Explore Spring in Lethbridge!

May 8, 2024

Spring has officially sprung in Lethbridge! The grass is green, bees are starting to buzz, and the wind is blowing as usual. As everything comes back to life and the wildlife emerges from its winter hibernation, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to talk about all the incredible activities you can find during the springtime in Lethbridge! Keep reading for some spring outdoor adventure inspiration, and information on the best natural escapes in the city.

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1. Helen Schuler Nature Centre

The conservation area of Helen Schuler Nature Centre is the best place in the city to expand your knowledge on local ecology and the animals that call the river valley home! Even better, this urban escape is only 5 minutes away from downtown! Stop by for the superb programming they have planned throughout the spring, or pop in to the centre anytime to see displays and advice on how to explore the natural landscape ethically. Their rooftop garden provides a riot of colors, beautiful scents and stunning views of the High-Level Bridge, while their indoor community art gallery provides an opportunity to engage with the work of local artists of all ages! Discover their programming by clicking here!

2. Running & Walking Trails

Lethbridge has lots of green spaces, but did you know there is also over 200 KM of walking and running trails located within the city’s limits? From the Old Man River Valley, to Pavan park there is always somewhere new to take yourself and enjoy the fresh air of Lethbridge’s outdoor environments. So, tie your laces, get outside, and enjoy the expansive trial network inside Lethbridge city limits.

3. Hiking Inside City Limits

While the walking and running trails in the city are great, there’s still more than enough places within city limits to climb inclines and enjoy the untamed nature of the outdoors, with places the Scenic Drive Dog Run, Pavan Park, and the expansive network of trials throughout the Old Man River Valley. Whether you're going high or low, there is sure to be a hiking trail within the city to raise your heart rate, and your spirits.

4. Outdoor Art Tour and History

Lethbridge may have an expansive network of trails for all sorts of earth traversing activities, but did you know the city is also full of public art and a rich coal mining history? Well, if you didn’t know, now you do! Even better, we at Tourism Lethbridge have self-guided walking tours hosted on the Driftscape app for both public art and the history of Lethbridge! Whether you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, there is a self-guided tour you can take around Lethbridge to discover everything that makes this city so special!

5. Disc Golf

Lethbridge is home to a plethora of Disc Golf courses, including the largest disc golf course in Canada, located on Nicholas Sheran Park. With many more courses nestled throughout the city, including on the Lethbridge College Campus, as well as within Peenaquim Park. With lots of options and some of the biggest disc golf courses in the province and country, you’re guaranteed to have a great time disc golfing in Lethbridge.

6. Cycling in the City!

Not only is our city great for runners and hikers and all other kinds of movers and shakers, we also have some great places in the city to go cycling! The Bike Boulevard on 7th Avenue South is a scenic ride that you can take slowly, and enjoy the canopying trees overhead. If you are looking for a more thrilling ride, you can take your bike down to the river bottom are Botterill Bottom Park, where they have ramps, jumps, and more to satisfy

7. Sports and More at Legacy Park

You’ll find Lethbridge’s newest park on the north side of the city as well with a wide variety of sports courts, playgrounds, and a splash park. Burn off steam on the playgrounds, challenge course and over 6 km of paved and natural trails. Get competitive on the many pickleball courts, enjoy a game of basketball or challenge the skateboard park. Or relax at one of the picnic shelters. Legacy Park delivers hours of family fun. 

8. Have a Day Full of Fun at Henderson Lake Park

With its 24-hectare constructed lake, Henderson Lake is one of Lethbridge’s oldest and grandest outdoor spaces. Groves of mature trees offer shade, while picnic shelters, playgrounds and over 7 km of pathways keep families entertained. Henderson Lake park is also close to Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens, Spitz Stadium, and the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, making this the perfect destination for a day full of fun no matter your age or interests.

9. Connect with Nature in Cottonwood Park

Named for its extensive cottonwood forest, Cottonwood Park is one of Lethbridge’s City Preservation Areas. Visitors will appreciate the natural grasslands, coulees, and forests. It’s also a natural habitat for prairie wildlife species, including the Prairie Rattlesnake. Like Pavan and Popson parks, this is nature in its purest!

10. Parks, Parks, and More Parks in Lethbridge

One big reason Lethbridge is such a livable city and a breath of fresh air for visitors is all of our parks and public green spaces! Whether you’re exploring the coulees or wandering some of the 200 km of trails connecting the city to nature, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors this spring in Lethbridge!

Indian Battle Park

Indian Battle Park commemorates the last battle fought between the Blackfoot and Cree Nations in October of 1870. Access to this historic site is easy thanks to its proximity to downtown and major roads. Enjoy 5.0 km of river-bottom trails, a natural playground, and several picnic areas — both booked and drop-in options are available. It’s also home to the Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre. Stop for a picnic, explore for hours!

Pavan Park

At the northern edge of the city, Pavan Park delivers 125 hectares of birdsong, river paths and magnificent nature. You’ll find 10 km of walking and hiking trails, plus playgrounds, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, volleyball and equestrian trails. Pavan Park is a natural escape without travelling far!

Popson Park

The Oldman River, flat prairies, views of the stunning coulees — Popson Park is bursting with nature in every corner. This epic, wild park offers a boat launch, covered picnic shelters provide for social events and the only off-leash dog park on the West Side. This is also home to the Oldman River Observatory. 

Don't forget to share you spring adventures in Lethbridge with us on social media using #ExploreLethbridge! We love seeing how everyone celebrates life springing back to life in their own unique ways! We even repost some of our favourite shots (with permission of course!) on our social media. if you share a post, you might just see yourself on our social media or website!

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