port and work.
They are KNOWN for their Crouffles – delectable layers of flaky pastry crust placed into a waffle maker and topped with whipped cream and often fruit! How irresistible does that sound??!
They also serve a wide variety of delicious breakfast sandwiches and breakfast poutine. Anything on their menu will pair perfectly with an espresso drink or tea from their lengthy drink menu.
The Penny Coffee House is another great spot. It has been conveniently located in downtown Lethbridge for over 25 years. It is considered a Lethbridge institution that locals swear by.
The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is warm and often bustling. They serve both hot and grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, soups, and salads. This is the place to meet a friend for coffee in Lethbridge and wonder where the time went.
20. Shop historic Downtown Lethbridge
Downtown Lethbridge is made up of several original historic brick and sandstone buildings built between 1906 and 1913.
Many unique, small boutique businesses are situated in these historic buildings in downtown Lethbridge, making it an ideal place for shopping away in the afternoon.
Silla Designs is a great place to start your shopping adventure in downtown Lethbridge. This store is situated in a large brick heritage building and is stocked full of unique jewelry, clothing, and home decor items. It is the best place to find a gift for the next upcoming birthday.
If you have a sweet tooth, make How Sweet Inc. your first destination. This candy store works hard to bring in unique items you won’t get anywhere else, including long-gone staples remembered from childhood. For example, the last time I stopped in, I picked up Nerd Gummy Clusters and a Fruity Cereal KitKat.
For the bibliophiles, downtown Lethbridge has three locally-owned bookstores. Analog Books is new to Lethbridge and the only one that isn’t a used book store. They have a large pen wall to help you find your perfect pen in any color.
For those who have room to bring a plant back from your trip, the Still and Soil is a newer business to downtown Lethbridge that has really found its niche.
21. Have a drink at one of Lethbridge’s unique bars
Lethbridge has several unique bars that provide great drinks, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Telegraph Taphouse, located in downtown Lethbridge, has a large revolving beer menu, and more taps than any person who isn’t sober can count! Their beers come from microbreweries all over the world. There is always something new to try at the Taphouse. The first time I tried banana beer was here.
The Telegraph also has a unique program where if you bring your own fancy beer stein, you get 10% off your bill.
If you are a fan of comedy, Lethbridge has its own comedy club. Good Times Lethbridge Comedy Club is also located in the downtown core of Lethbridge. Tickets for the shows are available online and recommended to be purchased in advance, as many of the shows do sell out.
This is also one of the few bars where you will find mini donuts on the menu. In my opinion, that is reason enough to go. And, for all the wrestling fans out there, you can even expect names like Hacksaw Jim Duggan to perform comedy here.
22. Eat the best pizza in Alberta at Two Guys and a Pizza Place
Two Guys and A Pizza Place has been creating unique gourmet pizzas in Lethbridge for twenty years and is the pride of the city. Two guys have won numerous awards and received recognition internationally by being featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here. They have also been voted the best pizza in Alberta.
There are 40 gourmet pizza choices to choose from, but my favorite is the Taco Salad in a Bag…On a Pizza. There are also over 100 craft beers available to wash it down with.
Eating your way through a city is definitely one of the best things to do when traveling. That’s exactly why Two Guys made the cut for the list of best things to do in Lethbridge.
23. Go berry picking at Broxburn Farms
Ten minutes from Lethbridge along Highway #3 is Lethbridge’s best-kept secret, Broxburn Farms. Strawberries and raspberries are available for you to pick at $4 CAD/pound and make for a fun and delicious activity in Lethbridge on a sunny day.
There is also a cafe on-site whose menu uses local, in-season produce, ensuring the dish you have is some of the freshest food you will find in the area!
Roasted Red Pepper Soup is my personal favorite menu item. Whatever you get, be sure to save room for a delicious slice of incredibly fresh pie.
24. Taste test at one of Lethbridge’s breweries
Sip your way through Lethbridge! Theoretically Brewing Company opened its doors in 2015 and has been passionate about the chemistry of brewing beer ever since. This brewery is known for its one-batch experimental beers, making it one of the more unique breweries in Lethbridge.
Some of the past flavors have fun names like Pirates of Persica and Expecto Fermentum Apricot Amber. There are also core and seasonal beers, with all the core beers being vegan. Apparently, most beers are made with a dried fish bladder ingredient for clarifying. Who knew?!
Take a quick drive to the industrial area of north Lethbridge to taste the beers at Spectrum Ale Works. There is a wide variety of beers on tap that are all brewed in-house. They include a delicious apple cider, a blonde ale called Stiffler’s Mom, and a BlackBerry Lemon Sour.
