Small Alberta town named among the most scenic Prairie towns of 2026
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit in Alberta, a small town has just been named one of the most scenic Prairie towns for 2026.
World Atlas, one of the largest publishing resources in geography, recently released its list of the most scenic Prairie towns, and Pincher Creek made the cut.
Located just two hours southwest of Calgary, World Atlas touted the town as “The basecamp for your South Canadian Rockies adventure.”
The town began to develop after a North West Mounted Police outpost was established there in 1878. According to local history, the town got its name after a pair of pincers was found in a nearby creek.
In the late 1800s, the town began to boom after retired police officers settled in the area and began farming. In the late 20th century, the town started focusing on its tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities, something that Pincher Creek is still very well known for.
Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock
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World Atlas noted nearby recreation spots like Castle Mountain Resort, which is just over 30 minutes southwest of the town. Back in 2025, the resort was named the world’s best small ski resort.
Butcher Lake was also highlighted by World Atlas as another spot to check out, with calm waters and opportunities to spot wildlife like beavers, deer, and moose.
As for the town itself, visitors can explore Pincher Creek’s downtown area, where you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it an easy place to spend some time before heading out to explore the surrounding area.
Drunheller was the only other Alberta town to make the list. World Atlas noted its dinosaur history and unique landscape.
You can find the full list online.