Lacombe Travel Guide (Central Corridor/Central Alberta/Alberta/Prairies/Canada/North America)

Introduction to Lacombe

Located in Central Alberta, Lacombe is a charming town known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality. With a population of around 14,000, Lacombe is a small but vibrant community that offers visitors a range of unique experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Lacombe

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or outdoor activities, Lacombe has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions and places to visit in Lacombe:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum and Gift Shop – Housed in a restored blacksmith shop built in 1902, this museum offers fascinating insights into the art and craft of blacksmithing.
Michener House Museum and Archives – This beautifully preserved Victorian home was once the residence of Alberta’s former governor, Roland Michener. Today, it serves as a museum and archives providing visitors with a glimpse into the life and times of one of Canada’s most distinguished citizens.
Flatiron Building – This historic building, constructed in 1904, is a remarkable example of early 20th-century architecture with its unique triangular shape.

Natural Attractions of Lacombe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ellis Bird Farm – This nature sanctuary and working farm is home to a variety of bird species and offers visitors a chance to see and learn about Alberta’s native birds and their habitats.
Lacombe Lake Park – A popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, this park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
J.J. Collett Natural Area – This 640-acre natural area provides visitors with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lacombe

Lacombe offers numerous trails that cater to hikers and bikers of all levels. Some of the best routes include:

Lacombe Lake Trail – This 2.4 km loop trail is perfect for hiking and features beautiful views of the lake and surrounding natural scenery.
J.J. Collett Natural Area Trail – With over 22 km of trails, this natural area is a great choice for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Best Things to Do in Lacombe: Activities and Tours

From food and drink tours to art and culture experiences, Lacombe offers plenty of fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Some of the best things to do in Lacombe include:

Lacombe Culinary Tour – This food tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through Lacombe’s best restaurants and cafes.
Lacombe Art Walk – This self-guided tour takes visitors on a tour of Lacombe’s public art installations and murals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lacombe

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Lacombe:

Day 1 – Visit the Michener House Museum and Archives and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic downtown area.

Day 2 – Explore the natural beauty of Lacombe Lake Park and the J.J. Collett Natural Area.

Day 3 – Take a food tour of Lacombe’s best restaurants and cafes.

Day 4 – Visit the Lacombe Blacksmith Shop Museum and Gift Shop and explore the heritage buildings in the Blackfalds-Lacombe-Twilight Tour.

Day 5 – Discover the local art scene with a self-guided tour of Lacombe’s public art installations and murals.

Day 6 – Enjoy a day out at Ellis Bird Farm and learn about Alberta’s native bird species.

Day 7 – Check out the live music scene in Lacombe’s bars and pubs.

Food and Drink Scene of Lacombe

Lacombe has a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates its agricultural history and heritage. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

Lacombe Corned Beef – This local specialty is made from Alberta beef and has a unique flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Saskatoon Berry Pie – This delicious pie is made from local berries and is a staple of Alberta’s cuisine.

Local Beverages

Blindman Brewing – Located in Lacombe, Blindman Brewing produces some of the finest craft beer in the region.
The Velvet Olive Lounge – This popular hangout spot serves up creative cocktails and a wide selection of wine.

Where to Stay in Lacombe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lacombe has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses include:

Lacombe Motor Inn – A family-run motel situated in the heart of Lacombe.
The Haymaker Inn – A charming bed and breakfast located on a working farm.
Sweet Dreams Luxury Inn – A boutique inn offering luxurious accommodations and personalized service.

What to Buy in Lacombe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lacombe is home to a range of unique and locally made products that make great souvenirs or gifts. Some of the best things to buy in Lacombe include:

Handmade soap and skincare products from Birch Bay Soap Company
Artwork and prints from local artists at the Gallery on Main

Local Culture and Customs of Lacombe

As a small town with a rich history and close-knit community, Lacombe values its traditions and customs. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and mindful of local customs, such as:

Greeting people with a handshake and using proper titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.) when addressing someone.
Dressing modestly, especially when visiting churches or other places of worship.

Best Time to Visit Lacombe

The best time to visit Lacombe is during the summer months (June-August), when temperatures are warm and the town is bustling with events and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lacombe

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Lacombe:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Be courteous and polite to locals.
Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities that Lacombe has to offer.

Don’t:

litter or disrespect the natural environment.
Be disruptive or disrespectful in public places.
Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lacombe

Lacombe is a safe and peaceful town with low crime rates. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety and security, such as:

Staying aware of their surroundings and avoiding isolated or unfamiliar areas.
Locking their vehicles and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Lacombe

Lacombe has a range of medical facilities, including clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. Visitors are advised to obtain travel health insurance before visiting Lacombe, to cover unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Lacombe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lacombe is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Here are some options for getting to Lacombe:

By car – Lacombe is located on Highway 2, just a few hours’ drive from Edmonton and Calgary.
By bus – Red Arrow offers daily bus service from Edmonton to Lacombe.
By plane – The closest airport to Lacombe is the Red Deer Regional Airport, which offers daily flights to Calgary and Edmonton.

How to Get Around in Lacombe

Lacombe is a small town, and most of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, visitors who prefer to drive can rent a car or use a taxi service.

Where to Go Next from Lacombe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lacombe is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and fascinating towns and cities that are worth exploring. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions include:

Red Deer – a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene
Sylvan Lake – a picturesque resort town situated on the shores of a beautiful lake

Conclusion

Lacombe, Alberta, is a charming town that offers visitors a range of unique experiences, from exploring its rich history to enjoying its natural beauty and vibrant food and drink scene. With this comprehensive travel guide at hand, visitors can discover the best things to see and do, where to stay and eat, and how to make the most of their time in Lacombe.

Lacombe Image Gallery

Historic downtown Lacombe

Roland Michener House