The 20+ Best Things To Do In Lethbridge, Alberta (for 2024)

Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last Updated April 23, 2024

Every time we drive into the windy city, better known as Lethbridge, our first view from the top of the coulee is breathtaking. It’s the High-Level Bridge, which the southern Alberta city is known for, stands tall and dark against the green, gold, or white coulees (depending on the season). And we can’t help but stare at the bridge and the trains crisscrossing over the Oldman river valley.

Lethbridge is the third largest city in Alberta and is quite spread out. Living here for over five years gave us plenty of time to explore and find the best things to do. With this guide, it’s going to be easy to have a great time during your visit to Lethbridge!

How to Get to Lethbridge?

Driving

Driving from Calgary to Lethbridge is a relaxing 210 km, 2-hour drive through small prairie towns with mountains and foothills on the west horizon. Tucked between the U.S. border and the Rocky Mountains, Lethbridge is a great launching pad to visit various national parks (like Waterton and Glacier), and a curious little place in its own right. Lethbridge is also 167 km from Medicine Hat (approx 1hr 45min) and approximately 300 km from Great Falls, Montana (3 hrs).

Bus to Lethbridge

Red Arrow is the only option for a bus to Lethbridge, and it’s via Calgary. The service originates at the Calgary International Airport, followed by Downtown Calgary, before continuing down south. There are multiple trips per day, and tickets can be reserved in advance.

Flying to Lethbridge

YQL is the code for Lethbridge International Airport. Westjet offers approximately 3 daily flights to Lethbridge via Calgary. Air Canada removed its service to Lethbridge in 2020, but we hope it will be restored soon.

About Lethbridge

Lethbridge is split neatly into three sections by Highway #2 (Crowsnest Highway) that bisects the town north and south, as the Oldman River cuts the coulee separating east from west. That means there’s a section in Lethbridge for each point on a compass, except for the east. There’s the Westside which is west of the coulees and the river, the Northside which is north of the highway, and the Southside, which is where the downtown is situated.

Each area has its own charm and list of things to do, but the south is both the oldest and busiest part of the city, making it much denser with history, culture, and opportunities to ‘see it all.’ For most visitors, it’s easiest to stay on the south side, especially if you’ve just rolled into town on a bus and don’t have a car.

However, if you have easy access to a vehicle, there are places on both the north and west sides that are worth the drive!

Downtown Lethbridge

The Lethbridge core is easily walkable, and the historic buildings that dominate downtown make for a great atmosphere.

There’s a great sense of Canadian and Albertan history in downtown Lethbridge. Many of the buildings that came with the boom in the early 1900s are still standing, including the town’s first public library turned art-gallery. It houses the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), the recently renovated Oliver Building, and the old Catholic Charities building (which is currently being completely renovated).

Because of this history, Lethbridge’s downtown core is more interesting and beautiful than most towns its size in western Canada, making getting acquainted a pleasure.

Where to Stay – Lethbridge Hotels

There are several hotel options in Lethbridge. Note that all accommodations are on the east side of the river when planning your stay. But if you’re looking for something more interesting than Super 8, these are the Lethbridge Hotels (and a Bed and Breakfast) we recommend:

Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

This hotel has changed hands many times since it was built, but the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge is popular for its gorgeous tropical atrium and pool at its centre. Be sure to get a room with a view of the coulees.

The Coast Hotel & Conference Centre

Right across from the Lethbridge Water Tower, the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre features the Firestone Restaurant, which has the most delicious Sangria and one of the best patios in the city. The location is also good, being nearby to Henderson Park.

Charles Street Suites

A little hidden gem in Lethbridge is the Charles Street Suites. It’s a quaint and cozy little Bed and Breakfast that’s close to Lethbridge’s gorgeous bike boulevard (7th Avenue), which is also a thoroughfare to the coulees, Henderson Lake Park, and the Southside!

Want to review more options? We’ve got an entire guide dedicated to Lethbridge hotels.

Best Things To Do In Lethbridge

There is no shortage of attractions and things to do in Lethbridge if you know where to look. However, even with these great recommendations in hand, the best way to see the town is still by talking with the locals, who are plenty friendly and love talking up their town to visitors. But if you need some suggestions to get you started, then you’re in luck.

Shopping in Lethbridge

Urban Prairie Antiques

Urban Prairie is an antique shop in downtown Lethbridge that features many different curators. This vintage shop offers everything from 1800s ephemera to mid-century modern furniture.

