9 small towns in Alberta that you've probably never heard of but need to visit

Grande Cache

Why You Need To Go: Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Grande Cache is a charming hamlet that's surrounded by lofty peaks and lush river valleys. The town is peaceful and pleasant, but it's the outdoor adventures that are the main draw.

For jaw-dropping views, make your way to Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreational Area just outside of Grande Cache. Here you'll find lookout points atop towering cliffs that offer views of the Sulphur River Canyon

Once you've conquered your fear of heights, you can set off on hiking trails in the Willmore Wilderness Park, go white water rafting along the Smoky River and trek to Eaton Falls.

Grande Cache website

Smoky Lake

Why You Need To Go: If it's small-town charm you're after, you'll find it in Smoky Lake. This Central Alberta town only has a population of about 1,100 people, but it's rich in history and culture. Plus, it's a great base to explore the many lakes in the area.

While in town, be sure to stop into Métis Crossing to learn about the history and traditions of the Métis people. The CN Museum is another interesting spot that will transport you back to the early 1900s when train travel was all the rage.

If you happen to be planning a trip for the fall, mark your calendar for the Great White North Pumpkin Fair in early October. You can pick out pumpkins to take home and soak up all the fall feels.

Smoky Lake website

Vegreville

Why You Need To Go: Vegreville is a small town that's big on character. Its claim to fame is the massive Pysanka egg, which pays homage to the town's Ukrainian heritage. It's the second largest pysanka in the world.

Psyanka Park is the main attraction in Vegreville. This is where you'll find the giant pysanka, as well as a mini-golf course and a pond where you can rent a boat to paddle around. You can also borrow a free bike at the Vegreville Visitor Centre to cruise around town.

Stroll through the historic downtown and you'll find interesting shops, as well as restaurants where you can grab everything from steak to pizza, Mexican food and Japanese cuisine.

Vegreville website

Cold Lake

Why You Need To Go: Located just a stone's throw from the Saskatchewan border, Cold Lake offers breezy beachfront vibes. The town sits on the shore of Cold Lake, which straddles the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and is fringed by soft white sand.

During the summer, Cold Lake is all about swimming and suntanning at Kinosoo Beach and taking boat trips out on the water. In the winter, ice fishing is popular on the lake. Keep an eye out for the legendary 'kinosoo' lake monster.

When you're not out on the water, you can hike the beautiful Lakeshore Trail, visit the Cold Lake Air Force Museum or sample craft beers and spirits at the Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling Co.

Old Lake website

Lacombe

Why You Need To Go: Head north of Red Deer and in about 20 minutes you'll reach the small town of Lacombe. The historic downtown gives hints of the town's lengthy past, which dates back to the late 1800s.

No matter which time of year you visit, you'll find tons of things to see and do here. Summer is all about chilling on patios, while winter turns Lacombe into a small town straight out of a Hallmark movie. In the fall, the Kraay Family Farm offers a giant corn maze and pumpkin patch.

Downtown has some great shopping and dining spots. Be sure to check out Blindman Brewing for craft beers and Cilantro & Chive for tasty eats like burgers, ribs and pasta.

Lacombe website

Camrose

Why You Need To Go: Camrose is one of the few small towns in Alberta that will make you feel like you're on a European vacation. It's actually a city, but with its historic downtown and lovely church overlooking a lake, it has Old-World vibes.

If you love shopping, Camrose is your spot. The downtown streets are lined with boutique shops selling everything from clothing to comic books, natural soap and olive oil. You can take breaks along the way at cute cafes and restaurants.

A stroll around Mirror Lake is an absolute must for nature lovers. History buffs will also enjoy the Camrose Heritage Railway Station & Park with its historic buildings and gardens.

Camrose website

Slave Lake

Why You Need To Go: Located in Northern Alberta, Slave Lake is an incredibly scenic town on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. This is the second-largest lake in Alberta and it's a prime spot for beachcombing, kayaking, camping and fishing.

Devonshire Beach is the spot to be for golden sand and incredible sunsets. The beach is just a short drive up the shoreline from town and stretches for four kilometres. It's a prime spot to relax on the sand and take dips in the cool water.

For incredible views of the lake, head to Marten Mountain. You can either drive up the mountain or hike to the top where you'll find a viewpoint overlooking the lake and sand dunes.

Slave Lake website

Fort Macleod

Why You Need To Go: History lives large in Fort Macleod. Fort Macleod's historic downtown features gorgeous buildings built of brick and sandstone. You can stop by the old-school Empress Theater, swing by Digbee's Diner for a bite or pop into Stronghold Brewing for a pint.

No trip to Fort Macleod would be complete without a visit to Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an important bison hunting locale for Blackfoot tribes dating back 6,000 years.

For Macleod website

Gibbons

Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a charming town that's not on Alberta's well-trodden tourist trail, Gibbons has something to offer all types of travellers. Think parks, historic sites and even a dinosaur forest.

Gibbons is located about a 40-minute drive north of Edmonton, but it feels like another place and time entirely. At the heart of the town is the Gibbons Museum where you can see old-timey buildings like a general store that was originally built in 1924 and a log cabin from 1907.

For a unique experience, head north of town to the Jurassic Forest. The park features animatronic dinosaurs that tower above the trees. There is also a mini-golf course at the park.

Gibbons website