Nestled in Central Alberta, also known as Alberta's heartland, is the small town of Barrhead, named after the Scottish town. Located 117 km (72.7 mi.) northwest of Edmonton, it is found at the junction of Highway 18 and Grizzly Highway. Barrhead is in an agricultural area that has a livestock base, and produces a considerable amount of timber.

Barrhead is the home of Alberta's Distance Learning Centre correspondence school. It's also known for having many churches. Its manufacturing industry includes Pollard Banknote Ltd. which produces instant tickets. For tourists, there are rich recreational areas nearby including Clear Lake and Thunder Provincial Park, complete with campsites, boating, fishing and hiking. Birders will enjoy sighting both real birds, and the giant 8 feet tall blue heron statue on the corner of 50th and 49th streets.

Barrhead has hotel accommodations.