The Populess Co.

Both a clothing brand and a store, Populess was born here, ‘where the mountain meets the prairies’, and stocks some of the finest denim and workwear-inspired menswear available south of Calgary.

1909

1909 (formerly Splurge and Co) is a local favourite, selling trendy clothes and jewelry for women. The store is named after the owner’s great-grandmother year of birth who was a role model and loved by everyone. This clothing boutique offers beautiful outfits and their team focuses on providing their customers with quality, unique styles that make them feel gorgeous.

Lethbridge Art Galleries

Lethbridge should not be underestimated for its talented artists. Several art galleries feature paintings, sculptures, photography, and other various projects.

SAAG

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery not only highlights local and Southern Alberta artists but invites curators and collaborators from abroad to display as well. The gift shop, which doesn’t require admission, is worth popping into just to get a sense of the space and peruse the artisan goods.

Galt Museum and Archives

The largest museum south of Calgary, the Galt chronicles Lethbridge’s past, from its very beginnings as Fort Whoop-Up (which featured a local distillery that earned it the epithet) to its current role as the hub of Southern Alberta.

CASA

CASA is part training facility for musicians, artists, and dancers, and an art gallery for local artists. Admission to CASA and this beautiful building is free, including the art gallery. Keep your eyes out for events hosted here throughout the year.

The Geomatic Attic

One of the most dependable venues in town, the Geomatic Attic is technically on the south side. While you’re there checking out a show, you can also peruse the venue’s art gallery to get a feel for Southern Albertan artists.

Lethbridge Restaurants

There are a good number of options for local Lethbridge restaurants to choose from, along with a variety of classic chains. You should be able to find something that you’re looking for but here are our top picks for places to eat:

Two Guys and A Pizza Place

Combining a wide-ranging selection of beers with its award-winning (and boundary-defying) pizza, Two Guys and A Pizza Place is a favourite of locals and one of the best restaurants in the city. They were even featured on Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here!

Italian Table

This is a top-notch Italian dining experience! Italian Table is tightly knit with the local community, sourcing most of its ingredients from Alberta producers. This dedication also made the restaurant an easy addition to a self-drive southern Alberta food tour.

ITEA Express

ITEA Express keeps us coming back for more. Fresh Vietnamese and Asian cuisine and their portion sizes are legendary. Be sure to try the Bun noodle bowls. And download their app to make ordering a cinch!

Steel and Vines

One doesn’t typically pair Lethbridge with quality wine. But cue up Steel and Vines in downtown Lethbridge. And it’s much more than just a wine bar. Upon walking in, it’s so nice to see their team supporting local artists from in and around Lethbridge by decorating the walls with their art creations. Their philosophy is to “deliver a dining experience that is unique, unpretentious and filled with lovely products they’ve personally created or picked.” So whether it’s a glass of sauv-blanc, one of their delicious cocktails or sharing a charcuterie plate, you’re guaranteed a memorable night out.

Via Cibo

If you’re looking for a quality, quick meal, then Via Cibo is where you need to go. It’s authentic Italian street food made with the freshest ingredients. Be sure to head there on a Wednesday for their pizza special night, and don’t forget that kids eat free on Mondays!

Milkman Milk Bar

Ice cream lovers rejoice! Milkman Milk Bar will satisfy any sweet tooth’s ice cream craving. Unique flavours and funky art wall that is perfect for the ‘Gram!

Streatside Eatery

Have a weakness for desserts like we do? This place is the best place to stop in for a piece of pie. Dare we say they have the best Key Lime Pie north of Florida?

Bootsma Bakery

Bootsma Bakery is the best spot in town for fresh baked goods that will leave you weak in the knees. Their cakes are amazing but be sure to try their cheese buns or apple fritters! Bet you can’t just have one!

Coffee Shops in Lethbridge

Lethbridge is home to a pretty cool coffee scene. From ethically sourced beans to self-roasters, you’ll be bound to find the perfect cup of coffee at one of these fine spots:

Sonder Coffee Bar

Sonder Coffee Bar is a popular spot with the locals, and every cup of coffee that’s brewed here has been ethically and consciously sourced. Their coffee is their what they’re known for, but if you are looking for a bite to eat, we think their waffles are pretty amazing.