If you are coming on a Thursday, bring a record from your vinyl collection to spin for their Thursday Night Vibes!
25. Listen to Lethbridge’s Indie artists
Lethbridge is very proud of its small, yet diverse, independent music scene. If you’re wanting to explore that scene, be sure to check out The Slice for live music, as well as some of the best thin-crust pizza you’ll ever have! They even host an open mic night if you want to get in on the action.
Once you’re done there, you can head a block over to check out the Owl Acoustic Lounge for some more musical talents. If you didn’t fill up on pizza at The Slice, get a signature poutine at the Owl Acoustic Lounge. This spot is quirky and fun and has even more owl decor than one would imagine with it having the name that it does.
Live music graces the stage almost every night at both of these bars, so be sure to check them out!
26. Take a day trip to Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
One hour southeast of the city is the most unique landscape you will find in southern Alberta. In 2019 Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park was finally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of the First Nation rock carvings and paintings found on the hoodoos. The large column-like rock formations protrude from the ground. It is a sacred location for the First Nation people of the area.
The best thing to do in Writing on Stone is to hike the 2.5 km (1.5-mile) one-way Hoodoo Trail. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear as most of the path is rock. It gets scorching between the hoodoos in the summer, so dress appropriately and bring water.
Visiting the Provincial Park is free, as well as accessing the interpretive center that includes a gift shop.
There is a really great 1.5-hour hiking tour led by an interpreter that will teach you all about the landscape and the importance of the area to the province’s First Nations people. This tour can be booked online or at the Visitor’s Centre for $21 CAD.
Personally, the $21 CAD admission at the Royal Tyrell is better. Regardless, this is still one of the best things to do in Lethbridge and a fun day trip for all ages!
Related Read: If you enjoy the hoodoos here, you may also be interested in checking out the hoodoos in the Badlands. This is just one of the many great things to do in Drumheller, Alberta.
27. Play a game with friends at the Roundtable
The Round Table Board Gamerie located in downtown Lethbridge has a library of over 400 board games! And you can play as many as you want with friends for a $7.99 CAD gaming fee. If you choose a game but don’t know how to play, the staff is more than willing to teach you the rules, saving a lot of time.
The games are fun, but the food is excellent. The buffalo chicken wrap with a side of lemon dill pasta salad is my favorite. A fun thing to order is the Damn that Caesar as the skewer comes with so much food it’s a complete meal in itself!
The Round Table is an all-ages establishment, and kids under 13 always play free. Gaming fees for adults are waived if you spend more than $20 CAD on food or drink, making it a fun, affordable activity in Lethbridge! There is also the new RT Unlimited Pass. For $15.99 CAD it will give you Unlimited Game Play for one month after you buy it and if you renew before it expires, it will only be $11.99 CAD to renew.
28. Shop the Lethbridge Farmers’ Market
Lethbridge is home to a bustling farmers’ market that is the largest in southern Alberta. It was voted one of the ten best farmers’ markets in the province! It takes place every Saturday at Exhibition Park from June through October.
There are numerous stalls selling everything from organic local mead wine to handmade gold jewelry. The market is free to attend and has ample parking. It opens at 8 am and goes until 1 pm, but get there early if you want the best pick of fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods!
There is also the smaller farmers’ market held every Wednesday downtown 9 am to 2 pm from the first week of July to the first week of September if you don’t plan on being there over the weekend.
29. Get lost in the Lethbridge Corn Maze
The Lethbridge Corn Maze is located 20 minutes north of the city. It’s open from May through October, with the main attraction, the corn maze, being open from the end of July through the end of October.
Every year a new maze is constructed, and it can take up to 2 hours to escape. There is a giant tower in the center with a person you can yell at for hints so that you can escape the maze before the place closes at 9 pm (10 pm on weekends).
There are three smaller mazes better suited for people with young children. A petting zoo, playground with a giant slide, and sandbox are also a hit with the kids. They even have a cow-themed train ride pulled by a lawnmower at $1.50 CAD per ride. The rat rollers, which are large plastic cylinders that are rolled on a track like a hamster wheel, are a fun activity that’s included with admission. Three people can race at one time.
A wide variety of pumpkins can be purchased on-site, as well as drinks and snacks. Hayrides are offered in the fall for an extra charge. Admission is $13 CAD per person and $5 CAD per child for those aged 3 to 5. Each admission comes with a free oat cone to feed the goats.
