Fall Road Trip Through Southern Alberta: Discover Discovering Charming Towns & Culinary Delights

There’s an undeniable magic to embarking on a one or two-day road trip through Alberta, especially when autumn paints the landscape in breathtaking hues. As the days remain pleasantly warm but not scorching, the sun casts long, golden shadows, and every tree bursts into shades of yellow, orange, and gold, the province truly comes alive. My partner, W, and I recently indulged in one such adventure, setting off on a Friday afternoon. I had almost forgotten just how captivating the drive south towards Lethbridge can be, each kilometer revealing new vistas and promising delightful discoveries.

Sweet Beginnings in High River: The Hitchin’ Post Drive-In

Our first planned stop brought us to the charming town of High River and its iconic Hitchin’ Post Drive-in. This isn’t just any burger and ice cream joint; it’s a standalone institution nestled in the heart of a roundabout, a beacon for anyone craving classic American diner fare with a twist. The Hitchin’ Post boasts an incredible array of milkshake flavors – quite possibly a “bazillion” different combinations, limited only by your imagination. From classic vanilla to exotic concoctions, deciding on just one is part of the fun. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you back to simpler times, making it a perfect kick-off to any Southern Alberta road trip.

Nanton’s Sweet & Vintage Charms: The Candy Store and NotSoFine Antiques

Continuing our journey, the next must-visit destination was the legendary Nanton Candy Store. For me, this establishment perfectly embodies the spirit of a quintessential small-town candy and curios shop. It’s a destination worth the drive in itself, a vibrant treasure trove packed with enough fascinating items to keep any visitor captivated. While W meticulously deliberated over his candy selections, a process that invariably takes far longer than expected, I was happily lost, exploring every nook and cranny.

Tucked away in the back of the candy store is a truly remarkable space: the 100-square-foot room dedicated to NotSoFine Antiques. This section is a curated wonderland of interesting vintage finds, many of which are sourced from local Alberta farms. What sets it apart is its impeccable organization – this isn’t merely a jumbled heap of dusty junk. Instead, you’ll find thoughtfully arranged displays and, refreshingly, items are reasonably priced. Forget inflated “collectible” prices for VHS tapes; here, you’ll discover genuine relics at fair values. On my visit, I spotted a classic Medalta bean pot, some charming Pyrex dishes, intricate tin gelatin molds, and a beautiful wooden butter press, clearly an artifact from an Alberta farm. Old enamelware, delicate milk glass, robust cast iron pieces, and rustic milk jugs all tell stories of a bygone era. It’s like rummaging through the ultimate, perfectly organized grandma’s basement – so much great stuff to uncover! I could easily spend an hour or three here, completely lost in the past. This leisurely pace is, of course, entirely permissible when your road trip is designed purely for the joy of discovery, rather than rushing to a strict schedule.

W was indeed an actual kid in a candy shop, eyes wide with delight and hands eager to select his sugary treasures. And I was… well, you know, equally enthralled, but by the vintage treasures.

Claresholm’s Culinary Icon: Roy’s Place and the Famous Cinnamon Buns

Shortly after leaving Nanton, the road leads you into Claresholm. The town’s main thoroughfare conveniently guides you directly past Roy’s Place, an establishment that gained national fame after being featured on Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here! Roy’s Place is renowned for its colossal, frisbee-sized cinnamon buns – a truly legendary treat. To give you a sense of scale, the accompanying image features Mike’s hand (from a different trip, but equally illustrative!) next to one of these magnificent pastries. These aren’t just large; they are a decadent experience.

If you decide to grab one (and trust me, you should), be sure to have wet wipes handy in the car. They thoughtfully provide a separate container of frosting for you to apply yourself, ensuring maximum freshness. As you cut into the warm, doughy spirals, you’ll discover a delicious puddle of sweet, gooey cinnamon goodness underneath. One bun is easily large enough to satisfy a small family, making it an ideal sharing treat. Fair warning: approximately half an hour after devouring this sugary delight, you might find yourself needing to pull over for a blissful, sugar-induced nap. It’s that rich, that satisfying, and that wonderfully overwhelming.

