How to Have a Stettler, Alberta Family Fun Weekend!

Disclosure: Our visit to Stettler, Alberta was hosted by the Stettler Regional Board of Trade. As always, all opinions are my own.

Last weekend, we headed to Stettler, Alberta for a little family getaway. A few weeks ago, Dewey had a crash on Evan’s bicycle (don’t ask) and has been in a neck brace ever since. When things are normal, it is easy to get busy with life and forget how fun it is to get out and explore different places in the province. Plus, Stettler is known as the Heart of Alberta so how can you not?

I know what you are thinking… “I live in Edmonton/Calgary! There are tons of things to do. Why would I take a weekend to visit Stettler, Alberta?” Well, there are a LOT of reasons. One of the biggest is that events and attractions in small towns are less expensive, less crowded and just as fun as those in the city. Plus, a change of scenery (without breaking the bank) is always fun.

Things to Do in Stettler

Ride the Stettler Train!

One of the highlights of our trip was a ride on the Alberta Prairie Railway from Stettler to Big Valley. It was like a trip back in time with beautiful scenery, great music and storytellers, a delicious roast beef dinner, train robbers, shopping, sightseeing and more. It was one of my favourite parts of our visit to Stetter. Click on the title above to read all about our train trip, check out our photos and watch our highlight video.

Stettler Town and Country Museum

The Stettler Town and Country Museum is worth a visit when you are in town. Historical buildings dating back to 1903 have been brought together to give a glimpse into the lives of Stettler residents throughout history. You can visit schools, a newspaper office, a farm equipment office, a farmhouse and more. Plus there is a vast collection of artifacts big and small.

Love seeing how people lived in the past? Antique farm equipment buff? Want to pretend to be a pioneer? Then you have to visit! Plus the museum entry fee is very reasonable at $5 for adults and $3 for youth. They are open from May to September from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. They are located at 6502 – 44 Avenue in Stettler.

See Stettler by Air

Seeing Stettler by air will take a little bit of work and luck on your part. Stettler has an active flying club at their airport. We were lucky enough to have a local pilot take us on a sightseeing trip around the Stettler area.

Buffalo Lake and the Red Deer River Valley are breathtaking from the air. If you would like to take to the skies, contact the Stettler Flying Club through their FB page. They will ask one of their members if they would be willing to fly you around. Generally, they will ask for you to cover the cost of the fuel they will use (and possibly a maintenance fee).

I was a little trepidacious but I am so glad we went. It really was the best way to see how beautiful the area was.

Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede

Stettler’s Steel Wheel Stampede roars into town each year in early June. Tho rodeo goers had to brave the weather this year, there was still much fun to be had by all. Each evening there were rodeo events plus a market, Show and Shine, parade and more.

We had a blast at the parade and the Show and Shine. Evan loves parades outside of Calgary because they still throw candy! I love it because it isn’t so crowded. We were able to sit on the tailgate of our SUV and took our spot moments before the parade started.

Where to Stay in Stettler

Stettler has a great mix of hotel chains and locally owned motels. Want to stay somewhere a little more unique? Consider staying at the Prairie Junction RV Resort. No, you don’t have to have an RV in tow either!

While Prairie Junction is a great place to park your palace on wheels, they also have 4 cute-as-a-button cabins to rent too. Each of the 4 cabins is done in a different prairie theme and hold 2 – 4 people. The four cabins share a community bathroom at the end of the cabin row and it is the cleanest bathroom I have EVER experienced in a campground.

Each cabin has their own fire pit and picnic table. Inside there is even a refrigerator for snacks. It’s perfect for someone who wants to have a camping or glamping getaway even when they don’t have their RV.

Oh, and there is a little antique and decor shop inside the Prairie Junction RV Resort office. So many cute things in a small space. Definitely worth a stop. Also, if you are planning to take a ride on the Stettler train, you can get on and off right from Prairie Junction.

Great Eats in Stettler

Bloke’s Bakery

Your first stop when you arrive in Stettler MUST be Bloke’s Bakery. They are only open Monday through Friday and you NEED to try one of their cream Johns. I still dream about them. Seriously delicious.

Brenda’s Cozy Cafe

Looking for lunch or Friday night dinner? Stop by Brenda’s Cozy Cafe. Evan and I ate lunch there on our last Stettler visit and this time we tried out her Friday night buffet dinner. It is immensely popular with the locals and there was a full house. We had a delicious roast beef dinner complete with Yorkshire puddings. Evan was in heaven. Their buffet dinner specials rotate weekly and are listed on their FB page.

Love Sushi

We were pleasantly surprised by our lunch at Love Sushi on Stettler’s Main Street. The service was fast and the food was delicious. Unfortunately, we made a calculation error and ate a late lunch right before boarding the Stettler train. Don’t do that or you will be like we were…STUFFED.

Overall we had a great time. Stettler, Alberta is a great road trip from both Calgary and Edmonton with lots to do once you arrive.