Have you ever found yourself in a charming little town that you didn’t know existed and thought to yourself, “I could live here”? We’ve all been there, and the feeling seems to come about pretty often in the beautiful and unique province of Alberta. We’ve got a ton of hidden gems, from little farm towns, to lakeside havens, mountain oases, and prairie paradises; there is so much to be discovered. If you’re looking for a cute new town to visit or maybe a brand new place to plant your roots, we’ve rounded up a list of incredible towns around Alberta that you’ll wish you’d heard of sooner. Let’s dive in!
Beaumont
Beaumont is a small city in Leduc County that falls within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region of Alberta. It has a population of around 18,000 and is known for its wildly picturesque church on the hill. The close-knit community offers the perfect blend of small-town vibes and city convenience. This place is known for its French heritage and signature events, along with over 35 parks and an extensive trail system for walking, running, or biking. The entire community is super walkable, and, if you’re someone who speaks French, you’ll enjoy the fact that it is one of only four bilingual municipalities in the province. There’s a recreational trout pond with ice fishing in the winter, tons of outdoor baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts, and there’s a really lively festival scene. You’ll find the award-winning restaurant, Cartier, and the incredible craft brewery, Sea Change Crewing Co. You’ll love this adorable city.
Camrose
Here’s another small city with a population of around 18,000 for you to sink your teeth into. Camrose is in central Alberta, located in a transitory region that is right between prairie and boreal forest. The beautiful Stoney Creek runs through the city and flows into Battle River, so there’s plenty of water around. Camrose is a major economic centre for many small farming communities, so you better believe that there’s farm fresh food at every turn. Recreational facilities at a competitive level accommodate various activities, ranging from local club practices and tournaments to globally recognized televised events. With top-notch healthcare services, excellent schools, a blend of small-town warmth, and big-city amenities, Camrose stands out as an outstanding place to live. You’ll find a ton of parks and trails, great arts and culture activities and attractions, museums and historic sites to check out, and a ton of camping in the area.
Bon Accord
Now, here’s a tiny town. Bon Accord is located about 40km north of downtown Edmonton and has a population of only about 1,500 people. Bon Accord is nestled in the heart of Sturgeon Country and is super close to Edmonton, St. Albert, and Fort Saskatchewan, so you get the small town charm without compromising any of the amenities of the city. The place will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of “The Gilmore Girls.” Truly, it’s has that much character. From historic old buildings to dazzling night skies filled to the brim with twinkling stars, it’s exactly what you need if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle. Beyond star gazing and walking the rom-com-worthy streets, there are other things to keep you occupied like the Heritage Rose Garden, Prairie Gardens, the Gibbons Museum, Goose Hummock Golf Resort, and more. You’ll love it here.
Nanton
If you love cute things, old things, and quirky things, you’ll love Nanton. Located in southern Alberta, this place is home to a small population of just over 2,000 people. It’s a destination for those who love antiques and collectables because the place is riddled with history and overflowing with personality. Some of the most popular attractions include the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, the Nanton Candy Store, the Antique and Art Walk of Alberta, the Canadian Grain Elevator Discover Centre, and the Museum of Miniatures, among others. Like we said, it’s an antique hunter’s daydream. The town itself is quaint and cute, with old-school facades lining the streets and tons of beautiful greenery.
Smoky Lake
Smoky Lake is a town in central Alberta with under 1,000 people living there. It’s known as the Pumpkin Capital of Alberta and the home of the Great White North Pumpkin Fair. If that doesn’t scream “Hallmark Movie,” we don’t know what does. On top of that, they’ve got the Smoky Lake Stampede and a whole whack of other events to keep you entertained. There’s a Golf Club, a Spray Park, a Curling Rink, and even a big ice arena. There are many great places to eat and hangout, and the slow-moving, small town energy will suck you in the second you arrive. Oh, and there’s a lake!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023/24 Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
