Discover what to do in and around the West-central Alberta region.
If your idea of a great summer includes trading cell service for campfires and crowds for calm waters, you’re in for a treat. Out in Brazeau Country—just 40 minutes west of Drayton Valley—there’s a wild slice of Alberta that’s perfect for escaping the noise and diving into real-deal wilderness vibes. Think remote lakes, winding rivers, and chill campsites where you can cast a line, crack a cold one, and feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Small town summer fairs in Drayton Valley and Evansburg are a must do this summer.
Discover Drayton Valley’s vibrant pub scene with a girls’ night summer crawl full of laughter, karaoke, and cocktails.
Spending a weekend cycling the secondary highway in and around Brazeau County is one of the great outdoor activities that this region has to offer. Minutes outside of Drayton Valley you will find yourself on kilometers of highway that seem to continue to stretch West.
Before there were clubs, and ultra lounges there was the rural bar. The rural bar was a place people would go to have a drink, eat some food, get a bit of news and maybe even get a haircut. The rural bar was usually built alongside or attached to the lone hotel in the community.
Just a 10 minute drive west of Drayton Valley is the Willey West campground and boat launch.
We were about 45 minutes into what turned out to be a very thick bushwack. I was mid-lunge and my ski was looking like a “U” as I tried to get over a fallen tree when my aunt asked, “How much weight do you think we can put on our skis before they break?” I paused, unweighted my ski and looked around to see if there was another way through.
Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside, stretch your legs and add a little interest to your snowy winter walks. With the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation area right on our doorstep there are endless places to explore by snowshoe. But for those of you who are just getting started here are three of my favourite places to get you going.
Natural Locations
This list could go on forever but if we limit it to three general location ideas we have; The lookout point overlooking Willey West from the Pembina Rotary Community South Trails, viewpoints along the Pembina Nordic single track trails, any number of playgrounds and bridge points along the walking trails located in Drayton Valley.
Don’t be afraid to lace up your hiking boots and get out in the great outdoors. Some of the best shots around the area are only accessed by foot. But, getting off the beaten path is not limited to nature walks; it can also mean meandering down a back alley, or an industrial area.
From rural to urban, natural to industrial Drayton Valley has much to offer for your next photo shoot.
“Paddling Drayton Valley and Brazeau County lakes and rivers truly is a blessing! It’s such a beautiful area you can paddle the Brazeau Dam and see so many birds and nesting grounds,” said Titanich.
