Discover These Cultural Gems in Lethbridge, Alberta
The fourth-largest city in Alberta, Lethbridge, is turning into quite a cultural hub for art, history and foodies. Home to the only university south of Calgary, Lethbridge is the centre for all of southern Alberta. Once a whiskey trading post, it is a great spot for savvy people who want a quiet getaway without having to sacrifice fun things to do close by. 
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Katie Goldie
With so much to do and visit, from Japanese gardens to countless art exhibits, you can plan your stay at the conveniently located Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre. Don’t forget to share your photos with us using #NoPlaceLikeCoast and mentioning @coasthotels!
An Art Lover’s Paradise
Enriching the lives of visitors to the city and residents alike, Lethbridge is home to a vibrant and thriving arts community. With a steady flow of arts and cultural events taking place, from live music and theatre to art galleries and the Lethbridge museum, there is always something fun to see or do.
Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG)
With work extending to local, national and international communities, SAAG’s mission is to foster the work of contemporary artists who challenge boundaries. Exhibitions running this summer from until September 15th will include:
- Adad Hannah: Glints and Reflections
- Kapwani Kiwanga: Sunlight by Fireside: The Ash Annals
Casa is a 42,000-square-foot interdisciplinary arts centre serving the multi-generational Lethbridge arts community. It is a unique facility for experimentation, incubation, learning and growing, offering artists of varying skills, abilities and methods of expression a place to call home.
Photo Courtesy of @youcantseewhateyesee
Overlooking the Oldman River Valley, the Galt Museum is one of the many things to do in Lethbridge. It pays tribute to the people, places, and industries that have built southern Alberta with bold, larger-than-life displays. The outdoor play-based learning experience offers just a sampling of the lovely gardens Lethbridge has to offer.
An exciting way to experience the downtown art scene, you can download an Art of the City map to find your way around the 20-plus public art installations. You will find sculptures, murals, kinetic works and the weirdly whimsical work of local artist Alex Pavlenko.
Nature and the Great Outdoors
If you love nature and are looking to connect with the beauty that it holds, Lethbridge is for you.
These beautifully manicured Japanese gardens are the prides of Lethbridge. Named to honour the international friendship between Japan and Canada, the gardens are a lush oasis in the heart of downtown. They offer several events and activities for cultural enthusiasts of all ages. 
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta
- 108 Garden Yoga Experience – During the warm summer months, you can enjoy yoga by the reflection pond on a drop-in basis.
- Sumo Sumo Sundays – In conjunction with the Sumo tournaments that take place in Japan, you can experience life as a Sumo wrestler. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays (and included in the price of admission), guests of all ages can try on a Sumo suit and take on an opponent.
- Sumo Sumo Sundays Evening Event (18+) – On July 14th and 21st, and September 15th and 22nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.), you can learn more about the history of Sumo with exclusive after-hours access to the Japanese Garden. You will get to wrestle in Sumo suits, enjoy Japanese treats, and watch Sumo wrestling on the big screen inside the pavilion.
- Sunset Saki – From 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., enjoy an exclusive tour with a garden or historical expert and hostess for an evening of “omentashi” (Japanese hospitality). Following your tour, you will sample a variety of sakes paired with light Japanese appetizers. Bookings require a minimum of 48-hours’ notice and a minimum of 15 guests.
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Katie Goldie
Lethbridge, Alberta’s only LEED-Gold certified facility, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, is an urban nature centre. With a focus on education, it delivers diverse and dynamic immersive programs and features both permanent and visiting exhibits.
You will find out cool facts about the Oldman River Valley’s wildlife and ecosystem and learn about the local flora and fauna on the Nature Quest Trail.
For those ready to work up a sweat, you can take the Coulee Climb to the base of the High-Level Bridge. 
Photo Courtesy of Mary
With over seven kilometres of trails to explore, Henderson Lake Park is one of Lethbridge, Alberta’s premier parks. You will enjoy the mature trees and groves, gardens, picnic areas, and playgrounds, all within walking distance of the Coast Hotel Lethbridge.
Lethbridge Farmers’ Markets
With one running through October, and another until Labour Day, the two Lethbridge farmers’ markets draw in people from all over southern Alberta. Finding unique products that are made, baked, or grown here has a special appeal.
Exhibition Park
This indoor market is open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until October 26th. With no admission of parking fees, you can’t go wrong checking out what the 60+ exhibitors have to offer.
Festival Square
The Lethbridge downtown farmers’ market runs every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Festival Square in downtown Lethbridge until Labour Day.
Foodie Culture
Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Katie Goldie
Foodies are falling for Lethbridge! Find out why by checking out these restaurants during your stay:
- Bread Milk and Honey
- Firestone Restaurant & Bar located in Coast Lethbridge Hotel
- Mocha Cabana Cafe
- Coulee Brew Co
- Broxburn Vegetables Cafe
- Theoretically Brewing Co (tours are available as well!)
Where to Stay
There is no better place to stay than the Coast Lethbridge Hotel & Conference Centre. A perfect spot to take in all that Lethbridge has to offer, it is within walking distance of the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens and Henderson Lake. With a range of beautiful, modern, pet-friendly guest rooms to suit your needs, you’ll also enjoy these top amenities:
- Complimentary parking
- Pool and jacuzzi
- Fitness centre
- Gaming lounge
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Enjoy in-room comforts, such as a mini-fridge, microwave, and in-room fireplaces if you’re planning to spend time relaxing in your suite.
Visit our website today to book your memorable stay in Lethbridge.