Our Story
Fort Macleod is nestled along the banks of the Old Man River, overlooking the foothills in southern Alberta. Being the first NWMP settlement in the west, it is steeped in rich history and tales of years gone by, but also has its eye on the future, with growth and industry springing up.
Fort Macleod is a small town, with all the advantages of knowing your neighbours as well as the people you meet on the street. This tight-knit community is always here to lend a hand and support each other. Even though the town is small, there are dozens of interest groups that bring together artists, health-conscious people, playground committees, reading groups and more. Everyone knows everybody, and that is a good thing.
Large residential lots give you the opportunity to create your own oasis. The kids have room to play and you might want to grow a garden. With two schools, a health centre and senior housing our community is well-rounded. Within the town you will find an outdoor swimming pool, sports centre, little league and competition ball diamonds, as well as several parks including the Wilderness Park for jogging and hiking and a newly-built spray park for the kids. Nestled close to the foothills, there are many recreational activities easily available just outside of town, like snow skiing/boarding, boating and hiking and camping. Fort Macleod is two hours south of Calgary, half an hour west of Lethbridge and about an hour north of the US border. The mountains to the west are within 40 minutes. Tourists enjoy the NWMP Fort Museum and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
Many people come to our town for our events like the Wilderness Walk & Run, South Country Fair, The Show and Shine, The Antique and Art Show and Sale, The Ft. Macleod Chiropractic Triathlon and of course, The Santa Claus Parade. This parade was the first and still is the largest Santa Claus Parade west of Toronto. It is estimated over ten thousand people come to watch the bands and floats, take part in the craft fair and free movies. It is a memory maker for many families and friends.
Business is thriving in Fort Macleod, with a newly developed industrial area, that boasts lots of the ‘usual’ size and up to 44 and 160 acres. Another reason for the growth is our enviable position at the junctions of Highways 2 and 3. Edmonton through Calgary and down to the US border form the main north-south continuum of Highway 2, while Highway 3 is the major southern thoroughfare from Saskatchewan to British Columbia. The water plant has also recently been upgraded. The downtown area is growing with new shops and merchants coming to town. This is also one of only two Designated Historical Areas in the province of Alberta. Most of the original wood buildings were razed by fire in the early years of the town, so a bylaw was put in to restrict all buildings to be constructed of stone or brick. Some of these buildings date back to 1878, with the architecture of the 1910-1920’s being prevalent. Many film companies use this main street to shoot feature films.
Fort Macleod is a dynamic small town with a big heart. Whether you want to live here, do business here or just visit, we are sure you will enjoy what you find.