Planning your wedding at The Norland Historic Estate in Lethbridge? You’re not just choosing an iconic wedding venue, you’re setting the stage for a full weekend of celebration. With its sunny skies, small-town charm, and vibrant local scene, Lethbridge offers unforgettable things to do for your wedding guests and bridal party.
But here’s the real cherry on top: Lethbridge isn’t just a fabulous place to get married, it’s also packed with unforgettable things to do for your wedding guests and bridal party. Whether you’re looking for pre-wedding bonding time, post-wedding wind-downs, or just want to show off your city to out of town guests, this list has you covered.
And did we mention Lethbridge is a “three-song city”? That means you can get pretty much anywhere in town in the time it takes to jam to three songs. So, let’s explore some of the best spots and experiences in Lethbridge for your wedding crew!
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: Zen vibes, stunning views, and a little cultural magic.
A hidden oasis in the heart of Lethbridge, this stunning Japanese garden was created in 1967 to celebrate friendship between Canada and Japan. It’s the perfect spot for peaceful walks, beautiful photos, and unique cultural events.
Throughout the year in these well-manicured and meticulously kept gardens, you can catch outdoor anime movie nights, origami workshops, taiko drumming, Japanese language classes and the magical Winter Lights Festival, where the garden is transformed into a glowing wonderland from November to February.
Alberta Birds of Prey Centre: Feathers, falcons, and unforgettable photo ops.
If you’ve got animal lovers in your group, don’t miss this awe-inspiring bird sanctuary in nearby Coaldale. Perfect for nature lovers, this 70-acre sanctuary is Canada’s largest birds of prey facility. Home to owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles, the centre lets guests hold an owl (hello, photo op!), feed a flock of super enthusiastic ducks, watch a bald eagle demonstration, and learn about Alberta’s majestic raptors.
Open late May to early September, it’s a nature-lover’s dream.
Whoop Up Days: Parades, pancakes, and pure prairie fun.
If your wedding falls in mid-August, you and your guests are in for a treat—Whoop-Up Days is Lethbridge’s biggest annual celebration and a Southern Alberta staple for over 125 years. Held during the third week of August, it’s a week packed with lively events, perfect for entertaining out-of-town visitors or planning a fun group outing.
Enjoy a week packed with city-wide pancake breakfasts every morning, then head to the fairgrounds for the full festival experience: live music, West Coast Amusements midway rides, and a vibrant Marketplace inside the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre featuring local artisans and vendors.
Don’t miss the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, one of Canada’s top 10 paying rodeos, featuring world-class competitors and Relay Races – a high-energy Indigenous sport unique to this event. Also on the lineup: the Siksikaitsitapi Powwow, showcasing powerful drumming and dance competitions, and the Princess Pageant, which celebrates culture, talent, and community.
Whether you’re looking for thrills, culture, or just great food and music, Whoop-Up Days offers a memorable way to soak in local flavour during your wedding week. Wrap it all up with a stunning fireworks display that will light up the Saturday night midway beginning at 11 p.m.
The Populess Co. Belts & Bourbon Workshop: Craft a high-quality, bonafide Populess leather belt while sipping on bourbon.
Located in downtown Lethbridge, The Populess Co. is a prairie inspired lifestyle brand specializing in handcrafted leather goods and rugged apparel.
Their Belts and Bourbon workshop is a standout bridal party experience. Craft a high-quality, bonafide Populess leather belt while sipping on bourbon, scotch, or local craft beer. It’s a one-of-a-kind bonding activity with a stylish ultra-cool souvenir to take home.
Cheers to leather, laughter, and lasting memories.
Round Table Board Gamerie: Roll the dice on a good time.
Nothing brings people together like a little friendly competition. Round Table is the ultimate board game café with 400+ games, delicious pub food (best chicken fingers in town, we swear), fun cocktails, and a cozy downtown vibe.
Perfect for multi-generational groups, this is an easy, budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon or evening together without screens.
Game on!
Southern Alberta Art Gallery – Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin (SAAG): Art that sparks conversations (and Instagram stories).
For a more artsy outing, SAAG showcases contemporary art from local and international artists. Catch an exhibit opening (with a glass of wine!), join a gallery tour, or shop their gift boutique filled with handmade goods from Southern Alberta creators.
Great for guests who love creativity, culture, and quiet moments.
Analog Books: For the readers, the dreamers, and the cat lovers.
Calling all bookworms and nostalgic souls! Analog Books is the indie bookstore of your dreams. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whimsical Scholastic book fair for grownups.
