Looking for an epic outdoor adventure this summer? The good news is Calgarians don’t have to go far to find an abundance of awesome parks, lakes, and natural beauty.
Just a two-hour drive southeast of the city, in the heart of the spectacular Alberta badlands, lies an outdoor paradise – Brooks Region. We love the area for a peaceful yet exciting retreat with plenty of activities for thrillseekers and nature lovers alike.
With a bucket-list trip on our minds, we’ve put together a list of just some of the things you can get up to on your summer getaway in Brooks Region.
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Step back 75 million years at the unbelievably stunning Dinosaur Provincial Park. With its unique rock formations, hoodoos, and coulees, it almost feels like you’ve landed on another planet.
But it’s not just about the scenery here (although it is something else!); Dinosaur Provincial Park has had some very important fossil discoveries over the years and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn all about dino history on a guided tour, get up close with the park’s natural beauty on one of several hiking trails, or channel your inner David Attenborough with some wildlife watching.
White Barn Fun Farm
If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss out on White Barn Fun Farm. At this cute petting farm, you’ll get to meet and feed Tibetan yaks, emus, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, a camel, and more!
Spend your day roaming the grounds, feeding the animals, and snapping selfies with your new furry friends.
Pristine lakes and beaches
There’s no need to travel to the tropics to find clear waters and sandy beaches! Check out Lake Newell, one of Southern Alberta’s largest and warmest man-made lakes, perfect for canoeing, sailing, swimming, motorized water sports, and whatever else floats your boat.
If you prefer lounging over lunging, head over to the wide sandy beach at Kinbrook Island — perfect for sunbathing and taking a refreshing dip to cool off.
Brooks Corn Maze
Got kids in town? For a great family-friendly activity, check out Brooks Corn Maze. This activity opens from mid-August to October, and each year there’s a whole new maze with a new theme.
Get lost (in a fun way!) in a field full of corn while you search for the clues hidden throughout for your chance to win a draw for $100. Little ones can also enjoy giant dominos, a human hamster wheel, pasture putt golf, and even say hi to some adorable ponies, bunnies, and goats!
Plus, from July to first frost, you can grab a bucket and pick some juicy and delicious raspberries and closer to Halloween, you can pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve.
Guided Fishing
Brook’s Region boasts some truly excellent fishing opportunities and anglers can expect to catch Northern Pike, walleye, and trout in most of the larger bodies of water.
Some of the most popular spots included Crawling Valley Reservoir, Lake Newell, Rolling Hills Reservoir, and Tilley B Reservoir.
For a top-notch experience, set out with one of Trebled Life Fishing’s expert guides who’ll hook you up (get it?) with all of the bait, rods, and lures you need!
Camping
It keeps getting better in Brooks — with plenty of provincial parks, Brooks Region is also a camper’s paradise.
Pitch a tent next to Lake Newell in Kinbrook Island Provincial Park or enjoy the beauty Mother Nature has to offer along the Bow River at Bow City Campground. Want to escape the crowds and find some serenity? Check out Scandia Campground or Rosemary Campground for a quieter and more off-the-beaten-track vibe.
Now that we’ve scratched the surface, pack your bags, head over to the Brooks Region Tourism website, and start planning your trip now!
