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Couple taking in the view of the Alberta mountains with a blanket wrapped around them.

West
Country

West Country is a place to push boundaries, face challenges and rendezvous with fellow free spirits. Your connection to the land will only deepen as you traverse the peaks and canyons of the Canadian Rockies.

At a glance

  • Western Alberta
  • Key City: Rocky Mountain House
  • 190 km (118 mi) from Edmonton International Airport

Rife with flora and fauna

With plenty of sheep, grizzly bears and other animals running wild through lush forests and wildflower fields, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a nature documentary.

Adrenaline-spiking adventures

Awaken your Wild Side among rugged cliffs and white-water rapids, on ATVs and in vast backcountry trails. Pride will swell in your heart as you conquer soaring peaks.

Traditional experiences

Learn to live off the land with the help of Indigenous guides. Medicine walks, animal tracking and navigation are all skills you can pick up—with the right teachers, of course.

A couple sit on the methane bubbles under a frozen lake while admiring the sunset.

Uncommon natural beauty

Ice bubbles trapped in the ice of winter lakes, frozen and flowing waterfalls and boundless wilderness paths. Rugged yet beautiful, West Country boasts endless exquisite sights.

Whether in canyons or upon mountaintops, get closer to Western Canada’s natural wonders.

A woman balancing on a fallen down tree trunk with a man behind her standing on rocks as they are on a hike together admiring Whitegoat Falls in Nordegg.

Take on backcountry hikes and savour the fresh air and absence of crowds.

A couple golfing at the Sundre Golf Club and the man is putting on the green.
Line up your putt on the immaculate greens of Sundre Golf Course.
Three women drinking cocoa outside a tent while glamping luxury camping in Sundre in Central Alberta.
Luxury camp between evergreens with Panther River Adventures.
A group of people taking part of the Mukwah Rafting Tour on a raft floating down the Panther River.

This is a place to venture beyond your comfort zone—to try new things and explore new sights.

Featured attractions

Western Canyoning Adventure

Journey down hidden pockets and caves around Abraham Lake and rappel through cool mountain waters. Different canyons offer varying difficulty levels, ensuring fun for all types of adventurers.

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Couple interacting with a wolfdog at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Walk alongside and learn about wolfdogs and wolves at this scenic wildlife sanctuary. Interactive tours dare you to get closer and feed the majestic animals by hand.

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Painted Warriors

Practice a new set of skills in this Indigenous outdoor experience. Animal tracking, archery and snowshoeing are a few of the tasks you’ll face in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

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View of the mountains from a helicopter

Rockies Heli Canada

Helicopter through the Canadian Rockies any time of the year. Sightseeing tours offer views of snow-capped summits and heli-hiking trips allow visitors to snowshoe through the wilderness.

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Unwind in local bistros and themed cafés or cook meals over campfires in the wilderness. Best paired with scary stories and stars overhead.

Two of the heritage buildings Sundre & District Museum village.

Wander quaint communities and delve into the stories of their past.

Key towns

Dare to try different stays, foods and excursions in the towns of West Country. When you leave, keep its adventurous spirit as a souvenir.

Rocky Mountain House

Rocky Mountain House balances values of outdoor exploration and historic preservation. The passion for discovery is evident throughout the town's history and is still alive today.

Cochrane

Located just west of the big city lights in Calgary, Cochrane is a playground for adventurers. See stunning views of Alberta’s Foothills and Rocky Mountains, with all the amenities you need right in town.

Couple taking in the view of the Alberta mountains with a blanket wrapped around them.

Nordegg

Formerly a coal mining town, currently a hub for outdoor exploration and the site of the Brazeau Collieries Mine National Heritage Site.

Sundre

Venture through the gateway to Western Alberta. Bordering the Canadian Rockies, vast forests and glittering rivers, Sundre is filled with friendly local trailblazers.

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Accommodation

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Two people ice climbing a frozen waterfall with two belayers below.

Things to Do

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Food & Beverage

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Stories from the West Country

Man and woman enjoying hot beverages and pastries at The Westwood in Diamond Valley

3 min read

Find Great Eats and Good Times in Alberta’s West Country

Exploring the highways and byways of the foothills is a great way to work up an appetite. There’s lots to see and do. Luckily, there are also plenty of places that will satisfy your hunger. Check out these gems:

Rafting down a river the Rocky Mountains. with Nordegg Adventures near Nordegg.

4 min read

Five Adventures in Alberta’s West Country that Deliver Wet-and-wild Fun

Head for the West Country for fun and adventure on the water. Try:

Know before you go

Where to Stay
Getting Here
Climate & Weather
Maps & Transportation
Health & Safety
Frequently Asked Questions