Foothills

Region known for:

Cowboy Trail road trips
Rugged landscape
Historic ranches

Acquaint yourself with Alberta’s vast rolling hills and admire the Canadian Rocky Mountains beyond. Soak in the ambiance of a peak-filled horizon as you seek adventure in wide-open plains.

Useful links:

The Cowboy Trail

Key City: Bragg Creek
Transportation Hub: YYC Calgary International Airport
Don't miss: Horseback adventures
Claim to fame: The Cowboy Trail

Trending in the Foothills

Foothills highlights

Three riders walking up a golden hill on horseback in Diamond Valley, Alberta.

Breathtaking big skies

Finish a day of exploration by watching an array of colours erupt overhead as the sun disappears behind jagged peaks. Here, constellations fill the sky in the absence of city lights.

Two people mountain biking in the Foothills during autumn.

Rugged wilderness excursions

Smell the pine, hear the rustling of wildlife and free your spirit in the great forests of Alberta, by yourself or on an interpretive tour. Get closer to the land on horseback with a guided trail ride.

Mixologist smoking a cocktail at Eau Claire Distillery Speakeasy.

Rural culinary delights

Kick back in a classic soda shop, Prohibition-era cocktail bar, Western chuckwagon cafe or breezy Mexican-themed patio. Local ingredients and warm atmospheres await in the Foothills.

Skijoring, a winter activity that sees a cross-country skier pulled along by a horse, in Longview, Southern Alberta.

Couple walking with hot beverages in Old Towne Plaza in Okotoks.

Couple Christmas shopping at Millarville Christmas market

A family enjoying themselves on a winter sleigh ride as the sun goes down near Diamond Valley

Family out front of Granary Road Farmers Market

A person stands on a cliff overlooking the waterfall at Elbow Falls in Southern Alberta

Two skiers crossing a bridge, enjoying the cross country ski trails while skiing in West Bragg Creek

Things to do in the Foothills

Loading . . .

Key towns

Little towns with big spirits dot the Foothills region. Rest, eat and roam in these welcoming locales.

Couple leaving the Crabapple Cottage Ladies Boutique after shopping

Bragg Creek

Embark on a day of outdoor activities or enjoy the quaint hamlet’s shops. This hub for exploration boasts waterfalls, hiking trails and much more nearby.

Visit Bragg Creek

Diamond Valley

Visit the gathering place for hundreds of farmers, artisans and collectors. Unique shops and restaurants line this community’s streets.

Couple walking out of Lineham House Galleries

Okotoks

Discover breweries, museums and parks in and around town. Between the history, geological wonders and craft beer, you won’t want to leave.

Visit Okotoks

Millarville

Witness stunning views of the Canadian Rockies from this quiet community. Although small, the town hosts mighty horse races, farmers’ markets and festivals.

Longview

Take a break along the Cowboy Trail and explore unique eateries. Once referred to as “Little New York,” this town has easy access to the Canadian Rockies and plenty of charm.