Calgary 
Imagine experiencing the lives of early Alberta settlers in an authentically restored setting.
Credit: Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage
Located about an hour south of Calgary, the Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage is managed and maintained by the University of Lethbridge.
The Coutts Centre is near the town of Nanton and offers a colourful escape from any town or city with its bright gardens.
Here, you can explore the 120+-year-old immaculately restored buildings, grounds, and gardens.
There is a lot of plant life and foliage to explore, with meadows and wildflowers, a sunflower garden, rose and lily gardens, the impressive archway of Elm trees, and the Medicine Wheel, among others!
After taking in the smells of hundreds of flowers, you can explore the number of restored buildings around the homestead and imagine life in Alberta over 100 years ago. These include an authentic writers’ cabin which you can rent for your own creative time or the Hayshed Pavilion which can be rented to create a gorgeous wedding.
As you explore the gardens and the homestead, keep your eyes open for artistic installations and sculptures, all created by local southern Alberta artists.
You can also join the festivals, various events, and workshops held on the grounds.
For more art, visit the historic town of Nanton only a short drive from the Coutts Centre.
Planning your Trip – Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage
Credit: Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage
What: The plot of land and the buildings at the Coutts Centre have remained in the Coutts family for over 120 years. In the late 80s, the homestead was completely restored and enjoyed as a residence for bit before being turned into a public space. It is now an outdoor museum, event space, and gardens managed by the University of Lethbridge which you can visit or rent.
Summer Arts Festival: An Arts Festival featuring singalongs, kids activities, and Shakespeare all served up with a picnic lunch on Sunday July 17, 2022.
How to get there:
Address: Range Road 280, Willow Creek No. 26, AB T0L 1R0
located about 10 minutes north of Nanton
Use Highway AB-2 and turn east at Connemara on Township Rd. 170, then south on Range Rd. 280
Can also access from the south via Highway AB-533
Best time to go: open May 1-October 31
How much: by donation
For more information:
Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage
