Agricultural
Agriculture and tourism are two of Alberta’s top industries so agri-tourism opportunities are plentiful and varied. Try a country holiday on a working farm, visit a rural fair, a farmers' market, pick your own produce or buy direct from the grower. Spend some time on the traditional and then discover what local producers are doing to meet new market demands for regional cuisine. The sky's the limit.
Country Holidays
To get a taste of life in rural Alberta, spend a few days on a working farm or ranch. Take part in as many activities as you like. Learn to milk a cow, feed the chickens, shear a sheep or help with the haying. Or just take a fishing pole down to the nearest stream to catch a trout for supper—all this with meadows, foothills, mountain views, lakes and forests as your backdrop. For a complete list of options visit Alberta Country Vacations Association. Our Hutterite community is a major contributor to Alberta's agribusiness. Many of their farms welcome visitors.
Alberta Farmers’ Markets
Many farmers’ markets—where 80% of the produce is grown locally—are open year round and attract large crowds seeking freshness and organic options.
Rural markets draw city dwellers throughout the summer. A favourite is the
Millarville Farmers’ Market—one of the largest outdoor markets in Alberta. Choose from local produce, organic meats, fresh cut flowers and herbs, homemade pies and preserves and eclectic arts and crafts. Don’t forget—this market is only open on Saturday mornings, so go early. For a complete listing of farmers’ markets by town or by region, visit
Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
U-Picks and Farm Gate Sales
For the best in fresh, head out to one of our U-pick farms and dig up your own hill of new potatoes. Pick seasonal berries and veggies or cut your own flowers. Numerous farms, many of them organic, sell protein products such as beef, pork, lamb, bison, poultry and eggs directly to consumers. For a comprehensive regional list of Alberta's u-pick and direct sales farms that produce fruit, vegetables, protein and specialty items visit
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers.
Agricultural Events, Festivals & Country Fairs
Head out to the country and you'll discover towns all over the province that celebrate their rural roots with country fairs and festivals. These fun filled agricultural events feature best of breed competitions, craft and horticultural exhibits, local produce for sale, with entertainment and educational activities for the whole family. Visit the
Fairs & Exhibitions Directory for a guide to upcoming fairs, horticultural and livestock events around the province.
Heritage Gardens
Horticulturalists interested in visiting heritage gardens—those which reflect the style, gardening practices and plant varieties of particular places and time periods—have many to choose from in Alberta. Must see municipal heritage gardens around the province include Red Deer’s City Hall Garden, and Millarville’s Native Garden.
More Info...
To learn more about the many agri-tourism opportunities across the province, visit
chomparoundalberta.com or go to the
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