Two spots in Alberta are among Canada’s most charming small towns

In the Great North, there’s no place like a village, hamlet or mountain borough to put the pep in your step, but where are you most likely to make your ‘Hallmark’ dreams come true?

From the Rocky Mountains to the coastline, Canada has some incredibly charming small towns and according to Condé Nast Traveler, two of the best are in Alberta!

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“With a smaller national population than that of California, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Canada is also full of charming small towns and welcoming rural communities worth planning a trip around,” they write.

“You’ll find salty little enclaves, graced by orcas and world-class surfers in British Columbia; tiny mountain towns with Gold Rush history in the Yukon’s Grizzly country; and, of course, flannel-filled hubs for outdoors lovers who want to bike and hike in the country’s dramatic national parks.”

We can’t help but think that those ‘flannel-filled hubs’ refer to their two Wild Rose additions, Canmore and Waterton – both of which are beautiful in their own right and, as they mentioned, great for outdoors lovers!

Canmore

Revered for being less busy than the nearby town of Banff, Canmore was the first in Alberta to be given a spot on this list.

For those who have never been, this charming spot has spectacular views and a ton to do! From beautiful buildings and incredible restaurants to the snow-covered mountains and adorable shops featured in HBO’s The Last Of Us, they’ve really got it all.

No matter the season, take a stargazing tour or visit the nearby Nordic Spa. You’ll be delighted!

Waterton

For those looking for a quiet getaway with incredible views, Waterton, a stunning spot town south of Calgary, is described as “ideal for the real rejuvenators.” Here, guests are encouraged to unplug, look at the stars, take a hike and breathe in the fresh air no matter the time of year. Whether you’re eating, exploring or shoping, this spot is worth writing home about!

As for their other choices? Here are the most charming small town in Canada. 

• Tofino, British Columbia
• Osoyoos, British Columbia
• Canmore, Alberta
• Waterton, Alberta
• Dawson City, Yukon
• Maple Creek, Saskatchewan
• Gimli, Manitoba
• Elora, Ontario
• Wellington, Ontario
• Gaspé, Quebec
• Saint Andrews-by-the-sea, New Brunswick
• Souris, Prince Edward Island
• Lunnenberg, Nova Scotia
• Bonavista, Newfoundland & Labrador

Where will you go first? No matter what you pick, you’re in for a magical time!