Travel two hours south of Calgary through Alberta’s sunny southern agricultural region and you’ll find Lethbridge, a city that enjoys warm summers and mild winters thanks to its unique positioning. Lethbridge’s location is made even more special by its proximity to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated landmarks that are protected due to their cultural, historical, or scientific significance.
Today, we’re exploring Lethbridge’s UNESCO sights and culinary delights to help you plan a well-rounded (and delicious) visit. Let’s go!
Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump / Estipah-skikikini-kots
Distance from Lethbridge: About 45 minutes
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump/Estipahskikikini-kots is a World Heritage Site known for its importance to the Blackfoot and Indigenous cultural practices and people. The migrations of the buffalo herds were integral to the indigenous peoples of the western plains and this site was in use for over 6,000 years up to European contact. Inside the interpretive centre, you’ll discover how Indigenous hunters used their astonishing knowledge of bison biology and behaviour to conduct their buffalo hunts.
Where to eat: Telegraph Taphouse
Continue your historical learning with a visit to Telegraph Taphouse. Built to house Lethbridge’s original telegraph office, the old telegraph building once connected WWII soldiers with loved ones at home. These days, the building is no longer meant for cross-country communication – their specialty is cross-table communication. That’s why they always have their big, communal table at the centre of the restaurant, a cross-cultural menu with locally-sourced ingredients, and a wide selection of craft beers and whiskeys from around the world.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/Áísínai'pi
Distance from Lethbridge: About 75 minutes
Writing-on-Stone is one of the oldest standing cultural sites of the Indigenous people in all of Canada. Walk among towering hoodoos and discover beautiful rock drawings to get a glimpse into the past of the Indigenous people of Canada. Visitors can join park interpreters on tours to learn about the site, or enjoy self-guided hikes on the surrounding trails. Discover Blackfoot ways of life at Áísínai'pi/Writing-on-Stone and the importance of Naató'si (the sun) in Blackfoot storytelling.
Where to eat: Water Tower Grill
The Water Tower has been an integral part of Lethbridge’s skyline since its completion in 1959. Back then, it stored and supplied Lethbridge with clean drinking water. In March 2003, a local entrepreneur and architect purchased the building, saving it from destruction and creating a restaurant with an incredible view for the whole community to enjoy. Today, you can enjoy internationally inspired, casual cuisine perched high in the sky above Lethbridge!
Waterton Lakes National Park/Paahtómahksikimi
Distance from Lethbridge: About 80 minutes
Waterton Lakes National Park stretches from mountain peaks to prairie flatland. With Glacier National Park, its neighbour in Montana, this was the world's first International Peace Park. This park is known for its many outdoor activities, including thrilling hikes, leisurely bike rides, and canoeing or kayaking on pristine lakes. Those traveling with smaller children might enjoy the scenic drive up the winding Akamina Parkway to the picnic area by Cameron Lake.
Where to eat: Italian Table
Lethbridge’s Italian Table is the premiere restaurant for authentic Italian cuisine using local ingredients. Located in the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge, Italian Table serves up a menu of chef-inspired food sure to satisfy any palate. The highly-shareable menu is great for larger groups!
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Distance from Lehtbridge: About 2 hours
Calling all archeologists and dino lovers! Dinosaur Provincial Park is your place to find some of the best-preserved and most significant concentrations of prehistoric fossils worldwide. This park features an actual archeological dig site active during the summer months, and visitors can get a tour of the active excavation site to see how this important research unfolds. This family-friendly destination has lots to explore, from bus tours and family-oriented hiking trails to hands-on programs where kids can learn proper excavation techniques and handle real fossils.
Where to eat: Cattlemen’s Chophouse
Located inside the Picture Butte Hotel, the restaurant is surrounded by living history! The food at Cattlemen’s Chophouse begins with fresh produce from local ranchers and farmers. The inventive menu features steaks and pork chops alongside international cuisine to showcase the very best ingredients that Lethbridge has to offer.
Ready to start planning your visit to Lethbridge? Click here for more info and travel tips!
Photos via TourismLethbridge.com
