Fall in Alberta is such a treat with the gorgeous foliage and open fields, and a stop in some of these small towns is simply magical during autumn.
We put together a list of the coziest and most colourful towns to check out before winter.
There are dozens of adorable Alberta towns that are great for day trips. Or, you could pick a few spots on the list and string together your own unique fall road trip.
Here are nine small towns in Alberta to visit this fall:
Canmore
Nothing beats time in the Rockies, and Canmore brings the perfect fall views, hikes, and spots to grab something to eat and drink. The vibrancy of the autumn colours and the mountains on a crisp fall morning is just *chef’s kiss.* We want to go already.
Okotoks
Just a short drive south of Calgary, Okotoks has plenty of charm during autumn. The town’s cute old main street has tons of character to go around, with so many lovely shops and stores to spend some time in.
Drumheller
Enjoy good views in the Badlands when you visit Drumheller this fall. The Badlands already provide a stunning backdrop year-round; however, it just hits differently when those bright fall leaves come around and the cool air settles in. There is so much to do and see — it’s a dream!
Diamond Valley
We added this recent combination of small towns southwest of Calgary thanks to having plenty of mountain views, small town streets, some breweries to grab a drink and the cute Sheep River adorned with plenty of trees bursting with fall foliage. It’s a must-see!
Vegreville
It’s home to the world’s largest Ukrainian Easter egg, plus it’s just so pretty in autumn. It’s full of rural Alberta charm, with farmer’s fields all around and wide open spaces galore. (Queue The Chicks’ Wide Open Spaces album during the drive out; it feels right.) There are some cute spots to check out for a bite to eat, and even the egg has colours that are perfect for autumn.
Twin Butte
Tucked away in extreme southern Alberta, Twin Butte may be tiny, but it is massive when it comes to its landscape during the fall months. From mountain peaks nearby to historic buildings all around, it’s one lovely spot to see this autumn. Make sure to pop by the general store here — its food is a total delight.
Lacombe
Lacombe’s historic main street is a must-see as it is, but it is made just so much quainter during the fall. So many cute stores, coffee shops, and sandwich shops to check out while around, and the Flatiron Building in the town is a prime fall Instagram spot.
Camrose
Camrose is perfectly situated far enough out of Edmonton that it feels like a little vacation to visit, with plenty of trails to check out in the area if you want to admire all the stunning fall views. There are tons of coffee shops, Fika and Fiona’s are must-visits while in town! Grab a coffee, put on your headphones, and play Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) while strolling through town. Trust us, it’s a vibe.
Bassano
Bassano is bursting with older buildings that have tons of character to them, and with some fall leaves rattling down the streets and the crisp autumn air, this town is one to check out in Alberta this fall. There are tons of golden wheat surrounding the town in the farmer’s fields; make sure to catch it shimmering at golden hour.