Lethbridge
Understand
Today Lethbridge is undergoing a strong economic boom and as a result many new businesses are cropping up. There is also a large population boom but many businesses are still looking for people to work because there are still so few people to work.
Get in
By car
If you are coming from Montana or somewhere south of Lethbridge, you can either use Highway 4 or Highway 5. Highway 4 takes you past Canadian Tire. Highway 5 takes you right past the airport and some big box stores like Wal-Mart & the Real Canadian Superstore.If you are coming from Medicine Hat or somewhere east of Lethbridge, use Highway 3. Highway 3 turns into Crowsnest Trail and goes through the heart of Lethbridge.
If you are coming from Calgary go onto Highway 2 and turn left onto Highway 3 near Fort Macleod.
If you are coming from the Crowsnest Pass, British Columbia or somewhere west of Lethbridge then you will also use Highway 3.
By plane
Lethbridge AirportLethbridge is served by a regional airport just outside the city limits in Lethbridge County. The airport is beside Highway 5 and south of Lethbridge. The airport is not an international airport, so only flights from somewhere in Canada can come into Lethbridge. The only exception are seasonal flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the winter. Air Canada and WestJet offer flights in and out of Lethbridge.
By bus
You can get into Lethbridge from Calgary by bus with Red Arrow
There is a stop at the University of Lethbridge as well as downtown.
Red Arrow's downtown stop is at 449 Mayor Magrath Drive South (adjacent to the Sandman hotel). The office is open:
- Monday-Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm
By train
The closest city with intercity rail passenger service to Lethbridge is the Montana city of Cut Bank (90 miles from Lethbridge), which is served by the Empire Builder passenger train which operates between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, stopping also in Shelby, Montana. For information, call Amtrak at +1-800-872-7245.Get around
By car
A car is probably the easiest way to get around Lethbridge. Every major attraction is easily reachable by car. Car rentals:-
phone: +1 403 327-5906address: 1106 3rd Avenue South
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phone: +1 403 320-5141address: 1021 3rd Avenue South
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phone: +1 403 328-3015address: 417 Stubb Ross Road.
you will get dinged by photo-radar in school zones even during the summer holidays.
By bus
Lethbridge does have a public transport system . Major service changes have been implemented and many routes have changed. There is now 30 minute service on all routes during the day and 40 minute service at night. You can now cross town in half an hour or so. The bus is reliable, usually on time, and not overly expensive; for adults it is $2.25 for one way.On foot or bike
You can walk or bike around in some stretches of the city, but trying to walk or bike from south Lethbridge to west Lethbridge is a daunting task as you will have to walk Whoop-Up Drive, which translates walking or biking down a hill, into the coulees and then walkingor biking up a steep hill. However parts of Lethbridge are tailor-made for walking or biking around to explore, such as downtown Lethbridge and the actual coulees themselves. The parks around Henderson Lake and Nicholas Sheran Lake provide pleasant spaces for recreation.See
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phone: +1-403-328-3511Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a beautiful example of a traditional Japanese garden nestled beside the equally beautiful Henderson Lake. Traditional Japanese architecture and flower design are abundant. Guided tours are available.
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phone: +1-403-320-3954address: 502 1 Street SThe Galt Museum has numerous exhibits detailing the history of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. The museum was built as a hospital, and it is rumoured that the museum is now haunted. The museum is also the starting or ending point of many walking trails going in or out of the coulees.
High Level BridgeThis trestle bridge goes across the coulees and can be viewed best when traversing Whoop-Up Drive. The High Level Bridge is the longest and highest bridge of its kind in the world reaching 5,327.625 feet long (1.6 km) and 314 feet high (96 meters). It was built during 1908–1909, and still has trains pass over it everyday. It is one of Lethbridge's most well-known landmarks.
Fort Whoop-Up National Historic SiteFort Whoop-Up is a near-exact replica of the original Fort Whoop-Up that served as a major center during the mid-1800s in the whiskey and firearms trade with the Blackfoot and First Nations cultures, and prompted the formation of the North-West Mounted Police. The Fort features a period fort, and three galleries.
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phone: +1 403 320-3064address: 910 - 4th Avenue SouthIt features many displays that highlight the delicate ecosystem in the coulees. Don't miss Pegleg, the talking crow. Guided walks through the coulees can be booked here. The centre also has many programs and displays especially for kids.
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phone: +1 403 327-8770address: 601 3rd Avenue SouthExhibitions from many local contemporary artists. The SAAG also has beautiful scenery surrounding the building, as it is in Galt Gardens, a picturesque downtown park. Admission varies.
- Brewery Gardens - 1 Avenue South (near Tourist Information Center). A constantly changing floral garden, the gardens are put into a display that represents the time of year or a special event that is happening in Lethbridge. You can't walk through the gardens. The gardens are best viewed during the summer (Jun-Aug).
