Central Alberta 
There are exciting things happening around Lacombe, a historic town, located approximately 30km north of Red Deer.
Kraay Family Farm, Lacombe Corn Maze Inc.
Lacombe was named for Father Albert Lacombe, a Catholic priest who helped negotiate the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Blackfoot territory.
Located just about two hours from Edmonton and Calgary, the city makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway this summer. Read on for a variety of festivals, celebrations, attractions, and recreational fun to enjoy around Lacombe this summer.
Attractions to Visit around Lacombe
Ellis Bird Farm
The Ellis Bird Farm in the northern area of Red Deer County is a great way to show kids around the farm and nature trails. The farm also has several events scheduled for summer 2022 like Bluebird Trail Tours, planting workshops, and their annual Bug Jamboree! Details
When: May-December 2022
Where: 39502 Range Road 26-0
How much: free/by donation
Kraay Family Farm
The Kraay Family Farms offer several family-friendly attractions for both summer and fall fun. This includes their Sunflower Maze, a Corn Maze later in the year, and a petting zoo. There are always new activities and fun things added each year to discover with over 40 for 2022. Details
When: July 18-October 15
Where: Site 6 Box 9 RR 1, Lacombe
How much: $15.50-$24.77
Blacksmith Shop Museum
One of the most special parts of the Lacombe Museum is its Live Blacksmith Shop and Museum. Over the summer, there are live demonstrations from the pros and special guided tours. The museum is also home to collections that display Alberta history, arts, culture, and heritage. Details
When: year-round
Where:5020 49 St, Lacombe
How much: by donation
U-Pick for Veggies at Gone Green Farms
Beginning in July, you can get many of your vegetables straight from the source with Gone Green Farms. There will be a huge variety of vegetables to choose from come July and August like carrots, beets, onions, rutabagas, spinach, beans, and peas, just to name a few. Details
Gone Green Farms (vegetables): 452029 Range Road 12A, Westerose
When: July-October
Self-guided Mural Tour
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect Instagram photo tour close to Edmonton, then make your next day trip out to Lacombe. Lacombe is decorated with pictures all over, making it the mural capital of Alberta.
If you like to join guided tours, join for Lacombe Historic Downtown Walking Tours hosted by Lacombe Museum. Walking Tours themes rotate between Historic Downtown Building Tours, Mural Tours, True Crime, and Ghost tours. Details
When: year-round
Where: downtown Lacombe
How much: free
Antiquing & Other Cool Shopping
Support local on your trip to Lacombe this summer and pay a visit to some of the coolest shops around the county. You can go antiquing, food shopping, and will find a huge variety of gifts or souvenirs.
- Gracie D’s Antiques: 5410 50 Ave., Mirror – Details
- Merry’s Mercantile: 5014 50 Ave., Bentley – Details
- Fahey’s Fruitstand: 5314 51 Ave., Clive – Details
- Gull Lake Honey Company: 41113 Rg Rd 282, Lacombe – Details
- Hometown Market: 5021 50 St., Lacombe – Details
Paintball Courses
There are two options near Lacombe for a day of thrills and adrenaline-pumping paintball: Sylvan Lake Paint Ball in the west, and Outcast Society in the east. Both offer gear rental, large outdoor courses, and bookings for larger groups or parties.
- Outcast Society Paintball: 37576 Range Rd 250 – Details
- Sylvan Lake Paintball: 1309 Township Rd 392 – Details
Paskapoo Historical Park
The small but incredibly restored houses and buildings around the Paskapoo Park area will take you back in time and give you the perfect backdrop to any photo. You can explore the park during open hours, gaze at the amazing collection of antique cars, and watch their Facebook page for summer fundraising events like barbecues. Details
When: summer
Where: 5620 51st PO Box 813 Rimbey
Patio Dining Around Lacombe
Take a stop on one of Lacombe’s outdoor patios for a drink, a bite to eat, or both. You can find all sorts of cuisine between the bars and restaurants, and plenty of sunshine.
