This small Alberta spot is one of the most underrated places to visit
If you’re looking for an escape into nature, one small Alberta spot has plenty to offer, but is often an underrated stop for visitors.
Located about 30 minutes west of Calgary, Bragg Creek sits nestled in the foothills, surrounded by forests, rivers, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.
Albert Warren Bragg settled in the area in the 1890s, and the community was eventually named after him. Today, you can still visit the land where Bragg lived, which is now home to Saddle and Sirloin Ranch.
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The area began to grow in the early 1900s, with a post office and general store opening as more settlers made their way to the area. The first bridge across the Elbow River was built in 1913, while the first school followed in 1914.
Bragg Creek even has a connection to the early days of youth hostelling. In 1933, a temporary camp was set up at the confluence of Bragg Creek and the Elbow River, becoming the first youth hostel in North America.
Today, the area is home to plenty of scenic trails, parks, and outdoor attractions, making it an easy spot to spend a day exploring Alberta’s natural landscape.
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One of the most popular spots to check out is Bragg Creek Provincial Park, which sits along the Elbow River and offers several trails to explore. The park is especially popular for hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking, with plenty of opportunities to take in the surrounding scenery.
Beyond the outdoor activities, the hamlet itself is worth exploring. The small community is home to a mix of local shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries, giving visitors plenty of things to check out after spending some time on the trails.
While Bragg Creek is full of beautiful scenery and offers easy access to nature, it’s still an underrated spot, so much so that it has even been named one of the most overlooked spots in the Rockies.