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Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta group
Final up to date on August 26, 2023
As residents of southern Alberta, we are going to all the time resolutely contend that this space of the province has essentially the most to supply concerning historic and cultural significance to the realm and western Canada. It’s residence to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, picturesque landscapes, and several other small cities that pack a giant punch of attraction! And no different city affords this greater than Fort Macleod. Situated simply an hour’s drive south of Calgary, not solely does it supply stellar surroundings – sitting completely between prairies and mountains – however there are an unimaginable variety of enjoyable issues to do in Fort Macleod.
From studying concerning the space’s wealthy historical past, sampling a formidable array of native meals and brews, and providing procuring you gained’t discover elsewhere – Fort Macleod could be very a lot price your consideration. There are lots of glorious the explanation why this city has Hollywood’s consideration to make use of as a backdrop for a lot of motion pictures and TV – and it’s about time you discovered for your self.
The Finest Issues to Do in Fort Macleod
Spend Time at The Fort Museum
Location: 219 25 St
Among the finest issues to do in Fort Macleod – and positively one of many city’s most well-known sights – is The Fort Museum. Devoted to preserving the historical past of the North West Mounted Police and the First Nations of Southern Alberta, this dwelling museum is a recreation of the unique 1874 fort from which the city will get its identify. Discover the normal tools, clothes, instruments, and a lot extra in an assortment of reveals, together with recreations of the buildings you’ll have discovered on the time of the unique fort.
Each summer season, the Fort Museum is bursting with exercise, recognized most famously for the NWMP Musical Trip (a recreation of the famed RCMP Musical Trip) that runs 4 instances each day. The household enjoyable is continuous, seize a museum scavenger hunt for youths, and in addition don’t miss out on reserving a spot within the “Groom A Horse” program. Children will get to decorate in a rider’s serge, groom and prep one of many NWMP musical journey horses, get VIP seating, and extra!
Go to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Soar World Heritage Web site
Discovered 18 kilometres west of Fort Macleod, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Soar is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that shouldn’t be missed once you’re in Southern Alberta; it’s one of many best-preserved bounce websites within the Northern Plains. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Soar was a spot the place buffalo runners dressed as wolves would sneak up on large herds of bison and trigger a stampede that was orchestrated by slim drive lanes resulting in a cliff, inflicting the herd to fall to their dying. The bison stays would supply meals, clothes, instruments, and shelter for the Plains individuals, and did so for generations, beginning over 6,000 years in the past.
Paying homage to the Indigenous peoples of the North American Plains, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Soar has an unimaginable interpretive centre with galleries and interactive reveals; plan for a minimum of an hour or two to wander by way of the in depth constructing. There may be additionally the Cliff High Viewpoint to stroll to, the place you possibly can see the well-known bounce web site.
Be Entertained on the Empress Theatre
Location: 235 24 St
For each a little bit of tradition and a little bit of historical past, head to Empress Theatre. Open since 1912, the Empress Theatre is among the greatest historic websites to go to in Fort Macleod; for over 100 years, it has hosted stay theatre, music, cinema, non-public occasions, festivals, workshops, and a lot extra. Be sure to verify their upcoming occasions to see if you happen to can catch a movie or efficiency once you go to the city.
Scout Film Set Places
Do you know that there are tons of film areas in Alberta – and that many motion pictures have been filmed within the city of Fort Macleod? Due to its historic downtown in addition to its distinctive prairie panorama, quite a few movies and TV reveals have been shot in Fort Macleod and the encircling space, together with Brokeback Mountain, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Let Him Go, Interstellar, Fargo (the collection), and the hit HBO collection The Final of Us. Attempt to see if you will discover just a few of the spots which have been featured round city in your journey to Fort Macleod!
