Between Calgary And The US Border Is A Vibrant Small Town With Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And Parks

There is a small town in Alberta, Canada, whose streets you may recognize – even if you don't know its name. High River is home to less than 16,000 people and is nestled between Calgary and the US border. The town dates back to the early 1900s and has been seen in "The Last of Us," "Wynonna Earp," and perhaps most notably, "Heartland." Once better known for its cattle industry, High River's appeal extends beyond its on-screen fame. The town, which is located on the Highwood River and is part of the Calgary Metropolitan Region, features a verdant downtown with shops and restaurants. 

There are also a few parks worth exploring in High River, offering visitors a chance to explore the lovely natural landscapes of Alberta. Plus, the town hosts the annual Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival. This celebration is held in late September and features a series of events across five days. This includes the Balloon Glow, where an assortment of these vibrant aircraft are tethered to the ground and light up the evening sky. "While you can't ride the balloons or see them fly during the glow event, you can get up close for photos and even chat with the pilots," explains a review from Google. "Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience!"

If High River is officially on your radar, the town is about an hour's drive from Calgary and two from Babb, Montana. The Museum of the Highwood, a structure from 1912 that was once a train station, serves as High River's visitor center. Be sure to stop in, as it's located downtown – a charming area bounded by Macleod Trail SW and Centre Street. 

Alberta is a prairie province packed with cowboy fun, rodeos, and ranch stays, and there's no better way to dive into this history than the aforementioned Museum of the Highwood. Take some time to view the displays (this donation-based attraction has exhibits on High River's filming and cattle industry), then hit the downtown streets for some shopping fun. One popular local business is Courtney's Closet, a consignment shop filled with racks of men's and women's clothing. "This place is a gem! Great name brand clothing for a fraction of the price! Staff is wonderful and in a charming location," states a review from Google. Housed in a pink home, Courtney's Closet is hard to miss. It's also hard to beat, with an impressive 4.8-star rating.

Similarly, Millie's Little Closet (4.7 stars on Google) offers both new and used kids' clothing. This woman-owned boutique is stocked with Canadian brands, children's books, and wooden toys for youngsters aged 8 and under. At Olive & Finch (4.5 stars on Google), a gift shop with a western-style facade, you can shop for bath products, stylish hats, and High River souvenirs. The shop is located next to Maggie's Diner, seen in "Heartland." Although this is not an actual eatery, the nearby Evelyn's Memory Lane Cafe is. This lunch spot boasts an old-school aesthetic with Coca-Cola decor and a Jukebox.

Aside from Evelyn's memorable retro vibes, a reviewer on Google wrote, "The homemade soups and sandwiches are well known and the stuff of legend." The Bird, made with chicken and cranberry sauce, is one of many sandwich options on the menu. Fine dining is also available in High River at Steakhouse by My Pizza. The dimly lit eatery, lined with contemporary art, serves various cuts of Alberta meat cooked to your taste. On Google, one individual wrote that their party's selections "were as tender as tender can be, and genuinely delicious."

If you're hoping to experience Alberta's outdoor fun and breathtaking parks, High River won't disappoint — and that's especially true because of George Lane Memorial Park. This site has walking paths, cottonwood trees, and views of the Highwood River. Additionally, it's within walking distance of downtown, perfect for adding a touch of nature to your shopping and dining outing. As one visitor on Google put it, it's "Impossible to be in a bad mood after spending any amount of time in this park. Being here instantly resets and recharges your mind." Bring your trailer; you can camp at George Lane Memorial Park, too. Showers and a playground, among other amenities, are available to guests. 

The picturesque Sheppard Family Park is another popular High River green space. The 13-acre site dates to the late 1800s and has the oldest home in town (via HighRiverOnline). There are other historic buildings on the grounds as well, including an early 20th-century schoolhouse. Visitors can step inside these structures via a tour. If interested in this activity, contact Sheppard Family Park online. 

In the summer, when High River's temperatures can reach highs in the 70s, visitors can cool off at High River Spray Park. Also known as Highwood Spray Park, this unique concrete space has misters, water cannons, and more, with a reviewer on Google describing it as, "Such a fun play area for kids and adults." However, the outdoor adventures don't have to end at High River. The town is about an hour and a half from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, which is hidden in Alberta's Rockies with trails and camping in unmatched scenery. High River is located off Alberta's Highway 2, and near this junction you'll find a handful of hotels (including a Super 8 and Canalta Hotel, both of which are quite affordable and earned solid reviews on Google).