TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Emaan Chaudhry| McMaster University | Photo by Ronhjones, CC-BY-SA-3.0
For adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, a trip to Glenbow would be incomplete without visiting Glenbow Bow River Loop. A hiking trail that has both paved and gravel roads, this trail is open to cyclists and dogs on a leash as well. The 4.8 km hike is a popular tourist destination because of the scenic views.
Photo: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/glenbow-bow-river-loop
A historical landmark in Glenbow is Glenbow’s Corrals. With a small picnic table and beautiful views of nature, this is a great destination to stop by to experience true nature. The term “corral” refers to a shelter used for livestock. A visit to the corrals at Glenbow allows the visitor to experience the ranch and its beauty.
Photo: Heidi Schuyt, https://www.flickr.com/photos/hschuyt/14623922460
Over 1300 hectares, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is one of the small town’s main attractions. Home to many endangered species and wildlife, Glenbow Park is a natural escape from busy urban life. The park provides insight into the history of ranching and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the town. With plenty of picnic tables, it would be a great place to have an outdoor lunch.
Photo: Ronhjones, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glenbow_Ranch_Provincial_Park_From_Lookout.jpg
Running across Canada, the CP Rail mainline also passes through the small town of Glenbow. For rail and transit enthusiasts, the mainline has several trains running through it over the course of the day. When the town was first established in 1907, a sandstone quarry helped establish the local economy.
Although it shut down in 1912, remains from the CPR tracks that helped transport bricks can still be found. The ground around the tracks has small wires and old telegraph poles still visible. The gates and lights around the train tracks are an excellent opportunity for photographs.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eileenmak/51200749904/in/photostream/, eileenmak
A historical site to visit in the town is the building that once was the Glenbow General Store and Post Office. From 1909 until 1918, this post office and general store provided services to the local community. The building was originally an old farmhouse, repurposed as a general store and post office for the community.
When the store closed, the building was again repurposed as a granary. However, the floor eventually collapsed, and the building was not used. The remains of this building symbolize the history of this town and its early development and can still be visited today.
Photo: https://alberta.preserve.ucalgary.ca/sites/glenbow-general-store-and-post-office/
Tiger Lily Loop is a walking trail with plants and grasslands. Open to the public, tours of this trail are available that acknowledge the contributions and culture of the Indigenous communities. The Traditional Stoney Nakoda Knowledge Keepers provide informative virtual tours explaining the usage of plants, the languages of the Indigenous communities, and the traditions of the Stoney People. Western wood lilies can be seen in the spring along this trail. Spanning 1.4 km and open year-round, the trail is only accessible to pedestrians.
Photo: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/tiger-lilly-loop–2
December
A winter-time tradition in Glenbow is the Walk with Santa. Visitors can walk with Santa through the provincial park while he shares stories, accompanied by deer. Other activities during the holiday season include drinking hot chocolate, crafting, and small shops to buy gifts. The Walk with Santa can be booked in advance and takes place in December.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/glenbowranchparkfoundation/
“Park Talks” are interactive events hosted in Glenbow for the community. Ranging from wildlife discussions to artistic showcases, different events are scheduled to meet the demands of the town. Artists and art admirers enjoy the art shows hosted in Glenbow. Artists are invited to share their experiences painting, and some artwork is available for purchase by the public. Events are held year-round, and up-to-date information and details can be found on the website.
