This article will explore everything you need to know about Cowley, from its history and how to get there to what makes it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers, tourists, and anyone looking for a serene staycation.

Cowley is a small village in southern Alberta, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With a population of less than 250 people, it may be tiny in size, but it offers a big-hearted sense of community and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding. Its location, surrounded by rolling prairies and mountain vistas, makes Cowley a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Cowley is situated just off Highway 3, making it a convenient stop for road trippers exploring southern Alberta. This village is a gateway to nature, offering proximity to outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

The Villages lies within the traditional territory of the Niitsítapi, or Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations. This land holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Blackfoot people, who have long been connected to the area through their traditions, such as bison hunting and the Sun Dance. The region is also part of Treaty 7, signed in 1877, which acknowledged Blackfoot ties to the land while reshaping its use under colonial agreements. Cowley’s westernized history begins in the 1880s when ranchers first settled the area, followed by French Quebec immigrants who cultivated the land and nicknamed it “French Flats.” The name “Cowley” was coined by James Carney in 1892 and officially adopted in 1900 with the establishment of the Cowley Post Office.

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1898 and the construction of a bridge over the Oldman River boosted settlement and economic growth, leading to the development of schools, hotels, and businesses. By 1915, the community grew further with the establishment of the Cowley Commune by Russian Doukhobors, creating a vibrant agricultural hub. Though the commune faced challenges during the Great Depression.

Today, Cowley boasts an enviable location with easy access to some of Alberta’s most renowned attractions, including Heritage Acres Farm Museum, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and the Oldman River Dam. Visitors can also explore the Three Rivers Rock & Fossil Museum or the Pincher Creek Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, all just a short drive away.

Adding to its charm, Cowley was spotlighted as the fictional town of Signal, Wyoming, in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain and is the proud home of Black Beauty, a rare Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil.

Cowley may be small, but there’s no shortage of enjoyable activities. Here are some ideas to make the most of your visit:

Explore the Outdoors: Cowley’s location offers easy access to some stunning natural areas. Whether it’s hiking in the nearby hills, fishing in one of the local rivers, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature, outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home.

Visit Historical Sites: Take a stroll through the village and discover its historical charm. Look for railway relics and learn about Cowley’s past as a stop for settlers and traders.

Enjoy a Scenic Drive: The roads around Cowley are perfect for a leisurely drive. Wind your way through the foothills, stop to snap photos of the stunning landscape, and enjoy peaceful moments along the way.

Photography: Speaking of photos, Cowley is a photographer’s dream. Capture the wide-open prairies, mountain backdrops, and prairie sunsets that linger on the horizon. Plus, the quiet atmosphere means fewer crowds and more chances to shoot undisturbed.

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Attend Local Events: Check out any local events or festivals happening during your visit. Tiny villages like Cowley often have community gatherings that showcase local talent, food, and crafts.

Whether you’re exploring southern Alberta or planning a quiet escape, Cowley is a destination worth considering. Its blend of history, natural beauty, and a welcoming community makes it a place where you can slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and see for yourself what makes Cowley, a destination!

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups  Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and  food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

The Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve is located in a remarkable little corner of northeastern Alberta, in Maybelle River Wildlands Provincial Park, 200 kilometres north of Fort MacMurray. This unique landscape in the Wood Buffalo Region showcases some pretty unexpected ecological characteristics and is the largest active sand dune system in the province.

According to Alberta Parks, the area stretches over 8 kilometres and the dunes reach heights of up to 12 metres, along with 60-metre-high kames (steep-sided mounds of sand). These impressive dunes are slowly migrating south up to 1.5 metres per year, burying jack pine forests, filling small lakes with sand, and leaving behind a flat, barren plain. How wild is that?

Formed thousands of years ago, near the end of the last glacial period, the dunes were shaped by the melting ice sheets that left behind enormous deposits of sand and sediment. Their continued existence in such a northern and forested region is a fascinating piece of geological history.

Visiting the Athabasca Ecological Reserve is worth the journey, especially for those who love exploring our province and learning about different ecological systems. Access to the reserve is an adventure on its own. Driving to Maybelle River is a scenic seven-and-a-half-hour drive north of Edmonton, followed by ATV entry into the park.

In the Boreal forest, you will find pristine wilderness, hectares of backcountry hiking, fishing, camping and the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife. This region is home to beavers, muskrats, black bears, foxes, lynx, wolves, moose, and many species of birds. Visiting this place will make you feel like you’ve hopped on a plane–or a spaceship for that matter–and you truly won’t believe it exists right here in Alberta.

If you love this sort of adventure, Saskatchewan boasts an even larger sand dune that stretches approximately 100km along the south shore of Lake Athabasca, in Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park. Access to the park can be tricky and is only accessible by float plane from Fort McMurray or Stony Rapids. A trip to Alberta or Saskatchewan’s historic dunes offers outstanding scenery and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and the adventurous alike.

The Athabasca Ecological Dunes are an experience that can’t be found in many other places in the world. It’s an opportunity to see a side of Alberta that highlights the diversity and beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes. If you’re up for the challenge, the Athabasca Dunes promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

What is the Cardston Alberta Temple?

