The Village of Empress

is situated on the West side of the Alberta/Saskatchewan border and serves as a center to the surrounding farming and ranching community of 1,500 people. It has been a focal point for many activities in the area. It is also at the geographical center of many large cities in Western Canada: Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Regina.

What to Do

In the Village

If you’re looking for a great place for the family to spend a weekend, Empress has 2 campgrounds, an amazing splash park that’s not just for the kids, and movies in the park Saturday nights throughout the summer. Come check us out.

See: Centennial Park & Splashpad

Golf Driving Range

The Golf Driving Range is open to anyone, for $2 per bucket of golf balls at the site. See its page for more information.

Rivers

When you are looking for something to do, with the 2 rivers on either side of us, there are always water activities to entertain you. If you are looking to do some kayaking or canoeing or maybe just floating down the river on a tube, the Red Deer river is a great choice. River access for your canoe/kayak is located through Peter Fiddler Park on the north end of town and can be found at GPS coordinates 50.965087, -110.017147.

If you’re looking to do some motor boating and some great fishing, than the South Saskatchewan is the river for you. Boat access is located at GPS coordinates 50.905282, -109.998275.

Don’t have a boat but want to experience the South Saskatchewan? Check out River Bend Adventures. NOTE: Not active 2021, it may be again in the future.

Looking for a great fishing experience? Contact JC’s River Fishing.

Birding

If you are into bird watching, Empress’s location between the 2 rivers means we have an abundance of wildlife including birds. Empress has been included in the Birding Trails of Southeastern Alberta developed by the Grasslands Naturalists. Check out our Bird Watching page and bird photo gallery for a glimpse of the birds in our area. A local birding guide contact is Laura.

Paintball

For those with an adventurous spirit there is the Last Man Standing Paintball Course situated beside the beautiful Red Deer River operated by Mic & Kelly Burgess. Phone 403-548-5561 to make your appointment.

Cultural Entertainment

Make sure to check out whats happening at the Train Station, a beautiful restored historic site now being used as an arts venue. Check our calendar of events or follow us on Facebook to keep up on the events that take place there.

Artisans

You can also stop at Pat and Ross’s store That’s Empressive, and ask for a tour of the train station building when you’re in town. Pat and Ross are known for their hospitality and their shop is a must see.

A little further along the road will take you to Dean and Fran Francis’s Art Studios Sagebrush Studio & Art Galleries. They have moved in old churches that act as their studio and their galleries. Outside they have done extensive landscaping where they allow their visitors to wander and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Cowboy Culture & Aboriginal/Prairie History

If you’d like to experience a little bit of our history, check out The Prairie Elevator and Tea House located a few minutes up the road in Acadia Valley.

To experience some of our western culture the Bar Diamond Guest Ranch offers a unique experience staying in a homestead log house built in 1903. The Hern’s will make you welcome and allow you to experience the cowboy culture and ranching way of life. They are also very knowledgeable on the aboriginal history of our region and are happy to share with you what they have learned.

Bar Diamond Tipi