Technicolour nightlife and serene mountain views. Wild Rose Country has it all, but when you want big-city amenities and small-town charm, look no further than Chestermere, Alberta.

Located just 21 kilometres east of Calgary, this charming destination is most popular in the summertime, but should not be overlooked when temperatures drop.

While it’s far too cold to go swimming in the lake right now, the city still has a ton to offer—including history, golden trees, and plenty to see and do.

Chestermere’s History

A favourite of local farmers in the 1800s, Chestermere was a quiet wetland until the Canadian Pacific Railway travelled through the west.

As more people started to settle in the “summer village,” the area’s population and infrastructure grew.

By 1993 the town had a dam and canal system with over 1,000 residents, with no signs of slowing down.

Photo via shutterstock

According to their website, it now has a population of over 20,000 residents, with projections to reach 50,000 in the next 20 years.

“One of Alberta’s fastest growing municipalities, the City of Chestermere has rapidly evolved from a lakeside summer village into a dynamic, recreational oasis,” they explain. 

Want to check it out?

In the warmer months, go swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, or skating in the winter.

In the fall, take a walk around the shoreline, grab a bite to eat, go canoeing, or shop until you drop.

It’s a cozy place year-round and should be on your Alberta hit list.

Happy visiting and enjoy!

There’s no place like it.

Chestermere, Alberta 

Where: Directions here

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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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