Lethbridge City Guide

Food options include Canadian staples and decent international variety, including Japanese, Indian, and Mexican. Many places have vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night eats are limited mainly to fast food and some pubs.

Nightlife centers on pubs, bars, and some clubs downtown. The vibe is casual with some live music but no big club scene.

Mix of chain and independent cafes with some focus on quality coffee. Local roasters exist but no major coffee events.

Tipping is standard in restaurants (15-20%), taxis (10-15%), and personal services (15-20%). Optional for counter service like cafes.

Buy SIM cards at mall kiosks or electronics stores. Main providers are Telus, Bell, Rogers, and their brands. eSIMs are available but check device compatibility. ID usually required for activation.

City is clean with regular waste and recycling pickup. Streets are well maintained with little litter.

Limited 24/7 services. Emergency room open round the clock. Few late pharmacies or stores; mostly fast-food drive-thrus open late.

Major supermarkets carry various international foods. Several specialty stores are available. Stores open 7-8 AM to 9-10 PM daily and mostly stay open Sundays and holidays with shorter hours.

Most places accept cards, including restaurants and stores. Cash is used less often for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and malls. Using ATMs outside your bank’s network usually costs $2-$3 CAD per withdrawal.

Public and Catholic schools serve the city, mostly teaching in English. No dedicated international schools but welcome international students. Enrollment follows the academic year.

The digital nomad scene is small and just starting. Some coworking spaces exist but limited meetups or events.

Excellent parks and trails along the Oldman River and coulees. Good shaded paths and green space for outdoor activities.

Coulee trails and park loops provide scenic and safe running routes. Local clubs exist, and races are held annually.

Several gyms and fitness centers available, including public access through the university.

Public courts mostly hard surfaces available; some private clubs offer memberships. First-come play on public courts common.

No padel courts or facilities.

Multiple studios offer different styles and drop-in options. All instructors speak English.

Several schools teach Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing. English-speaking instructors offer drop-in classes.

Several ski resorts within 1.5-2.5 hours, including Castle Mountain and Fernie. Good snow and varied terrain overall.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on Oldman River and nearby lakes during summer. Rentals and limited guided tours exist.

No surfing spots; city is landlocked.

No diving opportunities; landlocked.

Main hospital is Chinook Regional with English-speaking staff. Walk-in clinics are common. Public healthcare is good but wait times for non-urgent cases exist. Pharmacies offer OTC meds and advice.

Tap water meets all health guidelines and is safe to drink.

Lots of playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include a Japanese garden, museums, and nature centers.

Generally accepting city with annual Pride event and inclusive venues. Legal protections in place but isolated incidents can happen.

Many parks allow dogs on leash, with some off-leash areas. Veterinary clinics and pet supplies are available. Several accommodations welcome pets.