Discover High River
(courtesy of The High River Chamber of Commerce)
High River is a medium sized town just a short drive south of Calgary, with a colourful history, historical homes and a dynamic culture. You can catch up on some of that history by taking a walk through downtown, where several historic murals adorn the sides of buildings, each one a vignette illustrating High River's unique past. Downtown offers an interesting blend of shops and restaurants, with fast foods and convenience equally well represented.
High River is home to several talented artists whose work can be seen at two local galleries as well as a local pottery studio. There is also a saddlery that produces custom-made saddles as well as a silversmith. Many other artists live in the surrounding areas and also display their work at these galleries.
Our strong agricultural and western roots are well represented in the murals and local activities as well as the flavour of our town. The High River Agricultural Society's Rodeo grounds play host to a summer long list of rodeos, racing and western competitions. High River is well-known on the rodeo circuit. World famous for the Little Britches Rodeo and Parade held the Victoria Day weekend each May. Each June, the thunder of the chuckwagons and the roar of the crowds echo through the area as exciting race action hits the rodeo grounds when the annual North American Chuckwagon races are held in conjunction with the Guy Weadick Memorial Rodeo.
Activities continue year round with fly-fishing, bicycling and walking along the river pathways being favourite summer activities for local residents and visitors alike. Hockey, skating, curling and cross-country skiing top the list of winter activities, while year round visitors may enjoy our galleries, museum, swimming pool and shopping as well, perhaps as bird watching for rare species at the nearby Frank Lake Conservatory.
Visitors can enjoy a stay in one of our many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. Summer camping is available at beautiful George Lane Park, located in the heart of High River. Most of our accommodations are within easy walking distance from grocery stores, innumerable eateries of varied cuisines, laundry facilities and 24 hour convenience stores.
Each year, the Chamber of Commerce presents the Santa Claus Parade on the first Friday evening of December for a festival of lights, hot chocolate and gleeful children and parents alike as Santa arrives in the culmination of good volunteers, good spirits and good old fashioned Christmas Spirit. In fact, we rival the other big Santa parades with yearly participation of 55+ floats. The Chamber also hosts a Trade show in April, is a sponsor of a walk down memory lane at the Labour Day Car show presented by River City Classics and works behind the scenes to produce a community directory among its other duties.