Epic outdoor adventures in and around Sundre, Alberta

Epic outdoor adventures in and around Sundre, Alberta

Sundre, Alberta
A scenic highway near Sundre, Alberta

It’s no fluke the town of Sundre finds itself smack-dab in the middle of Alberta’s so-called Cowboy Trail. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the rolling foothills and prairies of southern Alberta, the town of less than three thousand people is like an ode to the wild west, the kind of place where everybody knows everyone.

A drive down Main Avenue (yes, it’s called that) is lined with businesses sporting names like Wild Bill’s, Harvest Moon and Wrangler’s, and everyone is just So. Darn. Nice.

Sundre, Alberta

While the town may be off the radar compared to its friends to the west like Canmore and Banff, it just so happens to be the jumping-off point for many of the outdoor adventures Alberta is known for, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the province’s best spots to channel your inner cowboy. Not in the mood to get down and dirty? Fear not, Instagramming city slickers—there are lots of other activities for you too.

Here are some of the best outdoor adventures in and around Sundre.

Canada-Alberta-Sundre-Horses

Raft on the Red Deer River

There’s no better way to soak up the sun and scenery than to hop on a raft and float down the shimmering Red Deer River. The fun folks at Otter Rafting Adventures will get you geared up at their base in Sundre, then drive everyone out to the starting point about 45 minutes from town. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wild horses, or even bears along the way.
Rafting Red Deer River Sundre Alberta
Rafting Red Deer River Sundre AlbertaAfter a quick safety briefing your group will pile into a inflatable raft, keeping an ear out for commands from the guide like “Forward! Dig! Back paddle!” as you make your way down a nearly 30 kilometre stretch of the river. The float takes you through narrow channels lined with fragrant pine trees and steep, rocky cliffs, and vistas winding toward stretches of vibrant turquoise water…which eventually funnel into a churning whirlwind of water that you’ll head straight for.
Canada-Alberta-Sundre-Rafting-14The Red Deer River is no stranger to rapids, with spots that have earned names like Staircase, Laundromat and The Wave Train, where brave souls can actually jump into the freezing water, go belly up and cling to the boat as it pulls them through. One of the biggest drops of the day happens right off the bat, so once your crew frantically paddles through it and emerges victorious on the other side whooping with excitement, it’s safe to say the rest of the day just gets even better from there.
rafting Sundre, AlbertaOtter Rafting offers half and full day excursions from May through September (weather dependent), and packages include a delicious lunch enjoyed on the shoreline.

Insider tip: Book the full day rafting trip unless you’re pressed for time or the weather forecast isn’t in your favour, as you’ll hit some of the best rapids during the second half of the day.
Rafting Red Deer River Sundre Alberta

Horseback ride in the Panther Valley

It wouldn’t be a trip down the Cowboy Trail without channeling your inner cowpoke, so pull on some boots and head out to Sunset Guiding and Outfitting. Located a one hour drive west of Sundre near the border of Banff National Park, the retreat has a few rustic cabins and a campground to host overnighters, and offers trail rides lasting anywhere from two hours to a full day.
trail riding Sundre, AlbertaSunset Guiding has a few different guides, including Merle who is the quintessential cowboy—weathered hands, big hat and all. Happy to let visitors enjoy a more authentic experience, riders can hop up on their horse all by themselves, get settled in and take the reins. Helmets also aren’t mandatory like some other operators insist on—because we all know real cowboys don’t wear helmets!

horseback riding sundre alberta
Merle from Sunset Guiding

horseback riding sundre albertaYou’ll then set off toward the mountains, and depending on which route you’re booked on could pass through thick forests, crest the grassy hills that make up the arid Panther Valley, or even look down on a waterfall or glistening Klein Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for those elusive wild horses, while soaking in the scenery only accessible to those who make the trek on horse or by foot.
horseback riding sundre alberta

horseback riding sundre alberta
Klein Lake

Insider tip: Wear boots, jeans and maybe even a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from scratches, as the horses tend to brush up against trees and branches. Also, don’t book a full day ride unless you’re accustomed to riding…or don’t mind being stiff for a few days after!
horseback riding sundre alberta

Sundre, Alberta

Hike to waterfalls in Ya-Ha Tinda

From Sunset Guiding, it’s about a half hour drive to what just might be Alberta’s best-kept secret: the Big Horn Falls in Ya-Ha Tinda. It’s safe to say this is the most rewarding view you’ll ever get for less than 10 minutes of work.
Sundre, Alberta
ya ha tinda Sundre, AlbertaTwo trails branch off from the parking lot, with one heading up a hill overlooking the other which winds along a shallow creek bed. Honestly, it probably takes longer to order a drink at Starbucks than it does to navigate the entire distance of each path, which follows the steep cliff face before a final curve reveals the main spectacle: Big Horn Falls, in all its tiered glory.

Big Horn Falls Ya-Ha Tinda Sundre, Alberta
Big Horn Falls

Sundre, AlbertaInsider tip: Pack a picnic to extend your visit to the falls, and pack a swimsuit if it’s a hot day. Ya-Ha Tinda is a 75 minute drive from Sundre, and 45 minutes of it are on a dusty, gravel road.

Hit the links at Sundre Golf Club

For those looking for an outdoor activity in Sundre that doesn’t involve getting dirty, teeing off at the Sundre Golf Club is just the ticket. The perfectly-manicured par 72 course has 18 holes, which are a mix of wide-open fairways, water features and bunkers.