30. Enjoy the Beach at Park Lake Provincial Park
Park Lake is a free day-use area located 20 minutes north of Lethbridge that includes a sandy beach, picnic areas, a boat launch, a playground, and a concession. This is a great place to take your family on a hot day summer day in Lethbridge for some fun in the sun.
Many people come to Park Lake to bird watch or to go fishing. The lake is stocked with several types of fish including walleye, pike, and trout. Even in the winter, you can spot people ice fishing here.
If you wanted to spend more time here you could take advantage of their campgrounds! They have both unserviced and serviced sites that cost either $29 CAD or $37 CAD.
31. Float Down the Oldman River
Floating down the lazy Oldman River is a popular pastime in Lethbridge in the summer. It’s so popular that the City of Lethbridge has dedicated part of its website to safety tips and the best places to launch your flotation device!
There is a weir located along the river that is extremely unsafe and illegal to try and go over. However, adequate signage signals when to get out of the river to walk past the weir before getting back into the Oldman River.
There are multiple floats suggested on the website that will typically take anywhere from one to four hours. A tube or floatie can be purchased at any big box store, and kayaks can be rented at High Level Canoe & Kayak.
Be sure to have a car parked at your designated endpoint and bring shoes and a life jacket in case you spring a leak. The coulees make for a steep hike to civilization.
32. Walk the Coal Banks Trail
The Coal Banks Trail is a 30 km (18.6-mile) pathway that connects the west side of the city down into the coulees, across the river, and to the south and north sides of the city. The trail ends at Pavan Park, a large nature area.
The coulee portions of the trail are incredibly scenic and are an excellent Lethbridge activity. You may get lucky and spot a porcupine or a herd of goats sometimes present in the Indian Battle Park river valley.
Many people start the trail at the University of Lethbridge. Much of the trail is paved and large parts are wheelchair accessible. Though, there are steep points on the trail that include stairs.
33. Bike the Coulees and Lethbridge’s Mountain Bike Park
Botterill Bottom Park includes a mountain bike park that features trick stunt areas, moguls, and jumps. The park is accessed through Indian Battle Park on the river bottom near downtown Lethbridge.
Trailforks is an excellent app to download for off-road trails and to match them to your skill level. There are 142 Lethbridge mountain bike trails listed on the app. Most of these are coulee trails.
If you’re in need of a bike rental, check out Alpenland Ski and Cycle in Lethbridge.
Related Read: Be sure to read about all of the best things to do in Calgary in winter!
Where to Stay in Lethbridge, Alberta
There are quite a few hotels to choose from when seeking accommodations in Lethbridge. I know that deciding where to stay can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a trip, so I couldn’t leave you hanging without insight into some of the best options!
Of course where you choose depends on the activities you plan on doing, as well as your budget. Here are some hotel options for any budget and preference.
The great thing about Lethbridge is there are actually several budget-friendly options available! Most hotels in this area stay under $200 CAD per night.
SureStay Plus Hotel and Comfort Inn Lethbridge are both excellent budget options. Both hotels are in a great location, include a free breakfast, are highly rated, and have jacuzzis. Comfort Inn has a little bit of an upper hand as it has an indoor pool (if that’s a preference of yours). You get all of these great amenities for rates under $100 CAD. Both hotels typically range between $85-100 CAD per night.
If you’re looking for something mid-range with some extra bonuses be sure to check out Lethbridge’s Holiday Inn Express. You still get a free continental breakfast, excellent ratings, and reap the benefits of staying at a hotel with an indoor pool. As an added bonus their pool even has a water slide!
This hotel is however located about 5 km (3 miles) away from the city center, which isn’t a big deal if you plan on doing some of the day trips I mentioned! Rates here start at around $120 CAD per night.
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, like I said there aren’t too many options. However, there are some luxury condos and villas available if you’re traveling with a group. They’re located at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort.
The views here are stunning, you can get 2 or 4 bedrooms, and both options come with kitchens and access to the hot tub and outdoor seasonal pool. You can stay here starting at $160 CAD per night for the 2 bedroom condo, and $260 CAD per night for the 4 bedroom villa.
Renting a Car in Alberta
If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.
Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Check out my review of Motorhome Republic here for tips before you book.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
As you can see Lethbridge, Alberta is full of fun things to do! Whether you want to enjoy your trip outdoors hiking, exploring the wetlands, or visiting the Japanese Gardens, or indoors sipping craft brews and listening to local Indie music your itinerary is sure to be full!
Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to checking out! And be sure to check out some of our other Canada posts before you go. Here are a few popular ones:
David
Sunday 21st of July 2024
Well written guide on things to do in this wonderful city.