Alberta: Vistas and Venues, with Tea!
My VisitList features southwest Alberta. My husband’s family is located in Pincher Creek, AB, so we’ve had the opportunity to visit two out of three of these sites; the third is on my list. When I look for heritage sites I’m conscious that I love history, the twelve-year-old loves space to run and interactive things to do and all of our visits must feature tea and treats at at least one stop! Realistically, these three sites are probably too far to drive in one day, so break it up over a two-day visit.
Hope you enjoy the tour!
By Kendra Fry
Places
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Day One: Stay in Pincher Creek, then head out from there to two sites today if you’re feeling ambitious.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre in Crowsnest Pass is our first stop.
We’ve already been here twice but I would go again. The combination of storytelling, geology and science is quite fascinating as you explore this historic landslide that destroyed the town of Frank. We visited when our girl was two and when she was eight and both times there was plenty to do, see and learn.
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Fort MacLeod, Alberta
Next stop is more about the gorgeous vistas and the indigenous history of the region. Drive an hour to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, travelling through the mountains.
This site document an ancient hunting practice of the Plains people of this region. It is interactive, descriptive and features a gorgeous lookout overlooking the whole region. We took some folks with mobility issues with us and the site was well designed for them as well. This one was a big win for the then eight- year- old. There was space to run and the idea of buffalo being herded off a cliff scored points for sounding dangerous. 🙂
Photo: Alberta tourism
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Lethbridge, Alberta
My last suggested stop might need to be on day two, since it’s over in Lethbridge. I’ve never been but really want to go to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. I love the idea of wandering through these Japanese gardens and then having high tea; a major plus for me!
Here’s the site’s youtube tour if you were in any doubt that this is a great idea. https://images.app.goo.gl/DafBvypby2p7Zd7U9 The garden celebrates the contributions of Japanese Canadians to the region.
Road Map
Crowsnest Pass, Alberta to Lethbridge, Alberta
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