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Region known for:
  • Sweeping horizons
  • Twisting canyons
  • Indigenous history

Discover a place where archeological and natural wonders divulge secrets of yesterday. Where spaces and skies span as far as the eye can see. Where Canada’s Wild Side awaits.

Useful links:

  • Key City: Lethbridge
  • Don't miss: An incredible concentration of rock carvings and paintings
  • Claim to fame: Canada's premier food corridor

Trending in the Historic Plains

Historic Plains highlights

A person walking through the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park with the sun peaking through in the distance.

Wild land

Some of Canada’s sunniest and wildest places are in Southern Alberta. Stroll leisurely trails, hike striking geology, summit the tallest point on the prairies or camp on a riverbank while listening for sounds of wildlife.

A couple hand in hand walking towards a large tipi made out of metal.

Indigenous experiences

Step into Indigenous history at two incomparable UNESCO World Heritage Sites within and nearby Alberta’s Historic Plains: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/Áísínai'pi.

A couple visiting Medalta in the Historic Clay District in Medicine Hat.

Rich heritage

See Medicine Hat history through the lens of Medalta potteries, then visit independent cafes to buy contemporary pottery crafted from local clay. Relax in Lethbridge’s Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden or learn about the illegal whisky trade at Fort Whoop-Up.

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Two skiers retrieve their skis from a rack at the base of the hill with a chairlift in the background.
Riders race on horseback in an Indian Relay Race in Medicine Hat.
Long-table guests laughing and eating together at Cattleman's Chophouse.
A family roasts marshmallows over a fire pit in Elkwater in Cypress Hills.
A couple tube under the Lethbridge Viaduct.
Mother and daughter enjoy the lights at Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens in Lethbridge.
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Things to do in the Historic Plains

Key cities and towns

Search for modern eats, intimate accommodations and more in the Historic Plains’ cities and towns.

A woman sits on a bench in front of the Medicine Hat mural in winter.

Medicine Hat

These city streets are alive with small-town energy. Lose yourself in the natural and cultural diversity of this sun-soaked community to the south.

Tourism Medicine Hat
A couple walks down a shop-lined street in Lethbridge.

Lethbridge

Discover three personalities in one city—remote parks and paths in the west, century-year-old homes in the north and a medley of culture in the south.

Tourism Lethbridge
Two people watch the musical ride performed on horseback at Fort Macleod.

Fort Macleod

Wander through one of Alberta’s Designated Historical Areas. Friendly people and a rich past make for unforgettable and authentic experiences.

Discover Fort Macleod

Stories

3 min read You Need to Visit Alberta's Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Explore Alberta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the Canadian Rockies, Dinosaur Provincial Park and more.

5 min read Ten Reasons to Visit the Lethbridge Area This Summer

Bring your shades when you visit sunny Lethbridge. Sip local beers, see a unique bridge, stroll a Japanese Garden or dig for dinosaur fossils.

3 min read Ten Reasons to Visit the Medicine Hat Area This Summer

The world’s largest teepee, local beer and pottery are just some of the reasons to start planning your road trip to the Medicine Hat area this summer.

Lethbridge Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
3 min read Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden – An Oasis of Peace on the Alberta Prairies

Lethbridge's Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture all year round.

Read all stories

Suggested itineraries

Car driving ice fields parkway
14 days
Epic Alberta

An epic two-week road trip through the best of Alberta—the Canadian Rockies, wildlife, hot springs and the cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

A couple walks along the rocks at Lundbreck Falls, located near the Crowsnest Pass.
7 days
Southern Alberta Road Trip

A southern Alberta road trip from Calgary, taking in the Canadian Badlands, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and towering mountains along the way.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

Hot Air balloons over Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat
The Lethbridge Viaduct

Lethbridge

Lethbridge
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