WorldAtlas just curated its list of the best eight downtowns in the Canadian prairies, and the communities included might surprise you.
Fifty per cent of that list are small Alberta towns located within a two-hour drive from Calgary. WorldAtlas gave the honours to Didsbury, Nanton, Strathmore, and Lacombe in Alberta.
These small communities are mostly known for their thriving agricultural economies, but their enchanting downtown spaces now offer another reason to visit them.
WorldAtlas is one of the world’s largest publishing resources in geography, which boasted 165 million worldwide readers in 2019.
With consideration like that, these Alberta communities have some of the most unrivalled downtowns in all the land. Plus, they’re right in our backyard!
Didsbury is located 82 km north of Calgary, just under an hour’s drive away.
The well-preserved brick buildings of Didsbury’s downtown were listed as noteworthy by WorldAtlas. The maintenance of the heritage brick is the result of bylaws, which the town put in place to prevent fires, dating back to the 20th century.
The 20th Avenue walk was noted as especially picturesque, where you can visit the Didsbury & District Museum, catch some live music at Blue Door Concerts, or gorge yourself on Alberta comfort food at The Caddy Shack.
Head the opposite direction south via Highway 2 for a little under an hour to reach the town of Nanton, a well-known antiquing and heritage destination, with a charming 21st Avenue block brimming with activity.
The Nanton Centennial Park has a welcoming atmosphere with picnic tables and play structures, and the nearby Bomber Command Museum of Canada is packed with military history.
The Nanton Grain Elevators on 20th Avenue were also noted for their historical status and dramatic shapes.
Weekends are a great time to visit Nanton and eye treasures located in shops up and down their main street.
Strathmore is no longer a town of Calgary commuters. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to make the commute over from Calgary to spend a day of leisure.
A mere 40-minute drive makes Strathmore the perfect microadventure for you and the family.
Strathmore’s many surrounding lakes and busy downtown streets near the intersection of Roadhouse Restaurant and Saloon Flourish were noted by WorldAtlas as one of the many things that make Strathmore’s downtown bustling.
A visit to Kinsmen Park is within walking distance of downtown, and the nearby Eagle Lake is less than 10 minutes away by car.
The town of Lacombe, Alta., is one of the most surprising inclusions on this list. Located just under two hours north of Calgary, the humble town is known for its historic murals and collection of public art displays.
Lacombe Memorial Centre on 50th Avenue hosts everything from events to community functions. The Flatiron Building Museum is an architectural marvel and definitely worth taking pictures of.
For making the trip out to Lacombe, you’ll be rewarded with interesting sights, plenty of things to do around town, and warm hospitality.
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