Canada's Cute Little Prairie Town Near Parks Has Antique Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And Cozy Cafes

Small-town fun in Alberta, Canada, awaits, especially in a place like Nanton. Located an hour away from Calgary by car, this destination offers a getaway where you can experience antique shops and delightful dining establishments. Nanton, per the Government of Alberta, has a population under 3,000 and is an agricultural hub with verdant prairie scenery. In fact, you'll find a number of farms and ranches within this town, as well as the Nanton Grain Elevators, which were formerly used to transport this crop. Dubbed the "skyscrapers of the prairies" (via Alberta Open Farm Days), the Nanton Grain Elevators date back to the early 20th century and now serve as a local attraction. 

Reviewers on Google recommend taking a tour or, at the very least, getting a close look. "The Canadian Grain Elevator is a beautiful piece of history and well worth seeing. Even in a short amount of time, you really get a sense of its importance," wrote one individual. The Nanton Grain Elevators double as a live music venue, frequently hosting concerts and other events.

This is all to say that while Nanton is off the beaten path, it's a lively place to visit. What's more, the town is less than half an hour away from Chain Lakes Provincial Park and Willow Creek Provincial Park, meaning outdoor adventures and Alberta's Rocky Mountain beauty are easily accessible. At Chain Lakes Provincial Park, visitors can fish and hike amid bucolic landscapes, while Willow Creek Provincial Park is a popular swimming spot. Additionally, both sites are open for seasonal camping between spring and fall, providing a base from which to explore Nanton.

Like nearby High River, a vibrant small town with shops and parks, Nanton has made appearances on screen, including in "The Last of Us." This can likely be attributed to the town's cute, historic character, which defines its Main Street. This area around 20th Street has architecture from the early 1900s (remnants from Nanton's early years as a prosperous prairie town) and is the perfect setting for antiquing.

Lost Ark Antiques, housed in a green-and-yellow building from 1902, is one spot where you can do exactly that. The store is known to have items like vintage jewelry boxes, belt buckles, and beyond. "The owner is very friendly and took the time to help us find exactly what we were looking for," reads a review from Google. Another explained that there are a lot of items from the 1940s to the '70s. Note that, as of this writing, Lost Ark Antiques does not have listed business hours, so consider calling ahead and asking if it will be open during your visit. Baron Home Design is also just a few doors down. Uniquely, this flower shop also sells antiques, such as records and houseware goods.

At The Candy Store in Nanton, you can peruse the aisles of this old-school, mercantile-like shop for sweet treats, kitschy toys, and an assortment of other valuables courtesy of its Notso Fine Antiques. One reviewer on Google went as far as to call The Candy Store "an amazing visual experience," while many others on the platform say that visitors will be astounded by the variety found here.

Nanton is full of history and antiques, as well as places where you can have coffee or a meal in town. You can swing by Georgie's Cafe on Main Street for Calgary-sourced java. "This is a cute, very comfy and cozy café," states a review from Google. Take a moment to sit and enjoy the adorable brick building decked out with hanging plants and string lights. Reviewers on Google also suggest trying the meat pies. Wild Thyme Cafe is another cozy spot for hot drinks. However, this establishment, which boasts a fireplace and walls lined with trinkets, also serves Italian fare, including pasta dishes. It's located next to the Nanton Grain Elevators, making it a convenient addition for those visiting this attraction.

Other eateries in Nanton include Sweet Queen Family Restaurant. Reviewers on Google say that this diner-like eatery hits the spot with its burgers, milkshakes, and other fast-food offerings. If you have a hearty appetite, Raymond's Restaurant is a Chinese buffet that comes highly recommended by reviewers on Google, not only for its taste but for its affordability. Dishes range from chow mein to sweet and sour pork, with one person writing that it "was the best we have had." Traveling with a group? Raymond's Restaurant has family-style meals, too. 

Take into account that Nanton has limited lodging. One option is the Main Street Suites, featuring two sleek spaces in a historic structure known as the Keen Building (formerly the Keen Hospital). As previously mentioned, you can camp nearby as well. And while you're in Alberta, there are other destinations that may catch your eye, like Strathmore, a small town outside of Calgary with rodeo fun, and Sylvan Lake, a sun-soaked escape filled with mouth-watering seafood.