If you’re looking for a spot to explore, one Alberta town has plenty of history, charming streets, and filming locations worth checking out.
Located about an hour south of Calgary, High River sits along the Highwood River and is known for its historic downtown, Western heritage, and connections to several popular TV shows and movies.
High River began to take shape in the 1880s, when the area became a halfway point between Calgary and Fort Macleod. It was originally known as the Crossing. The settlement grew as more people arrived, with the Calgary and Edmonton Railway helping bring more people to the area in 1892.
It officially became a town in 1906, and its Western roots remain a big part of its identity today. From its historic downtown to the murals scattered throughout the community, there are plenty of ways to explore the stories that helped shape the town.
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Today, the town’s downtown is full of historic buildings, storefronts, and murals that tell stories about its past. There are a total of 16 murals throughout the community, and visitors can even follow a self-guided walking tour to see them.
While High River’s history is still very much a part of the town, it’s also making a name for itself in other ways.
The community has served as a filming location for several popular TV shows and movies, giving visitors plenty of familiar spots to look out for while exploring.
One of the most popular shows to film in the area is Heartland. The long-running series has filmed in and around High River since 2007, and fans can visit Maggie’s Diner to see one of the show’s most familiar spots in person.
Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
Other movies and TV shows filmed in and around High River include The Last of Us, Fargo, and My Life with the Walter Boys. The town’s recognizable streets and surrounding landscapes have made it a backdrop for a range of productions over the years.
Netflix has even set up a website highlighting some of the filming locations around High River, making it easy to see where scenes from its productions were filmed.
What Alberta towns are you interested in exploring? Let us know in the comments below.