The Cardston Alberta Temple is a sacred site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Dedicated in 1923, it was the church’s first temple in Canada and the first constructed outside of the United States. For the LDS community in Canada, it holds deep religious significance, blending faith and heritage in every corner.

How Does It Factor Into Alberta’s History?

The temple has a rich history closely tied to the early settler communities in Alberta. Cardston was founded by members of the LDS Church in 1887, many of whom had emigrated from Utah searching for fertile land and religious freedom.

The construction of the Cardston Alberta Temple marked a turning point for this community. It symbolized their long-term commitment to building a spiritual home in Alberta. The temple was also a demonstration of the economic and social development of the time, showcasing the skills, resources, and cooperative spirit of the early settlers.

The temple’s architectural style reflected a shift from traditional American designs to something that resonated uniquely with the Canadian landscape and culture. This fusion of faith and regional aesthetics created a structure that became an icon not just for the LDS Church, but for Alberta’s heritage as well.

Interesting Facts About the Cardston Alberta Temple

The Cardston Alberta Temple is full of fascinating details that add to its allure!

• Unique Architecture: Unlike LDS temples constructed before it, which often showcased spires or steeples, the Cardston Temple was designed in a Prairie style. The building’s horizontal lines, geometric shapes, and subtle curves were created to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

• Artisan Work: Inside the temple is breathtaking craftsmanship, including mural paintings, stained-glass windows, and hand-carved woodwork. These details reflect the deep faith of the artists and the community that brought the temple to life.

• International Recognition: The temple gained recognition for its unique design and construction. It remains an architectural marvel nearly a century later.

• Historic Milestone: The Cardston Alberta Temple was the first LDS temple constructed outside the United States. Its completion symbolized the global expansion of the LDS Church and its firm establishment in Canada.

Can You Go Inside the Temple?

Access to the Cardston Alberta Temple depends on your connection to the LDS Church. Like all LDS temples, it is open only to church members who hold a recommend, which is a form of permission granted by church leadership. This ensures the sacred nature of the rituals performed within its walls.

However, non-members and visitors aren’t entirely excluded from experiencing its beauty and significance. The exterior still offers plenty to admire. The landscaped grounds surrounding the temple are open to the public and provide a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the building’s grandeur.

Why Visit the Cardston Alberta Temple?

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone seeking inspiration, the Cardston Alberta Temple is a unique destination. Its role in Alberta’s history, combined with its architectural elegance and spiritual significance, makes it one of Canada’s hidden gems. Your visit to the temple can also be paired with other activities. Explore the surrounding countryside, enjoy the cultural highlights of the town, or make a day trip to nearby scenic Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Cardston Alberta Temple is an architectural wonder and a reflection of Alberta’s rich, diverse heritage. Whether you can step inside its sacred walls or simply admire its beauty from the outside, this temple is a living monument to the intersection of spirituality and history in Canada. Make sure to add it to your list of must-see destinations in Alberta.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Alberta Newspaper Group. This story was written for the Alberta Newspaper Groups  Summer Escapes Guide advertising feature. Summer Escapes is a special feature about things to do in Alberta this summer. Activities like, staycations, road trips, camping, and other adventures including local attractions, events and  food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

Raymond Town Council is sharing Raymond’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to support responsible growth while enhancing the small-town character that makes our community special.

The plan focuses on practical steps to help Raymond continue to thrive, including:

• Investing in roads, utilities, and community spaces

• Supporting families, housing options, and local businesses

• Expanding recreation, tourism, and emergency services

• Enhancing beautification, urban forestry, and water management

• Strengthening communication and opportunities for public input

Read the full plan at raymond.ca/2026-2030-council-strategic-plan/.

Winning rugby 7s provincials is becoming a habit for the Raymond Comets.

On Saturday in Lethbridge, Raymond earned gold for the fourth time in five tries, as the Comets defeated Holy Trinity Academy by a score of 30-0.

“We played that team in the semifinals last year, and their core of leaders are all in Grade 12 this year, so we knew they would be strong,” said Raymond coach Dan Bikman.

But as the two undefeated teams took the field with a title on the line, Raymond left no doubt.

“Our kids were locked in,” said Bikman. “They were ready to play. They wanted to win a provincial title and they were just at the next level. They did it as a group and they were laser focused and united.”

In particular, the team captains, Margaret Baldry and Mady Bourne, played key roles all weekend.

“They were part of our 7s team last year, and when kids have that experience, they can help everyone else prepare and perform,” said Bikman.

As well as Raymond played in the final, the Comets needed a 10-5 win over Jasper Place in the third game of the tournament, to keep the unbeaten run alive.

“We scored our winning try with no time on the clock,” said Bikman. “Jasper Place was a very good team, a good 15s-style team playing 7s. The mistake we made was that for whatever reason, they were able to keep us in tight, and they didn’t let us get wide.”

It took until that very last play of the game to Raymond to break through on the outside.

Raymond was able to handle its other opponents a little easier, the Comets took out Lloydminster 51-0 and defeated Chinook by a count of 70-0.

Now, Raymond prepares for the 15s south zone final on June 1 against Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.

Then, on June 5-6, Sturgeon Composite High School will host the School Sport Alberta Rugby 15s Provincial Championships.