Christmas is almost here — the stockings are hung around the fire with care, and our little ones are fast asleep, dreaming of Santa Claus.
In Alberta, there are many small towns and rural communities that are ready to infuse your holiday with that authentic, Hallmark vibe. With local antique shops, quirky attractions and that signature Alberta-bred hospitality, these are the top towns, villages and hamlets to visit around the province for a sleepy Christmas time getaway.
This small town in the mountains has an enviable main shopping street and plenty of low-key taverns for a hearty mug of ale. Plus, with the nearby town of Coleman boasting a bed and breakfast and plenty of hearty diners, this is the ideal mountain escape for those looking to avoid the crowds of Banff. Blairmore is home to more than 2,000 people and has a vibrant array of services, shops and cafés.
Tucked away in the evergreens and surrounded by foothills, river valleys and trails, the hamlet of Bragg Creek is a fantastic rural getaway for Calgary residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can enjoy treats at local bakeries, sip a coffee at a café with cabin decor, and take a winter walk through the trails nearby.
Established through the amalgamation of Black Diamond and Turner Valley, this town is home to several local businesses with Wild West facades. Shop at stores tucked away in heritage buildings, and take in the sights of the snow-covered prairies.
A favourite locale for antiques and vintage finds, Nanton has a cool old-school shopping district and grain elevators to marvel at. In the winter, things get especially cozy as the falling snow creates the perfect backdrop for Christmas shopping.
Olds is an agricultural college town, and as such, there are plenty of farms and ranches about where you can admire the animals and see how they tuck in for the winter.
With an old-timey theatre, this hamlet sits in a sheltered valley on the edge of the Rosebud River. It’s worth the drive from Calgary to catch a local show at this cozy theatre and see some spectacular views of the river valley.
This is landlocked Alberta’s only town with a lighthouse. What better place to visit with the family this Christmas?
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.
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