Five Fun Things to Do in Lethbridge

Once a whisky trading post, the city with a wild side is now a flourishing cultural hub. With its cozy cafés, public art and urban parks, modern-day Lethbridge is a top spot to play in southern Alberta. Here are five things you've got to try on your next visit.

Art of the city

Lethbridge has a dynamic arts and culture scene. From the vast collection at the University of Lethbridge to featured exhibitions at public galleries, thought-provoking works are always on display. Art lovers will want to budget time to visit the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and the Casa Arts Centre.

For a fun, free way to explore southern Alberta's art community, walk your way around downtown's 20-plus public art installations. Download an Art of the City map from Lethbridge Public Art and hit the streets in search of sculptures, murals and kinetic works. Look for local artist Alex Pavlenko's weirdly whimsical metallic windsock, Wranglin' Willie & the Windeater – a humorous nod to Lethbridge's blustery weather. Also of note are the thundering hooves of bison escaping his mural Destiny Manifesting.

Zen out

Do your downward dog outside at Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. Named in honour of the international friendship between Japan and Canada, the manicured gardens are a lush oasis in downtown Lethbridge. Throughout the summer months, Yoga in the Garden is offered on the lawn in front of the reflection pond. Challenge your strength, balance and flexibility in a Hatha class, or go with the Flow, for more invigorating, fluid poses. The balance of perfectly pruned trees, soothing water features and symbolic structures is sure to inspire your practice. Classes are booked on a drop-in basis; check the Nikka Yuko events calendar for details

Interpretive trail blazing

Hike with purpose in the Lethbridge Nature Park. Before setting off, swing by the Helen Schuler Nature Centre. The city’s only LEED-Gold certified facility offers maps detailing each of the three one-kilometre interpretive trails. In addition to the route visual, you’ll find cool facts about the Oldman River Valley’s wildlife and ecosystem. For a leisurely stroll with little incline, hit the Nature Quest Trail to learn about local flora and fauna. Want to get your heart rate up? Tackle the Coulee Climb to the base of the High Level Bridge – the world’s longest and tallest trestle bridge. After the short, steep hike, take some time to explore the artifacts at the small Coal Banks Kiosk interpretive centre.

Farmers' fare

Shop local at the Lethbridge Farmers' Market. There are two markets to choose from throughout the summer months and most products sold are either made, baked or grown. Exhibition Park hosts the larger affair every Saturday, from mid-May until the end of October. Snack your way through the stalls and meet local growers, producers and artisans. Arrive early to pick up flakey sweet and savoury treats from Sunrise Berry Farms’ pie store. Don't do gluten? Look for Red Fox Kitchen's cookies, sourdough and pizza crust. On Wednesdays, from July through Labour Day, a pint-sized market pops up at Festival Square in downtown Lethbridge.

Coffee culture

Get your caffeine fix in downtown Lethbridge. You'll find scores of stores grinding beans and brewing espresso within a small walkable radius. For a simply delicious French press, visit The Penny. Better yet, go for a bite the first Friday of every month to get coffee for free (with purchase). Favourite handhelds are the grilled Californian BLT and the portobello mushroom and cheese melt. Keep in mind the freshly baked goods are seriously addictive.

A few blocks over, Bread Milk and Honey offers a specialized, Japanese Hario pour-over, using single origin beans. Pair a cup with the banana cream pie for a blissful afternoon delight. While at Umami – a contemporary take on an international grocer – order the Vietnamese coffee to perk you up. Oh, and be sure to grab a few of the grilled Umami barbecue pork buns as well. Just in case.