Sundre golf club
Sundre Golf Club

There’s also a driving range for those just looking to hit around a bucket of balls, and the stone-framed clubhouse has a lounge which is the perfect place to wind down the day with a cold beer.
sundre golf club

Explore the trails on Snake Hill

If you find yourself in Sundre craving a taste of the outdoors but are short on time, head to Snake Hill located right in town. The conservation area boasts 17 kilometres of maintained trails that wind through a thick forest, eventually leading to sweeping views of the town, Rocky Mountains and Red Deer River stretched out below. Though it’s highly unlikely you’ll come across any snakes (who names these places anyway?), chirping birds are everywhere and visitors have been known to spot the odd deer or even moose.

Snake Hill. Sundre, Alberta
Snake Hill

IF YOU GO:

How to get there: Sundre is just over an hour’s drive northwest of Calgary along Highway 22 (the Cowboy Trail), so all of the aforementioned activities can also be done as a day trip from the city.

Where to stay: The Best Western Mountainview Inn & Suites is surprisingly luxe, especially if you manage to snag one of their modern suites which features a massive living room and king size bed. The complimentary breakfast is also a welcome surprise, and includes a waffle station, yogurt and oatmeal with every topping you could imagine, as well as pastries and fruit you can grab for the road. The Best Western also offers stay and play package deals with the Sundre Golf Club.

The Best Western Mountainview Inn and Suites
The Best Western Mountainview Inn and Suites

Alternatively, check-in to Rustler’s Lodge which is run by a lovely young family and stays true to the area’s cowboy roots. Those travelling with kids will love this spot, thanks to the indoor pool and hot tub, while the complimentary made-to-order breakfast is the perfect way to kick off a day of exploring.

Sundre, Alberta
Rustler’s Lodge

Travelling with an RV or camper? Tall Timber Leisure Park is a handy spot to park, as it’s right on the town’s outskirts and has playgrounds and a pool to entertain the kids.

Where to eat: While it’s only open for breakfast and lunch, Kodiak BBQ and Deli in the centre of town is well worth a stop, especially if you drop by when they’ve got the barbecue going. Safe to say you’ll be craving their pulled pork for days after!

pulled pork Sundre, Alberta
A pulled pork sandwich from Kodiak Deli

Top tip: Looking for a quirky photo-op? Drop by the Sundre Museum which is just off Main Avenue, and wander through its outdoor Pioneer Museum which houses buildings dating back to the early 1900s such as a blacksmith shop and ranger station. Then, head inside to the World of Wildlife where nearly 200 animal mounts are on display—just in case you ever wondered what it would look like if a polar bear and elephant got in close quarters.

Sundre, Alberta
Sundre’s Pioneer Museum
sundre, alberta
Sundre’s Pioneer Museum

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EPIC ADVENTURES
Globe Guide explored Sundre and area in partnership with Explore Sundre.

This post may contain affiliate links, which Globe Guide receives compensation for at no additional cost to you.

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33 thoughts on “Epic outdoor adventures in and around Sundre, Alberta”

  1. WOW!!!! This is a stunning location, no wonder there are so many things to do. Honestly, I’d want to do them all (I Love outdoors and adventures) besides the golfing…never picked up a club in my life! But I’d be all over the hiking, the horseback riding and noshing down on that amazing looking BBQ!

  2. Loved taking this tour with you. I’m a both/and kind of gal, wanting some adventure (the rafting and horseback riding look fun) as well as the more urbane distractions like photo ops at the museum. One fun day trip outside of Calgary.

  3. This looks like a great place to visit. I am still dreaming of a road trip through the US and I think this place is so lovely and cute (my dog would surely enjoy, too) and the scenery is great. Finally, I could do horse riding for the first time in my life 🙂

  4. I keep seeing amazing pictures of Canada… I would love to take a road trip and do some of these activities. Thanks for the rafting advice, good to know the best rapids are in the second half of the day.

  5. Your post reminded my how beautiful Alberta is. Quite a paradise for outdoor activities. My husband and I visited Banff a few years ago and we promised ourselves to return to Alberta, but now that I see the area around Sundre I think we should go there too. Oh, those rivers and waterfalls and trails… so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this!

  6. Stunning location. Gorgeous pictures. Never heard of Sundre before, but I now I know that it is worth visiting. Love outdoors activities and it looks a fun and peaceful place to visit. Cheers

  7. I just love Alberta! It’s truly a spectacular part of the world. I’d definitely love to do the horseback riding excursion. Seeing wild horses is an incredible sighting. I saw a running bunch of them in Montana along a mountain ridge. The image is burned into my memory. Just amazing!

    1. Thanks so amazing Jackie! I saw a lot of horses around Sundre that weren’t fenced or bridled, but still couldn’t decide if they qualified as wild ones or just belong to a very trusting rancher 🙂

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  11. Tamara, thank you for this excellent blog on the town we live in. While sometimes we take things for granted, this is a great reminder on why we enjoy living here. I invite all your fans and readers to come visit us in the near future as we have lots to offer. Cheers from Sundre

  12. Looks like a great trip, the photos are stunning! Not sure I’d do rafting (bad experience on the Zambezi 🙂 ) but horse riding looks amazing. Can’t wait to read about your next trips.

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