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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’ll at all times resolutely contend that this space of the province has essentially the most to supply concerning historic and cultural significance to the world 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 allure! And no different city presents this greater than Fort Macleod. Situated simply an hour’s drive south of Calgary, not solely does it provide stellar surroundings – sitting completely between prairies and mountains – however there are an unimaginable variety of enjoyable issues to do in Fort Macleod.
From studying in regards to 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 numerous glorious the reason why this city has Hollywood’s consideration to make use of as a backdrop for a lot of films and TV – and it’s about time you came upon for your self.
The Finest Issues to Do in Fort Macleod
Spend Time at The Fort Museum
Location: 219 25 St
Top-of-the-line 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 standard gear, clothes, instruments, and a lot extra in an assortment of displays, together with recreations of the buildings you’d have discovered on the time of the unique fort.
Each summer time, the Fort Museum is bursting with exercise, recognized most famously for the NWMP Musical Experience (a recreation of the famed RCMP Musical Experience) that runs 4 occasions day by day. The household enjoyable is continuous, seize a museum scavenger hunt for teenagers, and likewise 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 trip 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 whenever you’re in Southern Alberta; it’s one of many best-preserved leap 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 loss of life. 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 displays; plan for no less than an hour or two to wander by the intensive constructing. There’s additionally the Cliff High Viewpoint to stroll to, the place you may see the well-known leap website.
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 without doubt one of the greatest historic websites to go to in Fort Macleod; for over 100 years, it has hosted dwell theatre, music, cinema, non-public occasions, festivals, workshops, and a lot extra. Ensure to verify their upcoming occasions to see when you can catch a movie or efficiency whenever you go to the city.
Scout Film Set Areas
Do you know that there are tons of film places in Alberta – and that many films 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 exhibits have been shot in Fort Macleod and the encompassing space, together with Brokeback Mountain, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Let Him Go, Interstellar, Fargo (the sequence), and the hit HBO sequence The Final of Us. Attempt to see if yow will discover a couple of 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 implausible decor, vigorous occasions, and, after all, scrumptious craft beer. You possibly can 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. Attempt the Pink Guava Pils on a sizzling day, whereas the Interstellar Stout – with its wealthy notes of chocolate and occasional – is the proper drink for an Alberta winter.
Bask in Glorious 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 girls keen about 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 just lately 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 choice of sandwiches, muffins, egg bites, gluten-free choices, and extra. However most significantly, don’t neglect to attempt the espresso, because it’s among the greatest on the town and southern Alberta!
Eat Scrumptious Meals
Fortunately, Fort Macleod has a wide variety 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 a couple of.
Go to River Valley Wilderness Park
Discovered throughout the MacKenzie Bridge to the north of Fort Macleod, River Valley Wilderness Park is an exquisite spot to get pleasure from nature and spend a while outside. House to a number of wildlife – together with beavers, deer, muskrats, moose, and bobcats – this day-use park additionally has nice alternatives for birdwatching and mountaineering. Attempt the River Valley Wilderness Park Loop, a simple path of roughly 5 kilometres. Wander by the cottonwood forest and comply with the river for a part of the path, which could be very peaceable; it’s positively top-of-the-line issues to do in Fort Macleod.
Fish or Float on the Oldman River
The Oldman River snakes by Southern Alberta, and it runs alongside the north perimeter of Fort Macleod. Make the most of this implausible setting by getting out on the water, whether or not that’s by fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even floating on an interior tube! A number of outside gear outlets in Fort Macleod can type you out (we like Fulcrum Outdoor) and set you on the appropriate 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 Primary
Market on Primary 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!
Attempt a Historic Strolling Tour
Top-of-the-line methods to get to know a spot? Take a strolling tour, after all! Fortunately, two strolling excursions of Fort Macleod will be downloaded by the interactive app On The Spot. Alongside the strolling excursions, you’ll discover over 150 historic images 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 occasions previous, witnessing the dramatic transformations the city has been by because the Fort was established.
Spend Time in Centennial Park
Location: 568 26 St S
Excellent for households, Centennial Park presents so much; there’s a brand-new skatepark for skateboarding, a playground, a twig park, a xeriscape backyard, and extra. Usually full of locals on the weekend, it’s a terrific place to cease for a relaxation or to have a picnic, particularly when you’ve got little ones who must get some power 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 coated 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 implausible vintage outlets! In actual fact, it’s one thing of an vintage lover’s paradise. Try 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 will be present in downtown Fort Macleod. Who is aware of, possibly you’ll discover your subsequent treasure!
Go Buying
As you stroll across the city of Fort Macleod, you’ll discover that there are many outlets to peruse (on prime of the entire vintage and classic shops listed above). With a wide variety of boutique and native shops, you’re certain to search out some fantastic souvenirs or one thing distinctive to take residence, particularly when you try among the shops on Primary Road. A few of our favourites embody Macleod Dwelling (for lovely residence decor), Wall2Wall House 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 instantly west of Fort Macleod, the Fort Macleod Golf Course is without doubt one of the greatest golf programs in Southern Alberta. In actual fact, 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 very well-known as a consequence of its 173-yard par 3 that requires an correct shot from the tee to keep away from an extra problem. There’s additionally a terrific clubhouse onsite for an after-golf meal.
Take pleasure in 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 may 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 superb technique to beat the warmth and revel in a summer time’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 stuffed with 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 occasions 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 presents a number 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 light-weight breakfast is obtainable, in addition to free wifi.
Daisy Might Campground
Location: 249 Lyndon Rd
Discovered alongside the Oldman River and inside strolling distance of city, the Daisy Might Campground is a superb alternative for a spot to remain in Fort Macleod. With 110 websites (supreme for large teams) that embody full hook-up, energy, and water, log tenting cabins, in addition to non-serviced websites with fireplace pits, there’s 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 day by day or month-to-month charge. 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!
Dalene Heck is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. She was born in Edmonton, grew up within the Peace Nation, and has ventured to virtually each nook of Alberta and the world (she’s travelled to 60 nations)! She is a serial blogger, the CEO of HMI Advertising, co-creator of the Journey Chaser card sport, a leukemia-slayer, and cat whisperer.
