High River

Day Trips

Start with a hearty breakfast at a cozy café downtown. Wander along 3rd Avenue to admire colorful murals and historic storefronts. Capture photos of the restored heritage buildings that reflect the town’s rich past.

Browse boutique shops and pick up handmade goods from local artisans. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on a sunny patio overlooking the Bow River. Stroll through MacKenzie Meadows Park to relax among its leafy pathways.

Dine at a family-run bistro serving farm-to-table fare. Catch live music at a welcoming community venue showcasing local talent. Take a sunset walk along the river’s toe path and watch the sky turn pink.

Drive a short distance to the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre nestled in nearby Cochrane. Attend the morning flight show to see hawks, owls, and falcons soar overhead. Learn about raptor conservation from knowledgeable staff.

Join a behind-the-scenes tour to get up close with rehabilitated birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the outdoor viewing area surrounded by prairie grasslands. Visit the educational exhibits to discover regional wildlife facts.

Return to High River for a hearty dinner at a riverside grill. Reflect on the day’s encounters with majestic birds while sampling local craft beers. End the night with a quiet riverside walk under the starlit sky.

Begin at the High River Museum to delve into the town’s pioneer history through interactive displays. Explore restored artifacts and vintage photography that tell stories of early settlers. Chat with friendly volunteers to hear personal anecdotes.

Head to the Chinook Arch Gallery to view contemporary artwork by local and regional artists. Savor a light lunch at the gallery café with fresh pastries and coffee. Participate in a short art workshop if available, crafting your own keepsake.

Dine at a popular downtown eatery known for Alberta beef dishes. Enjoy an informal art talk or live painting demonstration hosted by the gallery in the evening. Relax on a bench in Normandeau Gardens and watch nearby train tracks glow with twilight.

Prepare a packed breakfast to enjoy at the trailhead of the Waskehegan Recreation Area. Set out on the well-maintained pathways that wind through rolling prairie and gentle forest. Listen for birdsong and keep an eye out for native wildlife along the route.

Pause at a scenic picnic spot overlooking the Sheep River for sandwiches and snacks. Continue hiking to discover hidden river crossings and tranquil ponds. Dip your toes in the cool water to refresh on a warm day.

Return to town and treat yourself to a hearty pasta dinner at a local trattoria. Head to a craft brewery for a flight tasting featuring regionally brewed ales. End the evening with friends around a cozy firepit under the open sky.

Drive to a nearby family-owned ranch where friendly wranglers greet you. Mount a gentle horse for a guided trail ride through open fields and canyons. Learn basic riding techniques and ranch lore from experienced guides.

Enjoy a ranch-style barbecue lunch under a covered pavilion. Watch a roping demonstration or try your hand at lassoing cattle. Take time to explore the ranch grounds and visit friendly farm animals.

Head back to High River for a casual meal at a riverside tavern. Sip on a signature cocktail infused with local berries. Stroll along 4th Avenue under streetlights while listening to acoustic melodies floating from nearby pubs.

Meet your guide at the Sheep River Provincial Park entrance for a safety briefing. Paddle downstream in a tandem canoe through serene waters flanked by grassy banks. Spot jumping trout and grazing deer along the shoreline.

Pull ashore for a riverside picnic featuring fresh sandwiches and seasonal fruit. Relax on smooth river rocks and watch the current flow by. Continue paddling past limestone bluffs and quiet coves.

Return the canoes and enjoy a lakeside dinner at a nearby lodge. Toast marshmallows around an outdoor firepit as dusk settles. Enjoy stargazing away from city lights before heading back to High River.

Tee off early at the Bow River Golf Club in neighboring Black Diamond. Play 18 holes on a championship course framed by rolling foothills. Enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies on the horizon with each swing.

Refuel with a clubhouse lunch of gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads. Practice your short game at the putting green or try the driving range. Treat yourself to a refreshing beverage on the sunlit terrace overlooking the course.

Return to High River for a riverside picnic dinner at MacKenzie Park. Bring takeout from a local deli and enjoy alfresco dining under the trees. Listen to the gentle rush of the Bow River as you unwind.

Spend a relaxed morning browsing the Highwood Museum’s archival collections. Read about the town’s filming history and theatrical connections. Enjoy tea and scones at the museum’s heritage tea room.

Grab lunch at a sidewalk café in downtown High River. Take a self-guided walking tour of historic movie locations used in western films. Visit the Decorah Community Hall if there’s an afternoon workshop or talk scheduled.

Attend a live performance at the beautifully restored Empress Theatre in the town center. Sip on popcorn and local wine while watching a regional play or concert. After the show, stroll downtown to see the theatre marquee lit up against the night sky.

Drive to a boutique winery in the nearby foothills for a guided vineyard tour. Learn about grape varieties and the winemaking process unique to Alberta’s climate. Sample freshly pressed juices and meet the vintners.

Indulge in a seated wine tasting flight paired with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. Take scenic photos among the vine rows stretching toward the prairie. Purchase a bottle of your favorite regional wine to take home.

Return to High River and dine at an upscale farm-to-table restaurant. Pair your meal with the bottle of local wine you brought back. Finish the evening with a leisurely walk along the historic downtown district, illuminated by lampposts.

Enjoy a slow-paced morning with breakfast in bed from a charming B&B. Sit on the porch with a cup of locally roasted coffee and watch the town wake up. Pack your bags at an unhurried pace while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Take one final stroll through downtown to pick up souvenirs from favorite shops. Have a light lunch at a bakery and savor a slice of house-made pie. Sit on a bench along the river and reflect on the week’s adventures.

Drive to the nearest airport or continue your journey west toward the Rockies. Stop for an early dinner at a highway-facing diner for comfort food. Head home with a camera full of memories and a heart full of prairie hospitality.