The Penny Coffee House

A Lethbridge favourite for over 25 years, The Penny Coffee House in downtown Lethbridge serves both great java and some damn tasty treats. Stop in and have a peek at the walls which are lined with art from many local artists.

Bread Milk & Honey

Bread Milk & Honey is a trendy downtown Lethbridge local favourite and is all about serving its clients quality coffee and baked goods. Their all-day breakfast sandwich is sinfully delicious!

Lethbridge Pubs and Breweries

Mojos Lethbridge

A nice spot on the west side of Lethbridge, Mojos Pub has a good selection of beers and what we think is the best burger in town – the Dirty Doctor burger topped with smoked gouda, candied jalapenos, and a Dr. Pepper reduction.

Theoretically Brewing Company

Founded in 2012, Theory Brew was started by two home-brew enthusiasts who began a journey that has led them to some of the best-brewed beer in Alberta. The founders focused on a scientific method for their creations and even serve their beers in lab beakers. Their location has a spacious 60-seat patio where you can enjoy a beaker or two.

Spectrum Ale Works

Popular to the Lethbridge craft beer scene is Spectrum Ale Works. Stop in for a pint, or grab a growler to go. Be sure to try the Razzapeach Fruit Ale, perfect for a hot day!

*Note that Both Theoretically Brewing and Spectrum Ale Works made our list of the best Alberta breweries for craft beer!

Music and Entertainment Venues

The Owl Acoustic Lounge

The Owl, as it’s colloquially known, has a quirky ambiance that keeps locals coming back. And, with nightly events, The Owl always has something going on to enjoy.

Good Times Comedy Club

A favourite local hangout in Lethbridge, Good Times Comedy Club is a fun night out. The club features comics, both local and national, and hosts quiz nights to keep the good times rolling.

The Slice

The Slice keeps things simple. It focuses on three things: pizza, beer, and live music. And it does them all well. It’s easy to see why it makes a delicious and relaxing evening out.

Lethbridge Parks and Pools

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Designed by a garden architect in Osaka and constructed by artisans from Kyoto, these Lethbridge Japanese Gardens are a beautiful symbol of friendship between Canada and Japan. Here, visitors can take part in tea ceremonies, participate in Sumo Sumo Sundays or do yoga in the serenity of the garden. Of course, you can also simply walk the paths and experience an authentically Japanese-Albertan experience.

Henderson Pool

If you’re looking for a little more action, look north from the gardens and you’ll see Henderson Pool with its bright, colourful waterslides and spray park. The outdoor pool is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours during Lethbridge’s long, hot summer days. And once you’ve been worn out by all the swimming and splashing (or perhaps by all the screaming children!), Henderson Lake offers a lovely 3 km loop to wind down.

Cor Van Raay YMCA

The newest and largest fitness facility in Lethbridge. Including a surf simulator, pool, water slides, hockey and curling rinks, a running track, and so much more. Cor Van Raay YMCA is a one-stop shop for all things active!

Henderson Lake Park

Over 7 kilometres of walking paths will lead you around Henderson Lake. There are plenty of activities throughout the summer, including kayaking, canoeing, and the very popular Lethbridge Dragonboat Races.

Nicholas Sheran Park

Not only is Nicholas Sheran Park a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic, but it also has the only Disc Golf Course in the city.

Tee it Up! Lethbridge Golf Courses

Paradise Canyon Golf Course

Play in paradise, as the name says it all. It’s a bit of a long drive (pun intended) to get here, but it’s worth it. Nestled right in the coulee, Paradise Canyon is one of Alberta’s best golf courses that will challenge any golfer and offer stunning scenery through all 18 holes. Just remember to factor in that breeze!

Henderson Lake Golf Course

For those who prefer to spend their time on the links, Henderson Lake has you covered. The Henderson Lake Golf Course is right around the corner, and is open early in the season and stays open much later than courses in most other cities!

Evergreen Golf Centre

This golf centre has it all. There is a short and challenging par 3 (with one par 4) to work on your short game. Before your round, hit some golf balls at the state-of-the-art driving range, including TopTracer, to evaluate and monitor your swing.

Bridge Valley Golf Course (Par 3)

Bridge Valley Golf Course is a short nine-hole par 3 course along the Old Man River. It’s a beautiful walk with great views of the Lethbridge High-Level train bridge. The course is simple and great for golfers of all ages. Tee times are recommended, but walk-ups are allowed. There is also a driving range on site to get some practice swings in.

