Sundre
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Sundre is a town of about 2,700 people (2016) in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Central Alberta region of Alberta, Canada.
Understand
Sundre an emerging resort town on the Red Deer River, established by cowboys, rangers and a Norwegian postman. In the summer its small population of 2,700 is joined by a constant stream of campers, hikers, "just-out-of-college" back-packers, cowboys, golfers, art lovers, and international tourists. Its commercial centre is the 2nd largest in the region and it is just possible that there are more stores, coffee shops and services than residents.
Get in
By plane
The nearest international airport is the Calgary International Airport(YYC), located an hour and a half away.Sundre AirportSmall airport for private aircraft, operated by Mountain View County
By car
A car is essential; rentals are available in Calgary and Red Deer. Sundre is about northwest of Calgary; travelers have the option to take Highway 2 north to Highway 27 at Olds (exit 340) and then head west, or for a more scenic route take Highway 1A to Cochrane and follow Highway 22 north.See
Bergen International Sculpture GardenA forested garden displaying stone sculptures (6 to 12 feet high) created each summer by artists from around the world. The collection represents India, Cuba, Kenya, Vietnam (3), Thailand, Armenia, Ireland (2), and Canada.
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phone: +1 403-638-5177address: 829 Main Ave WExhibit gallery of barrel-fired pottery by Sundre Artist David Todd, who uses a primitive firing pit and glazes made from the ash of local trees.
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phone: +1 403-638-3233address: 211 1 Ave SWShowcases Western culture of ranching, rodeos, and taming the wild. The Chester Mjolsness World of Wildlife, part of the museum, offers a collection of preserved animals from around the world.
Wild HorsesHerds of wild horses inhabit the fields and slopes of the lower Rocky Mountains. Best viewing is early spring and summer. Wild Horses of Alberta Society rescue facility is located 15 minutes west of Sundre.
Do
Explore
- Hike along the Red Deer River in town or explore numerous backcountry trails to the west.
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phone: +1 403-637-9138Aboriginal adventures and learning centre. Vistors will learn about aboriginal culture, taken on a walk through the woods, eat traditional indigenous foods, and learn to shoot bow and arrow.
Trail RidesThere are several outfitters located near Maintain Aire Lodge, southwest of Sundre.
Golf
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phone: + 403-638-2450Golf club with views of the mountains and a trout pond.
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phone: +1 403-556-4010address: 4451 Twp Rd 340
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phone: +1 403-638-3520Award winning, semi-private golf course, 18 holes, Par 72.
Rafting
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phone: +1 403-637-2777Offers whitewater rafting, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding or hiking and classic camp games.
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phone: +1 403-586-9449Mukwah Rafting Tours operates in the Red Deer River west of Sundre. Cabins and camping available on site.
- Kayak on the Red Deer River, there are several launch areas in the Sundre area including the Greenwood Campground.
Eat
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phone: +1 403-638-8068address: 557 Main Ave WEat-in or take-out options, daily lunch specials, and breakfast. BBQ catering service also available.
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Original T's
phone: +1 403-638-2235address: 401 Main Ave WPizza and Canadian cuisine. -
Piros Family Restaurant
phone: +1 403-638-3354address: 110 Main Ave WGreek, Canadian, and Mediterranean cuisine
Drink
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Cedar's Pub
phone: +1 403-638-3111address: 303 Main Ave W -
Swamp Donkeys Pub
phone: +1 403-638-2882address: 205 Main Ave W
Sleep
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phone: +1 403-638-3300address: 120 2 St SWLocated in downtown Sundre.
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phone: +1 403-638-0002address: 706 Main Ave ESundre's newest hotel, close to the Sundre Golf & Country Club.
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phone: +1 403-638-4389address: 32578 Range Road 52Boutique Bed & Breakfast lodge, providing guest rooms, a banquet room, indoor pool and hot tub.
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Schott's Lake RV & Guest Ranch
phone: +1 403-638-4464Located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this 160 acre site boasts its own private, spring fed lake, the "Ranch House" restaurant, newly renovated motel rooms, seasonal rustic cabins and recreational campground (coming Spring 2020). -
Sundre Motor Inn
phone: +1 403-638-4440address: 101 3 St SWLocated in downtown Sundre; low-rise, budget motel.
Connect
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Visitor Information Centre
phone: +1 403-638-3245address: 500 Main Ave E
Nearby
- : a small settlement located south of Sundre on Highway 760 with directional signage to "Beautiful Downtown Bergen". This "downtown" is a single building acting as a general store, ice-cream shop, post-office, museum, and library. Bergen is home of the Bergen Rocks International Sculpture Symposium.
- : west of Sundre on Highway 584 along the James River, contains a traditional pioneer-style general store. The James River Ranger Station from early 1900s was moved to Bearberry and opened as museum, artisan shop and gallery. Bearberry Community Hall has campgrounds and can be rented for group events.
- : is a valley hamlet east of Sundre and along the Little Red Deer River; a general store serves its year-round campground and recreational area.
Stay safe
- Bears & cougars: The mountains and foothills are bear country and home to the cougar. Understanding wildlife and how they interact with people is key to remaining safe. Bear Smart information is available from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, which also recommends walking in groups of 3 or more, sealing food and removing all trash from any site you visit.
- Wild Horses travel in herds dominated by a single male who can become aggressive when threatened. View these noble creatures from a distance.
- Moose large wild animals that can cause injury by charging. They are common throughout the region and can be seen on the roadways and even walking down the centre of towns or in parks.
- Driving and wildlife Deer and moose frequently cross roads and highways, presenting dangers to drivers. If you see wildlife from any distance, near or on a road way, slow down and be prepared to stop suddenly. They are most difficult to spot at night.
- Temperatures in summer range from 18-32°C with strong sunlight. Winter temperatures range from 0°C to -40°C. Very low humidity makes it possible (even pleasant) to insulate yourself from the winter cold with layers of warm clothing.
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Sundre Hospital and Care Centre
phone: +1 403-638-3033address: 709 1 St NEThis facility provides a range of healthcare services including a 24/7 emergency department.