High River

High River combines outdoor activities with many ways to explore its history: the Happy Trails run along the river and through parks and green spaces, while murals tell stories of the town’s past. There is also a museum, events celebrating Western and agricultural heritage, and recreational options ranging from a spray park to a skatepark. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether you want to focus your trip on trails and outdoor activity, culture, or a variety of experiences.

Trails and self-guided tours

The Happy Trails include more than 19 km of paved paths for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the town. They run along the river and through parks and green spaces. This offers a variety of settings for outdoor activity, without limiting the trails to a single type of use. Where possible, they are also designed for strollers, runners, people with disabilities, inline skaters, and skateboarders.

If you’d rather explore High River on foot with a specific theme in mind, you can choose from two self-guided tours. “Step into the Scene” connects each stop with a recognizable filming location and its story.

Local history in the museum and murals

The Museum of the Highwood is located in a former CPR railway station dating from 1912 in downtown. Its collection spans thousands of years of history and includes more than 45,000 objects, including archives, photographs, and artifacts. The different types of objects offer varied ways to explore the past: photographs and archival materials are displayed alongside physical artifacts. The High River Visitor Information Centre is also located in the museum.

Outside the museum, 16 murals on buildings throughout the town tell the story of High River. One specific example is the “Fort Spitzee Mural” at 118 4 Ave SW. It depicts the region’s largest fur-trading post. This means local history can be discovered not only through a collection, but also through individual images in the public landscape.

Western and agricultural heritage

High River celebrates its diverse Western and agricultural heritage throughout the year with events, exhibits, and displays. An annual event is “Guy Weadick Days,” featuring a local rodeo. The Little Britches Parade takes place every spring and celebrates young cowboys aged 2 to 16.

At Sheppard Family Park, you can stroll or picnic among preserved facilities and historic buildings. The buildings and facilities reflect early prairie life.

Water, skatepark, and picnic areas

There are also various options for active downtime. High River Spray Park offers interactive water experiences for visitors of all ages. At High River Skatepark, visitors can practice impressive tricks. George Lane Park has a playground and communal picnic areas.

More places to explore: Calgary, Priddis, Turner Valley, Beiseker, Lyalta, Cochrane, Millarville and De Winton.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 6.