Do
Trails
Lethbridge has numerous places for a good hike or leisurely walk. Some recommended walks or hikes include:- Coulees (starting at the Helen Schuler Coulee Centre)
- Popson Park (down 10th Street West, past Paradise Canyon)
- Alexander Wilderness Park (north of Stafford Drive North, near Hardieville)
- Henderson Lake (South Parkside Drive, near Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens and the Exhibition Grounds)
- Nicholas Sheran Park (just off McMaster Blvd. West).
Festivals
Lethbridge annually hosts Whoop-Up Days, a carnival of sorts with rides, live performances, a rodeo, and exhibitions. The late is held in mid-August at the Exhibition Grounds (end of South Parkside Drive and next to Henderson Lake).Sports
Lethbridge has numerous semi-professional sports teams, including:- The Lethbridge Hurricanes (Western Hockey League). They play each year from October to March at the Enmax Centre (2510 Scenic Drive South).
- The Lethbridge Bulls (Western Major Baseball League). They play from the end of May to the end of July at Henderson Stadium (2425 North Parkside Drive South).
Learn
Buy
Eat
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Ciao Mein
phone: +1 403-331-3363address: 680 Columbia Blvd. WestItalian & Chinese food. Take-out or delivery. -
Coco Pazzo
phone: +1 403-329-8979address: 1264 3rd Ave. SouthItalian. -
phone: +1 403-327-3067address: 2433 Fairway Plaza Rd. SouthMostly Italian.
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Earls
phone: +1 403-320-7677address: 203 13th St. SouthWide range of menu options. -
El Comal Mexican
phone: +1 403-380-6836address: 1020 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthMexican. -
Fire Chef's Creations
phone: +1 403-320-9626address: 860 Heritage Blvd. WestExpensive. -
Georgio's Contemporary Dining
phone: +1 403-328-0676address: 1520 3rd Ave. SouthItalian. -
phone: +1 403-394-9333address: 110 W T Hill Blvd. South
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Imperial China
phone: +1 403-328-8770address: 1903 - 3 Ave SouthChinese. Daily lunch & supper buffet, plus a full menu. -
Lighthouse Japanese Restaurant
phone: +1 403-328-4828address: 708 3rd Ave. SouthJapanese. -
Luigi's Pizza & Steak House
phone: +1 403-327-2766 (13 St), +1 403-329-8322 (Magrath Dr)address: 306 13 St. North and 1119 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthMostly Italian. -
Mandarin Restaurant
phone: +1 403-327-8696address: 1624 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthChinese. -
Mongolie Grill
phone: +1 403-394-3555address: 502 5th Ave. SouthMongolian. -
Moxie's Classic Grill
address: 1st Ave. & Stafford Dr. SouthPremium steaks. -
New Dynasty Restaurant
phone: +1 403-328-1212address: 103 7th St. SouthChinese. -
O-Sho Japanese Restaurant
phone: +1 403-327-8382address: 311 4th St. SouthJapanese. -
Thuan Hoa Vietnamese Restaurant
phone: +1 403-320-9947address: 1354 Mayor Magrath Drive SouthVietnamese. -
Poly's Pizza & Steakhouse
phone: +1 403-380-3314address: 3205 8th Ave. NorthPizza & steak. -
Regent Restaurant
phone: +1 403-328-7800address: 1255 3rd Ave. SouthChinese. -
phone: +1 403-317-7427address: 103 Mayor Magrath Drive SouthSteakhouse with a view of Lethbridge.
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Saigonese Restaurant
phone: +1 403-327-7225address: 1210 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthVietnamese. -
Shanghai Chop Suey
phone: +1 403-327-3552address: 610 3rd Ave. SouthChinese. -
Song Thuan Vietnamese Restaurant
phone: +1 403-381-8838address: 265 13th St. NorthVietnamese. -
Tony's Diner
phone: +1 403-327-2665address: 3221 2nd Ave. NorthLocally owned. -
Spring Rolls Restaurant
phone: +1 403-328-1668address: 321-13th Street NorthVietnamese. -
Café Verde
phone: +1 403 942-7374address: 1503 Mayor Magrath SSuper affordable, fresh, and delicious Mexican Food. Huge portions, quick and easy.
Drink
The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18.
