When we think of the Wild West with its sweeping landscapes, Native Americans, cowboys, and countless tales both legendary and true, our minds naturally drift to the United States and particularly that American West which continues to draw visitors from across the globe. Yet just across the northern border in Canada, this same Wild West spirit lives on, particularly in Alberta…
Where is Alberta?
Alberta spans 255,541 square miles but houses fewer than 5 million inhabitants… It’s one of three provinces that make up what Canadians call “the Canadian Prairies” – those vast agricultural plains bordering the United States that stretch westward until they meet the foothills of the Rockies, located in southwestern Alberta.
This southwestern region remains the most tourist-friendly and captivating part of the province, featuring stunning national parks like Banff, Waterton-Glacier, and Jasper. These are remarkable places known for their wildlife, mountainous landscapes, and countless outdoor activities on offer. Elsewhere, it’s primarily rural territory dotted with small communities and two major urban centres – Edmonton and Calgary – which together account for 60% of Alberta’s population.
The Western Spirit
Alberta still bears all the hallmarks of authentic Western culture. Here, you’ll encounter modern-day cowboys, country music artists, and families who’ve worked the land for generations… alongside a younger generation that carries on this heritage in their own way, blending rodeos with local cuisine and environmental consciousness.
Far from being stuck in the past, Alberta’s Western culture is vibrant, evolving, and deeply rooted in the territory’s identity. There’s certainly nothing to envy about their southern neighbours…
Alberta’s Wild West Destinations
Calgary, the “Cowtown”
This is often where Alberta adventures begin. Calgary, “the cow-town” with 1.5 million residents, sits in the southern part of the province at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, roughly 155 miles from the US border.
Tourism-wise, it’s the festivals, country music, and famous Stampede (rodeo) that draw the crowds, along with the nearby Rocky Mountains with their magnificent scenery and multitude of outdoor activities awaiting you. So let’s head to Calgary…
Near Calgary
The Bar U Ranch
This ranch, once one of the country’s largest at the turn of the 20th century, is now an open-air museum featuring period buildings and costumed historical re-enactments. It’s located in Longview, about 37 miles south of Calgary.
Cochrane
Just 20 minutes from Calgary, you can explore Alberta’s cowboy history through photographs, archives, and documents at the Stockmen’s Memorial in downtown Cochrane. Afterwards, take time to wander among the town’s period hotels and saloons.
Heart of the Prairies at Lethbridge
Let’s head south in Alberta for complete cowboy immersion with ranch accommodation in the heart of locations where iconic films like Brokeback Mountain and Legends of the Fall were shot.
The city of Lethbridge also tells the story of the region’s mining prospecting that dates back to the late 19th century. Evidence of its past survives through several historic districts, the Lethbridge Viaduct built in 1907, and Fort Whoop-Up. It’s also near Lethbridge where you can see the “Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.”
Head-Smashed-In and the Bison
Not far from Lethbridge stands a cliff known as the “Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.” For centuries, Indigenous peoples drove bison to leap from this precipice into the valley below.
The site is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance to Native American culture. On-site, a small museum explains the environment and traditional cultures of the region.
Waterton and its Secrets
Finally, discover the gems of Waterton Lakes National Park. Between nature activities, wild prairie bison, and Canadian Rocky Mountain bears, Waterton is the perfect spot for a Western escapade. If you’d like to know more about this park, check it out here…
The Calgary Stampede
Stampede – this English word meaning a sudden rush or surge – refers here to the Calgary Rodeo, or more precisely as it defines itself, a Western culture festival that remains “the greatest outdoor show on earth.” The programme features cowboys, Native Americans, horses, music, beer, parades, and American-style shows…
Every July since 1912, ten days of festivities welcome well over a million visitors, making the Calgary Stampede one of Canada’s most significant events.
Among the highlights of these 10 days of celebration, there’s the opening parade through the city held on the first day starting at 9:00 AM – a perfect example of an American-style parade…
The Elbow River Camp features about twenty tipis where visitors can discover the crafts, dances, and cuisine of various Indigenous cultures from the region.
Among the competitions, there are first the covered wagon races typical of the Stampede – the Rangeland Derby. The qualifying rounds generally take place each evening at 7:45 PM, with the final held during the last weekend.
And of course, there’s the rodeo portion – the event’s centrepiece. Here too, selections are made with preliminary trials held each afternoon at 1:30 PM before the grand finale during the final weekend at Stampede Park. As you might expect, it draws huge crowds, so it’s best to book tickets in advance…
Infos : www.calgarystampede.com
> Infos : www.travelalberta.com
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
