A short drive from the US border, Lethbridge is an ideal weekend destination or a jumping off point to the Canadian Rockies. As one of the five largest cities in Alberta, you will find plenty of activities, restaurants and hotels to keep you comfortable in the summer or winter.
- Lethbridge, AlbertaSherlock77 (James) / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
In the winter, Lethbridge is a snowy wonderland like much of central Canada. With short days, light is hard to come by unless you check out the Bright Lights Festival in late November. The holiday lights and reflection off the snow will almost make you forget it’s winter. You can travel to Lethbridge Lodge Hotel after Christmas, for late December’s Winterfest. You’ll enjoy the lingering festivity in the air and ring in the new year with locals and tourists alike.
If you are journeying through Lethbridge on the way to Canmore or Banff, stop for a night or two and check out the many local restaurants. Lighthouse Japanese Restaurant is a popular destination, or if you want a more family-friendly option try the old standby, Humpty’s Family Restaurant. Mexican flavors are available at El Comal Mexican, or try Italian at Top Pizza and Spaghetti House. If it’s a double-double or maple dip you crave, you can always find that at Tim Horton’s.
Summer is the more popular time to visit Lethbridge, as there are outdoor festivals and the sun is shining. Listen to Country Gold concerts every weekend, or check out the Canada Day Pancake Breakfast. July brings a Metis cultural and music festivals, and many top entertainers come here for concerts. Shakespeare in the Park is another local and tourist favorite.
The Lethbridge Hurricanes are part of the famous Western Hockey League and are quite competitive. If you have never been to a live Canadian hockey game, you are in for a treat…and a rowdy time. You can buy tickets on their website or at ENMAX Centre. The Hurricanes last won the WHL Championship in 1997, but they have come close a few times since then. Regular season games are available from September to March, with playoffs happening after.
The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a popular tourist destination. It symbolizes the friendship between the Japanese and Canadians. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to get away from it all – especially after a loud hockey game – the gardens are your spot. They are only open in the summer, May to September, so plan your trip accordingly. There is a tea ceremony room, dry garden, pagoda and bell tower, among the rocks, shrubs and trees.
As you’re planning your trip to Lethbridge, you’ll want to check out the many hotels. The top-rated Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton is one of the most popular, as well as the Coast Lethbridge Hotel and Conference Center. The Holiday Inn is also three stars and ranked well by past visitors. Many travelers want to be close to Lethbridge’s many golf courses, so pay attention to the hotel’s address when you book. In the summer, enjoy the weather and play 18 holes or more.
Before you leave Lethbridge, check out the High Level Bridge, the tallest bridge of its kind in the world. The bridge was built in 1909 and is one mile long. With this final tourist stop, you can leave Lethbridge knowing you’ve checked out the highlights. Return again soon for a different season and a new perspective on the historical and artsy city.
