History is literally buried deep in the ground in this region; the land is brimming with stories to tell visitors who will listen! The 'badlands' as they are called, are home to dinosaur bones and eggs, mines, canyons, and hills. The region's rich Aboriginal culture is shared through several museums and attractions such as the famous Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Picturesque spots such as the Cypress Hills and Waterton Lakes parks are a haven for the camera-happy visitor - one visit to Southern Alberta and you will never be the same. Here are some hotspots to check out:

Crownest Pass

Get swept away in the colourful stories of coal mining, rum running, and rockslides in this mining town.

This town has a story to tell. As a mining town it witnessed several disasters throughout its history including a deadly rockslide and a fatal mining accident. These incidents among others provide many colourful stories. Check out the Bellevue Mine tour, where visitors don a hard-hat and miner's lamp and descend underground into an old coal mine.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

An oasis in the 'desert' of Southern Alberta, this parkland straddles the Saskatchewan and Alberta borders, and offers outdoor activities for everyone.

With cooler temperatures and more rain than the rest of the grassland region, this park supports an astounding array of flora and fauna such as pines, aspen, wetlands, moose, deer and squirrels. It is the highest point between Banff and Labrador, and visitors can spend the day golfing, cycling, playing tennis, hiking, playing at a variety of water sports, horseback riding, skating, or skiing.

Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park

Everyone is dwarfed to childlike stature at this mind-boggling attraction, hosting one of the most extensive collections of fossil beds in the world.

The area surrounding Drumheller is the largest area of badlands in Canada, and Drumheller grew from a miner's town to one of the most visited sites in the province! This exciting spot is not only for science buffs - it is wildly interesting for people of all ages and interests because of its amazing collection of dinosaur bones and eggs. The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology hosts life-size models, full skeletons, fossils, hands-on exhibits, films, and an indoor science garden that illustrates millions of years of geological and biological progressions. Fill your water bottle, and check out the nearby Horseshoe Canyon, Canada's own Grand Canyon, where 70 million years of history is carved into the land. A drive around the East Coulee and Hoodoo Trail reveals sandstone columns capped by a hard rock (the 'Hoodoos'), as well as the mining town of East Coulee, where all the above-ground buildings have been preserved as they were when the mine was closed in the early 1980s. Book accommodations in the Drumheller area and embrace your inner child as you explore this dinosaur home closely.

Fort Macleod

Ever wondered just how the Indian tribes steered the buffalo over the jump to their death? Find out at the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a world heritage site as designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Designated a world heritage site by UNESCO, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Fort Macleod celebrates the hunting techniques used by natives for 6,000 years. Natives used to steer massive herds of buffalo towards the jump in order to kill them for food and supplies. Tour guides are members of the Blackfoot Nation, and guide visitors through the interactive center, which is built into the cliff and has seven levels of displays.

Lethbridge

The thriving center of Southern Alberta, Lethbridge is abundant in agricultural resources.

Lethbridge is Alberta's third largest city, with several urban parks as well as the stunning complex of the University of Lethbridge, designed by Arthur Erickson, a renowned Canadian architect. Whoop-up Days in August celebrate the city in a traditional way, with a popular rodeo.

Medicine Hat

Discover more about First Nations history in the world's tallest teepee.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Prepare to see the most picturesque views around in this special location where the open prairies meet looming distant mountains. A hidden gem only beginning to be truly discovered.

On the edge of the Rockies, but still in the Alberta prairies lies the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park. With breathtaking views that are post-card worthy, visitors will not be disappointed. Stay in a Waterton Lakes National Park area accommodation and relax, or take part in the hiking, golfing, fishing, boating, cycling and skiing offered. Keep the camera ready to catch squirrels, marmots, deer, bears, bison, and thousands of waterfowl on film.

Located in Balzac, we are less than 30 minutes from downtown Calgary, 7 minutes from the City of Airdrie and 130 kms (approx. 82 miles) from Banff. Whispering Spruce Campground provides serviced sites, water power sites and non-serviced overflow sites. We also offer RV storage. We also have on site laundry room, washroom facilities and a mini store. We also sell fire wood.

