Hugging the Oldman River, Lethbridge is renowned for its replica fort where the illegal whiskey trade once took place. It’s home to an interesting local history museum and a traditional Japanese garden, as well as a family-friendly nature centre in the nearby coulees.

Things to do

Join a guided tour through the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, which is nestled beside the scenic waters of Henderson Lake. Designed in a traditional style, it encompasses meandering paths, rock gardens and Japanese architectural features, such as a pavilion and bell tower.

Delve into the history of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta at the Galt Museum, a former hospital rumoured to be haunted. Learn about the indigenous inhabitants of the region and see early-20th-century artefacts belonging to the Alberta Provincial Police, then admire the old photographs of some of Lethbridge’s most significant heritage buildings.

Want to see an old whiskey trading post? Visit Fort Whoop-Up, an almost exact replica of an original fort that served as a major hub of the mid-19th-century whiskey and firearms trade. Find out what Whoop-Up Bug Juice was and see artefacts belonging to the local Blackfoot culture, with carriage rides and re-enactments taking place on some weekends.

A short drive west from Lethbridge takes you to the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre, which showcases the highly delicate ecosystem of the coulees. Join a guided walk through the coulees (furrowed moraines), then explore the interactive exhibits and meet the talking crow, Pegleg.

Getting around

Lethbridge is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Calgary and Calgary International Airport and there are flights from destinations across Canada at Lethbridge Airport. Buses travel throughout Lethbridge, but having your own vehicle is the best way to explore.