Calgary 
As you drive east of Red Deer, you notice a large divide: that of the prairies and Alberta’s badlands. Right on this line is the town of Stettler, best known for being the heart and centre of Alberta, but less known for their abundance of natural outdoor spaces, tasty local treats, and many opportunities for living the lake life.
Credit: Destination Stettler
Stettler is located south of Buffalo Lake, which, in itself, has a great deal to offer. This massive body of water has four different day-use areas, beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife to admire. It’s also perfect for sports like waterskiing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. Buffalo Lake offers numerous campsites, providing ample time to explore both the lake and the town of Stettler.
The town also has its own options for accommodations, including camping, as well as inns and hotels. But whether you’re here for the week, the weekend, or just a day, Stettler offers a multitude of family-friendly activities that allow you to explore its history, culture, food, and natural areas.
Alberta Prairie Steam Tours
All aboard the steam train! Get ready to see and experience rural Alberta in a whole new way: on a steam train tour. The Alberta Prairie Steam Tours include a meal, theatrical entertainment, and the chance to ride in an open-air coach. On board, cocktails and snacks are for sale, and there is room to wander and explore while the train is in motion.
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P&H Elevator Preservation Society
Embrace Stettler’s agricultural heritage and history thanks to the P&H Grain Elevator Society. The Stettler Grain Elevator stands as a picturesque reminder of the past as well as a house for many antique pieces of farm equipment, photographs, and furniture. The surrounding area outside the elevator is a great place to set up a tripod and snap some unique photos of a quintessential Alberta landscape.
Credit: Destination Stettler
Stettler Town & Country Museum
Enter Stettler’s Pioneer Village and let it tell you all the stories of how the town came to be, how it developed, and what makes it special. The historical information goes back to the town’s inception in 1905, and along with the buildings, you can also explore old photos, newspaper collections, family histories, and cemetery books. The eight buildings in the village were built between 1905 and 1911 and preserved to be picture-perfect for visitors.
Downtown Historical Walking Tour
Explore even more history through Downtown Stettler’s self-guided Historical Tours. The walking tour’s brochure guides you along the main streets of downtown, teaching you about the buildings, their past, and the people who worked in them. The history of the town centre around the CPR, overcoming the adversity caused by several fires, and a vibrant community. Your tour takes you to 14 different buildings, all with their own importance in Stettler’s development.
Camping
If you want to see and do everything in Stettler, you’ll need a place to spend the night! Camping is available both in town and outside town, at a nearby Provincial Park, and at the starting point for floating on the Red Deer River. Within town is the city-run Lions campground, the Rotary Campground, and the Prairie Junction RV Resort. Just north of Stettler is Buffalo Lake with several Provincial and private campgrounds. South of Stettler is Trenville Park, a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the Red Deer River for floating and boating.
Golfing
The small hills mixed with prairie land make Stettler and the surrounding area perfect for golfing in terms of the game and the experience; enjoy challenging and exciting courses while also enjoying scenic Alberta views. Right in town, you can golf the greens of the Stettler Golf & Country Club, and outside of town is the Pheasantback Golf Club.
Cold Lake Bird Sanctuary
At any given time of year, you’ll catch this area filled with a variety of birds, especially waterfowl. In addition to the various birds you can observe, this is also a scenic area for a walk around the water or watching the sunrise and sunset. Dusk and dawn are also great times to observe the birds being active! Cold Lake is a large pond within town where you’re also able to fish.
Fishing
Stettler has several stocked ponds in town and is surrounded by numerous lakes and natural areas, providing opportunities for fishing. You don’t even need to leave town and can possibly walk or bike to your favourite fishing pond!
For a truly rural fishing experience, there is the quaint Kerbe’s Pond 25 minutes south of Stettler, where you can catch a variety of trout, and Buffalo Lake PRA just north of Stettler, where you can catch Burbot and Northern Pike. For fishing in town, head to West Stettler Park.
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A Day at Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake is just a short drive north of Stettler and offers a variety of outdoor activities all year round. The massive lake is in the Red Deer River Basin, and is perfect for water sports, swimming, a peaceful kayak, and catching some fish off the shorelines. Don’t forget to pack a blanket and a picnic, as there are tons of great places to set up for the day with playgrounds, concessions, bait shops, and washrooms nearby. You have several options for day-use areas all around Buffalo Lake, including:
- Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area (northeast shore)
- Rochon Sands Provincial Park (south shore)
- The Narrows Provincial Recreation Area (west shore)
- Pelican Point Park (north shore)
Summer Entertainment in the Park
All summer long, you can catch live concerts in the park! The schedule is set so you can plan ahead for an evening of live music while watching the sun set at West Stettler Park. Grab a blanket and chairs and pack a picnic to complete your day with dinner and a show; these family-friendly shows all begin at 7pm. Support Alberta’s rising local talents by enjoying their jazz, rock, folk, pop, and golden oldies tunes live, for free!
Sweets & Cafes
Stettler is home to several places that can satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a bit of energy for more adventures. For coffees, teas, and other cozy drinks, check out Coffee Tree. To ease those sweet cravings, try Stettler’s Sweet Home on Main or Bloke’s Bakery. Don’t forget to try all the other local offerings sold in these cafes and bakeries, like preserves, full meals, and road trip snacks.
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Farmers’ Market Shopping
The Stettler District Agricultural Society hosts a small summer market from May to October each year at their Agriplex. You can shop for unique homemade goods like décor, jewelry, clothing, patio décor, bath and body products, as well as tons of food. Try locally crafted honey, wine, and freshly grown produce. The Society also hosts a special Fall Market and Fair with a pancake breakfast and occasional Homestead Markets.
Rodeos!
Stettler hosts rodeos all year-round and for all ages. You can catch a Junior Rodeo, or the Stettler County Fair & Rodeo. While you’re visiting the heart of Alberta, why not experience a few sports that are true to central Alberta? These sporting events are often accompanied by other fun activities, such as rides, concessions, pancake breakfasts, or live entertainment.
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Float on the Red Deer River
Inflate a floatie, throw it on the river, and just relax. This summer, try a really slow and lazy float down the Red Deer River, just west of town. There is a popular three-hour float that will take you and your inflatable from Trenville Park to Mackenzie Campground. It is an incredibly scenic float through the beginning of Alberta’s badlands. And remember to have a safe float: bring cell phones in Ziploc bags, bring plenty of water, wear your sunscreen, have proper shoes on you, and be well aware of exactly where you need to get off the water.
Trenville Park is located about an hour from Stettler.
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There is more to explore around Stettler – visit Big Knife Provincial Park, and Donalda to see the world’s largest lamp, hike Willow Canyon and the area’s Badlands.