Historical Charms of Fort Macleod: A Step Back in Time

Continuing our southward journey towards Lethbridge, we passed through Fort Macleod. For those who have never visited, the town often strikes first-time visitors as an authentic movie set – and for good reason. Its historic main street, lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, exudes a timeless charm. Just look at these grand old hotels! They truly stand as testaments to a bygone era.

With only a few thousand residents, Fort Macleod maintains a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. The scene on an early Friday evening was exactly as pictured – I didn’t need to wait for anyone to clear the frame; it was naturally serene. This quietude allows you to truly appreciate the architecture and soak in the history.

And here’s a fascinating piece of trivia: did you know that the legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod? I certainly didn’t before this trip! Her father served as an RCAF flight lieutenant, instructing new pilots during World War II, bringing her family to this historic Alberta town. It’s a small detail that adds another layer of intrigue to the town’s rich tapestry.

For those craving a bite, Fort Macleod also offers its own delightful drive-in. This local spot serves up both hard and soft ice cream, perfect for a sunny day. But the real highlight might be their hand-cut, small-batch fries, made from potatoes grown right in the nearby fields – a true taste of local Alberta produce. As we continued our drive, I found myself captivated by the majestic grain elevators dotting the landscape. I’m a bit of a sucker for these towering symbols of Alberta’s agricultural heritage, and fortunately, W was a good sport, patiently pulling over every time I spotted another one worth admiring and photographing.

Lethbridge: A City of Bridges, Books, and Bites

We arrived in Lethbridge in the early evening, a city distinguished by one of my favorite bridges in the world – Alberta’s magnificent High-Level Bridge, often referred to as its “Golden Gate.” Upon arrival, our first order of business was to head straight to Two Guys and a Pizza Place to pick up a delicious pizza to enjoy back in our hotel room. With “The Goonies” playing on TV, there’s truly no better way to spend a Friday night than relaxing in a hotel room with warm pizzas and W watching a classic movie. Thankfully, he still agrees with this assessment!

Our primary reason for visiting Lethbridge was to attend Word on the Street, a fantastic annual literary event that spills out of the local library and into the surrounding streets, transforming the area into a vibrant celebration of books and reading. As always when I visit a new city or revisit an old favorite, my first task is to map out the best coffee shops. While I often frequent The Penny, this time we decided to explore Bread Milk & Honey. This beautiful coffee shop is a true gem, modeled after the owner’s original eatery of the same name in South Africa. You can clearly see this rich history and influence reflected throughout their menu and decor, giving the place a unique, worldly charm.

Bread Milk & Honey offers an excellent selection of coffee, freshly made sandwiches, delectable pastries, and a divine chocolate cream pie – truly happiness-inducing comfort food that perfectly complements the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Lethbridge’s culinary scene also surprised us with charming cake shops and a variety of enticing food trucks, adding to the city’s vibrant gastronomic landscape.

Another incredible find in Lethbridge was Umami Shop, precisely the kind of international grocery store I actively seek out in any city I visit. This unique establishment combines a world grocery shop with a cozy coffee bar, a delightful cafe, and even offers cooking classes. You can find just about every ingredient and small cooking tool imaginable from every corner of the globe – think rich Devon cream, exquisite bitters, delicate macarons, authentic Japanese teapots, and sturdy tortilla presses. What makes Umami Shop even more intriguing is that its owners also operate a similar shop in France, creating a fascinating connection between France and Lethbridge!

This entire route through Southern Alberta is absolutely worth the drive, I tell you. Beyond the charming towns and delicious discoveries, the scenery itself is stunning, especially in the fall. And, perhaps most importantly, the car provides a wonderful setting to spend quality, uninterrupted time connecting with someone special, sharing laughter, stories, and the pure joy of exploration. It’s a road trip that promises not just sights, but cherished memories.

I always love showcasing the beauty and unique experiences of my home province, and I extend my sincere thanks to Travel Alberta for their support in making these explorations possible! As always, the words and opinions expressed are entirely my own.