Featuring books by local southern Alberta authors, charming stationery, calligraphy supplies, and the shop’s adorable resident cats (Hugo and Copper!), it’s a cozy downtown escape for any quiet moment in your weekend.
Analog Books hosts author signings, workshops and events throughout the year.
Rocky Mountain Turf Club: Saddle up for a race day like no other
Fancy hats, cold drinks, and the thrill of the race! YES, you can catch live horse racing right here in Lethbridge at the Rocky Mountain Turf Club. It’s a fun and unexpected way to spend an afternoon with your wedding guests, whether you’re placing friendly bets or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Races run seasonally on weekends, and the grandstand offers excellent views, cold drinks, and snacks to keep the whole group entertained. The Turf Club also hosts Relay Races, an exhilarating and culturally rich Indigenous competition featuring bareback riders at full gallop, a competition unique to this venue in all of Canada.
Perfect for guests of all ages, the track combines old-school charm with high-energy action.
Evergreen Golf Centre: Tee it up, toast with friends, and swing into fun.
Looking for a fun, social activity that everyone can enjoy, golfers and non-golfers alike? Evergreen Golf Centre offers a fresh, modern twist on the game with their Suites at Evergreen. These private, fully heated suites are available year-round and come with club rentals, full restaurant and bar service, and space for up to six guests per suite, making them perfect for groups.
Whether you’re here to play, relax, or just enjoy a few drinks with friends, there’s no golf experience required. You can also choose from games, virtual golf, and practice modes for all skill levels. It’s golf entertainment with a social edge, ideal for unwinding with your wedding party or hosting a casual slightly competitive get together before or after the big day.
Pickle Point: Serve, smash, and celebrate pickleball style.
Looking to add some energy and friendly competition to your wedding week? Serve up some fun at Pickle Point! Pickle Point is Southern Alberta’s first purpose-built indoor pickleball facility, and it’s a smash hit with players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner, this vibrant, welcoming space offers an unmatched pickleball experience.
The facility features top-quality courts, a Pro Shop, and all the amenities you need, including a snack bar and adult beverages, making it a great spot to gather your wedding guests or bridal party for a casual, active outing. It’s social, lively, and guaranteed to get everyone in high spirits before the big day.
Lethbridge is also unique because we are close to two UNESCO Heritage Sites within a 1 hour and 45 minute drive!
Just an hour and a half southwest of Lethbridge, Waterton Lakes National Park is where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. As part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming mountain town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and small-town charm.
Grab a bite at Waterton Lakes Chophouse, with its stunning lake views and upscale menu, or keep things casual at the beloved Wieners of Waterton, a must try local favourite with creative gourmet hot dogs and a super fun vibe.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Waterton delivers some of the most breathtaking hikes in Canada. The short but rewarding Bear’s Hump Trail offers panoramic views of the entire Waterton Valley, while the challenging Crypt Lake Hike, rated by AllTrails as one of the #1 most beautiful hikes in the world that takes you through tunnels, across waterfalls, and up rugged terrain to an alpine lake you’ll never forget.
Whether your guests want a peaceful picnic, a scenic drive, or a bucket-list hike, Waterton is the perfect day trip to round out your wedding week.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (Áísínai’pi)
Located just under two hours southeast of Lethbridge, Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred cultural landscape for the Blackfoot people. The park features thousands of petroglyphs and pictographs, ancient rock carvings and paintings etched into sandstone hoodoos making it one of the most significant collections of Indigenous rock art in North America.
Visitors can take guided tours or follow interpretive trails that offer a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural and spiritual history. The park is also a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, home to rare species like the Rufous-sided Towhee and Rock Wren, which are uncommon in Alberta but thrive in this unique habitat.
With its peaceful riverside setting, dramatic landscapes, and deep historical roots, Writing-on-Stone offers a quiet, reflective outing perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, or anyone seeking a meaningful escape during your wedding week.
Make Your Wedding a Weekend to Remember at The Norland
Your big day deserves more than just one moment. Make your wedding at The Norland a full weekend of laughter, connection, and celebration. From pre-wedding adventures to post-ceremony wind-downs, Lethbridge has everything you need to wow your guests and soak in every second.
And at the heart of it all is The Norland Historic Estate. Nestled in Lethbridge, our venue is more than just a beautiful place to say “I do”—it’s your launchpad for unforgettable moments. Let us help you craft a magical experience from your ceremony to every celebration that surrounds it.
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