Distances to…
Calgary Airport: 20.6km
Downtown Calgary: 27.8km

Our Blairmore RV Park Campground and cabins has 46 camping sites with full and partial service (15/30 amp & 50 amp). You are invited to tow in a trailer, park a motor home or pitch a tent and enjoy our relaxed, friendly "small town" atmosphere. Our 2 cabins are fully equipped. Newly renovated R.V. sites along the hill with 30 and 50 amps.

Lost Lemon R.V. Park and Campground Lost Lemon R.V. Park and Campground
11001 19th Avenue P.O. Box 1590
Blairmore

Surrounded by a beautiful setting, Calaway Park Campground is located just 10 minutes west of Calgary & within walking distance to the Park, Western Canada's Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park. We have 104 sites, including: full service pull through & back-in, power only & non-service. Take advantage of our laundry, washrooms, showers, shuttle to Stampede & discounted tickets to Calaway Park.

Distances to…
Calgary Airport: 29km
Downtown Calgary: 23.9km

Our Cochrane Alberta Campground is along the banks of the beautiful Bow River. Cochrane has amenities including great shopping and many restaurants. Other attractions include paragliding on the Big Hill, horseback riding and fishing right on the Bow River. Located next to the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Center, the campground is a great place to meet for games, tournaments, and other events.

We are a full service RV park at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, close to Calgary, Kananaskis and Banff. All the amenities on-site include a convenience store, gas, diesel, propane, fast food restaurant and a liquor store. The RV park has full hook-ups including 30 & 50 amp service, water, sewer and pull through lots capable of handling the largest coaches available.

Distances to…
Calgary Airport: 49.9km
Downtown Cochrane: 11.2km

Spring Hill RV Park Spring Hill RV Park
41216 Big Hill Springs Rd.
Cochrane

In the Valley of the dinosaurs, Newcastle Country Inn, an Alberta Best Accommodation, is a quality Inn operating as a Bed and Breakfast. Located just 1 minute west of Downtown Drumheller. Non-smoking and air-conditioned. Beautifully decorated and clean.

"The Place to Be and B". Private two bedroom Guest Cottages located in Starland County on our century old grain farm 8 km from Drumheller and the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

At our Hill Spring campground, you'll find large, level RV sites offering a selection of hookup options. We are ready for all types and sizes of RVs, from the most compact van conversions to the large luxury motor homes. All our RV sites overlook our lake or the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Enjoy our complimentary canoes, horseshoe pits, sportsfield, playgrounds , beach area and Frisbee golf course.

This 1910 Victorian bed and breakfast is located in Lethbridge, surrounded by 5 acres of manicured gardens. It boasts an indoor lap pool and hot tub, daily breakfast, and elegant guest rooms. All rooms include cable TV and many boast an en-suite bathroom with heated floors. Guests can work out in the fitness area or spend time in the gardens and the outdoor gazebo.

Distances to…
Airport: 10.1km
Downtown Lethbridge: 3.8km

Our Medicine Hat campground is at the Trans Canada Highway and 7th Street SW. It is a 97 site full service campground operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. We offer full service, power and water, power only and non-serviced sites. WiFi access, hiking and biking trails nearby, playground, picnic tables, fire pits, firewood for sale, laundry facilities, free hot showers, and a dump station.

Distances to…
Downtown Medicine Hat: 5km

Our newly developing Waterton campground just 15 mins east of Waterton Lakes National Park. We offer 16 powered sites, 10 non serviced sites by the lake and many more tenting sites - some by the lake or nestled in our Caraganas. Our gravel padded sites have new grass growing, power, picnic table and an amazing view of the Rockies. We are on a farm near Mountain View off of the main highway.

Located on the main route in the Waterton townsite, our motel offers a friendly, clean, and affordable place to stay while visiting Waterton Lakes National Park. Following a classic 1960s motel style, we have single rooms, family rooms, kitchenettes and full kitchen suites. This nostalgic motel is ideal for rejuvenating peace and quiet while sitting on over-sized wood chairs after an exciting day.

