From Sylvan Lake to Banff, Wild Rose Country has a ton of charming spots to explore in the summertime.

If however, you’re a movie buff, consider Fort Macleod– a favourite of Hollywood bigwigs and Albertans alike.

Located south of Calgary, this small but mighty town has grown immensely since 1874, when the North West Mounted Police (led by Colonel James F. Macleod), arrived in the area.

Of course, before there were cameras, brick, and sandstone buildings, it was known and beloved by others.

“This area has always been inhabited by the Blackfoot people.  They lived a nomadic lifestyle, following the food sources (buffalo) for the most part. The tribes did not always get along though, with many battles taking place over the years,”  explains the town’s website.

“Eventually the Cree and Blackfoot negotiated peace and access to the Cypress Hills. This site is now known as Indian Battle Park in Lethbridge.”

Flash forward to today and guests can now visit a bustling Main Street, which has been designated a ‘provincial historic area,’ and has been featured in a number of huge movies.

As you walk and shop, or before you go fishing, boating or kayaking in the Oldman River Valley, take a look around at places like the Empress Theatre – a favourite amongst location scouts.

From Brokeback Mountain, Interstellar, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Let Him Go, this town can seen in some major projects! However, it’s also worth mentioning that The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed TV series was also filmed here.

As for the history buffs – Fort Macleod has several houses that are still standing despite being built in 1884, as well as a few nearby destinations like Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Waterton, Writing-On-Stone National Park and Lundbreck Falls.

Want to check it out?

You never know who you’ll see in the area – especially now that Jennifer Lawrence is filming a movie in and around the province.

It’s going to be a long hot summer, Alberta!

Enjoy.

Fort Macleod, Alberta 

Where: Directions here

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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