Amidst a bright and bold prairie, Wainwright is hard-working, community-minded, family-first and recreation-focused. It’s also a great place to escape the crowds and relax. Plus, the sunsets are gorgeous at Bushy Head Lake! Here are the best things to do, see & experience in this lovely town.
Experience
Once you get here, you will experience a town that is vibrant and alive with the amenities of a city – without the hustle and bustle.
Golf Strong, Go Long!
At the Wainwright Golf Course located along Highway 14 in Wainwright, Alberta. This public 18-hole, 6,400-yard golf course awaits you to give it your best effort. The original nine has narrow, lush fairways lined with extensive deciduous trees, while the front nine is a blend of wooded holes and links-style lined with rough edges where you’ll need you’re A-game!
Services include a full practice facility with a dedicated team of golf professionals eager to lend you their knowledge and expertise in all areas of golf and equipment. The clubhouse offers assorted sandwiches and snacks so you can stay fueled for the day. The outside patio area overlooks the greens – it’is a great way to cool off with its on-course refreshment cart. Plus, the RV park facilities are perfect for visiting guests looking for accommodations.
Hear the Wet, Cool Sounds of Summer
At Riverdale, Clear or Arm Lake, the prairie eases as your canoe slices through the still of the heavy, early morning mist…
The weight of the rod in your casting hand is light and agile, as the water lilies spin on the water’s surface sparking the memories of your youth to dance again in your heart…
The slap of fish and the graceful stealth of the heron as it probes along the shore…
The spongy give of the ground beneath your feet as you wander along the riverbank…
Plucking golden brown marshmallows from the warmth of the campfire…
Shrieks of laughter and delight and coyote howls…
The quiet hum of insects and the melancholy song of the owl lulling you to peaceful slumber under a shroud of stars…
The Biggest Little Dive Store in the Land-locked Prairies!
Alberta Adventure Divers is a Five Star PADI dive centre, located in the Town of Wainwright. New to diving? Looking to learn the ropes? The Alberta Adventure Divers is PADI-certified dive centre offering scuba lessons, equipment sales, air fills and dive travel trips. They are local divers and long-term dive instructors within the greater Wainwright community. To get the outside, real-life experience, all classes are taught at nearby Clear Lake for open water training dives.
Splish, Splash!
Bring the littles for lots of fun at the Rotary Splash Park. It has 19 water features, including a clock, train and bison! Located at 1504 – 8 Avenue and open daily from 9 am to 8:30 pm seasonally. Cool down and enjoy some water wonder today!
Rolling, Snorting, Stomping in the Dust – Sense the 2,000 lbs of Bull
Feel the overwhelming power of tough-as-nails buffalo as they roam the Bud Cotton Paddock (located at the entrance to Garrison Wainwright) and leave with no doubt as to why this royal beast of the prairie defines our First Nation’s history.
From the simple joy of watching the orange-haired calves running alongside their mothers…the touch of coarse hair left hanging on a barbed-wire fence…to the curious image of bare rubbing stones standing forlorn in the middle of a field… and the sharp aroma and unmistakable taste of buffalo steak on the BBQ, you’ll understand the humbling sense of wonder and delight.
Eat
An array of eateries feature cuisine from around the globe, as well as, locally in Alberta. Many of Wainwrights’ restaurants and cafes are located in beautifully restored heritage buildings – with décor tailored to embrace the stories of the historic town.
Great food + Drink, Great Friends and Great Times!
The Honey Pot Eatery & Pub is one of the most unique spaces in Eastern Alberta, it feels like you’re sitting around your own home with friends. The patio is a beautiful place to relax in the warm summer months. They have an awe-inspiring garden that is hand-tended by their staff and a towering pergola that makes a huge outdoor canopy and relaxing experience for dinner. Their menu draws inspiration from Alberta, the United States and Great Britain to recreate dishes for the discerning Albertan palate.
Quality Meats and Tasty Treats!
For over 50 years, Meatco Sales has provided its customers with top-grade Alberta beef and pork, whether it’s delicious burgers, boneless pork chops, homemade sausage or their famous beef jerky. Plus, they provide a variety of services such as custom meat processing, freezer packs, barbecue meat for your catering needs and tender, juicy steaks. Hungry yet?
Enjoy a Locally Brewed Pint
You’ve got to check out Ribstone Creek Brewery, known across the Prairies for its award-winning craft beer – it proves great things are brewing outside the big cities. Bring your crew by for a pint, sample a flight of the mainstays as well as many brewery exclusive brews, fill up a growler or pick up some Ribstone Creek merchandise! We’re sure you’ll like the brew! And you can find it available at liquor stores across Alberta. Located just minutes outside of Wainwright in the Village of Edgerton, the brewery is open to visitors Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Shop
Anchored in the centre of it all is Wainwright’s free-standing Memorial Clock Tower, one of the only structures left standing after the Great Fire of 1929. It has shops you won’t find elsewhere!
Discover Downtown Wainwright
Enjoy the vibrant collection of shops, boutiques and services that provide a shopping experience for all to enjoy. The downtown makes shopping a fun and relaxing experience – stop for a coffee, visit the niche shops, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the eateries and stay over at one of the comfy hotels or B&B’s.
- Looking for antiques? Look no further than The Iron Raven, for all things unique and unusual!
- Visit the calming atmosphere of Energy Crystals & Books in Wainwright. They have a varied selection of healing products such as essential oils, and books and offer Angel card readings and Reiki sessions.
- Expect to find local products at Gibson’s Home Hardware – it’s your one-stop-shop for home, garden, and more!
- While travelling, Cornerstone Co-op is your perfect stop to stock up! All locations have community-focused amenities AND you can find deals through their flyers & the Co-op app (available on Apple or Google app stores).
Stay
It’s not just another night, but an experience when you stay in Wainwright!
Experience Africa in Alberta
The South Africa House Guest Lodge is a unique African-inspired lodge, right in the heart of Wainwright. Located on an exquisite private forested “acre” lot, the lodge has a secluded feel alongside its unique African décor. With only 5 executive styles, private, top-end ensuite units with all facilities included, it is the perfect place for a family gathering, wedding, honeymoon and more. The entire lodge is available including a hot tub, sauna, sitting room with wooden fireplace, bar and garden areas.
Your Home Away from Home
Ramada Hotel Consistently a 4.5 rated hotel, the Ramada is your home away from home with its thoughtful amenities for travellers in east central Alberta. Don’t want to leave Fido at home? No problem! The Ramada is pet friendly.
Need some further inspiration? Check out the HWY 14 videos tour!
Rather read? Roam to your heart’s content with information available on our Wainwright page.
Take a journey along the Highway 14 route for exciting events throughout the year as well as some great markets, museums and much more!
