Claresholm is the ideal location to soak in Southern Alberta history while also being able to branch out to numerous regional attractions from Waterton Lakes National Park to the south and the Calgary Stampede to the north. Be sure to start with the Claresholm & District Museum and Visitor Information Centre to explore their unique displays and get all the information you need to navigate the beauty and history of the area.
Regional Attractions (within a 30 min. drive)
Pine Coulee
Pine Coulee is a large reservoir created in 1999 that provides Claresholm with its drinking water. The area is popular for camping, boating, wind surfing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. The campground consisting of 25 sites and 3 group campsites is open year-round by self-registration. There is no potable water on site. The best access to the park is Highway 527 from Stavely.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
Located southwest of Claresholm, this World Heritage Site preserves one of the largest, oldest, and best-preserved buffalo jump sites in North America. The Blackfoot people herded the buffalo over the large cliff where they plunged to their death and were then harvested for their meat and hides. The site features a fascinating interpretive centre, including a gift shop and restaurant.
Willow Creek Park
Willow Creek Park is a beautiful natural and secluded area that features rustic camping, picnicking, hiking and fishing. There are 54 campsites and one group campsite. There is no potable water on site.
Nanton Bomber Command Museum of Canada is the main attraction in the Town of Nanton but the town is also well-known for a plethora of antique stores, interesting restaurants, and a candy store.
The Bomber Command Museum features a restored Lancaster bomber and other aircraft including training aircraft such as a Tiger Moth and a Harvard. The Museum established itself as the leading museum in Canada honouring Canadians who served with Bomber Command.
Fort Macleod -- The Fort Museum, Historic Main Street
Fort Macleod originated in 1874 when the North-West Mounted Police established a post along the Oldman River. The Town was moved up to the bench in 1884 and quickly became a major centre.
There are many historical buildings on Main Street, many of brick and sandstone, including the Empress Theatre opened in 1912. The theatre with its original seats, tin ceiling and neon lights, still shows movies, holds live performances, and puts on a variety of events.
Porcupine Hills – return or loop via Chain lakes
The Porcupine Hills form a long wooded ridge west of Claresholm that is a favourite destination for stunning vistas, wildlife viewing, and when permitted, hunting. Highway 520 is the most direct route to the hills from Claresholm which allows one to connect to Highway 22 near Chain Lakes. One can then return to Claresholm via Highway 533 to Nanton, then south to Claresholm.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake northeast of Claresholm is accessed by Township Road 140. The placid lake is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. There are 30 campsites including a hall with a kitchen and barbeque that can be rented.