Cease on the Ale Path at Stronghold Brewing
Location: 230 24 St
When you’re a fan of beer, you merely have to go to Stronghold Brewing Co. in downtown Fort Macleod. Fort Macleod’s solely craft brewery, Stronghold has improbable decor, vigorous occasions, and, after all, scrumptious craft beer. You’ll be able to even have Fort Macleod Pizza delivered proper to your desk! Don’t fear, there are additionally non-alcoholic drinks out there so that everybody can benefit from the house. Strive the Pink Guava Pils on a sizzling day, whereas the Interstellar Stout – with its wealthy notes of chocolate and occasional – is the right drink for an Alberta winter.
Take pleasure in Wonderful Coffee and Snacks
When you’re after a candy deal with or a caffeine break, attempt Homestead Bakeshop or Blackwood Espresso Co, each are conveniently situated within the centre of city. Homestead Bakeshop (228 24 St) was opened in 2017 by Kimberly Vanden Broek and Julena Schipper, two ladies obsessed with baking. Head right here for artisan-style baking in addition to native merchandise, together with pork from Broek Pork Acres, honey from Denbok Household Farms, and occasional from Crowsnest Espresso.
And Blackwood Espresso Co (206 24 St) opened not too long ago and is one other strong alternative for a cease in Fort Macleod. Pop in for a snack or a deal with, or head there for breakfast or lunch on the go; they’ve a superb number of sandwiches, muffins, egg bites, gluten-free choices, and extra. However most significantly, don’t overlook to attempt the espresso, because it’s a few of the greatest on the town and southern Alberta!
Eat Scrumptious Meals
Fortunately, Fort Macleod has a wide selection of eating places. We love Macleod’s Restaurant & Lounge (particularly their 2-for-1 pizza), Digbee’s Diner (for a homestyle breakfast or lunch), Johnny’s Restaurant (for tasty Chinese language meals and different cuisines), Fort Macleod Pizza (one other scrumptious pizza choice and different quick meals), and the Silver Grill Restaurant (with over 100 years of high quality Chinese language meals), to call just a few.
Go to River Valley Wilderness Park
Discovered throughout the MacKenzie Bridge to the north of Fort Macleod, River Valley Wilderness Park is a fantastic spot to take pleasure in nature and spend a while outside. Residence to a lot of wildlife – together with beavers, deer, muskrats, moose, and bobcats – this day-use park additionally has nice alternatives for birdwatching and mountaineering. Strive the River Valley Wilderness Park Loop, a straightforward path of roughly 5 kilometres. Wander by way of the cottonwood forest and observe the river for a part of the path, which could be very peaceable; it’s positively among the finest issues to do in Fort Macleod.
Fish or Float on the Oldman River
The Oldman River snakes by way of Southern Alberta, and it runs alongside the north perimeter of Fort Macleod. Reap the benefits of this improbable setting by getting out on the water, whether or not that’s by way of fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even floating on an internal tube! Just a few outside gear outlets in Fort Macleod can kind you out (we like Fulcrum Open air) and set you on the correct path. When you’re up for a drive and an journey, there’s additionally Little Bow Provincial Park, about an hour away, which additionally has entry to the river.
Summers Imply Farmers Market on Principal
Market on Principal runs throughout July and August, on Wednesdays from 5:30 to eight:30 p.m. Cease by to load up on native artisan merchandise, together with meals and crafts!
Strive a Historic Strolling Tour
Among the finest methods to get to know a spot? Take a strolling tour, after all! Fortunately, two strolling excursions of Fort Macleod could be downloaded by way of the interactive app On The Spot. Alongside the strolling excursions, you’ll discover over 150 historic photographs of Fort Macleod with detailed descriptions of the significance of the companies, buildings, landmarks, or landscapes featured.
The app means that you can retrace the footsteps of the individuals who lived right here in instances previous, witnessing the dramatic transformations the city has been by way of for the reason that Fort was established.
Spend Time in Centennial Park
Location: 568 26 St S
Good for households, Centennial Park affords quite a bit; there’s a brand-new skatepark for skateboarding, a playground, a sprig park, a xeriscape backyard, and extra. Typically full of locals on the weekend, it’s an excellent place to cease for a relaxation or to have a picnic, particularly if in case you have little ones who must get some vitality out. Children will particularly love the spray park, which is tons of enjoyable on a sizzling day! And if you wish to park your self in some shade, there’s additionally a lined picnic desk space, making it an ideal roadside cease.
