High River is a fall destination, and it has the beauty, scenery, and activities to create memories that last all year. The town on the Highwood is home to a major fall festival, a gorgeous river valley, local trails, historical attractions, dining, and a variety of places to stay.
Credit: Heritage Inn Balloon Festival
For many, High River is a final stop before adventures in the southern Alberta Rockies. High River is about 70km east of the closest mountain park but offers several reasons, like those below, to stay here for the complete trip.
Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival
High River’s signature annual event, the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, takes place this year from September 23-27. The festival guarantees family-friendly fun for each of the five days. The notable events are the Balloon Flights, including an evening Glow Flight. Plus, passenger rides are also available!
- The evening Glow Flights take place on September 25th.
- A River City Classics Show & Shine (September 27) event will take over downtown High River to help close out the Balloon Festival.
Best Fall Hikes Around High River
Locally, High River’s 19km trail system is called Happy Trails. These local trails loop around High River’s parks, the river valley, and around the golf course.
- The George Lane Memorial Park offers access to a great riverside trail, picnic areas, a playground, and a campground. These trails continue across Centre Street N and past Birchwood Park.
- Loop the two small lakes in town: Emerson and Sunshine Lakes. They are located beside one another with full loops that total 3km.
- The Frank Lake Conservation Area is directly east of High River with about 4km of trails. The lake and wetland area are important bird areas, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during the fall migration season.
- Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage, southeast of High River, is a peaceful location for a fall walk among manicured lawns and gardens, as well as historical buildings. The Centre is open each year until Thanksgiving weekend.
Historical Attractions around High River
There are many interesting ways around High River and central-southern Alberta for exploring the rich history of the area. Some of these attractions have a few notable fall events or celebrations to look forward to as well.
- The Museum of the Highwood offer a variety of collections and exhibits for learning about High River’s history. The museum also hosts regular community events, like walking tours.
- High River’s Call of the West Museum will be on your way into town if coming from the north. The museum has an array of farm, vehicle, and heavy equipment on display, and many other smaller exhibits.
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is about 40km southwest of High River with trails for self-guided tours, as well as guided tours.
- Nanton, a short drive south of High River, is home to the Grain Elevator Museum. The grain elevators create picturesque fall scenery, while the museum will host two fall movie nights this September 28 and October 25.
Where to Dine in High River
High River offers visitors a great variety of dining options available around town. Find casual to more upscale takeout picnic foods, places for drinks or cocktails, or spots for a sweeter treat.
- Explore the casual side of local dining in High River with spots like High River Donair and Pizza, or Hitchin Post Drive-In.
- Indulge in the local yet international cuisine at places like The Indian Bites or New Golden.
- Relax at the pubs or family restaurants in town: Mucky Duck Pub, Sally’s, Southfork Restaurant, or My Pizza Steakhouse are all highly rated options.
- One could easily consider High River’s tea houses both culinary and historical attractions. These must-visit cafes include The Noble Tea House, and The British Tea House.
Accommodations around High River
Take your time this fall in High River and stay a while; or stay for the entire Heritage Inn Hot Air Balloon Festival.
- Camp right in town at the George Lane Campground, open until September 30. More fall campsites are available with the Tales & Trails Campground in Longview, open until Thanksgiving weekend.
- Find cozy private rental homes and apartments in High River with Airbnb and VRBO.
- High River is home to a handful of chain hotels and motels, too!
- If accommodations are busy in High River, Okotoks is a short drive north of town with all the same options: private rentals, camping, or hotels.