Ready for a day trip? Here is what attractions are open in and around Lethbridge

With COVID-19 limiting the amount of travel southern Albertans are taking part in, smaller day trips have become a popular option to get out of the house.

Fort Whoop-Up opened at the beginning of July, with a slightly different take than previous years. Instead of self-guided tours, they are offering interpreter-led visits.

Tours involve one staff member and up to 10 visitors, who pay a $10 admission.

Darren Martins, executive director of Fort Whoop-Up and the Galt Museum, said this provides a more immersive experience.

“We’re providing a much more intimate experience and one where there’s a relationship that’s built between the group and the interpreter,” he said.

Unlike Fort Whoop-Up, the Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police in Fort MacLeod, Alta., is only doing self-led tours of the facility.

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“Tours are not going on right now just because the group sizes and the social distancing in our galleries are a little bit too difficult,” said executive director Sandi Davis.

Tate Matson, a sergeant for the fort’s traditional musical ride, said they’ve had to adapt the performance this year.

Lower attendance due to COVID-19 means they sometimes perform without an audience — something that doesn’t bother Matson.

“I’ve got a brand-new horse to ride so it’s really good practice for them,” he said.

Other educational museums and attractions currently open in Lethbridge include:

• Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
• Helen Schuler Nature Centre
• Galt Museum and Archives

Around southern Alberta, some attractions currently open include:

• Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation: Coaldale
• Heritage Acres Farm Museum: Cardston
• Remington Carriage Museum: Cardston
• Frank Slide Interpretive Centre: Crowsnest Pass
• The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre: Fort MacLeod

According to their websites, the following places are not currently open:

• Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
• Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur and Heritage Museum: Warner
• Gem of the West Museum: Coaldale

“Southern Alberta, and Canada in general, has a lot of unique, beautiful places that people all over the world come for their holidays,” said Davis.

“It’s nice to let people know what is in their own backyard.”

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