Be aware that the spray park is barely open from June to August, 9 a.m. to eight p.m.
Go Antiquing
For many who love antiquing, you’re in luck: Fort Macleod has many improbable vintage outlets! Actually, it’s one thing of an vintage lover’s paradise. Take a look at the Trinkets and Treasures Present and Vintage Shoppe, The Collective, the Fort Macleod Thrift Store, The Whistle Cease Thrift Retailer, and Samuel Roland Antiques and Collectibles, all of which could be present in downtown Fort Macleod. Who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover your subsequent treasure!
Go Procuring
As you stroll across the city of Fort Macleod, you’ll discover that there are many outlets to peruse (on prime of all the vintage and classic shops listed above). With a wide selection of boutique and native shops, you’re certain to search out some fantastic souvenirs or one thing distinctive to take residence, particularly if you happen to try a few of the shops on Principal Avenue. A few of our favourites embody Macleod Dwelling (for stunning residence decor), Wall2Wall Residence Furnishings (for Canadian-made, one-of-a-kind furnishings), and Twisted Hummingbird (a florist that additionally carries giftware and extra). Additionally, don’t miss Rafter 99 and Child Ivory.
Play a Spherical of Golf
Location: 270 Lyndon Rd
Discovered straight west of Fort Macleod, the Fort Macleod Golf Course is among the greatest golf programs in Southern Alberta. Actually, it’s really the oldest golf course in Western Canada! Based in 1890, benefit from the 9-hole structure that’s each difficult and exquisite; the fourth gap is particularly well-known as a result of its 173-yard par 3 that requires an correct shot from the tee to keep away from an extra problem. There’s additionally an excellent clubhouse onsite for an after-golf meal.
Get pleasure from Some Outside Swimming
Location: 235 21 St
New to Fort Macleod, the Fort Macleod Swimming Pool is now open! Discovered on the Fort Macleod and District Sports activities Centre, you possibly can benefit from the contemporary air and sunshine as you splash and swim, whether or not you’re there for a category or for recreation. There are even non-public pool leases out there. Examine the swimming schedule to know when the pool is open to the general public… it’s a wonderful solution to beat the warmth and revel in a summer season’s day.
Play Hockey (and extra) on the Recreation Centre
Location: 235 21 St
Head to the Fort Macleod & District Sports activities Centre to get out on the ice. Discovered conveniently within the centre of city, the sector is adjoining to the brand-new swimming pool. Whereas summertime sees the sector full of different occasions – assume farmers’ markets and extra – in winter you’ll discover many individuals determine skating, taking part in hockey, and curling. Fortunately, there are public skating instances so everybody can benefit from the rink!
The place to Keep in Fort Macleod
Sundown Motel
Location: 104 AB-3
Situated on the west fringe of city, Sundown Motel affords a lot of comfy rooms, together with some with kitchenettes. With extremely handy entry to downtown Fort Macleod and the close by highways, the rooms are clear and quiet; a lightweight breakfast is obtainable, in addition to free wifi.
Daisy Could Campground
Location: 249 Lyndon Rd
Discovered alongside the Oldman River and inside strolling distance of city, the Daisy Could Campground is a superb alternative for a spot to remain in Fort Macleod. With 110 websites (very best for giant teams) that embody full hook-up, energy, and water, log tenting cabins, in addition to non-serviced websites with fireplace pits, there may be additionally a heated outside pool, sizzling tub, mini-golf course, and arcade. Benefit from the river entry, full-service washrooms, and free wifi, too!
River’s Edge Campground
Location: 262048 Lyndon Rd
River’s Edge Campground is an RV park that’s an ideal place to remain for these with their very own RVs, whether or not you select a each day or month-to-month price. With the choice for a riverfront view, all websites have 30 amp energy, water, picnic tables, and fireplace pits. There are additionally a ton of facilities, together with washrooms with free showers, ice and firewood out there, and better of all, extraordinarily pleasant service!
