Memories Worth Making in Stettler

provided by the Stettler Board of Trade

In a year of uncertainty, we’ve come to appreciate the time spent with close friends and family! Stettler is a short drive from Calgary (approximately two-and-a-half hours) that will take you back to a simpler way of life; a region full of treasures to experience with each other and make memories.

Big Valley

On your way up to the Stettler region, take the scenic trip along Highway 56 and make a pit stop in the Village of Big Valley, the destination of Alberta Prairie Steam Excursions.

This hospitable little community has the makings for some great memories! Take a stroll along Jimmy Jock Boardwalk and take in the history of the used-to-be coal town. With a multitude of museums, there’s so much to see! Your stop won’t be complete until you head up the hill to St. Edmund’s Church overlooking the village.

Buffalo Lake

We recommend reserving a spot at one of the many campgrounds on the east side of Buffalo Lake to be close to the beach. If you’re looking for a location that’s great for kids, check out Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort as they offer many great amenities. Rochon Sands Provincial Park is another great option without all the extras. Don’t forget to pack floaties and a fishing rod.

Buffalo Lake is a great option to relax and cool off. The kids will love splashing around and making sandcastles. For those with boats, there are a couple of docking options to get onto the lake. Buffalo Lake is full of nature; you won’t be disappointed with the variety of birds flying by and you’ll want to keep your eye out for some prairie wildlife including deer and coyotes!

Donalda

Take a short jaunt north to the Village of Donalda. This quaint village offers more than meets the eye. Bring some solid shoes and take the family for a hike in Willow Canyon. As the gateway to the Canadian Badlands, the landscape will make you think you’ve entered a whole new world! Bring your camera as there are some great opportunities for photos – including in front of the World’s Largest Lamp! Stop by the local café to pick up a treat before heading back to camp.

Stettler

Make a day trip into Stettler and take in the small-town feel. If you’re interested in history and the settling of the prairies, you’ll want to stop by the Town & Country Museum and P&H Elevator. Both places are full of history and will give young and old alike the opportunity to imagine what life used to be like. The Stettler Town & Country Museum is the fifth largest
pioneer museum in Alberta so there is a lot to see!

Stettler offers the laid-back feel of rural Alberta. You’ll enjoy walking along historical Main Street and enjoying a treat from the local cafes while checking out the shops. If you’re in town during the week, stop by Bloke’s Bakery for an infamous cream john!

West Stettler Park offers a playground and spray park the kids will love with access to the trail system. Catch and release is also allowed at West Stettler Park.

If you happen to pop in on a rainy weekend, don’t worry, there’s plenty of activities for the whole family indoors. From Heartland Bowl or the Jewel Theatre to the Stettler Public Library, there’s a way to stay busy but keep dry.

Home to many events, you’ll want to check out destinationstettler.com to see what’s happening while you’re in town.

Weekly summer events include:

• Stettler Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays, 4 to 7pm at the Stettler Ag Society
• Music in the Park – Wednesdays, 7pm at West Stettler Park

With wide-open spaces and opportunities to explore, Stettler will be sure to offer great memories for the whole family. Remember the laughs at the beach, the times cuddled around the campfire, and the smiles of the kids as they crest the top of the next hill. These are the memories worth making.