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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.

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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.

A hiker stops to admire the frozen waterfall at Elbow Falls in Bragg Creek
Couple hiking in Bragg Creek
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Skijoring, a winter activity that sees a cross-country skier pulled along by a horse, in Longview.
A group of friends saluting their beverages and enjoying dinner at the Azuridge Hotel.
A couple shop at stalls at the Millarville Christmas Market.
A couple having a pint of beer at Hard Knox Brewery.
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Things to do in the Foothills

Key towns

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

Couple cross-country skiing outside a glamping dome in Alberta's Foothills.

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
Women shop for clothes at Berie's General store in Diamond Valley.

Diamond Valley

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

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

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
A blacksmith at Stone Wood & Steel works at an anvil while a family of visitors watches.

Millarville

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

Couple sitting at a bar drinking and eating at the Twin Cities Hotel in Longview.

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.

A family eats lunch on a patio at The Dining Car Restaurant in High River.

High River

Fill your trip with rich history, year-round events and camping ventures or lace your shoes for 30 km (19 mi) of walking and biking trails.

Visit High River
A couple walks out of a shop in Nanton, Alberta.

Nanton

Hunt for hidden gems in this agriculture-focused Southern Alberta town. Journey through relaxed streets and shop at boutiques with unique artifacts.

Visit Nanton

Stories

The owner of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary posted with a pack of young wolfdogs while one licks her face.
7 min read How to Visit Canada's Only Wolfdog Sanctuary

Meet wolfdogs up close near Calgary and Banff at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Animal encounters are guaranteed and unlike any other wildlife experience.

Vehicle driving down the Icefields Parkway with mountain views in Jasper National Park, Alberta.
7 min read The Top Summer Road Trips in Alberta in 2026

Discover bucket list road trips in Alberta, Canada, from the Icefields Parkway to the Canadian Badlands and hidden gem road trips across the province.

Two girls watching a cowboy holding a horse in a corral at Warner Stables in Banff National Park.
5 min read Saddle Up for Adventure at Alberta's Most Authentic Ranch Experiences

Satisfy your inner cowgirl or cowboy with these authentic ranch experiences and ranch stays in Alberta.

Two bikers riding an open prairie trail with yellow trees in the fall as the sun starts to set behind a hill in the background.
4 min read 10 Amazing Things to Do in Bragg Creek All Year Long

Tucked in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Bragg Creek is a little slice of Alberta heaven that offers the perfect mix of outdoor thrills and small-town chill.

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Suggested itineraries

Couple walking out of the the Beef Jerky Store in Longview.
3 days
Cowboy Trail Road Trip

Discover must-visit destinations along Alberta’s Cowboy Trail (Hwy 22) by car, bicycle and horseback. Historic ranches, downhome cooking and craft beverages await.

Cast of CBC's Heartland standing in the Foothills of Alberta.
3 days
Heartland Adventures in Southern Alberta

Saddle up for unforgettable equine experiences as you journey across cowboy country. See sweeping views of Alberta's foothills, filming location of one of Netflix's most-watched shows, Heartland.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

A group of buoyancy-aided friends leisurely float down Calgary's Bow River on inner tubes, passing under the iconic Peace Bridge. Lush tree-lined riverbanks create a serene backdrop, with the distant cityscape adding to the carefree summer atmosphere.

Calgary

Calgary
Two people in a red canoe on Spray Lakes, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains at sunset.

Canmore & Kananaskis

Canmore & Kananaskis
A pano shot of two hikers overlooking the view of Banff from Tunnel Mountian.

Banff & Lake Louise

Banff & Lake Louise