Nestled between Calgary and the US border sits High River, Alberta, a tight-knit prairie town of fewer than 16,000 residents that serves as an authentic slice of Canadian cowboy history and a surprisingly prolific filming hub for projects like The Last of Us,
Wynonna Earp,
and Heartland.
Located along the Highwood River within the Calgary Metropolitan Region, this community balances its historic cattle roots with a vibrant, walkable downtown core, lush public green spaces, and an annual five-day hot air balloon festival every late September.
Exploring Downtown High River Shops and Historic Architecture
Downtown High River, neatly bounded by Macleod Trail SW and Centre Street, invites travelers to dive straight into local heritage starting at the Museum of the Highwood. Housed inside a striking 1912 former train station, this donation-based civic attraction features specialized exhibits documenting the area’s deep-rooted cattle industry alongside its modern cinematic footprint. Once visitors finish browsing the museum displays, the nearby streets offer a eclectic mix of highly-rated local boutiques and eateries.
Shoppers can check out Courtney’s Closet, a popular consignment destination tucked inside a distinctive pink home that boasts a remarkable 4.8-star rating on Google. According to public reviews found on Google, This place is a gem! Great name brand clothing for a fraction of the price! Staff is wonderful and in a charming location.
Just a short walk away, the woman-owned Millie’s Little Closet maintains a 4.7-star rating by offering both new and used children’s items, wooden toys, and Canadian brands tailored for kids aged 8 and under. For souvenirs, stylish hats, and bath products, travelers frequent Olive & Finch, a gift shop featuring a classic western-style facade located directly next to the famous Heartland
landmark, Maggie’s Diner—though the diner itself is just a set piece rather than an operating restaurant.
Visitors looking for an authentic local bite can step into Evelyn’s Memory Lane Cafe, an old-school lunch counter complete with authentic Coca-Cola decor and a working jukebox. Reviewers consistently praise the venue’s comfort food, with one Google reviewer noting that The homemade soups and sandwiches are well known and the stuff of legend,
specifically highlighting chicken and cranberry options like The Bird.
For heartier evening meals, Steakhouse by My Pizza provides a dimly lit, art-lined dining room serving locally sourced Alberta cuts prepared to order.
Outdoor Recreation and Scenic Parks in High River
Beyond the shops, High River features an array of accessible green spaces, most notably George Lane Memorial Park within comfortable walking distance of the downtown corridor. The park combines soaring cottonwood trees, walking paths, and scenic vistas along the Highwood River, offering overnight trailer camping alongside modern playgrounds and showers. Visitors frequently praise the tranquil environment, with one Google review observing that it is Impossible to be in a bad mood after spending any amount of time in this park. Being here instantly resets and recharges your mind.
History buffs can also tour the 13-acre Sheppard Family Park, an expansive site dating back to the late 1800s that houses the community’s oldest surviving residence alongside an early 20th-century schoolhouse, as noted by HighRiverOnline. Families traveling during warmer summer months when temperatures peak in the 70s frequently utilize the High River Spray Park—also referenced as Highwood Spray Park—which features interactive water cannons and misters. Described by a Google reviewer as Such a fun play area for kids and adults,
the spray park complements the region’s broader outdoor offerings, including Peter Lougheed Provincial Park located roughly an hour and a half away in the Canadian Rockies. Travelers arriving via Alberta’s Highway 2 will find several affordable, highly rated overnight accommodation options situated near the highway junction, including local Super 8 and Canalta Hotel properties.
Worth a look
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