Bear Mountain Motel Bear Mountain Motel
208 Mount View Road, Box 182
Waterton
This Calgary Bed and Breakfast offers comfortable queen size bed and breakfast accommodations in the city centre and is close to important tourist attractions of Calgary, Alberta. Free off street parking is provided and all rooms have private, ensuite bathrooms.
Inglewood Bed & Breakfast Calgary
1006, 8th Avenue SE
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Country Camping only 3 km from Calgary! Open Year Round! At Mountain View we want you to feel comfortable, secure and welcome. You arrive as a customer and depart as a friend. That's why we say "Auf Wiedersehen!"
Mountain View Farm Camping Calgary
244024 Range Road 284, Township Road 244
Website
Closest motel to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre. The Sunset Motel caters to travelers seeking courteous service clean rooms and thoughtful comfort. Amenities and Services are chosen to maximize our Guests enjoyment of their time in Fort Macleod without spending a fortune.
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The cabins are located off the highway, situated on Fox Lake. From the large deck the scenery is breathtaking. Taking in the view from the deck one would never know they were a mere 3 km from the town of Hanna. We supply all linen, a complete kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. All dishes and cooking utensils, satellite TV, Queen bed + 2 twins in each cabin and more.
Fox Lake Retreat Hanna
P.O. Box 451
Website
Our Lethbridge hotel allows you to enjoy an indoor pool and water slide, the perfect place to cool off (especially for traveling families). A free hot breakfast awaits guests each morning, featuring local fare as well as continental favourites. Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. High speed Internet.
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The Covered Wagon R.V. Park is your perfect choice if you are looking for a relaxing quiet setting. Our park has been designed for campers who have an appreciation for details. Subtle, but important differences abound throughout the campground.
Covered Wagon R.V. Park Magrath
Box 473, 234W - 5th Ave. South
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We are on the hill overlooking Payne Lake with a beautiful panoramic view. We have eight bedrooms with two beds in each, six fold out sofas, and two queen size bean bags. There are two fridges in the kitchen along with two stoves and two ovens, and a large dishwasher. There is also a second full kitchen on the ground floor. Ideal for family or group gatherings.
Payne Lake Lodge Mountain View
Box 41
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"How loud can quiet be?" Modern accommodation in a remote setting. We are located 53 km west of Nanton and 53 km south of Longview off of Hwy #22 on Chimney Rock Road. Hearty breakfasts served! Close to the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site and Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump or Frank Slide. You are welcome to just relax in our 'backyard' - there is hiking, fishing and hunting nearby too.
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Situated near Beaver Mines Hamlet - all Bedrooms have private Bathrooms. Can accommodate small seminars / workshops Outdoor Hot Tub Open year round Ski and sleep packages available
Aspen Grove Bed & Breakfast Pincher Creek
5320 Range Road 25a , Pincher Creek No 9
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You are invited to be a guest in our Country Log Home, situated on 18 acres of forest near Bragg Creek, Priddis and Kananaskis Country.
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We offer luxurious cabins in Strathmore atop a ridge with a view of the lake and the Rocky Mountains. Amenities include outdoor hot tub, fire pit, private BBQs and fully serviced kitchens. We also offer spa services and equestrian adventures for all levels of riders. Breakfast is included in the cost of your stay. Come and indulge your Cowboy Spirit! 1-866-746-5075.
Rocking R Guest Ranch Strathmore
Box 45, Site 45, RR1
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Our Coaldale Inn has 17 remodeled one bedroom units with a variety of options, including deluxe upgraded rooms. Our standard one bedroom includes two queen-sized beds. Our deluxe rooms range from one queen to two queens or a king-sized bed. Franco's Restaurant is a family restaurant with all of your classic favorites mixed with some new and fun dishes.
Coaldale Inn Coaldale
913-19 A Avenue
Website
85 sites, Full hook-ups only 45 minutes south of Calgary in Mossleigh. Very well treed with group sites and camp kitchens available. Showers & laundry. Sani-Dump Station. Restaurant. Gift Store. For reservations please call 1-866-440-3500
Aspen Crossing Mossleigh
Box 30
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