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Average Joe's Sports Bar
phone: +1 403-394-9337address: 518 5th Street South -
Backstreet Pub & Pizza
phone: +1 403-394-7119address: 1810 3rd Avenue South -
Backstreet Pub & Pizza
phone: +1 403-380-2811address: 407 Laval Boulevard West -
Blarney Stone Pub
phone: +1 403-331-2337address: 1917 Mayor Magrath Drive South -
Bo'diddly's Pub & Grill
phone: +1 403-328-0066address: 425 21A Street North -
Bully's Sport & Entertainment Centre
phone: +1 403-380-1905address: 3401 Parkside Drive South -
Corner Pocket Billiards and Lounge
phone: +1 403-394-2100address: 241 Stafford Drive North -
Honkers Pub & Eatery
phone: +1 403-327-9405address: 2808 5th Avenue North -
Ice Taps & Grill
phone: +1 403-320-7191 -
O'Rileys Pub & The Attic Grill
phone: +1 403-328-6116address: 411 3rd Avenue South -
Scores Thirst & Grill
phone: +1 403-328-2255address: 1025 Mayor Magrath Drive South -
Shotz Billiard Club & Lounge
phone: +1 403-394-7727address: 1120 2nd Avenue South -
Studio 54
phone: +1 403-328-6099address: 202 5 Street South -
The Duke Of Wellington
phone: +1 403-381-1455address: 132 Columbia Boulevard West -
The Front Row Pub
phone: +1 403-328-0423address: 2012 Mayor Magrath Drive South -
The Roadhouse
phone: +1 403-380-4210address: 420 6th Street South -
The Tankhouse Neighbourhood Pub & Grill
phone: +1 403-328-9000address: 1814 Mayor Magrath Drive South -
Top Hat Strip Club
phone: +1 403-327-8667address: 1216 1st Avenue South -
Yoyo Crepe's
address: 102 5 St.SouthCrepes and Italian ice cream.
Sleep
Budget
Hostels
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Lethbridge Community College Residences
phone: +1 403-329-7218address: 3000 College Drive SouthOpen from May to August 15.
Campgrounds
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Henderson Lake Campground
phone: +1 403-328-5452address: 3419 Parkside Dr. South -
Bridgeview RV Resort
phone: +1 403-381-2357address: 1501 2nd Avenue West
Bed & Breakfasts
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Enid's Bed and Breakfast Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-329-3893address: 3204 Lakehill Cres. South -
B & B in Paradise Canyon Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-381-7508address: 402 Canyon Blvd. West -
Heritage House B&B Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-328-3824address: 1115 8th Ave. South -
A CouleeView Getaway B&B Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-315-3530address: 1604 Scenic Heights South -
Chellsea House B&B Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-381-1325address: 9 Dalhousie Rd. West
Hotels
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Parkside Inn Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-328-2366address: 1009 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Howard Johnson Express Inn Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-327-4576address: 1026 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Peppertree Inn Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-328-4436address: 1142 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Travelodge Lethbridge Hotel & Convention Centre
phone: +1 403-327-5701address: 526 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Thriftlodge Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-329-0100address: 1142 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Econo Lodge & Suites Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-328-5591address: 1124 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Lethbridge Village Inn
phone: +1 403-327-2104address: Scenic Dr. & 4th Ave. South
Mid-range
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phone: +1 403-327-6000address: Scenic Dr. & 3rd Ave. SouthHome of Canada's largest indoor mural.
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phone: +1 403-320-8874address: 3226 Fairway Plaza Rd. South
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Sandman Hotel Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-328-1111address: 421 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthDenny's Restaurant attached. -
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-394-9292address: 120 Stafford Dr. South -
Ramada Hotel & Suites Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-380-5050address: 2375 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
Lethbridge Lodge Hotel
phone: +1 403-328-1123address: 320 Scenic Dr South -
Premier Inn & Suites Lethbridge
phone: +1 403-380-6677address: 2225 Mayor Magrath Dr. South -
phone: +1 403-329-0555address: 1303 Mayor Magrath Dr. SouthHI restaurant attached.
Stay safe
Cope
Climate
Super windy! Prepare to have your hair messed up.Connect
- Lethbridge Public Library - Main Branch - 810 5th Avenue South, +1 403-380-7310. Open M-F 9:30AM–9PM, Sa 9:30AM–5:30PM, Su 1:30PM–5:30PM.
- Lethbridge Public Library - The Crossings Branch - 255 Britannia Blvd West, +1 403-320-4037. Open M-Th 9:30AM–9PM, F Sa 9:30AM–5:30PM, Su 1:30PM–5:30PM.
Go next
- Waterton Lakes National Park - A beautiful national park that is about an hour drive away southwest from Lethbridge. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts tourists from all over the world.
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Fort Macleod, about a 30-45 minute drive west of Lethbridge. Head-Smashed-In displays how First Nations (Aboriginal) people lived before and after they came into contact with the European settlers; and it shows how they used buffalo jumps to kill the buffalo for food, protection, and shelter.
- Calgary - About a 2 hour drive north, Calgary offers world-class attractions and shopping. Calgary is also home to numerous professional sport organizations and is home to over 1,000,000 people.
- Montana - About 45 minutes south. The nearest American city is Great Falls which is about 2 hours.
- Edmonton - 5 hours away and is the capital city of Alberta. It is the second largest city with 1.1 million people. It is popular for its numerous festivals, amazing river valley, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Oilers, a growing arts community, and the University of Alberta.