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| A view of the High Level Bridge in Lethbridge1 |
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Sunny and warm, the city of Lethbridge is located in Alberta, in close proximity to the Canadian Rockies. Lethbridge is situated 217 km (136 mi) southeast of Calgary, Alberta and 105 km (65 mi) from the United States border. This ideal location makes the city a great base camp for those planning to visit the rocky mountains. Visitors to the area will find that the city offers various types of accommodations to suit their needs. Lethbridge is known for its mild winters and windy climate. The mild weather allows locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreational activities for most the year. The Oldman River divides this former boomtown that is now a city and is considered to be a centre of agriculture, oil and gas.
The city of Lethbridge started out as a whiskey trading post after the United States Army prohibited alcohol trading in 1869 with the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. It was originally known as Fort Hamilton, named after one of the whiskey traders, and was later nicknamed Fort Whoop-Up. During the 1870s, the post experienced a boom until the North West Mounted Police arrived to restore order. The city's name originates from William Lethbridge, who was president of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company. Coal mining was one of the economic pillars that Lethbridge was founded on. The railway and irrigated agriculture were also important to Lethbridge's economic development. Today, visitors will find Lethbridge to be a welcoming prairie city that offers plenty of recreational activities, culture and attractions.
ACCESS
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A Pagoda in the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens2 |
Lethbridge is easily accessible by air from the Lethbridge County Airport, which is located approximately 5 km (3 mi) south of the city. Alternate airports with scheduled service to Lethbridge are the Calgary International Airport, which is 230 km (142 mi) away, and the Medicine Hat Airport located 170 km (106 mi) from the city.
Another option to conveniently arrive in Lethbridge is by bus services such as Greyhound. In addition to air and bus services, driving to Lethbridge is another alternative. Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) is a long branch of the Trans-Canada Highway that travels through southern parts of British Columbia and Alberta. Highway 5, which later becomes Mayor Magrath Drive, a major road in Lethbridge, leads out to Lethbridge County Airport. Highway 5 is a short southern Alberta highway used mainly to travel between Lethbridge and the Waterton Townsite located in the southwest corner of the province. Highway 25 is situated along Highway 3 on the northwestern outskirts of Lethbridge and is also a short highway that interchanges with Highway 3. For those travelling from northern Alberta, Highway 2 can be used to reach Lethbridge.
A selection of car rental companies can be found in the city for travellers who are looking to rent a car once they arrive. The city also provides efficient public transit service. Taking a taxi to get around Lethbridge is another convenient option.
ATTRACTIONS
Visitors will find plenty to see and do once they arrive in Lethbridge. Many sights and attractions can be enjoyed all year long, from parks to interpretive centres. No matter what time of year, Lethbridge's mild temperatures allow visitors to enjoy various outdoor and indoor activities.
The Sir Alexander Galt Museum is not to be missed. Through stories, memories and collections, visitors here can learn about the distinctive and vibrant human history of southwestern Alberta. Also throughout the year, the Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre offers something educational yet fun for everyone to enjoy. Travellers here can learn about the region's first and largest whiskey trading post through books, plays, role-playing, media centres and displays.
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A front view of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum3 |
Garden lovers should not miss a trip to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. Visitors here have the opportunity to view a large Zen garden, streams, rocks, pagoda and can walk along well-maintained paths. The garden is open from mid-May to mid October and an entrance fee is charged. For those looking for a more hands-on nature experience, the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre located in the Oldman River Valley, offers a variety of programs such as guided nature walks and year-round exhibits.
Art enthusiasts will relish Lethbridge's regional and touring art exhibits. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery features regularly changing exhibits by contemporary artists. Visitors can partake in learning programs, view film screenings, browse through the resource library or do some shopping at the gift shop. For those who love landscapes and wildlife, the Jerry Arnold Gallery presents realistic and impressionistic natural art. His unique art is created by using ink applied with a brush. In addition, original work by established local artists can be viewed or purchased at The Miller Gallery. A wide range of subjects are available, from nature scenes to abstract compositions.
Lethbridge is home to the longest and highest railway bridge in the world. Known as the High Level Bridge, it spans 1.6 km (1 mi) and soars to a height of 97 m (320 ft). Designed by the Canadian Pacific Railway's bridge department in Montreal, the bridge is made out of massive steel trestle and travels over the Oldman River.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are several lodging options when visiting Lethbridge. Many of the city's hotels and motels can be found on Mayor Magrath Drive South, which is located in the south centre of the city. This road is used to enter the city from the United States and it also connects with Highway 3, which can be used to enter or leave the city from the western or eastern sides. Many restaurants, attractions and shops can be found on or near this popular road. When choosing an accommodation, hotels are a travellers best bet since Lethbridge has several to choose from and they can suit the needs of various types of guests.
For those looking for a more intimate setting, bed and breakfasts are a great alternative to larger hotels. Lethbridge offers a few selections located within the city. Most bed and breakfasts can be found in residential areas where as others such as B&B In Paradise Canyon, is located on a golf resort and is close to the airport. Nature and golf enthusiasts will both have opprtunities to view a variety of wildlife here.
Outdoorsy types may prefer to lodge at a campground. A couple are located within the city, whereas others can be found a short drive away. Henderson Lake Campground is a good choice for those planning to spend time at Lethbridge's Henderson Park, which features scenic gardens, walking paths and picnic areas. The lake at the park can be used for boating and fishing.
For those interested in staying in a country setting away from city life, Elbas Farm Cottage is an option. Located just east of Lethbridge, the house can accommodate two adults and up to four children. Some of the amenities provided include a fully functioning kitchen, a full-bathroom and a washer and dryer.
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Entrance to the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre4 |
Hotels Near Third Avenue South
The Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, the Days Inn and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel are located close to attractions such as the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre, art galleries and the Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre. These tourist destinations are all close to Third Avenue South which is home to many Lethbridge restaurants. These hotels are great for leisure and business travellers, offering amenities such as a 24-hour front desk, an on-site bar and lounge, meeting facilities and fitness centre. The Lethbridge Lodge is the city's landmark hotel which overlooks the coulees and is located within walking distance of two shopping centres. The hotel offers a variety of suites such as business class, family suites, extended stay and V.I.P. suites.
Mayor Magrath Drive South Hotels
For those looking to spend time at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, the Best Western Heidelberg Inn as well as the Howard Johnson Express Inn and Thriftlodge are all good choices. They are located on the upper part (northern part) of the road and they all offer standard hotel amenities such as cable TV and internet access. The Comfort Inn, Ramada Hotel and Premiere Inn and Suites are convenient options for those looking to be near Lethbridge Community College and the Enmax Centre which is used for many events and major concerts.
These hotels can be found on the lower part (southern part) of the road.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Travel Alberta; High Level Bridge; Lethbridge, Alberta,
Canada
- Travel Alberta; Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens; Lethbridge, Alberta,
Canada
- Travel Alberta; Sir Alexander Galt Museum; Lethbridge, Alberta,
Canada
- Travel Alberta; Helen Schuler Coulee Centre; Lethbridge, Alberta,
Canada
