Categories: Travel

This small town in Alberta is home to one of the oldest theatres in Western Canada

Image via @cityofcamrose Instagram James Stockall

There’s never been a better time to enjoy some local Canadian tourism! When it comes to exploring Alberta, you really can’t go wrong with small-town charm.

You’ll find the picturesque town of Camrose a few hours north of Calgary and just south of Edmonton. Known for its nearby lakes, thriving arts and culture scene, and a balmy 320 sunny days a year. With a little bit of everything, there’s no shortage of things you can get up to in the small town of Camrose, Alberta.

Here’s everything to pack into a weekend trip.

What To Do

See a Show

The town of Camrose is home to the Bailey Theatre, which is the oldest purpose-built theatre in Western Canada and still hosts live performances and productions today.

The theatre was originally built in 1910 under the name of the David Theatre, with the first documented show staged on February 23, 1911. While it’s been renovated many times, the current exterior goes back to its Art Deco reconstruction in the 1940s. It’s easy to spot when you’re walking around town thanks to the flashy black and white look!

Take in the History

Image via Tourism Camrose

Camrose is a community with a rich Indigenous heritage that meets its settler story in the early 1900s. Experience it while you’re there by visiting the Camrose Heritage Railway Station & Park. The park and historical gardens are open year-round to enjoy. In the summer months, you can book a tour of the buildings and artifacts between Tuesday to Saturday or by appointment.

Get Outside

It’s only natural that any spot in this province will have a ton of outdoor attractions from parks, trails, lakes, camping and more. Camrose is no expectation, but they do have a great lineup of outdoor festivals and events that happen year-round. From garden art walks to heritage festivals and vintage car shows, just check the event calendar whenever you plan to visit and see what’s happening!

Grab a Bite

For a small town, Camrose has plenty of tasty spots to fill your belly when hunger strikes.

Marrow Restaurant & Lounge is a unique farm-to-table restaurant nestled inside a historic feedmill downtown. If you need a quick grab-and-go bite, you can also try Lefse House, an authentic Scandinavian bakery with some drool-worthy baked goods.

Now get out there and start exploring!