Lethbridge: Merging the Historic & Contemporary

Lethbridge, Alberta was developed around three core industries back in late 1882: coal mining, railways, and irrigated agriculture. A lot has changed in this rapidly growing community since those days; a pioneering spirit and enduring civic pride have evolved to create a vital and robust city. A variety of community improvement projects began in the 1980s, breathing new life into Lethbridge and paving the way for future development, culture, and commerce. From the striking architecture of the university to inviting Zen gardens to historical forts, the city offers a bounty of attractions and points of interest. In addition, the community has a bustling restaurant and club scene, with culinary delights and good times aplenty.

Downtown Letbridge, where an array of lively restaurants and boutiques await1

WHERE TO STAY

A variety of lodging options are available here, from large hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts and frugally priced hostels. Most accommodations are located in the heart of the city, with a bounty of amenities located nearby. When the weather permits, those with a hankering for the great outdoors will be delighted to discover several campgrounds in the region.

TAKING IN THE SIGHTS

Still the world's highest: the High Level Bridge2

The High Level Bridge, officially opened on November 1, 1901, with what was widely considered a hefty price tag at the time (just over $1 million), is still the longest and highest train bridge in the world. The structure is frequented by CP Rail and the occasional brave jogger.

Opened in 1967, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a traditional Zen oasis, complete with koi ponds, pagodas, and lush greenery, while the Galt Gardens, located in the heart of the city, are a testament to the founders of the community with a variety of events and celebrations held in the park throughout the year.

Students from around the world flock to the University of Lethbridge, and the campus is a vibrant meeting place for faculty and students from a broad range of disciplines. Architect Arthur Erickson designed the main building to reflect the captivating imagery of the surrounding landscape.

The Old Man River originates in the Beehive Natural Area, winding its way through the province before meandering through the city of Lethbridge. A variety of fish call the river home, including walleye, sturgeon and rainbow trout. Its refreshing waters provide a cool place to relax on the banks on a hot summer day.

Whether it's enjoying a relaxing meal, a friendly pub, or a night of dancing, the Lethbridge restaurant scene is diverse and electric, with a plethora of culinary and entertainment options.

	The calming Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens3

HISTORY & ECONOMY

Way back in 1869, the American army banned trading in liquor with native peoples, causing entrepreneurial Americans to head north to Canada, setting up trading posts and selling whiskey. One of the more notorious establishments, Fort Whoop Up was once home to the rowdiest of the rowdy as a whiskey trading post, back in 1869. The fort is now a popular area destination with interpretive centre, art gallery and wagon rides.

The abundance of coal in the region has made the land buckle in places, creating unique rock formations and causing the Blackfoot to dub the area “Sik-okotoks”, or Place of Black Rocks. In 1882, the North Western Coal & Navigation Company opened the first drift mine, reaping generous profits from the enormous coal deposits. Although mining ceased many years ago, experts estimate there is still 800 million tons of coal under the ground. In addition, the robust farmlands of the surrounding countryside spawned a bustling agriculture trade over the years, with innovative irrigation systems contributing much needed moisture to the often arid soil.

In 1906, Lethbridge was officially recognized as a city by the province of Alberta and the first city council meeting was chaired by then mayor George Rogers. During World War II, the young men of the city joined the military to fight overseas, earning Lethbridge the highest enlistment rate in Canada.

As the fourth largest city in the province, and the largest in southern Alberta, Lethbridge has remained an important economic and industrial centre. Historically, the city first rose to prominence as a hub for drift mining, then later in the 20th century, agriculture became a primary source of wealth. Nowadays, the bulk of residents work in the health, education, retail and hospitality sectors.

GEOGRAPHY

Boasting one of the largest urban park systems in North America, Lethbridge is also expansive in its size, and the city covers over 127 sq km (49 sq mi). The Old Man river divides the city into three major sections: north, south, and west,. The west is rapidly expanding, due in part to the influx of students attending the university. The south portion of the city is home to bustling downtown, with a variety of shops and services, while the north side is the oldest of the three areas, and is now home to industrial parks and historic homes.

CLIMATE

There's a saying in Lethbridge: If you don't like the weather, wait an hour and it will change! This expression reflects the divergent weather patterns of this Alberta city. While other parts of Canada may hunker down for months of bone-chilling temperatures, residents of this thriving community enjoy the famed Chinook winds as they raise the temperature in a matter of hours from freezing to balmy. Lethbridge is also the second windiest city in Canada with over 100 days per year blustering with wind speed of 40 km per hour (25 mph) or more. The summer months in this south western Alberta city tend to be dry, windy, and hot, with temperatures soaring above 30 C (86 F) in July and August. The winters are among the mildest in the country, with average temperatures in January of -15ºC ( 5 ºF) and -13 -15 ºC (5ºF) in February.

Once home a boisterous liquor hub: Fort Whoop Up4

TRANSPORTATION

If driving to Lethbridge, the storied and picturesque Highway 3 is a less crowded and relaxing way to get to the city, while Highway 4 provides a straight forward access road into the community. Recent expansion of these highways has resulted in widened lanes and ultimately, a smoother ride into the city. The Lethbridge County Airport, located 5 km (3mi) south, is serviced by Air Canada and Integra Air, with connecting flights to Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray.

The city of Lethbridge provides an extensive public transit system, with a fleet of buses operating throughout the city and an online Ride Guide for passengers. Most routes operate from early morning until midnight, at which time grabbing a taxi from one of the local services is required.

There is ample metered parking, as well as supervised lots throughout the downtown area. Residents hold permits, allowing them to park on the streets of their community. This is enforced by by-law officers who dole out hefty fines for parking infractions.

1. Germán Rodríguez Pazo; Downtown Lethbridge, AB, Canada
2. Germán Rodríguez Pazo; HIgh Level Bridge; Lethbridge,AB Canada
3. Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens ; Lethbridge, AB, Canada
4. Fort Whoop Up; Lethbridge; AB, Canada