Drop Zone Golf Centre

Keep the golf clubs out all year long, Drop Zone Golf Centre is Lethbridge’s only dedicated simulated golf centre. Their three sims feature over 200 worldwide courses, detailed range analysis or even fun games. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening to work on your golf game.

Lethbridge Coulees – Walk, Hike, or Ride!

You don’t need a car to get to the coulees from downtown Lethbridge or from the eastern edges of the Westside, but you do need to plan for the hike back up if you’re going down under your own two feet. Whether you choose to make the hike on foot, use a bike, or make it easy on yourself and take a car, once you get down into the coulees, the city melts away, leaving you in almost undisturbed nature.

It’s easy to find both parking spots and trails at the bottom of the coulee, whether you prefer the more strenuous climb and descent at the edges or stroll next to the Oldman River as it slowly winds its way through Southern Alberta. The following are some of the most popular spots for exploring the coulees.

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Both a nature preserve and activity centre, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre is the perfect place to spend some time learning about local flora/fauna and exploring the nearby forested trails with kids. There are guided trails and even a scavenger hunt to take part in. Afterwards, take in the view of the coulees from the rooftop patio.

Popson Park & Cottonwood Park

Just a little past the Sundridge neighbourhood on the west side of the city, these two remarkable parks offer a serene slice of nature. While Popson is popular for dog owners to walk, Cottonwood Park is actually a city preservation area and habitat for many prairie wildlife species (thus, dogs are not allowed). Cottonwood is also one of our favourite spots in the summer to catch the sunrise in Lethbridge.

Pavan Park

Considered a hidden gem in Lethbridge, Pavan Park is over 125 hectares of natural park nestled along the Old Man River. There are ample spots for picnics, hiking in the coulees (10km of trails), and even dipping your toes in the water on a hot summer day. It’s a popular spot for river tubers to get out of the river when starting at the High-Level Bridge.

Other Fun Things to Do in Lethbridge

Explore our Galaxy – Take a Tour of the Planets

Have you ever considered how big the universe really is? Well, the Lethbridge Astronomy Society has decided to show you! The society has erected the planets to scale around the city and region, starting with the sun on top of the historic clock tower downtown Lethbridge. If you follow the self-guided tour, you’ll head out to all the corners of the city and beyond, giving you a real gauge of the distance between planets.

Fort Whoop-Up

Commemorating the wild past of the area and nestled right in Indian Battle Park at the base of the coulee, Fort Whoop-Up is a re-creation of the fur trading fort that pre-dated the city. Inside there is a museum and gift shop explaining the history of the Fort. And throughout the year, there are events hosted here, including pow-wows to illustrate the importance and history of the Blackfoot here in Lethbridge.

DriVR Motorsports

Calling all F1, Nascar, GT and other racecar enthusiasts! At DriVR Motorsports, their goal is to make you feel like you’re a professional driver behind the wheel of a high-performance machine. Whether you want to race Go-Karts, GT cars, or Formula 1, they do it all! There are 6 high-performance VR racing machines with full-motion seats networked together so you can race against your friends. It’s a great spot for a birthday party, team-building event, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just a fun night out with friends!

Day Trips From Lethbridge

Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation

After a short 17-minute drive east to the town of Coaldale, you will arrive at this unique interactive experience with some of Alberta’s famous species of birds.  Let an owl rest on your arm, learn ancient falconry training methods, and get up close to trained eagles or hawks. Gain admission to this non-profit organization by donation only, in which they rely solely on to run its day-to-day operations and help injured and orphaned owls, hawks, and eagles back into the wild.

Waterton

Head southwest to the majestic Waterton Lakes National Park.  Experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains at their finest by taking in crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife and wildflowers and offering some world-famous scenic hiking trails. It’s a quick drive, only 132 km from Lethbridge to Waterton.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

About 100 km southeast, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park was named a National Historic Site in 2004, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.  Explore among the hoodoos and find ancient carvings and rock paintings dating back to 1050 BCE.  Enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing or kayaking in the summer months or take in one of the interpretive programs or guided walks.

Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump

Just 71 km west of Lethbridge is Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and Interpretive Centre.  A museum to the Blackfoot people and a place that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture.  Explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits or take a short interpretive hike beneath the cliffs.