- Leto’s Steakhouse & Bar:4944 AB-2A, Lacombe – Details
- Cilantro & Chive:5021 50 St, Lacombem – Details
- Ugly’s Pub & Grill: 5010 50 St, Lacombe – Details
- Kavaccino’s Cafe & Catering: 5028 51 St., Lacombe – Details
Outdoor Recreation in Lacombe
Camp or Canoe at The Narrows
The Narrows is a small offshoot of the western start to Buffalo Lake. The campsites are located near the narrow Parlby Creek where you can begin a canoe or kayak adventure. While on the water you can explore Parlby Bay to the west, Buffalo Lake to the east, or try and make it to Jaques Island. The area is also an excellent burbot and pike fishing location. Details
When: camping May 18-October 10
Where: end of Range Rd. 221 via Highway AB-21, east of Mirror
How much: day use is free; camping first-come-first-served $28 per night
Swimming and Beach Days at Aspen Beach Provincial Park
The Aspen Beach area on Gull Lake is a wonderfully large and expansive sandy beach. You can come by for picnics, swimming and float days, or both at the Ebeling Beach Day Use Area. Details
When: best in late June to late August
Where: north side of Highway AB-12 on south shores of Gull Lake
How much: free
Pond Trout Fishing
There are three ponds around Lacombe County which give you opportunities for trout fishing, catch-and-release, and possibly practice for younger fishers. The Len Thompson Fishing Pond will be easy to find, as it is marked by the World’s Largest Fishing Lure! Other ponds include Ray’s and Tee’s. Details
Where: Len Thompson Fishing Pond – 5910 Len Thompson Dr #5914, Lacombe
Ray’s Pond – Highway AB-11 and Range Rd. 30
Tees Trout Pond – AB-821, Tees, Lacombe County
Visit Lacombe’s newest Natural Area: Kuhnen
There are over 6km of easy trails to follow around the Kuhnen Natural Area, which overlooks the Red Deer River. You can follow the trail to the river, along the north banks, and to an awesome lookout area. While you’re here, watch for several species of birds. You can also stop for a picnic near the parking area.
Where: North of Blackfalds on Hwy 2A
How much: free
Bird Watching at the JJ Collett Natural Area
The huge list of birds you may see here over the summer includes birds you might be use to, and some more unique types like warblers, different sparrows, the purple finch, blue jays, and many, many more. You can explore and birdwatch over 18km of trails in the NA. Details
When: year-round
Where: RR 4, Alberta T4L 2N4
How much: free
A Day on the Red Deer River
There is a 35km stretch of the river on the south end of Lacombe County which takes you from the MacKenzie Trails in the City of Red Deer to the Joffre Bridge Day Use Park. This is a full day of canoeing or kayaking with time on the water at 6-8 hours. The trip offers incredible scenery which changes along the way. Once you arrive at Joffre Bridge, there is space for a picnic or overnight camping.
When: best in July and August
Where: MacKenzie Trails in Red Deer to Joffre Bridge Day Use Area
How much: free
Cycle the TransCanada Trail
For now, the TransCanada Trail stretches for over 18000km across the country, cutting right through Lacombe. There is an 8km stretch connecting Lacombe to Blackfalds, and a 2km stretch which connect to Red Deer County. If you start in the east and head west, you’ll end up at the Blindman River Day Use Area, equipped with washrooms and picnic sites. Details
When: year-round
Where: start at Lacombe Research & Development Centre
How much: free
Activities at Anderson Park
This lake side park is near a beach, and offers beach volleyball courts, on top of several other outdoor recreational activities. Pick from disc golf, garden tours or walks, photo opportunities, the playgrounds, or basketball.
When: year-round
Where: 28128 Township Rd 412, Wilsons Beach
How much: free
RV Vacation
Plan your next ultimate RV getaway for somewhere close to possibly Red Deer, Edmonton, or Calgary. Around Lacombe are a few different RV parks with their own unique offerings like golf, mini golf, playgrounds, or lakeside campsites.
Gull Lake Fishing Charters
The half-day adventures offered by Gull Lake Fishing Charters take you on the expansive Gull Lake, a short drive south of Edmonton. You might catch pike or walleye during your trip and could catch a lot of them with the help of experienced guides. Details
Where: 64 Brighton Beach, Bentley
How much: $400 for 4 people, or $350 for 3 people
Summer Events around Lacombe
Lacombe Days
With something for everyone, you won’t want to miss the parade, pancake breakfasts, fireworks and so much more during Lacombe Days! Details
When: July 15-17
Rimbey Rodeo
The 55th Annual Rimbey Rodeo is on for summer 2022 with three days of fun lined up. Festivities kick off with a breakfast and parade, with musical performances, rodeo events, and kids’’ activities planned for the weekend. Details
When: July 8-10, 2022
How much: $10 per person
Bentley & District Ag Society Fair and Rodeo
Bentley will host their annual rodeo in August 2022, with several family-friendly events and activities taking place over the weekend. Along with Pro and Junior Rodeo events, you can also enjoy the parade, pancake breakfast, fireworks, show and shine, and a kids activity area. Details
When: August 4-7, 2022
Where: 5202 51 St, Bentley,
How much: admission prices TBA; ~$10-$30
Servus Credit Union Harvest Dinner
The Chef’s Special Harvest Dinner will be an excellent and tasty way to close out summer in Lacombe, or a trip to the area. Details
When: August 27, 2022
Where: Lacombe & District Historical Society – Lest We Forget Memorial Park
How much: $91.19
Summer at the Track on 2
There are events scheduled for the entire summer at The Track on 2 with their notable horse races, but also live musical performances, and premiere dining with the Funky Monkey. Details
When: June-September
Where: 40309, Range Rd 272
How much: $17-$65
